The Natural History Museum of Santa Maria will celebrate its 30th anniversary with Inspired by Nature, a month-long fine art exhibit in the Santa Maria Public Library’s Shepard Hall Gallery, 421 S. McClelland St.
The display, which runs through Nov. 2, opens at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3 with an artist reception. Admission is free.
Guests at the reception can meet participating artists, enjoy refreshments and live piano music by Joe Payne, browse arts and crafts, and view the exhibit celebrating the natural beauty of California’s Central Coast.
Artists from San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties were selected for the juried show, which features more than 40 works of art in a variety of styles and media, including oil, acrylic and photography.
The exhibit also honors sculptor John Cody and will feature nature-inspired recorded music throughout the month, curated by Rick Mathews of KCBX Public Radio.
Visitors can vote for the People’s Choice Best in Show, purchase original artwork and crafts, and participate in a raffle for original artwork. Raffle tickets are $5 each.
Shepard Hall Gallery will remain open until 6 p.m. on opening day and will be open 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. Additional gallery hours will be announced on the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria’s social media channels.
The exhibit is presented in partnership with the Santa Maria Public Library as part of the Natural History Museum of Santa Maria’s 30th anniversary celebration.