From the waves to the redwoods, it's all happening here.

Please enjoy a group show from local artists that are disabled, chronically ill, or neurodivergent. Some art may talk about the life experiences of the artists, and some are simply the authentic expression of a disabled person. We hosted an art party on the principles of Disability Justice in July, and some of those art pieces will be in the show. First Friday Opening: 8/7 from 4-8pm. We are a small gallery. For anyone who has sensitivity to crowds, we recommend visiting us during our open hours during the week: w-th 2-6pm f: 4-8pm s-s: 1-5pm Snacks provided by Annies Cashew Dip and Trini Badillas Salsa www.thevisionsanctuary.com Participating Artists: – Tyler “Epitimus Prime” Gettner – Cherryy – Erin Harmon – Marley Calamity – Enigma – Alias, et al. – Sunny Mackey – Cazoshay Marie – Alicia Wyneken – Star Flower – Jessica Ann Roberts – Water Woody – Franki – ArteMacabre – Indigo Knightly – Rosebud Wild – Ember Katzirah

On 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.

Santa Cruz Clay puts on first friday with ceramics, paintings, jewelry and more! Jungle boogie theme 🙂

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department is pleased to announce the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission’s 2026 Spotlight Award recipients: Tish Bertino (Visual Artist), and Barbara Martin (Drummer/Percussionist). The artists’ work will be exhibited on the 5th floor of the County Governmental Center, 701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz, from August 3-October 9, 2026. A First Friday opening reception will be held August 7 from 5-7 p.m. The natural world serves as the source of inspiration for Tish Bertino’s paintings, where she invites and encourages the viewer to visit real and imaginary places where shape, vibrant color, luminous light, and a sense of movement provide literal form to the pieces. Tish’s style is loose and expressive impressionist. A longtime resident of Santa Cruz, Tish runs and hikes through the woods and along the ocean allowing nature’s beauty to feed her soul and inspire her works. She returned to school in her mid-thirties to earn both a Bachelor of Fine Arts and a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential from San Jose State University. For several years she taught art in local elementary schools. Painting is a source of immense joy for Tish and considers the process of creating art essential to leading a balanced and meaningful life. Barbara Martin is a Drummer and Multi-Percussionist, originally from Guantanamo City, Cuba. While studying music in at college Santa Clara, Cuba, she had the opportunity to perform with the Harvard Symphony Orchestra, as well as other traditional and popular Cuban bands. She also gained extensive teaching experience while in college by teaching music at the middle and high school levels. Arriving to the United States in 2016, she has taught music in various schools and performed in different bands throughout California. She is currently studying Music at Cabrillo College as well as working as a TA for the Music Department, where she also co-directs the Cabrillo Latin Jazz Ensemble. She currently directs, plays drums/percussion and i

We are thrilled to host the landmark 95th California Landscape Exhibition! This year, we invite you to join our team, our volunteers, and our community alongside distinguished juror Warren Chang to honor the stunning, diverse scenes that define California. Awards for first, second, third, and honorable mentions will be announced around 6 to 6:30pm.

The Institute of the Arts and Science(IAS) is excited to announce our August first Friday event! Friday, August 7th join us at the IAS and enjoy after hours viewing of the exhibition, exhibition related activities like letter writing to those included in Libia Posada’s “Blue Portraits” and much more Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. When: Friday, August 7th, 2026 Where: Institute of the Arts and Sciences 100 Panetta Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Join Beth Stiles of One-Handed Knitting for a fun First Friday event featuring her amazing, knitted creations that she does with one hand! We will have some delicious treats, beverages and a fun community of people at the Live Oak Refillery on Friday August 7th from 5pm-8pm. Come join Beth and all her friends for a fun and cozy gathering! Browse and support Beth’s beautiful handcrafted knitted creations by purchasing one (or more!) of her unique pieces. We’d love to see you there! A little bit about Beth: Hi, I’m Beth. I have been knitting for 58 years. I knit with one hand, since I have cerebral palsy. It’s a way for me to relax. I have made hats, minister stoles, Afghans, baby blankets, mini-Afghans, grandparents baby blankets, scarves, mittens and much more. I am a third generation knitter.

After a brief hiatus from first friday, Kraken Art Studio & Gallery is back—and we’re still Kraken! Join us for our August First Friday as we reopen our doors and welcome the community back into our creative space. Browse artwork by John Martinez, Mark Perry, and Beverly Connelly, explore our working studio, and enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and downtown Santa Cruz. We’re excited to be back and look forward to seeing familiar faces and meeting new ones.

Friday, August 7 | 6:00–8:00 PM 1338 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz We’re excited to feature local artist Pegatha Hughes, whose beautiful acrylic paintings inspired by family, flowers, and landscapes will be on display throughout the evening. About the Artist:For over thirty years, Pegatha was an outdoor watercolor and acrylic landscape painter. Today, she primarily works with acrylics, drawing inspiration from her own photographs of family, flowers, and landscapes. Pegatha lives in Scotts Valley with her husband, Paul. You can explore more of her work at www.pegathahughes.com. Featured Tastings:We’re also excited to welcome Taste of the Levant, sharing handcrafted, small-batch Mediterranean flavors made right here in Santa Cruz. Inspired by their heritage, their delicious creations are a wonderful way to experience the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. Learn about our mission and explore our handcrafted products. Shop unique goods from local artists and makers. Connect with your community and enjoy a relaxing summer evening. We hope you’ll join us for an evening of art, great food, and community. We can’t wait to see you!

Join Us to Hold Grief, Witness, and Care for Gaza’s Children 36 handmade quilts. 720 infants remembered. Watching from a distance—in a country whose government is implicated—was not bearable. So community members stitched with care, imagining the babies who should have been wrapped in these quilts. We’ll reflect, witness, and grieve in solidarity that moves us toward greater responsibility. Light refreshments will be served.