“LOOK CLOSER” Art Exhibition
Opening Reception: July 10th • 5-7pm

LOOK CLOSER, a group show dedicated to the art of scientific illustration, opens with a reception on Friday, July 10th, from 5-7pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to view the collection and meet the artists. The event is free and open to the public.

The exhibit features a diverse collection of carefully rendered depictions of the natural world that are both scientifically accurate and visually striking. Inspired by local talent and the respected certificate program at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), the exhibition displays artwork ranging from monarchs to marine life, and dahlias to dinosaurs. In total, twenty artists have contributed pieces capturing the biodiversity of the Central Coast and beyond.

The participating illustrators bring varied backgrounds to their work. While some entered the field from biology and naturalist backgrounds, others pursued a scientific education after established careers in art and design. Many are recent graduates of the CSUMB program (which was originally developed at UC Santa Cruz), and several now teach there. Their field research spans the globe—one artist currently lives in Germany and has been diving in the Antarctic, while another draws inspiration from the tide pools near Marin County. All share a dedication to exploring oceans, shorelines, and forests, using field books to record and share their unique observations of the environment.

The exhibit will close August 15, 2026.

Pictured: “Emperor Angel” – Calene Luczo and “La Moule Blue” – Monica Loncola