August 31st | Gallery Tour with Yosemite Photographer William Neill

SUNDAY, AUGUST 31ST, 2025 / 4:00 PM– 5:00 PM
At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

William Neill, a resident of Yosemite since 1977, has had his work widely published in books, magazines, and posters, and his fine art prints have been collected and exhibited in museums and galleries nationally. During this artist-directed gallery tour, attendees will learn more about the exhibition directly from the show’s solo photographer and be offered the chance to ask questions about the park, his process, his time being mentored by Ansel Adams, and more.

August 17th | Citizen Science Field Day: Fig Mountain in Los Padres National Forest

SUNDAY, AUGUST 17TH, 2025 | 7:00 AM–3:00 PM

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

Join CalNAM & Adventure Scientists for a citizen science field day on Sunday, August 17th 2025 from 7:00AM-3:00PM in Los Padres National Forest. By collecting soil and insects, volunteers will support the accrual of environmental DNA data to help increase ecosystem understanding and inform conservation policies. Collected data will be submitted as a contribution to the California 30X30 Pathways Strategy, which aims to conserve 30% of the state of California by 2030.

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

JUNE - AUGUST 5TH 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 June, July, and AUGUST 5TH 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 MetzAugust 5, 2025Workshop, Lori Shirran, Yoga

August 3rd | Free Admission: End-of-Summer Family Day

SUNDAY, AUGUST 3RD, 2025 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a free-admission, end-of-summer Family Day on Sunday, August 3rd 2025, from 10AM – 3PM. This annual event invites visitors to bring the whole family and enjoy free admission to the Museum, and participate in a variety of art-and-nature inspired activities.

Create your own recycled art piece, make friends with a lizard, snake, or tortoise from Mahni’s Reptiles, enjoy a free hand or cheek painting, wonder at live honeybees in an observation hive from Santa Barbara Hives, and shake paws with an adoptable pet from SYV Humane Society!

June 29th | Guided Kayak Tour - Santa Barbara Sea Lions and Stearns Wharf

SUNDAY, JUNE 29TH, 2025 | 2:00 PM–4:00 PM

At 117 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA 93109

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a guided kayak tour in and around the Santa Barbara Harbor. On this beginner-friendly tour, participants will learn about coastal and marine life around Santa Barbara, visit spots frequented by sea lions, harbor seals, brown pelicans, and various intertidal species, and view Stearns Wharf from a beautiful lesser-seen perspective on the water.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzJune 29, 2025Coral Reefs, Ocean, Kayaking, Paddle Sports, Santa

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

SATURDAY, JUNE 28TH, 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! The Magpie Club’s first group discussion of the summer will be hosted at CalNAM on Saturday, June 28th at 3:30PM in discussion of “Alta California” by Nick Neely.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzJune 28, 2025Book Club, Magpie Club, Solvang Library

June 8th | Earth Pigments & Natural Paints Workshop with Mona Lewis

SUNDAY, JUNE 8TH, 2025 | 1:00 PM–3:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum and Artist Mona Lewis for an art workshop on Sunday, June 8th, 2025, from 1:00PM-3:00 PM, making and using earth pigments, colors collected from the local natural landscape. Participants will learn how to identify rocks suitable for paint, best practices for collecting respectfully, make their own paints using a mortar and pestle, and use their pigments to paint an image of their choice.

May 4th | Spring Fundraiser: 25th Anniversary Celebration

SUNDAY, MAY 4TH, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

At the Vincent Vineyards (2370 N Refugio Rd, Santa Ynez, CA 93460)

Tickets are on sale now! Join us for our biggest bash of the year - the annual Spring Fundraiser, this year’s 25th Anniversary Celebration!

Don't miss out on a beautiful afternoon filled with spring-fresh food & beverages, award-winning wines, live music & auction, award presentations, and of course, a unique chance to support our mission to inspire stewardship of nature through art and education.

April 13th | Adult Art Workshop - Natural Perfume-Making: Forests & Florals #2

SUNDAY, APRIL 13TH, 2025 | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum & Artisan Perfumer Susan Farber for an adult art workshop on Sunday, April 13th 2025 from 1:00PM- 4:00PM, creating unique and nature-based scents inspired by forests & florals of California. All participants will take home a custom-made fragrance and guide on the procurement process.

April 6th | Free Admission: California Poppy Day

SUNDAY, APRIL 6TH, 2025 | 10:00 AM–3:00 PM

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

Enjoy free admission to the California Nature Art Museum for California Poppy Day 2025, held annually in celebration of native plants & pollinators. Purchase native plants for your home garden, create your own papercraft flower crown, enjoy free floral face-painting, marvel at CA Poppy vintage items & collectibles, and secure your free 2025 collectible sticker as one of the first 100 guests!

March 16th | Adult Art Workshop - Natural Perfume-Making: Forests & Florals

SUNDAY, MARCH 16TH, 2025 | 1:00 PM–4:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum & Artisan Perfumer Susan Farber for an adult art workshop on Sunday, March 16th 2025 from 1:00PM- 4:00PM, creating unique and nature-based scents inspired by forests & florals of California. All participants will take home a custom-made fragrance and guide on the procurement process.

March 8th | Artist Meet-and-Greet & Book Signing with William Neill

SATURDAY, MARCH 8TH, 2025 / 3:00 PM– 5:00 PM
At the California Nature Art Museum (formerly the Wildling Museum)

In celebration of the opening day for “Yosemite: Sanctuary in Stone” photography exhibition, William Neill will be at CalNAM on Saturday, March 8th 2025 from 3:00PM-5:00PM for a free artist meet-and-greet and book singing.

February 23rd | Adult Art Workshop - King Tides Wave Sculptures at the Museum, with Community Clayworks

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23RD, 2025 | 3:00 PM–5:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum & Community Clayworks for an art workshop on Sunday, February 23rd 2025 from 3:00PM- 5:00PM, creating wave sculptures in celebration of this winter’s king tides. Participants will learn to sculpt a cresting wave and paint their pieces with colorful underglazes. After firing and clear glazing, completed pieces will be available for pick up in-person at the Museum or can be shipped by request (for an additional fee).

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzFebruary 24, 2025Community Clayworks, Workshop, Art Class, Coral Reefs, Ocean, Waves

January 30th | Artist Talk: Thomas Dambo

THURSDAY, JANUARY 30TH, 2025 | 6:00 PM–8:00 PM

At Veterans Memorial Hall - Solvang

Join the California Nature Art Museum & the Thomas Dambo team at Veterans Memorial Hall - Solvang on Thursday, January 30th 2025 from 6:00PM- 8:00PM, for an inspirational and educational Artist Talk after the construction of our new permanent troll exhibition.

Attendees will hear the story behind the trail of trolls located all around the world, learn a little bit about the construction of the latest troll, and discover the mission and purpose behind Dambo's recycled art.

This artist talk is FREE to the public, but advance registration is required.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzJanuary 30, 2025Community Clayworks, Workshop, Art Class, Coral Reefs, Ocean, Waves

January 12th | King Tides Tidepooling Walk at Gaviota State Beach

SUNDAY, JANUARY 12TH, 2025 | 2:00 PM–4:00 PM

At Gaviota State Beach with the California Nature Art Museum

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a tidepooling walk at Gaviota State Beach on Sunday, January 12th 2025 from 2:00PM- 4:00PM, searching for intertidal creatures that will be visible due to the extra low “King Tides.” Participants can expect to see species such as ochre stars, gooseneck barnacles, sunburst anemones, and shore crabs, and maybe - if the group is really lucky! - small fish or an octopus!

Free for members and children, $10 for non-member adults.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzJanuary 12, 2025Community Clayworks, Workshop, Art Class, Coral Reefs, Ocean, Waves

January 3rd | Kid Craft Art Workshop - Coastal Art & Poetry Contest Submissions, Creating Together

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3RD, 2025 | 11:00 AM–1:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum for a Kid Craft art workshop on Friday, January 3rd 2025 from 11:00AM- 1:00PM, creating artwork for submission to the California Coastal Commission’s annual K-12 Art & Poetry Contest. Students will be provided with paper, graphite pencils, colored pencils, markers, watercolors, brushes, construction paper, glue, and crayons. While the workshop will be primarily self-led, CalNAM staff and volunteers will be available for support at all times.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzJanuary 3, 2025Kid Craft, Kids, Workshop, Community Clayworks, Art Class, Coral Reefs

December 8th | Adult Art Workshop - Winter Gourd Workshop, Painting & Weaving

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8TH, 2024 | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum & Artist Kathy Badrak for an art workshop on Sunday, December 8th 2024 from 10:00AM- 2:00PM, creating colorful, natural bowls out of gourds. Participants will paint their gourds with alcohol ink and learn to weave a rim on the gourd using a variety of botanical materials.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzDecember 8, 2024Workshop, Art Class, Kathy Badrak, Gourds

December 1st | Holiday Marketplace

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1ST, 2024 | 10:00 AM–4:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum for our 13th Annual Holiday Marketplace on Sunday, December 1st 2024, 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, which will also be free to enjoy. This event will also include a free family-friendly papercraft activity from 10AM-12PM!

November 24th | Kid Craft Art Workshop - Sea Star Sushi Plates at the Museum, with Community Clayworks

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24TH, 2024 | 3:00 PM–5:00 PM

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

Join the California Nature Art Museum & Community Clayworks for an art workshop at the Museum, creating sea star sushi plates (can be used for other scrumptious somethings!). Students will create their very own sea star with bumps, knobs, and unique lines and patters, and then paint their pieces with colorful underglazes. After firing and clear glazing, completed pieces will be available for pick up in-person at the Museum or can be shipped by request (for an additional fee).

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzNovember 24, 2024Kid Craft, Kids, Workshop, Community Clayworks, Art Class, Coral Reefs

November 2nd | 5th Annual Fall Fundraiser & Auction

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2ND, 2024 | 3:00 PM–5:30 PM

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

Our silent auction returns this autumn with relaxing getaways, unique fine jewelry and art, local wines and dining experiences, and more! All proceeds benefit the California Nature Art Museum.

Past Programs/EventsRachel MetzNovember 2, 2024Fundraiser, Silent Auction, Fall Silent Auction

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