CCA artwork celebrating Claude's 30th birthday go viral

CCA alumni design limited-edition screen prints and lead drawing workshops to celebrate Claude, the California Academy of Sciences’ beloved albino alligator, on his 30th birthday.

As part of the month-long festivities, recent Illustration graduates, curated by Program Chair Michael Wertz, designed limited-edition screen-printed posters honoring San Francisco’s famous white alligator. CCA faculty and students will also lead live drawing workshops at the Academy on September 20 and 26, inviting the Bay Area San Francisco community to illustrate the beloved reptile.

The collaborations were highlighted in local media coverage, capturing how Claude’s milestone birthday has become a citywide celebration. Claude, who has lived at the Academy since 2008, is believed to be one of the oldest albino alligators in human care.

CCA’s participation highlights the college’s creative ties to the Bay Area arts community in celebrating a local icon.