In celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History, the internationally renowned public art installation known as the RedBall Project will be popping up across Santa Cruz County this June. The RedBall Project is an inflatable mobile sculpture created by Kurt Perschke that has been making headlines around the globe since 2001. Considered “the world’s longest–running street art work” the RedBall has been to over 30 cities from Paris to Portland. “On the surface, the experience seems to be about the ball itself as an object,” said Perschke, “but the true power of the project is what it can create for those who can experience it.”

The playful art piece, which is 15 feet in diameter and weighs 250 pounds, will be in Santa Cruz County beginning Tuesday, June 8 through Sunday, June 13, 2021. Wedged into unexpected places with a burst of bright color, the giant orb will explore the area’s unique architectural landscape and history in a series of daily installations, ranging from the Santa Cruz Wharf to Downtown Watsonville to the MAH itself. “The RedBall Project is a great representation of the spirit and vision of the MAH, which for twenty-five years has pushed beyond its four walls to be out in the community,” said Robb Woulfe, executive director of the MAH. “It challenges us to reimagine familiar spaces and, like the MAH, meets people where they are to create new connections.” The public can find the RedBall squeezing itself into and around well-known Santa Cruz landmarks by following the MAH and the artist on social media (@santacruzmah and @redballproject). With an aim to delight and surprise, the community is encouraged to follow the travelling artwork each day as local buildings, parks, piers, and more become the canvas for this celebratory installation.

RedBall Santa Cruz Schedule

1. Tuesday, June 8, 11 am to 6 pm
   Santa Cruz Wharf
   21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz
2. Wednesday, June 9, 11 am to 6 pm
   Del Mar Theater in Downtown Santa Cruz
   1124 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
3. Thursday, June 10, 11am to 6 pm
   Esplanade Park Bandshell near Capitola Village
   120 Monterey Avenue, Capitola
4. Friday, June 11, 11am to 6 pm
   Cabrillo College Downtown Watsonville Center
   318 Union Street, Watsonville
5. Saturday, June 12, 11am to 6 pm
   The MAH in Downtown Santa Cruz
   705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
6. Sunday, June 13, 11am to 6 pm
   Cowell’s Beach
   21 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz