One of the Los Gatos Chamber of Commerce’s Holiday Trolley stops along Main Street is in front of New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU), at 106 E. Main St.
For the second year, NUMU took this opportunity to hold a “Festive” Evening, last Friday.
The event was free, with a five dollar fee for hot toddies, hot tea, hot chocolate or other drinks.
And it “sold out” (i.e. reservations were capped at 250, though a few folks who dropped-in were allowed admission).
Many who attended got their inner artist on at one of the five craft tables.
Attendees created holiday-themed crafts such as ornaments, greeting cards and painted rocks.
Others simply enjoyed the current exhibitions and took time to view the local historic collection in the downstairs area.
There is also a small gift shop section. Historic and new postcards are available for purchase.
You might find a unique present here, one to keep or give. Why not gift a membership to NUMU? This would be a gift that would be enjoyed all year. Great for that person who has everything. (If so, contact: me********@**********os.org)
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Current Exhibitions at NUMU
At Reception
“Ebb & Flow” – Three artists explore the cyclical nature of life, nature and energy and how each of these forces contributes to personal healing. Through their work, these three artists delve into the subtleties of natural phenomena that reflect on the constantly changing landscapes of both the external world and inner self.
In the Main Gallery
“Stitches & Wiggles: Unraveled and Reimagined Mixed Media Art by Jody Alexander and Thomas Campbell” invites viewers to participate in an object-based dialogue that speaks to the similarities of vision, intention, and ways of creating. Alexander and Campbell gather materials to reuse, repurpose, repair, mend, patch, or stitch together to make compelling artworks that use the language of our time. One exhibit here might amaze you, I know it did me.
In the Spotlight Gallery
“Encounters: The Photography of R.R. Jones” – Photos from travels of this fine arts photographer. Gaze upon portraits from spiritual journeys to Bali, Southeast Asia and Mexico. Jones encountered and connected with spiritual leaders and everyday people in memorable and soulful ways.
Down the History Hall
“Los Gatos History Project: Uncovering Untold Stories” – Dive deeper into the permanent collection of NUMU. Objects that have been stored over the years in boxes are out for you to see. One thing’s for sure, if you have some of these items in your home now, or if you grew up around them, you just might be an antique.
NUMU hours
Thursday-Sunday, 10am-4pm
Guided tours 11:30am and 2pm (pre-registration is required)
Guided history tours from 2-2:30pm, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026
There’s no charge for admittance on the first Sunday of each month, 10am-4pm.
NUMU admission is free to Los Gatos residents and youth under 18.
(Dinah Cotton / Los Gatan)
Upcoming exhibits
Do you know any talented young Santa Clara County artists? Coming up, NUMU will be holding ArtNow, which is a juried exhibition of high school artists’ work. Students from across the county are asked to submit a work of art in a variety of mediums.
The theme for this year is “Before/Between/Beyond.” Submissions are open through Jan 25, 2026. (To learn more visit: numulosgatos.org/artnow)
Textiles in Focus: On Saturday, Jan. 31, from 1-4pm, you can join book and fiber artist Jody Alexander at NUMU for an afternoon of learning all things mending. In this 3-hour workshop, the artist will teach a variety of techniques to repair and strengthen garments and other textiles. (Currently on view: “Stitches & Wiggles: Unraveled and Reimagined Mixed Media Art by Jody Alexander and Thomas Campbell.”) When left visible, the repairs are also decorative, adding texture, lines and daubs of color. The techniques can also be used in paper and textile art pieces. Cost: $95 ($75 for NUMU members.)
