The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center is located at 9341 Mill Street, Ben Lomond, California, 95005. The facility was deeded to the Art Center by Jim and Barbara Thomas in 2003. Our building is across the street from the Ben Lomond Market. Street parking is available along Mill Street.
You enter directly into our gallery/gift shop which is staffed by artist and volunteer docents. The Art Center presents 4-6 exhibits yearly in the gallery, most of which are open invitation.
Classes are held in the gallery, classroom and ceramic areas. Classes are given day and evening hours during the week. Equipment provided includes easels for painting and life drawing, and art supplies for children’s classes.
The ceramic studio, with a throwing room and deck work space, is located in the back yard. There are gas and electric kilns and ample glazing space. There is a soda kiln and raku equipment. Clay can be purchased at the Art Center for those taking classes or participating in Clay Lab. Independent studio time is available for members and class participants.
In an effort to save energy and emissions, we have converted our Cone 10 clay bodies and glazes to Cone 6, and have been working to build a stable of Cone 6 glazes for both oxidation and reduction atmospheric firings. Soda firings are still conducted to cone 10, and we fire our Soda kiln three to four times each year.
The Art Center has a small library with books on art and ceramics. Books may be checked out by members.
At the far end of the property is a stage and the San Lorenzo River. The stage and outdoor space is used during the summer for music and other events.
The Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center is a community facility for the arts and culture. Art instructors are welcome to contact us for information about offering classes. Board Members can be contacted about using and/or renting our facility for events.