The mission of the Santa Cruz Mountains Arts Center is to support and encourage the arts through education, exhibition, and cultural activities, reflecting the unique and diverse environment of the mountain communities.
We are located in the Santa Cruz Mountains. For years, artists have chosen to live and make their art in this beautiful and inspiring place. The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center is located in Ben Lomond, one of the small towns located along the San Lorenzo River.
The Board of Directors maintains and affirms unique art experiences through hands-on learning, artwork displays, and cultural events that enrich the lives of the mountain community residents and beyond.
The Art Center started in 1987 as a committee of the local Santa Cruz Cultural Council and incorporated in 1997 as its own non-profit 501(c)(3) registered with the Federal and State Governments. The Art Center is governed by an eleven member Board of Directors who are elected by the members of the organization. Any one with a genuine interest in or willingness to contribute time and effort towards the primary goals of the Center is eligible for membership.
The Center provides exhibit space, art classes for adults and children, music, life drawing, and ceramics. The Center provides opportunities for paid teachers and interns and many varied and interesting volunteer positions. We are a mostly a volunteer organization with a reputation for warmth and friendliness.
A trip to the Art Center can also include dining at restaurants in the area, walking and hiking in near by parks to view amazing redwoods trees, or shopping in small locally owned shops.