Programs & events

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!

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 (customizable lunch order).

SUNDAY, AUGUST 9TH, 2026 | 10:00 AM–2:00 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 9th 2026, from 10AM – 2PM. This annual event invites visitors to bring the whole family and enjoy free admission to the Museum, and participate in a variety of free art-and-nature inspired activities.

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.