Clay Madden is a retired educator and taught for the Santa Cruz City School District for over 30 years. Branciforte Library has been a big part of his families life. He started bringing his daughter to Storytime when she was 2 years old. “I firmly believe that the idea of public libraries is one of the greatest innovations in human development. I am honored to be able to display my art at the Branciforte Library."
Shelley Murray Art Exhibit
Branciforte Branch Library, Now- October 31, 2026
Painting is where I let go of expectations and simply respond to movement, emotion, and music. Each acrylic piece is created intuitively, with energetic, spontaneous brushstrokes that capture a moment. Rather than beginning with a predetermined image, I allow each piece to evolve through instinctive gestures, layered textures, and the rhythm of the music playing while I paint.
Inspired by the dreamlike atmosphere of Monet and the energetic freedom of Jackson Pollock, my work invites viewers to pause, reflect, and interpret each painting in their own unique way. Each canvas becomes a record of emotion—the soft blues and lavenders create this peaceful atmosphere, while the bold, sweeping marks and touches of gold keep the eye moving. It has a balance of serenity and energy that feels distinctive. A visual expression that invites viewers to discover their own stories within the layers.
I hope these paintings encourage you to pause, look closely, and experience whatever emotions or memories they may bring to you.
María Ayllón Art Exhibit
Boulder Creek Branch Library, September 2- October 31, 2026
The Living Exhibition: Chapter One is a collection of small-scale, original watercolors and block prints by local Boulder Creek artist María Ayllón.
María Ayllón is a professional watercolor artist, printmaker, and instructor at the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center. She paints intentionally on an intimate scale, pairing her pieces with carefully sourced vintage frames to create unique, self-contained objects of art. The work explores the stillness, fog, and native ecology of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Fran Majors: Prints
La Selva Beach Branch Library, Now- November 17
About the Artist: The visual arts have been a tool to understanding of my world. It has helped ingest and interpret my experiences. Since my teens I have dabbled in many mediums but I’ve primarily been a printer. Initially screen printing, but branched out to etching, woodblock prints, etc. Even though my career or careers have taken me on other paths I have found a need to do the creative work. During this process themes have emerged. For instance, for a time I was focused on masks. I saw the mask as a metaphor for the balance between our internal and external selves. This was before the epidemic although the metaphor was applicable at that time.
There is landscape of La Selva Beach I included in the showing. This little community has held a special place in my heart for many years. My family lived and worked here. I spent many years at Renaissance High and my son attended the Secret Garden Preschool.
