Arts and Culture
Francisco Jiménez’s La Mariposa and Breaking Through
Mexican Heritage Plaza 1700 Alum Rock Ave., San JoseTeatro Visión presents Francisco Jiménez’s La Mariposa and Breaking Through, adapted for the stage by Leo Cortez. Jiménez’s memoirs have resonated across generations, in their message of love, determination, and the importance of one’s mentors. In La Mariposa, a young Panchito arrives in the U.S. with his family, and finds his way amid a life of constant moving and in a school where he doesn’t understand a word his teacher says. As he watches his classroom caterpillar transform into a butterfly, he too begins to learn to spread his wings. Breaking Through follows him to his teenage years, where Panchito comes to love school and reading. A dream to become a teacher awakens in him. But when his responsibility to his family clashes against his own desires, he must navigate the competing priorities that face him. The novels are presented as two one-act plays performed together—La Mariposa in Spanish and Breaking Through in English. Both plays include projected supertitles in English and in Spanish.
Live Oak Jack Rabbit 1-Mile Run & Student Art Contest FUNdraiser
The 3rd annual Live Oak Jack Rabbit 1-Mile Run and Student Art Contest FUNdraiser will take place on Sunday, April 14th, at Shoreline Middle School on 17th Avenue in Santa Cruz, CA. Opening ceremonies begin at 8:00 AM. Registration for the 1-mile races on the USATF-certified track are open to the public online at: http://tinyurl.com/LOJR2024 The first wave of runners takes off at 9:00 AM and races continue every 15 minutes through 11:45 AM. Race registration fee is $10 per runner with the funds raised going to support the art program for the Live Oak School District students. All are invited to join this community fun run for the 1-mile challenge as a solo runner or as part of a relay team, view student art on display and cast your vote for your favorites, browse the merchant marketplace, enjoy food, entertainment and community partner booths. For more information about the event sponsor, the Live Oak Education Foundation non-profit group, visit their website at: www.LiveOakEdFoundation.org
Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza
Branciforte Small Schools 840 N. Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesThe Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, music, dance, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos. This local festival is like the traditional fiestas celebrated each summer in Oaxaca, Mexico. Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word that means “a commitment of sharing and cooperation.” Guelaguetza is a celebration that honors the gods for sufficient rainfall and a bountiful harvest.
Spring Art Market at Tannery Arts Center
Tannery Arts Center 1070 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesJoin us for a vibrant celebration of art, music, and community at the Spring Art Market! Hosted by the Arts Council Santa Cruz County, this free family-friendly event features an array of local artisans and makers showcasing their unique creations. Explore captivating artworks, enjoy live music performances, indulge in delicious food from food trucks, and engage in fun children’s activities. With something for everyone, the Spring Art Market promises a memorable experience for all. Don't miss out!
HIKE4PEACE
Tara Redwood School 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel,CAWe are excited to bring back this all family fun Saturday event at the Tara Redwood School Campus in the forest of Land of Medicine Buddha, Soquel . Hike4Peace is Tara Redwood School's annual HIKE-A-THON fundraiser and Arts & Crafts Fair . Pledge a student hiker (or yourself) onto one or all of the 8 Verses trails and enjoy an afternoon of music, raffles and games. Meet and greet Tara Redwood School faculty and partake in one or all of the Tara Redwood School creative arts. This is a fundraiser, funding will support Tara Redwood School's scholarship program and classroom development. Also 10% of the proceeds go to a charity of the children's choice. Tara Redwood School, 5810 Prescott Rd, Soquel CA 95073
The SLV Music & Art Festival
Roaring Camp Railroads 5401 Graham Hill Road, Felton, CA, United StatesThe 3rd annual SLV Music & Art Festival is an outdoor, community event that features performances by: SLVHS choir and bands, SLVMS bands, SLV Nature Academy Band, SLVE and BCE 5th grade bands, and the SLV Community Band! There is an art show and sale (by donation) put on by the SLVHS Art Department! There will be multiple food trucks and also silent and live auctions that support the SLV Music Boosters. Please come and celebrate community while supporting our growing student musicians and artists!
Francisco Jiménez, The Circuit Graphic Novel
Sequoia High School in Freedom 229 Green Valley Road, FreedomBookshop Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz County Office of Education welcome bestselling author Francisco Jiménez (The Circuit) for a celebration of The Circuit Graphic Novel at Sequoia High School in Freedom. Poignantly told from a young boy's perspective, the popular and award-winning memoir centered on a Mexican family working California's fields is now a powerful graphic novel. Food and drinks provided by the Santa Cruz County Office of Education. Please register for this free event on our website, purchase of book required to join the signing line.
Big Basin State Park: Art in the Park
Big Basin Redwoods State Park 21600 Big Basin Way, Boulder Creek, CA, United StatesThe oldest California State Park is celebrating California State Parks Week with Art in the Park! This is a free event! View art exhibits that celebrate Big Basin’s recovery from the CZU Lightning Complex Fire. Create your own art! Enjoy a guided nature journaling hike (no experience or art supplies needed). Enjoy kids’ arts and crafts with your little ones. Watch en plein air painters work their magic in real time! Food is available for purchase from food trucks or bring your own picnic. Be sure to pack sun protection, bug spray, and drinking water before you leave for this event. The Big Basin parking lot will fill early, but the Santa Cruz Metro Route 35B bus to Big Basin will be FREE and offer EXTRA SERVICE for this event. The vehicle day-use fee is $8 with a parking space reservation, $10 first-come, first served. For more information, call (669) 899-1516 or email [email protected].
Downtown Santa Cruz: Makers Market
Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market Pacific Ave and Lincoln St, Santa CruzVisit the Downtown Santa Cruz Makers Market featuring 40+ local makers & artists in beautiful Downtown Santa Cruz! Located on the 1100 block of Pacific Ave. between Cathcart and Lincoln Streets, this monthly market hosts a wide range of locally handmade goods! *In the event of rain, the market will be held on the following Sunday
Abbott Square: Paint Night
Abbott Square 725 Front St, Santa Cruz, CAFollow along with local artist, Ana of Follow the Sun, to create your own tropical beach inspired masterpiece! In just two hours you will be guided, step by step, in creating our painting of the day. Great for complete beginners and seasoned creatives alike. You have the freedom to add your personal touch – tweak the colors & composition, or just follow along with the instruction! We will learn and practice various painting techniques as we go, with plenty of room for creativity. One-on-one help is always available & all supplies are included – 16″x20″ canvas, paint, brushes, and aprons. We will be set up outside on the patio! Grab a drink from Front & Cooper & a meal from one of the many eatery options while you paint. Grab a friend, a drink, and let’s create!
Capitola: Sunday Art at the Beach
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesEnjoy an afternoon in Capitola at the Sunday Art at the Beach event this summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. Browse quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local artists. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
World Arts Festival 2024
Tannery Arts Center 1070 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesCelebrate the diversity and richness of our community at this year's World Arts Festival! On Sunday June 23rd from 1-5PM, Tannery World Dance & Cultural Center offers free family-friendly performances outdoors at the Tannery Arts Center. The festival includes dance and music performances by new and beloved Santa Cruz and Bay Area artists, including White Hawk Indian Council, Antara Asthaayi Dance, Raizes do Brasil Capoeira, Senderos, and more. Artisans and vendors will be selling traditional crafts and wares, with food and beverages from Areparia831 and My Mom’s Mole.
First Friday Santa Cruz
Multiple locations throughout Santa Cruz County Santa Cruz, CA, United StatesOn the first Friday evening of every month, Santa Cruz galleries, shops, and cultural venues open their doors to showcase the works of Santa Cruz County artists. With a block party-like vibe, the multi-venue event provides an opportunity to discover local creative talent in a fun and festive setting. Many venues entice attendees with yummy cheese-and-wine-filled spreads, while others have food trucks joining in on the fun.
Capitola: Sunday Art at the Beach
Esplanade Park Capitola Village, Capitola, CA, United StatesEnjoy an afternoon in Capitola at the Sunday Art at the Beach event this summer at Esplanade Park overlooking the Monterey Bay. Browse quality artwork including painting, photography, sculpture, jewelry, and mixed media from local artists. This family-friendly event is free and open to the public.
Cabrillo College: In The Heights
Cabrillo College Crocker Theater 6500 Perimeter Dr., Aptos, CA, United StatesThe musical, In the Heights, tells the universal story of a vibrant community in New York’s Washington Heights neighborhood – a place where the coffee from the corner bodega is light and sweet, the windows are always open and the breeze carries the rhythm of three generations of music. It’s a community on the brink of change, full of hopes, dreams and pressures. Where the biggest struggles can be deciding which traditions you take with you, and which ones you leave behind.