The Santa Cruz County Government Center at 701 Ocean Street showcases local artists' artwork. The art exhibits are on the 1st and 5th floors, and artists rotate every three months. The series is a collaboration with Santa Cruz County Parks. Open hours: 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday. 

1st Floor - County Employees Annual Exhibit 

2nd Floor - County Arts Commission "Spotlight Award" Recipients

About the Exhibits

Arts Council Santa Cruz County presents three exhibits each year at the County Government Center, featuring local artists. Co-sponsored by the County Department of Public Works, shows consist of work from five artists: two artists displaying on the First floor walls; two artists displaying on the Fifth floor walls; and one 3-D artist showing work in display cases on the First & Fifth Floors (display cases are 92" long x 19" deep x 21" high). Additionally, in March/April/May, the Arts Council produces a Youth Art Exhibit showcasing artwork created through arts education programs in Santa Cruz County schools.

Santa Cruz County artists and craftspeople are invited to apply once a year. Exhibits begin in January and run for approximately 9 weeks. Arts Council provides all hanging & display hardware and pays for a First Friday Art Tour listing (optional). Artists are eligible to exhibit every other year.

Applicants are screened by the selection committee, consisting of two professional artists, the Open Studios Art Tour Director, an Arts Council Board member, a Santa Cruz County Arts Commissioner, a representative from the County Parks Department, and two County employees. The Selection Committee strives to provide quality exhibits representing the diverse talents of our local artists. Artists should be aware that the County Government Center is not a gallery and should plan their shows to be appropriate for a public office building. Inappropriate or unsuitable material will not be displayed.