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Mackerel School

Mackerel School

June 17, 2025 - November 3rd, 2025

Third-Floor George & Barbara Goodall Education Center

The California Nature Art Museum is excited to host Mackerel School, a dynamic art installation by Angelina LaPointe of Sidecar Press. Every shining fish, depicting California’s native Pacific Mackerel, is a linoleum block print on laser-cut wood.

Angelina LaPointe is a Lompoc, California-based multidisciplinary artist who specializes in block and letterpress printing. The founder of Sidecar Press, her vibrant prints range from portraiture to her native Central Coast’s flora and fauna.

Past ExhibitRachel MetzJune 17, 2025Ocean, Angelina LaPointe, block prints

Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone

Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone

March 8, 2025 - August 31, 2025

Members-Only Artist Reception: Sunday, March 9th, 2025 (3PM-5PM)

First-Floor Wildling Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to present Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone, a solo exhibition by award-winning nature and landscape photographer William Neill, coming to our first-floor gallery March 2025.

Featuring more than 40 photographs and spanning over 41 years (1982-2023), this magnificent exhibition showcases Neill’s extensive and longstanding dedication to the beauty of one of California’s first National Parks, celebrating everything from its grand vistas to the tiniest and most intimate details.

Past ExhibitRachel MetzMarch 8, 2025William Neill, Yosemite National Park, National Parks, California National Parks, Sanctuary In Stone

California Coastal Commission: K-12 Coastal Art Contest, '06-'23

California Coastal Commission: K-12 Coastal Art Contest, '06-'23

September 18, 2024 - February 3rd, 2025

Third-Floor George & Barbara Goodall Education Center

The California Nature Art Museum is excited to host California Coastal Commission: K-12 Coastal Art Contest, with selected pieces spanning 2006-2023.

Every year, the California Coastal Commission (CCC) hosts an art & poetry contest for students in grades K-12, which highlights the unique beauty and importance of the California coast and ocean. In this selection of past winning pieces on display in the George and Barbara Goodall Education Center, visitors are invited to enjoy the artistic visions of twelve student artists from all over the Golden State.

Past ExhibitRachel MetzSeptember 18, 2024California Coastal Commission, Student Art, Kids, Ocean

A Deeper Love: New Paintings Inspired by Coral Reefs

A Deeper Love: New Paintings Inspired by Coral Reefs

September 14, 2024 - February 24, 2025

First-Floor Wildling Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to announce its forthcoming exhibition, A Deeper Love: New Paintings Inspired by Coral Reefs, featuring new work by artists Nansi Bielanski Gallup and David Gallup.

A Deeper Love offers an artistic examination into some of the ocean’s most vibrant, ecologically productive, and fragile landscapes, worldwide. “While it may be easy for most people to walk outside and appreciate nature in the hills, forests, or meadows where they live, it is much harder to visit a coral reef fifty feet below the surface of the ocean at the edge of civilization,” state Nansi and David. “By sharing what we’ve seen, what we’ve learned, and what has inspired us, we hope to make the world’s coral reefs a little more present in the hearts and minds of our community."

Past ExhibitRuben MislangSeptember 14, 2024Nansi Bielanski Gallup, David Gallup, Coral Reefs, Ocean

California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland

California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland

July 14, 2024 – March 17, 2025

Second-Floor Valley Oak Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to announce its 2024 summer exhibition, California, Quilted: Wild in the Oak Woodland, on view from July 14, 2024 – March 17, 2025, featuring new and recent works by artist Julia Laraway.

From butterflies to bullfrogs to bobcats, Oak Woodland habitats support thousands of animal species all over California. Inhabitants might find shelter in the open grasslands between trees, scattered shrubs, fallen logs, streams, and tree canopies. The wonders of this important habitat – its creatures, colors, and lines of the land – all inspire Julia Laraway’s collection of fabric collages and quilts featuring flora and fauna of the coastal oak woodland.

Past ExhibitRachel MetzJuly 14, 2024Julia Laraway, California, Textile Arts, Quilting

The Birds and the Bees and More: Pollinators

The Birds and the Bees and More: Pollinators

March 2, 2024 – September 2, 2024

First-Floor Wildling Gallery

We are excited to bring the important topic of pollinators to our California Nature Art Museum gallery featuring original art by Ava Roth, Elizabeth Weber, Susan McDonnell, Cynthia James, Sara Woodburn, and John Gould. Each artist brings a unique perspective to their pollinating subjects.

We are delighted to also be collaborating with the Cheadle Center For Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration at UC Santa Barbara. The Cheadle Center's contribution is focused on native bees, including high-resolution images of rare, local bees from the UCSB Natural History Collection and images of bees visiting flowers of native plants for an up-close look at their beauty and biodiversity.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangMarch 2, 2024California Nature Art MusuemPollinators, Ava Roth, Elizabeth Weber, Susan McDonnel, Cheadle Center, Cynthia James, John Gould, Sara Woodburn

California's Changing Landscape: The Way of Water | George Rose

California's Changing Landscape: The Way of Water | George Rose

November 18, 2023 - July 8, 2024

Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to host California’s Changing Landscape: The Way of Water, a solo exhibition by renowned photographer George Rose on view November 18, 2023 through July 8, 2024.

Featuring more than 20 large-format documentary inkjet photographs of the Golden State, the exhibition showcases Rose’s recent expansive documentation of California's dramatic water story. His vast exploration of the state and its fraught relationship with water will culminate with the release of his forthcoming book of the same title, now available on our website and in the Museum gift shop.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangNovember 18, 2023George Rose, Photography, Landscape Photography, California, Drought

Mara Abboud: Visions of Beauty

Mara Abboud: Visions of Beauty

October 21 - November 12, 2023

Reception: Sunday, October 22, 2023, 2 - 4:30 p.m.

Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery

The Wildling Museum is pleased to partner with award-winning artist Mara Abboud in presenting Mara Abboud: Visions of Beauty, an exhibition and fundraiser supporting the Wildling on view from October 21 - November 12, 2023 in the Valley Oak Gallery.

Abboud has received international recognition for her brilliant innovation and unusual painting technique, working with acrylics on canvas and silk. Her painting style is uniquely her own, interweaving a palette of spectacular colors with fantasy designs, achieving a jewel-like tapestry effect reminiscent of tiles and stained glass.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangNovember 12, 2023Mara Abbourd, Fundraiser

California National Parks: Stories of Water

California National Parks: Stories of Water

September 23, 2023 - February 19, 2024

First Floor Main Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to announce its third juried exhibition – California National Parks: Stories of Water – a showcase of fine art inspired by the nine National Parks located within the state of California. This exhibition will be on view September 23, 2023 – February 19, 2024 at the California Nature Art Museum.

The goal of this exhibition is to bring awareness to the wealth of national parks to be found in California as well as the various forms of water that can be found in them, or evidence of a lack of water. Lakes, waterfalls, dew, rain, and fog are just some of the ways water makes its mark throughout these parks. And the impacts of a lack of water are equally important, as persistent drought is a major issue in California.

Cash prizes for first, second, and third place will be awarded at the opening reception to be held Sunday, September 24, 2023, 3 – 5 p.m. The exhibition will be juried by Nathan Vonk, owner of Sullivan Goss – An American Gallery in Santa Barbara, California.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangSeptember 23, 2023National Parks, California, California National Parks, Competition

Bird's Eye View: Four Perspectives

Bird's Eye View: Four Perspectives

March 18 - September 4, 2023

Reception: Sunday, March 19th, 3 - 5 p.m.

First Floor Main Gallery

The Wildling Museum is pleased to announce its upcoming 2023 spring exhibition, Bird’s Eye View: Four Perspectives, on view from March 18 - September 4, 2023, featuring new and recent works by artists Chris Maynard, David Tomb, Shae Warnick, and Chester Wilcox. The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 3 – 5 p.m. at The Wildling Museum.

People live among more than an estimated 10,000 bird species worldwide. These animals uniquely inform the works of the four artists featured in this exhibition. Realistic wood carvings by Chester Wilcox, intricately shaped and carved feathers by Chris Maynard, a hand-crafted fabric bird doll aviary by Shae Warnick, and an immersive wetland environment installation by David Tomb all express the magic, mystery, and incredible diversity of the avian world.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangSeptember 4, 2023Birds, Chris Maynard, David Tomb, Shae Warnick, Chet Wilcox

Selections from the Permanent Collection: California National Parks

Selections from the Permanent Collection: California National Parks

July 13, 2023 - Ongoing

Third-Floor George & Barbara Goodall Education Center

The California Nature Art Museum has a small permanent art collection with works that illustrate different elements of nature. California’s national parks are a rich source of inspiration for artists of the past and present. From the dramatic peaks and waterfalls of Yosemite to the shadowy dunes of Death Valley, there is no shortage of natural wonders to explore in the Golden State.

In the selection of works on display in the George and Barbara Goodall Education Center, visitors are invited to explore seven artists' perspectives of Yosemite, Death Valley, and the Channel Islands, three of the nine majestic national parks within California.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangJuly 13, 2023National Parks, California National Parks, California, Permanent Collection

June 29th | Saving Sedgwick: A Citizens’ Success Story

June 29th | Saving Sedgwick: A Citizens’ Success Story

Join us for an evening talk by historic preservationist Lansing Duncan who will present a free lecture, “Saving Sedgwick: A Citizens' Success Story” on Thursday, June 29th, 6:30 - 8 p.m. at the Tipton House, located at the UC Sedgwick Reserve.

His illustrated lecture will chronicle the fascinating and often-overlooked story of how local conservationists, university professors, artists, and others united in a grassroots effort to ensure that the entire Sedgwick Ranch became part of the University of California’s Natural Reserve System.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangJune 29, 2023Lansing Duncan, Sedgwick Reserve, Sedgwick

Message in a Bottle | Elizabeth Criss

Message in a Bottle | Elizabeth Criss

May 2023 - November 2024

Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery

The California Nature Art Museum is pleased to announce its new 2023 site-specific installation featuring Northridge-based artist Elizabeth Criss, as well as work by glass artist Sari Scheer. Message in a Bottle, designed for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery, is on view from May 2023 through November 2024. This long-term installation marks the third iteration of the Museum’s tower installation program, which aims to highlight Southern California artists inspired by the environment and provides an indoor-outdoor art experience for Solvang visitors.

Criss’ proposal was selected from the Museum’s 2023 request for artist proposals focusing on environmental impacts on the ocean.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangMay 1, 2023Tower Gallery, Installation, Elizabeth Criss, Sari Scheer, Ocean

Prints from the Permanent Collection

Prints from the Permanent Collection

January 28, 2022 - April 17, 2023

Third Floor George & Barbara Goodall Education Center

Enjoy historical and contemporary prints inspired by nature from the Wildling’s permanent collection, showcasing a diverse range of printmaking techniques and subject matter.

Featuring works by Edward Borein, Carl Oscar Borg, George Elbert Burr, Robert Allan Cale, Russell Chatham, Charles J. Fritz, Patti Jacquemain, Tom Killion, Bruce McCurdy, Everett Ruess, and Carl Rungius.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangApril 17, 2023Printmaking, Permanent Collection

Dunes: Visions of Sand, Light & Shadow

Dunes: Visions of Sand, Light & Shadow

September 10, 2022 - April 3, 2023

Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery

Traverse the sand dunes with Central Coast photographer Bob Canepa in the Wildling Museum’s new Valley Oak Gallery exhibition, Dunes: Visions of Light, Sand & Shadow, on view September 10, 2022 - April 3, 2023.

The unique terrain of the Oceano Dunes, also referred to as the Pismo Beach Sand Dunes, has served as a wealth of inspiration for Canepa, who has visited these dunes weekly for years. From sweeping vistas of light and shadow to grains of sand caught in dewy moisture, Canepa has surveyed these weather-sculpted dunes from a range of perspectives, always finding something new in the shifting landscape.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangApril 3, 2023Bob Canepa, Photography, Black and White Photography, Oceano Dunes

Wildlife on the Edge: Hilary Baker

Wildlife on the Edge: Hilary Baker

October 8, 2022 - March 6, 2023

First Floor Main Gallery

The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce its upcoming 2022 fall exhibition, Wildlife on the Edge: Hilary Baker, on view from October 8, 2022 - March 6, 2023. The public is invited to attend an opening reception on Sunday, October 9 from 3 – 5 p.m. at the Wildling Museum.

Wildlife on the Edge features new and recent acrylic paintings from Hilary Baker’s Predators series alongside a new series of animal portraits on birch wood. From a group of common pigeons to an elusive cougar, Baker’s subjects make themselves at home in urban locales inspired by Los Angeles landmarks past and present.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangMarch 6, 2023Hilary Baker, Urban Wilderness

Sedgwick Reserve: A Conservation Story

Sedgwick Reserve: A Conservation Story

April 8 - October 16, 2023

Reception: Sunday, April 16th, 3 - 5 p.m.

Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery

The Wildling Museum of Art and Nature is pleased to announce Sedgwick Reserve: A Conservation Story, on view from April 8 - October 16, 2023 in the Valley Oak Gallery. The public is invited to attend a reception celebrating the new show on Sunday, April 16th from 3 - 5 p.m. at the Wildling.

Unknown to many visitors, and even some local residents, Sedgwick Nature Reserve is an important gem nestled in the foothills of the San Rafael Mountains here in the Santa Ynez Valley. One of seven reserves managed by the University of California Santa Barbara Natural Reserve System, Sedgwick is among the largest and most diverse reserves of its kind in the country. Through the eyes of 11 Central Coast artists, the exhibition will explore both the beauty of the reserve and the important work taking place on its grounds.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangMarch 1, 2023Sedgwick, Sedgwick Reserve

Portals & Pathways by Kerrie Smith

Portals & Pathways by Kerrie Smith

April 2022 - February 2023

Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery

The Wildling Museum is pleased to announce its new Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery installation, Portals & Pathways by Santa Barbara-based artist Kerrie Smith, on view April 2022 through February 2023.

Smith’s multisensory installation features flowing banners printed with Smith’s vivid abstract paintings inspired by daily walks along Santa Barbara’s More Mesa, interspersed with hand-stamped poetry and nature photography. Smith will continue to update the gallery with the changing seasons, transforming the space throughout 2022-2023 as part of the Wildling Museum’s inaugural artist-in-residence program for the Michele Kuelbs Tower Gallery.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangFebruary 28, 2023Kerrie Smith, Tower Gallery, Installation

Fire & Ice: Our Changing Landscape

Fire & Ice: Our Changing Landscape

April 9 - September 26, 2022

First Floor Main Gallery

The Wildling Museum is pleased to announce Fire & Ice: Our Changing Landscape, on view April 9 - September 26, 2022, featuring a wide diversity of artwork, including video installations, photography, paintings, mixed media, and more, illustrating aspects of fire and ice.

While aesthetically appealing, these dramatic visuals also invite conversations about how increasingly frequent and severe fires are altering our landscape, particularly in the Western United States. Equally concerning is the retreat of glaciers and shrinking snowpack, and warming permafrost in our colder climes. Also included in the exhibition is “Letters to the Future,” an on-site installation by artist Xavier Cortada of the University of Miami, which invites visitors to write down their own efforts to help mitigate climate change.

Past ExhibitRuben MislangSeptember 26, 2022Climate Change, Fire and Ice, Environmental Alliance of Santa Barbara County Museums, Environment, David Paul Bayles, Xavier Cortada, Zaria Forman, Amiko Matsuo, Anna McKee, Ethan Turpin, The Environment Makers, Suze Woolf

Corazón del Pueblo: Nuestra Lotería

Corazón del Pueblo: Nuestra Lotería

June 30 - September 4, 2022

Second Floor Valley Oak Gallery

The Wildling Museum is excited to be exhibiting a selection of climate and community-focused works from Corazón del Pueblo, a cultural and creative arts center based in the Santa Maria Valley.

These works were created in 2021 as part of a collaboration with the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District. Corazón del Pueblo worked with Ethnic & Gender Studies (EGS) teachers to develop and implement a rigorous art project involving students from Santa Maria, Pioneer Valley, and Ernest Righetti High Schools.

Community Exhibits, Past ExhibitRuben MislangSeptember 4, 2022Community, Corazon del Pueblo, Santa Maria