Event highlights for the week of November 1, 2017.
Art Seen
12×12 Show
12 inches by 12 inches isn’t a large size for a canvas, but you’ll be surprised what artists can do within this simple square. Cabrillo’s 12×12 exhibit and fundraiser is back again, featuring work that is no larger or smaller than 12×12. The show is open to any and all California artists, so there is sure to be a wide variety of work from across the state. Make sure to cast your vote for your favorite pieces—three will win the popular vote awards.
INFO: Opening reception 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5. Show runs Monday, Nov. 6-Friday, Dec. 8. Cabrillo Art Gallery, 6500 Soquel Drive, Aptos. cabrillo.edu. Free.
Green Fix
‘The Cat That Changed America’
Last year more than 100 mountain lions were hit by cars, and as urban sprawl increases, so does the need for safer passages connecting wildlife habitats. The new documentary The Cat That Changed America follows mountain lion P22’s journey across Los Angeles’s busiest freeways in search of a habitat. He now lives in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park, unable to safely roam, secluded from the rest of his species, and with little hope of finding a mate. The film focuses on the detrimental impacts of urbanization on mountain lions and other native species, and how the spread of rodenticides harms the environment and wildlife.
INFO: 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 4. Rio Theatre, 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz. nativeanimalrescue.org. $15. Proceeds benefit Native Animal Rescue. Photo by Miguel Ordenana.
Saturday 11/4
Voices of Muslim Identity
It’s no secret that the nation and world are in dire need of more open communication, education and understanding of Islamic culture and identity. Join the Resource Center for Nonviolence and Santa Cruz’s Muslim Solidarity group for a night showcasing Arabic art, music and food, in an effort to build more understanding and compassion for the Muslim culture and experiences. Local band Caravan El Noor (pictured) will be performing and there will be a Muslim American community member panel and Q&A to follow.
INFO: 6:45-9 p.m. Resource Center for Nonviolence, 612 Ocean St., Santa Cruz. rcnv.org. Free, donations kindly requested.
Thursday 11/2 and Sunday 11/5
Celebrating Women Composers of the Past
What do Bach, Mozart and Beethoven all have in common? Yes, they are famous composers, and they are also all men. Female composers are often overlooked, underrepresented and go uncelebrated. Clara Schumann, Amy Beach, and Germaine Tailleferre are some of the more prominent female names in classical music, but chances are you haven’t heard much about them. Now is your chance to—it’s never too late to celebrate and support women composers and performers, past or present.
INFO: 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2. Peace United Church, 900 High St., Santa Cruz. 3:00 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 5 Christ Lutheran Church, 10707 Soquel Drive, Aptos. Tickets available at the door. Adults $25, children and students $10.
Saturday 11/4
‘Día de los Muertos’ Community Festival
Join the Museum of Art and History in celebrating the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos, the Mexican holiday remembering and respecting those who have died. Closely followed by All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, Día de Los Muertos is traditionally celebrated by dedicating altars or ofrendas to loved ones, and decorating them with marigolds and calaveras (sugar skulls). The celebration features live music, face painting, dance performances and an altar contest. The event begins on Cooper Street and in Abbott Square and will continue through downtown Santa Cruz to the Evergreen Cemetery. Feel free to join in and follow the procession at the start, or meet them along the way.
INFO: 12:30-6 p.m. Begins at 118 Cooper St., Santa Cruz. santacruzmah.org. Free.
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Homeopathy is a system of alternative medicine promoting self-healing through diluted substances. It is often dismissed as a placebo because of what critics call a lack of concrete evidence, but the new film 
Take a trip to the ’20s, in all of their toe-tapping glory, with a modern twist on social and political comedy still relevant today. Based on a novel by Tony Award-winner Joe DiPietro, the 1920s’ prohibition story features bootleggers, dowagers and chorus girls, with nods to marijuana legalization and the political influence of the 1 percent. The show, a hit on Broadway, is here to make Santa Cruz laugh out loud.
Goat Hill boasts more than 100 vendors at their antique and artisan fair, selling everything from vintage jewelry to collectibles and clever upcycled pieces. Look no further for that new loveseat or vintage rug to really tie the room together. There will be food and beverage options too, and most vendors accept credit cards, but bring cash just in case. 
Join UCSC students in the Rainbow Theater fall debut of four performances, each addressing issues around racial identity and experience, and aimed at creating more conversation about diversity on campus and off. 
Local dancer and choreographer Sharon Took-Zozaya showcases a one-off display of more than 200 original artworks by her late mother, Pearl. The collection includes landscapes, still life, fine portraits, courtroom sketches and fashion drawings from a variety of media, including watercolor, oil and pastels. Pearl spent her last years in Santa Cruz, and painted familiar images of Felton. The event will celebrate Pearl’s life and work, featuring live music and a special fixed-price lunch from India Joze. 
Ten-year-old Charlie Moore was recently diagnosed with a rare form of brain cancer. He is a Santa Cruz native, Lego-lover and avid reader who is currently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy treatments, and his family and New Bohemia Brewery are holding a fundraiser and silent auction in conjunction with NuBo’s special “B” Positive West Coast pale ale to raise money for Charlie’s treatments. The event is family friendly, and will feature a lemonade stand and appearance by Mickey Magic.
The third installment of the Distinguished Artists concert and lecture series features pianist and composer Haskell Small’s most recent work “A Journey in Silence: Reflections on the Book of Hours.” Haskell has earned many accolades for his compositions, and has performed both solo and chamber programs worldwide. The evening will also feature the works of Bach and Tavner.
Each year, South County community members gather for Watsonville’s annual peace and unity march in memoriam of those who have been victims of street violence in Watsonville and surrounding areas. The event is a commemoration of those who have lost their lives, and also a call for a safer, supportive community. It is open to all, and those who have lost a family member or friend are encouraged to bring photographs or offerings for an altar. There will also be music, pan dulce and hot drinks, followed by the march and testimonials from community members. 
What happens when a woman gets stranded in an alien solar system? You’ll have to attend this 
Santa Claus and his reindeer have worked all year to perfect their surfing skills, and now they are shredding into town. They’ll arrive by outrigger canoe and surfboard, and then Santa will pull up a chair and relax on the beach to sign autographs and hear holiday wishes. Bring a towel and sunscreen and start your holidays the California way. 
Nothing heals a post-Thanksgiving food coma like laughter, and Mountain Community Theater is wasting no time. MCT’s best comedians will start the holiday season off right by making fun of the holiday traditions, challenging norms and boosting spirits along the way. The event features singing, a live band and plenty of holiday desserts. Don’t forget to bring a wrapped $5-and-under gift for the audience gift exchange. 
Eat well and do well during Assembly’s benefit for those affected by the Sonoma County fires. Though the fires are out, those impacted are still in need of support. Proceeds will go to the Sonoma County Resilience Fund through the Community Foundation Sonoma County. Make sure to order a glass of Sonoma Pride, as all benefits from the ale sales go to fire relief fund. 
The lighted boat parade is back, and more lit than ever: this year’s theme is “Holiday Magic!” One of the most anticipated holiday events of the year, mariners decorate their boats with lights and holiday decorations and parade them across the harbor for your oohing and aahing pleasure. There are few things more magical than watching the festooned boats glide through the harbor on a cold December night. The event will happen rain or shine, so grab a hot chocolate and a blanket and get there early for a good seat. The parade can be viewed from either side of the harbor, so feel free to stroll along the channel, too. 
Among artisan crafts, glasswork is in a category of its own. It has got to be one of the riskiest crafts ever—not only is the final product incredibly breakable, but the entire process of molding glass requires temperatures above 2,550 degrees Fahrenheit. Christian Guenther will showcase his nearly 30 years of working with glass beginning this First Friday. His work is based on our coast and other natural environments, and the show will feature around 50 glassworks and sculpture. INFO: Opens Friday, Dec. 1 and runs through Monday, Jan. 1. Opening reception Friday, Dec. 1, 6-9 p.m. Felix Kulpa Gallery, 107 Elm St., Santa Cruz. 
It’s gift season, and what better gift than a book? The Scotts Valley chapter of Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries is holding its annual Holiday Book Sale for all of your gift needs. There will be gently used books, CDs and DVDs. There are sure to be some real literary gems, plus all proceeds benefit the Scotts Valley Friends group.
Did you miss Black Friday or Small Business Saturday? Don’t fret, there are plenty of opportunities for you to support local businesses, like the Pleasure Point Holiday Fair. There will be artisan crafters from across the county and beyond, for all of your handmade soaps and candles needs. If you’re looking for something a bit more permanent, check out the reclaimed wood decor and home goods, and maybe snag some holiday salted caramels for good measure. 
Gateway School believes there isn’t enough conversation around gender identity, particularly at a young age. With this in mind, Gateway’s middle school production of 
Swap out your bells for shells this holiday season—it’s the Santa Cruz way. The Seymour Marine Discovery Center’s Jingle Shells Arts and Crafts Festival will feature plenty of beautiful shell and beach crafts to adorn any mantel, plus there’s free gift wrapping. If you aren’t in the market for gifts, the Seymour Center also offers discounted admission all day and there will be live music and hot cider. 
This audio exhibition features the stories from hospice patients in end-of-life care. Hospice Santa Cruz County and the Museum of Art and History collected interviews from patients nearing life’s end and produced this intimate and moving audio installation to both explore what matters most to these individuals and also invite others to consider what matters in their own lives.
There are many renditions of Charles Dickens’s 
What would make
It may not snow in Santa Cruz, but that doesn’t mean ice skating is out of the question. Capitola Village transforms into an idyllic winter wonderland this time of year, and ice skating is an integral part of the holiday festivities. The stunning Monterey Bay backdrop isn’t bad, either. Skating is open to all ages and levels.
Destined to delight the young and young at heart, the MAH’s annual Toy Trains exhibit is a marvel of astonishingly lifelike trains and landscapes to inspire any age group. The event showcases model trains through history, from the 1920s to today, and includes steam engines, electric trains and all of the bells and whistles to boot. 
Tchaikovsky and the Trepak dance are finally here—too bad they are all on the same weekend at nearly the exact same time! Fingers crossed you aren’t out of town, because this would be the opportune moment to spend your weekend seeing
This year, experience Chanukah among the lights. Join Roaring Camp Railroads on the third night of Chanukah and see Santa Cruz like you’ve never seen it before. The cars will be covered in thousands of lights and Chanukah decorations, and the event includes Chanukah stories, dreidels and Kosher refreshments. After the menorah lighting, the train departs from the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and runs on an hour-long tour through town. A ticket also includes a round of miniature golf, laser tag or arcade games. 
The shepherds from the nativity story never get any credit. No one ever asks what they thought about going to see the birth of Jesus, or of an angel sporadically appearing out of thin air. Plus, the trip to Bethlehem couldn’t have been easy without lights, cars or maps. At least now we can all know and appreciate how they felt, thanks to the Oberufer Play. The sweet, heartwarming play tells Christmas stories from the perspective of shepherds. This year, the annual event includes an entirely new addition of the Paradise Play, and will again feature local performers and musicians. 
If you’ve been searching for an annual dose of Irish culture beyond St. Patrick’s Day, Tomáseen Foley’s “A Celtic Christmas” tour is stopping in Santa Cruz. Now in its 20th season, Foley and UCSC lecturer/alum William Coulter create a show that has roots as old as time—historically far surpassing 
Though Santa Cruz has changed quite a bit in the last 40 years, Moving Parts Press shop has not. Felicia Rice opened the small letterpress printing shop in Santa Cruz in 1977 with a vision that the press would help uplift the voices and creativity of others, whether it was through books, poetry or cards. She still works with various mediums of printmaking, and has more recently begun incorporating digital technology into her work. Her latest letterpress collaboration “DOC/UNDOC” is a mixed-media project unpacking the concept of identity, on display at Felix Kulpa for only a few more days. Celebrate 40 years of Moving Parts Press, letterpress printmaking and empowerment at this unique show.
There’s no better way to spend this holiday season than by giving back to your best friends. One dollar of every pint of on-site local brew goes to help the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter. So you can buy your human best friends brews to help your furry best friends—talk about two birds with one stone. Plus, the brewery will be raffling off a jug club membership and all proceeds will go to the shelter. Drink, donate and maybe even bring home a new best friend in the process.
Gatsby? What Gatsby? Dust off your oxfords and bowlers for a swinging party of the century. A ticket includes a complete five-hour beverage package of beer, wine and Champagne, and a three-course dinner so you don’t have to worry about a darn thing, except maybe who is driving home. Don’t even want to worry about that? Of course you don’t. Chaminade is also offering overnight ticket packages for those wishing to stay the night, but you’ll have to call. Ticket options are limited and do sell out.
Calling all deadheads, please raise your hands. Okay everyone in Santa Cruz, you can all put your hands down now. It wouldn’t be a New Year’s here without some kind of Grateful Dead something, so relive that Dead show you went to that one time where that one thing happened—right, you know the one—with live music by The China Cats. Don Quixote’s is serving dinner, with both meat and veggie options, too. The show is 21-plus and you must buy tickets online, there will be no walk-ins. 
January is a time of self-renewal, brought to you on the heels of the giving season. In the spirit of a brighter new year, let’s all take a walk on the beach, and exercise our back muscles as we stoop to pick up trash. A beach cleanup is one of the most enjoyable ways to give back to the community
Santa Cruz might just be the fungi-est place on the Central Coast. Some wait all year for mushroom week, others can’t wait that long and are bringing the fungi early. Rain dances to help this process along are appreciated. In anticipation of Santa Cruz’s 44th annual Fungus Fair (mark your calendars for Jan. 12), Artisans Gallery is showcasing local art centered around fungi during January’s First Friday, with several artists, including the dreamy botanically inspired watercolors of McKella Jo. There will also be some (legal) shroomy snacks available. Sure, you’ve seen and eaten them, but have you ever done this while simultaneously taking in the mushroom’s natural beauty through an artist’s eyes? After that, head over to Agency and take in ocean-inspired paintings by pro surfer Shawn Dollar, who began painting while recovering from a brain injury.
Ten musicians and four choreographers from various cultural backgrounds collaborated on this one-of-a-kind African culture-based dance performance celebrating the “oneness of humankind through dance.” We can’t think of a better way. The show is sponsored by Cheza Nami, a nonprofit aimed at preserving and encouraging the appreciation of African culture through the arts, and melds a myriad of different African cultures together. It’s no secret that Santa Cruz is severely lacking in African culture and representation, and here is a great opportunity to learn more about it while witnessing a knockout performance.
Growing roses apparently isn’t as intimidating as it seems. Naturally, the Queen of Flowers needs a little advance love and care if you want her petals to bloom their best. Preparation is key when growing roses; you need to choose what kind of flower you want to grow, have the right fertilizer, and plan the irrigation and pruning. An eye for pests and disease is also handy, which are easy to prevent and deal with if you know what to look for. But hey, today’s hard work is tomorrow’s beautiful blooms, and while Santa Cruz’s rose game is already pretty strong, a few more roses to smell this spring doesn’t sound bad at all.
The rain has begun, and that means it’s time for rain chains. These decorative water features carry rainwater from the gutter downward to a drain or a storage container. They are a great alternative to traditional, closed gutter downspouts, and a serene treat to listen to. But rain chains can be expensive, and making your own is not only more gratifying, but won’t break the bank. Plus, they make fantastic DIY gifts for anyone. The workshop is lead by Dream Maker Creative’s Sara Smith and all materials will be provided to make an eight-foot chain. 
The MAH’s new Tom Killion exhibit features woodblock prints of images across the California coast, including familiar areas like Natural Bridges and Wilder Ranch. UCSC grad and former Santa Cruz local, Killion specializes in landscape prints. He draws inspiration from Japanese printmaking, and incorporates delicate, crisp lines and colors into his work. The show also features poems selected by Gary Snyder, pages of Tom’s nature journals, and information about events that dig deeper into nature —like biking tours and hikes that inspire journaling. Image: Monterey Bay from Santa Cruz Pogonip, Tom Killion, 2002. 
How do you incorporate Santa Cruz’s natural beauty into art? Literally, of course. After crushing local sandstone and Monterey Bay sea salt and mixing the two together, Tim Ward blended oil paint, salt and stone, and painted a stunning image of West Cliff beach. His work, along with that of 16 other local surfer/artists, is on display at the R. Blitzer Gallery. The new “Beach Industry” exhibition centers around surfing and the ocean, and is a stunningly unique exhibit featuring Vince Broglio’s resin paintings and r.r. jones photographs, as well as work from Connor O’Neill, grandson of Jack O’Neill. Fittingly, 10 percent of sales during January go to O’Neill Sea Odyssey, and donations are gladly accepted. Photo by Stan Walsh. 
Time to get down, dog. Most drop-in yoga classes are around $15, which is pretty much the same as two burritos. Burritos … yoga … burritos … decisions, decisions. This week, you don’t have to pick—have your yoga and eat burritos, too. All DiviniTree classes are free, everyday. Now is your chance to try out the different types of yoga—maybe you are a Kundalini person or a sweaty Power Vinyasa junkie. Once your mind is nice and relaxed, may we recommend you hop nextdoor for a Tacos Moreno burrito or two? Sign up in advance if you can, classes can get packed. 
Why go to the grocery store when the Monterey Bay is in our backyard—especially when seaweed is apparently twice the superfood that kale is? Seaweed connoisseur Ian O’Hollaren will help you distinguish between sea vegetables—which ones are best to eat, and how you can use them in recipes. This demonstration is sure to fill up, so pre-registration is recommended. 
South American violinist Lucia Luque and Italian-Canadian pianist Mauro Bertoli are both young, internationally recognized musicians. At 29, Luque has won numerous awards, including the “National Prize of Arts” in Torino, and Bertoli, at only 27, has won the “Giuseppe Sinopoli Award,” a prestigious Italian prize awarded personally by the President of the Italian Republic, Giorgio Napolitano. Both soloists represent the bright future of classical music. 
When it comes to figure drawing, proportion is everything. Drawing people without freakishly large hands or weirdly tiny heads is a coveted skill that takes time and patience to learn. This winter, UCSC is hosting free drop-in figure drawing opportunities to those interested in accurate portrayals of the human body. Practice is everything, and there will be a model and plenty of space to sketch. We aren’t saying there’s something wrong with drawing your wife as a bobblehead, but she might not appreciate it. Can’t make this one? No problem, they’re offered most Wednesdays through March. 
The Watsonville Wetlands are some of the largest and most abundant wetlands. They’re home to more than 220 species of birds, and countless other animals. Unfortunately, more than 90 percent of California’s wetlands have been destroyed or degraded. Every fourth Saturday presents a chance to pitch in for ours, with seasonal restoration work and time for birdwatching. Sturdy shoes, shade and reusable water bottles are recommended. All ages, no experience necessary. 
Maryjo Koch doesn’t overlook the little things. When it comes to painting birds nests and honeybees, every little twig and hair matters. With acute attention to detail and precision, Koch is one of the world’s most accomplished naturalist painters around. Her hyperrealistic specimens are often found in the Santa Cruz Mountains, where Koch works. She has illustrated 18 books, and her work has been featured across the globe. 
Urinetown
Honor the Museum of Natural History’s founder with a day of activities, including 
They say you have to know the past to know the future, and that’s true for music, as well. Santa Cruz Symphony’s “Songs of the Past, Present, and Future” features works from Richard Wagner, Richard Strauss and Michelle Bradley. After the intermission, Rimsky Korsakov rounds out the evening with “One Thousand and One Nights” inspired by Scheherazade and featuring concertmaster Nigel Armstrong. 
Overflowing in their own floppy blubber, elephant seals have a rather unfortunate-looking nose and are quite territorial. After migrating as far as 13,000 miles, they relax at the beach and make farting noises to make sure everyone knows they are there. Is it a 5,000-pound mammal, or an annoying 5-year-old? Like both, they aren’t as docile as you’d think and are best observed from a distance. Guided walks are around three miles and about 2.5 hours long, with frequent stops. 
Scott Wells is a Santa Cruz favorite. A contact improvisation specialist, he is a two-time winner of the Isadora Duncan Award for Outstanding Choreography and former Santa Cruz native. On Saturday, his company Scott Wells & Dancers presents a 30-minute quartet “Was That Good for You?” with Kathleen Hermsdorf. The piece is inspired by the 25th anniversary of Wells and Hermesdorf dance partnership, and is an ode to the struggle to make a career out of dance in light of his company’s recent eviction. Wells will be spending a week in residency at Motion Pacific developing an additional two pieces. 
Composers are people too—just ask these living, breathing, tax-paying ones! Better yet, check out Cabrillo College’s panel featuring seven local composers, including Susan Alexjander and Philip Collins, who will talk about their pieces
Trevor Noah’s
Nothing gets those creative juices flowing like a glass of wine, right? Wine and watercolor painting are a match made in heaven, and this event will give you a little freedom to express yourself on paper. New Leaf will provide the materials and still life subject, you provide the friends and creativity. If you don’t have friends or creativity, well, this might just be the place you can get some. Reservations recommended.
Martin Luther King day might be over, but February is Black History Month. In recognition of Dr. King’s legacy, the Martin Luther King convocation presents speakers to talk about equality, justice and opportunity. Previous years’ speakers include Angela Davis, Benjamin Jealous, and Alicia Garza, and this year’s speaker is UCLA and Columbia law Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw. Crenshaw is a leading authority on civil rights, Black feminist legal theory, and race, racism and the law, and will talk about institutional oppression within marginalized communities, Dr. King’s legacy of social justice, and the continued struggle for equality.
Two long-term Cabrillo faculty members are back from recent sabbaticals to present their research and artwork inspired from their respective trips. Dawn Nakanishi spent her time researching traditional Japanese design motifs and connections between nature and her cultural heritage. The show includes her decorative metal crafts and jewelry. Rebecca Ramos draws inspiration from Hawaiian indigenous and endemic plants and connects topics of material culture, cultural identity, ecology, and the environment in her drawings and prints. Both artists will hold individual informative demos. 
Your uncle’s political views may be antiquated, but some of these treasures aren’t. The antique fair brings hundreds of knick-knacks, from Victorian lace doilies to vintage AC/DC shirts. Maybe you’ll find those cowboy boots or that turquoise ring you’ve been searching everywhere for. Either way, you’re also guaranteed to find something you weren’t looking for. 
Growing grapes is a big commitment—grapevines need continual maintenance and pruning—but the UC Master Gardeners are here to help you out. Join UC Master Gardener and viticulturist Art Nathan for a free talk about how to grow, train and prune grapevines. So sharpen your shears and face the grapes of wrath. (If you don’t know how to sharpen your shears, please don’t just wing it—you can learn how to do it at this talk, too.)
UCSC’s installment of the county-wide Spoken/Unspoken series is now open, with the UCSC Mary Porter Sesnon Gallery opting to take a more literal approach to the theme by highlighting forms of resistance. The show includes work by more than 20 artists and activists engaged with forms of resistance from land rights to human rights, and aims to continue a larger conversation around activism as self-expression. 
The battle of these two titans has shaken the rock ’n’ roll community for decades. 
Straw bale gardening is the answer to any organic gardener’s prayers. It’s sustainable, easy and pretty. Straw bale gardening is a form of container gardening that uses bales of straw as the containers instead of planters or pots. Straw bales are especially useful in locations with poor soil quality because straw composts over time and contributes to soil quality. Join straw bale wizard Nadine Frush in this free workshop to get your bale gardens ready for spring.
Tannery World Dance and Cultural Center’s Winter Dance Fest is a celebration of cutting-edge local choreographers. Gregory Dawson’s contemporary dance company, dawsondancesf, is back for another year. This time he will showcase snippets of his jazz-meets-ballet collaboration with Bay Area jazz master Richard Howell. Santa Cruz local choreographer Cid Pearlman will also present “Strange Toys” (2004) featuring music by Joan Jeanrenaud.
Symphonies boast anywhere from 65 to 90 musicians, each specializing in strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion. The whole thing can be a bit intimidating for some, so the Santa Cruz Symphony family concert is the perfect place to introduce your entire family to classical symphony and a multitude of instruments—there is even an instrument “petting zoo.” The Santa Cruz County Youth Symphony, the Kuumbwa Jazz Honor Band, the Cabrillo Youth Chorus, the Santa Cruz High School Drumline, and the Santa Cruz Ballet will also join in the fun. 
Puttering around downtown takes on a whole new meaning with the new downtown mini golf and art extravaganza. Individual teams of local artists and engineers designed nine unique golf holes that are spread across shops and secret spots downtown. Play a round while you are playing around downtown, and grab a scorecard from a downtown information kiosk. The weekend opens with an artist reception Friday night, and ends with an awards presentation on Sunday. 
The U.S. is facing the largest removal of protected lands ever, and the Monumental Action organization, a Felton-based grassroots organization, believes that the key to protecting our land is through art and creativity. The president recently shrunk Bears Ears National Monument and the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, and there are at least 10 more monuments on the chopping block, and many others at risk. Monumental Action will host its first community art fundraiser on First Friday to continue their mission in bringing awareness and visibility around the importance of the environment and public lands. 
At this show, “make the most with what you have” is an understatement. Professional textile artist Marilou Moschetti and emerging artist Laurie McCann collaborated on an exhibit to encompass what safe spaces mean and why they matter, using mostly recycled and repurposed materials. McCann says she was heartbroken by the lack of spaces for both animals and people, and wanted to create a show around the importance of safe spaces. Both fiber artists showcase 3D objects like cocoons, nests, caves and other forms made from sustainable cloth, twine and paper. 
Lecturer and best-selling author Gregg Levoy is a human potential expert. A former behavioral specialist at 
UCSC Theater Arts and Cultural Arts and Diversity presents 
Monterey-based Artist Paul Richmond has felt at odds with traditional notions of masculinity his entire life. To him, the concept of masculinity is flexible, nebulous and complex. With this in mind, Richmond painted a series of all-male portraits to explore masculinity in a variety of ways and expressions. From pigment application to color exploration, he invites others to reach beyond the immediate surface to better understand the complexity of what it means to be masculine. Show runs through Saturday, June 30. 
Come see what all the buzz is about with experienced apiarist and Santa Cruz Beekeepers Guild president Emily Bondor. Bondor will discuss the lives of hardworking honey bees and why they are vital to our ecosystem. There will also be sampling of local honey and the chance to observe bees in their hives. Whether you are an avid beekeeper or just a bee lover, everyone is welcome to learn how to be the best bee steward they can be. 
The writing process is a long and bumpy road. Luckily there’s expert support along the way. Join Grant Faulkner and longtime local writer and publisher Lise Quintana in conversation about getting past the hurdle of writer’s block. Faulkner will be discussing his latest book, 
Malabar will be open for lunch as of March 10, and to celebrate they are hosting a fundraiser for William Thornton—the janitor at Malabar for three months now. Thornton sleeps outside Malabar at night and uses money from his work to shower at the gym and occasionally stay in a motel. Malabar will match all proceeds from the benefit to help Thornton get shelter. An additional 5 percent of all daily lunch sales will also go into a savings account for individuals facing similar challenges in Santa Cruz. 
If you are going to jump into 54-degree ocean and freeze, it might as well be for a good cause—and you might as well look as crazy as you are. Grab a costume and a best friend (human and non-human welcome) for the annual Polar and Puppy Plunge. The event is a benefit for the more than 21,000 Northern California athletes participating in the Special Olympics in July. Start a team, or join a team, everyone is welcome.
What goes better with yoga than wine? Or maybe what goes better with wine than yoga? Whichever way you see it, enjoy wine tasting, some snacks and a little 
Motion Pacific’s latest Incubator Project show “Reflections” is all dressed up and ready for showtime. “Reflections” is an autobiographical exploration of the relationships between the self, others and the world. The dance ensemble OVA is accompanied by Eric James DeAratanha, a local musician whose acoustic and nature-inspired work is largely improvisational. 
Santa Cruz’s newest arts locale, the Painted Cork, is a “paint and sip” studio where guests 21 and over can bring their own beer or wine and enjoy a painting class. You know what they say, nothing gets those creative juices flowing better than a drink. Plus no one will judge you if your art goes all Picasso. There will be complimentary drinks and a taco bar onsite, too. Get there early, as tacos might not last long and free drinks certainly won’t. 
Julius Caesar 
