News — California Nature Art Museum

Untamed Desert: Captured by Paulette Donnellon

July 26, 2026 - January 18, 2027

Members-Only Artist Reception: July 26 2026, 2PM-4PM

Second-Floor Valley Oak Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to announce its 2026 summer exhibition, Untamed Desert: Captured by Paulette Donnellon, on view from July 26th, 2026 - January 18th, 2027.

Vast, rugged, and full of life, Untamed Desert is a photographic tribute to the extraordinary beauty of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Through her lens, Donnellon reveals the hidden stories of the animals that roam these arid landscapes. From the powerful, sure-footed climb of a desert bighorn sheep along rugged ridgelines to the alert, wide-eyed stance of a burrowing owl guarding its sandy doorway, each image reflects Paulette’s deep reverence for Anza-Borrego. This exhibition is more than a visual journey; it’s a celebration of the park’s wild spirit and a reminder that even in the harshest environments, beauty endures.

March 31st | Yoga In the Galleries: Gentle, Restorative, & Nature-Inspired

JANUARY 20TH - MARCH 31ST 2026 | 9:00 AM–10:00 AM

At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

Join CalNAM and Yoga Instructor Lori Shirran for a gentle, restorative, and nature-inspired yoga class, recurring on Tuesdays at 9AM beginning JANUARY 20TH through March 2026. Nature heals, and so does yoga! In this nature-inspired yoga class, we unite gentle expressions of yoga postures with calm breathing, while weaving in mindful reflection on the awe and wonder of nature. This is a class suited for beginners and all levels of ability.

Upcoming Programs/EventsRachel MetzMarch 18, 2026Workshop, Yoga, Lori Shirran

March 28th | Book Club: Solvang Library's Magpie Club... at the Museum!

SATURDAY, MARCH 28TH, 2026 / 1:30 PM– 3:00 PM
At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

The Magpie Club, organized by Solvang Library, is a group of curious readers of shiny bright things! This Magpie Club meeting will be hosted at CalNAM on Saturday, March 28th at 1:30PM in discussion of books falling under the theme, “healing through nature.” You can choose any book about healing (physical, psychological, spiritual, etc.) through nature/interaction with animals, or choose our suggested title, The Call of the Honeyguide by Rob Dunn.

April 12th | Free Admission: California Poppy Day

SUNDAY, APRIL 12TH, 2026 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

Enjoy free admission to CalNAM for California Poppy Day 2026, held annually in celebration of our golden state flower and other native plants. Purchase native plants for your home garden, meet adoptable bunnies & guinea pigs from BUNS, create your own papercraft flower crown, marvel at CA Poppy vintage items & collectibles, enjoy live animals, and secure your free 2026 collectible sticker as one of the first 100 guests!

May 3rd | Lulu Hyggelig's Birthday Party

SUNDAY, MAY 3RD, 2026 | 2:00 PM-4:00 PM

At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

Tickets are on sale now! Join us for our biggest bash of the year - Lulu Hyggelig’s Birthday Party!

We will be celebrating one of CalNAM’s biggest and most popular exhibitions yet, Lulu Hyggelig - Troll #154 by world-renowned Danish Artist Thomas Dambo. This event will include a live DJ, exclusive troll photo-ops, raffle prizes, birthday cake, free crafts: birthday card & party hat decorating, appetizers, charcuterie, wine & mocktails, and our first public introduction to the NEW Executive Director!

Upcoming Programs/EventsRachel MetzMarch 18, 2026Troll, Thomas Dambo, Lulu Hyggelig, Danish, Birthday Party

May 27th | Sip, Science, Art! - Sharks

WEDNESDAY, MAY 27TH, 2026 / 5:00 PM– 6:30 PM
At Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. 45 Industrial Way Buellton, CA 93427

JAWS - friend or foe? Learn the truth about sharks, and their beauty and importance in healthy ecosystems. Richard Salas specializes in underwater photography. His mission is to take the viewer through a marine biosphere where humanity’s impact is an undeniable force.

Sip, Science, Art! Grab some Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. apps & brews, and enjoy a 60min lecture presented by a local scientist, artist, or nature expert. Q&A to follow!

June 10th | Spring '26 Slow Art Walkthrough & Picnic Lunch

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 10TH, 2026 / 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM
At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

A slow art walkthrough is a quiet, meditative experience designed to stretch and challenge the 8-second average viewing time for museum artwork. This guided experience will invite viewers into the benefits of mindfulness, curiosity-based observation, and the intersection of art and nature. The Museum will be closed to the public throughout the duration of the tour, and attendees will receive a staff introduction, optional fill-in art mindfulness guide, and a provided picnic lunch at Hans Christian Andersen Park (order taken in advance).

Upcoming Programs/EventsRachel MetzMarch 18, 2026Gallery Tour, Slow Art, Meditation, Yoga, Guided Tour, Lunch, Mindfulness

October 2nd - 4th | Santa Cruz Island, 2-Night Stay at UC Field Station

FRI. OCTOBER 2ND - SUN. OCTOBER 4TH 2026

At the UC Field Station on Santa Cruz Island, with the California Nature Art Museum

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a two-night trip to Santa Cruz Island on Friday, October 2nd 2026 - Sunday, October 4th 2026. Guests will be staying in the dorms at the UC Field Station, which cannot typically be accessed by the general public.

Throughout this trip, guests may enjoy fully-included, structured activities such as hiking, species identification, nature journaling, swimming, tidepooling, and travel through the use of the on-island vehicles.

When the Earth Whispers Back: Nature's Hope

March 15, 2026 - September 6, 2026

First Floor Wildling Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to present a straight-from-the-heart juried exhibition showcasing California’s wildlife on the edge of survival, and the special lands that sustain and protect them. When the Earth Whispers Back: Nature’s Hope will be on view from March 15th 2026 - September 6th 2026, and features 50 artworks juried from a pool of more than 100 submissions by Women Painters West.

This exhibition will center on plant and animal species that are endangered, or threatened, or even extinct, and areas of land set aside for the conservation and preservation of these species. Its artists are presenting this show with the purpose of bringing attention to the beauty and fragility of their subjects, as well as promoting better protection and stewardship of our ecosystems.

February 15th | Kid Craft Art Workshop - Animal Portrait Paper Mosaics

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15TH, 2026 | 1:00 PM–3:30 PM

At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

Join CalNAM and Artist Katherine Taylor of Poetry Frog for a paper mosaics workshop on Sunday, February 15th, 2026, from 1PM-3:30PM. Katherine will guide attendees through planning and arranging their very own animal portrait with a variety of colorful and patterned paper options. Attendees should either bring an animal photo that they connect with (such as a pet photo), or may choose from one of the provided examples.

January 29th | Adult Art Workshop - Animal Portrait Paper Mosaics

THURSDAY, JANUARY 29TH, 2026 | 9:00 AM–11:30 AM

At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

Join CalNAM and Artist Katherine Taylor of Poetry Frog for a paper mosaics workshop on Thursday, January 29th, 2026, from 9AM-11:30AM. Katherine will guide attendees through planning and arranging their very own animal portrait with a variety of colorful and patterned paper options. Attendees should either bring an animal photo that they connect with (such as a pet photo), or may choose from one of the provided examples.

Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities

January 24, 2026 - July 20, 2026

Second-Floor Valley Oak Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is delighted to share our forthcoming group exhibition Ocean Forests: Our Coastal Communities, celebrating importance of kelp forests - one of California’s most ecologically productive and diverse ecosystems. Each telling their own unique stories about the vibrancy and importance of life amongst giant kelp, this show will include four celebrated artists and three different mediums - photography, block printing, and textile/weaving.

AUTUMN Series | Yoga In the Galleries: Gentle, Restorative, & Nature-Inspired

SEPTEMBER 2ND - DECEMBER 16TH 2025 | 9:00 AM–10:00 AM

At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

Join the California Nature Art Museum and Yoga Instructor Lori Shirran for a gentle, restorative, and nature-inspired yoga class, recurring on Tuesdays at 9AM throughout September 2nd 2025 through DECEMBER 16TH 2025. Nature heals, and so does yoga! In this nature-inspired yoga class, we unite gentle expressions of yoga postures with calm breathing, while weaving in mindful reflection on the awe and wonder of nature. This is a class suited for beginners and all levels of ability.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzDecember 16, 2025Workshop, Yoga, Lori Shirran

December 14th | Art Workshop - Block Print Holiday Cards

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 14TH, 2025 | 12:30 PM–4:30 PM

At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

Join the California Nature Art Museum and Block Print Artist Angelina LaPointe of Sidecar Press for a printmaking workshop on Sunday, December 14th, 2025, from 12:30PM-4:30 PM. She will guide you through planning, carving, and hand-printing a linoleum block print card, while sharing tips and tricks from her 15+ years of printmaking experience. Leave with a small batch of holiday cards to add a personal touch to your winter holiday celebrations.

December 6th | Artist Reception & Book Signing with Deborah Kalas

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6TH, 2025 / 2:30 PM– 4:00 PM
At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

In celebration of the opening of “Between Earth and Sky,” a photography exhibition in the 3rd-Floor Goodall Education Center, Deborah Kalas will be at CalNAM on Saturday, December 6th 2025 from 2:30PM-4:00PM for a free artist meet-and-greet, reception, and book singing.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzDecember 6, 2025Artist Talk, meet-and-greet, photography, Deborah Kalas, Birds, Birding

November 16th | CalNAM Holiday Marketplace

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16TH, 2025 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

Join CalNAM for our 14th Annual Holiday Marketplace on Sunday, November 16th 2025, from 10AM – 4PM. This free admission day invites visitors to enjoy one-of-a-kind shopping featuring talented local artisans and unique gifts that celebrate nature, wildlife, and the outdoors. Plus, browse prints and books by select artists on view in the current exhibitions, and enjoy a free family-friendly craft activity from 10AM-12PM.

Between Earth & Sky

November 6, 2025 - April 20, 2026

Third-Floor George & Barbara Goodall Education Center

Featuring 20 dazzling photos of bright and beautiful birds amidst the backdrop of California wildflowers, Between Earth & Sky showcases some of local photographer Deborah Kalas’ most spirited work.

Early in her career, Kalas worked for Life, People, and New York Magazine, focusing on the stories of people’s lives. Her passion for wildlife led her to photograph birds from California to New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, Utah, New York, and Florida.

Current ExhibitsRachel MetzNovember 6, 2025photography, Wildlife Photography, Birds, Birding, Deborah Kalas

October 26th | Art Workshop - Gyotaku Printmaking: Seashells & Seaweed

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 26TH, 2025 | 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

At the Hans Christian Andersen Skate Park (633 Chalk Hill Rd Solvang, CA 93463)

Join the California Nature Art Museum and Gyotaku Artist Jason Bero for a gyotaku print-making workshop on Sunday, October 26th 2025 from 1PM-3PM, creating impressions of seaweed, seashells, and other coastal artifacts on rice paper. All participants will take home at least one printed piece, customized based upon their own artifact selections.

October 25th | Book Club: Solvang Library's Magpie Club... at the Museum!

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25TH, 2025 / 3:30 PM– 5:00 PM
At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

The Magpie Club, organized by Solvang Library, is a group of curious readers of shiny bright things! This Magpie Club meeting will be hosted at CalNAM on Saturday, October 25th at 3:30PM in discussion of books falling under the theme, “relationships with the natural world.” You can choose any book about an unusual friendship or encounter between people and nature, or choose from one of our suggested titles.

September 26th - 28th | Santa Rosa Island, 2-Night Stay at the CSU Field Station

FRI. SEPTEMBER 26TH - SUN. SEPTEMBER 28TH

At the research station on Santa Rosa Island, with the California Nature Art Museum

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a two-night trip to Santa Rosa Island on Friday, September 26th 2025 - Sunday, September 28th 2025. Guests will be staying in the dorms at the field station on the island, which cannot typically be accessed by the general public.

Throughout this trip, guests may enjoy fully-included, structured activities such as hiking, species identification, nature journaling, swimming, and tidepooling.

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