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Join us for open studios art tour 2016
south County oct 1-2 north County oct 8-9 all County oct 15-16
Visit 300 artists in their studios and see where art happens.
Artist Guide & App available in September
artscouncilsc.org 831.475.9600 | f t
SANTA CRUZ
The grande dame of local arts institutions, the Santa Cruz Museum of Art and History
has been revitalized under the direction of Nina Simon. The MAH has expanded its educational outreach and social engagement with visitors, and has added an interactive component to many
of its exhibitions. Once you've explored the three oors of ne art and local historical artifacts, step onto the rooftop patio of
the Mary and Harry Blanchard Sculpture Garden to enjoy a panoramic view of Santa Cruz.
The museum is a mainstay of the First Friday Art Tour, and offers a free Third Friday event of its own (both with extended museum hours). Closed on Mondays, the museum is located at 705 Front Street in downtown Santa Cruz. Phone: (831) 429-1964, or visit www. santacruzmah.org for more details.
If you're heading to or from the Boardwalk, take a brief detour
off Ocean Street to the Santa Cruz Art League. Founded in 1919, the organization presents an average of fourteen art shows a year, including juried exhibitions. Classes and workshops are offered, and membership is open to anyone. The Art League, located at 526 Broadway in Santa Cruz, also boasts a theatrical space that hosts several performing groups on a rotating basis. The museum is open afternoons from Wednesday through Sunday. Dive in at www. scal.org, or phone: (831) 426-5787.
NORTH COUNTY
Head north of Santa Cruz to Davenport, where Lundberg Studios has ourished since 1970. A staggering array of glass objects, from lamp shades to vases, are
produced in an iridescent Art Nouveau style. Every piece of glass is formulated and hand-blown
on site, which makes Lundberg Studios a rarity in the industry. A signature piece is the Worldweight, an opalescent paperweight created by the late founder Jim Lundberg, which depicts the globe in dazzling detail. Glassblowing demonstrations are given twice a year, but visitors are welcome at the studios at 131 Old Coast Road daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call toll-free at (888) 423-9711, or visit www.lundbergstudios.com.
A short trip northeast will bring you to the Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center, at 9341 Mill Street in Ben Lomond. The gallery displays a full range of local art, from paintings to ceramics, glass to textiles. Classes and lectures round out the nonpro t organization’s offerings. Open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m. Phone (831) 336-3513, or visit www.mountainartcenter.org for more information.
There is not enough room to
list the county’s seemingly countless smaller galleries, not
to mention the art to be found
in its nontraditional venues. Take heart: if you devote a little time and curiosity to the search, hidden gems are sure to nd you. What are you waiting for? It’s time to begin your artistic pursuit, right here in Santa Cruz County!
SOUTH COUNTY
The nearby city of Watsonville received equal billing with
Santa Cruz on The Atlantic’s
list. Exhibitions here over ow
their generally compact accommodations with a distinctive sense of place. From Thursday through Sunday (hours vary), the
Pajaro Valley Gallery presents rotating exhibitions that emphasize local artists and cultural diversity. Since this small space could never contain all the talent involved, several satellite locations come into play. For instance, do not
miss the annual Sculpture IS show at the Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden, on the outskirts of town off Highway 152. Every day from
9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., June through October, visitors can marvel as breathtaking outdoor sculptures complement an impressive array of native plants.
The Pajaro Valley Gallery is located at 37 Sudden Street in downtown Watsonville, while the Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden is found at 2660 East Lake Avenue. Pajaro Valley Arts Council: (831) 722-3062.
www.pvarts.org for information.
summersantacruz.com
SUMMER | 2016 7