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

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Join us for Mothersong every first Friday of the month ~ sing and dance with us at our Main Library, Meeting Room at 10:30am. Audience: Families Se le invita a nuestro programa Mothersong cada primer viernes del mes ~ cante y baile con nosotros en nuestra Biblioteca Principal, Sala de Reuniones a las 10:30am. Audiencia: Familias

First Friday at The Painted Cork — Live Music, Art Lounge & Local Art Celebrate First Friday with us at our vibrant Westside Santa Cruz studio! From 3–8 PM, enjoy an evening filled with creativity, community, and live music. 🖼️ Local Art Showcase Browse artwork created by local Santa Cruz artists throughout the studio — a perfect way to support and connect with our creative community. 🍺 Local Beer & Wine Sip on favorites from Santa Cruz breweries and wineries while you enjoy the music and art. 🎶 Live Music — No Cover We’re excited to welcome Wasabi Santa Cruz, performing alongside a cover band for a full afternoon of great local music. Come relax, sip, and enjoy — no charge for the music. 🎨 Art Lounge (DIY Creative Experience) Explore your creativity in our Art Lounge! Choose from a variety of DIY painting and craft projects while enjoying a drink from our beer and wine bar. All supplies included Written instructions or video tutorials Social, self‑paced experience Kitchen open until 7 PM Reserve your project online and we’ll have everything ready when you arrive. Bar seating is first‑come, first‑served (no project purchase required). Join us for a lively, creative First Friday celebration on the Westside!

Extended by popular demand world renowned artist Jim Phillips presents his first ever one-man show of new artworks with newly added original pen and ink drawings. “The show is a culmination of many years of dedication to my art.” Phillips said. “Having the show in Santa Cruz is perfect. It’s the place where I honed my skllls on a variety of jobs for local venues, and established my mark internationally.” Jim’s graphics and surf and skate-themed artworks are a global cultural phenomenon, with millions of fans drawn to Santa Cruz Red Dot and the Screaming Hand, which he created in 1985. FIrst Friday August 7, 4-7 pm Gallery Hours: Thursday – Saturday, 1-4 p Exhibit runs through October 31

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

Kara is an award-winning natural world photographer who lives in the Pleasure Point Neighborhood of Santa Cruz. She learned the love of travel at a young age and was given her first camera at the age of ten. Ever since she’s traveled the world making photos. While she loves traveling to faraway places to photograph endangered species, her main love is where she lives. She recently published a children’s book of her photos showing the Monterey Bay with its unique diversity from its mountains to the sea. Meet Kara at our First Friday reception, Aug. 7, 4-7 p.m. at the Silver Mountain Tasting Room, 328 D Ingalls St. Enjoy a glass of wine while chatting with Kara about her extensive travels and stunning photography.

Please, join us every Friday this month, as we are open late and will be showcasing ALL our local Fine Artists that are hanging around this summer including, Nick Conte, Lupe Santos, Sylvia Valentine, Maylene Rasmussen, Sally Bookman, Beth Shields, Thomas Kinkade, Salvador Dali, and Michelle Nicely. We are also happy to announce we will be keeping the famed Rock n Roll photography of Jay Blakesberg. He has shot for Rolling Stone Magazine for over 40 years and is sole photographer for Dead and Company. Now, in the Grammy Museum. Look for our upcoming private event September, First Friday.

Join us for First Friday Gallery Night and Live Music at The Green Spot! We are excited to continue our gallery spotlight in-store with featured artist Leah Rose. Trianna will kick things off with live music, playing guitar and singing to set a warm, chill vibe for the evening. Come by, enjoy our classic charcuterie trays, and browse the gallery at your own pace. You can purchase Leah Rose’s art all month long, and First Friday is the perfect time to meet the artist spotlight and take something home. We would love to see you, so stop by the Green Spot for a welcoming night of art, music, and good bites!

“Epiphanies “ Solo exhibition by Zara Kand July 3-August 28 Receptions : July 3 and Aug 7 Gallery Hours : Thurs-Sun , 11-6pm Zara Kand is a south California Artist who paints dreamy emotional themes with dark psychological undertones .

For August’s First Friday, Minnow Arts is presenting the work of F U Tattoo artists and their extended friends! Swing by for an evening filled with socializing with the artists and viewing their work. The type of work includes paintings, sculptures, and mixed media. DJ @chicano_electric will be providing music for the event. We hope to see you there!

About the Process: These woodcut and linocut block prints are made by hand using direct references of fish caught locally by my husband and sons. Once they’ve brought their fresh catch home, I make quick study drawings, take measurements, and reference photos before they prep it for dinner. I can then develop a life-size drawing of the fish and transfer it onto a block of wood or a block of linoleum. I carve out these blocks using a variety of small gouges, and roll ink over the entire block to reveal my final image by pressing paper (using small hand tools) on top. They are often confused with Gyotaku prints (the traditional Japanese method of printing fish by applying ink directly to the fish itself). My relief printing method allows me to have more creative freedom, enhance detail where I need, and to print multiple versions. I have been particularly interested in pairing and adding in other block print details, like floral motifs, to provide a visual contrast. About the artist: Tina Fuller Somers is a Santa Cruz-based multi-disciplinary artist whose work blends art, nature, and science. Through her freelance work as Hawk & Hammer Studio, she creates art and illustration with the purpose of connecting, engaging, and inspiring. Projects and works include interpretive panels, woodblock prints, watercolor illustrations, and murals. In addition to her freelance work, Tina is an instructor at the Science Illustration Certification Program at California State University Monterey Bay. View more at www.hawkandhammer.com or follow @hawkandhammergram. Join us for a welcoming reception in celebration of Tina’s show here at Stripe! Drinks and snacks will be served.

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.

I invite you to explore Susan Brown’s world, at Gabriella Cafe, First Friday, August 7, 5—7 PM. Susan Brown’s works capture the essence of Santa Cruz downtown, neighborhoods, and nearby towns and favorite local destinations. You’ll see Santa Cruz County in a different way! Many of her well known paintings give life to lesser known places, such as “just a street.” Her Santa Cruz County paintings are not typical “coastal or beach scenes;”such as her acrylic painting, “Davenport Evening,” (shown in the San Diego Museum of Art Exhibition, March 2025-November 2026); which poses questions for the viewer; asking where the road may lead, and evoking a sense of recognition or deja vu, whether or not one has actually been there. Susan uses technique, color and perspective to give the viewer a sense of place that somehow feels both familiar and new at the same time. We look forward to showing you the “Other Santa Cruz.”

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.

Gallery 125 at The Tannery is open for First Friday from 5 to 8pm on August 7th. We have paintings, prints, cards, sculpture, jewelry, pastels, assemblage, etc. in all sizes and prices to meet everyone’s taste and budget. Come visit us! Showing the work of Beth Shields, Lynne Todaro, Melissa West, Linda Fillhardt and Joan Hellenthal.

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

Calvary Cultural Center is excited to present Connor O’Neill’s whimsical, jazzy artwork. Connor’s art screams of lyrical adventure, inviting the viewer to stay for a while and explore. Please join us for this solo artist event and reception. Read about Connor and his work in Santa Cruz Vibes Magazine https://www.scvibesmagazine.com/stories/connor-oneill or check out his clothing line Pen Pal at http://www.instagram.com/penpalsocialmedia.

As sisters, we have spent our lives collecting things—objects, stories, memories, fragments of the ordinary and the extraordinary. While our artistic paths have taken different forms, we share a fascination with making connections and finding meaning in unexpected places. In this exhibition, textiles, assemblage, found objects, and artifacts become vehicles for exploration. Familiar materials are transformed through stitching, layering, arranging, and reimagining. A discarded object becomes a relic. An eye chart becomes a chair. A faded photograph becomes the beginning of a story. Neither of us is interested in providing answers. Instead, we are drawn to questions: What stories do objects carry? What do we choose to remember? What do we overlook? How does meaning change when something is removed from its original purpose and given a new life? Curious Sisters celebrates wonder, discovery, and the pleasure of seeing the world through a lens of possibility. It is an invitation to slow down, look closer, and follow your own sense of curiosity wherever it may lead About Judy & Wendy: Judy Stabile has never met a piece of fabric, an old eye chart, or an intriguing object she couldn’t imagine becoming something else. Originally trained as a sculptor, she now works primarily with textiles, printmaking, and surface design, creating one-of-a-kind garments, furnishings, and mixed-media pieces that blur the line between art, clothing, and storytelling. She is fascinated by pattern, repetition, stitching, printing, and the endless possibilities hidden inside ordinary materials. Judy approaches her studio like a laboratory for curiosity. A medical diagram might become a chair. An eye exam might become a coat. A scrap of cloth might spark an entirely new narrative. Her work is playful, thoughtful, and driven by a belief that the most interesting discoveries often begin with the simple question: “What would happen if…?” As one of the Curious Sisters, Judy shares with her sister Wen

Gallery 125 at The Tannery is open for First Friday from 5 to 8pm on August 7th. We have paintings, prints, cards, sculpture, jewelry, pastels, assemblage, etc. in all sizes and prices to meet everyone’s taste and budget. Come visit us! Showing the work of Beth Shields, Lynne Todaro, Melissa West, Linda Fillhardt and Joan Hellenthal.

Photo: Bella by Brittany Costanzo FIRST FRIDAY at TREEHOUSE! Celebrate the Summer with us! Community over everything. <3 Stop by & enjoy great music, great deals on cannabis, great gift opportunities from local artisans, & great community. 🙂 We offer specials on our featured cannabis brands, discounts on artists who have work on display, and a penny wheel for you to spin when you spend over $50! Specials run all day! Event is from 5 – 8p! Live Music by Billy Reese from 6-7:30pm! NEW Resident Artists on Display: Cole Lemke (aka Chump Magic), Ariel Taylor, Brittany Costanzo, & Mio Kamstra-Brown Featured Local Artisans: • Penning Beads • IrieCycle Arts • Stitch and Story • Baked By Cupc8ke • Holly Waldie • K'an Artisinal • Rainbow.Dot Arts • Jen Raynes Art • NML Sustainable Designs • Featured Cannabis Brands (Some will be here in person!): • Arcata Fire • BLOOM • CLSICS • Daze Off • Give Thanks • Greenline • Habitat • Heavy Hitters • Jetty • Kwik Ease • Maven Genetics • Not Your Fathers • Pabst • Pacific Stone • PLUS • Raw Garden • Shooters • Space Craft • St. Ides • UpNorth • Follow us on Instagram @treehousedispensary_sc! Head to our website for all the details! www.OurTreehouse.io · (831) 471-8289 · 3651 Soquel Drive, Soquel CA · C10-0000105-LIC · 21+ only please We can't wait to see you there! 🙂 Swing by to look at the art on our walls & take advantage of our dope deals!

Santa Cruz Korean Center K-Gallery will show various Fan Art and Sale. Korean Artist EunKyung Lee Otte will show and tell her unique and authentic hanging fan, holding fan etc. Santa Cruz Korean Center K-gallery is located Tannery Art Center . 1050 River St. Studio 114 Santa Cruz CA 95060. K-Gallery will demo fan Art around 6 Pm on Aug. 7 Come and Enjoy Summer special Fan Art show and Sale!

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

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.

Meet a local author, see live raptors, and explore our Mini Nature Museum. First Friday at the Land Trust. Free & all ages welcome! Whether you’re an avid birder, a curious beginner, a family looking for a fun Friday evening, or someone who’s ever stopped to wonder, “What bird is making that sound?” – this evening is for you! Join the Land Trust of Santa Cruz County for a special bird- themed First Friday celebrating the incredible birds that call Santa Cruz County home. Meet local bird experts, connect with fellow nature enthusiasts, and discover how protecting open spaces helps birds and our entire community thrive. Throughout the evening, expect: 🦅 Live raptors 📚 A local author 🪶 An interactive nature museum 🛍️ Local conservation-minded vendors 🎟️ Free admission Whether you’re hoping to identify your first bird, inspire a young naturalist, or simply spend an evening surrounded by people who love the outdoors, we’d love to see you there. When: Friday, August 7th, 5:00 – 8:00 pm Where: Land Trust of Santa Cruz County Office, 911 Center St, Santa Cruz 95060 Here’s What’s Waiting for You 📖 Meet the Author of Birds of Santa Cruz Discover the remarkable birds that call Santa Cruz County home alongside someone who knows them best. Local author Sophie Wood Brinker will share stories from her beautifully illustrated book, Birds of Santa Cruz, and sign copies throughout the evening. Whether you’re hoping to identify the birds visiting your backyard, prepare for your next hike, or simply deepen your appreciation for the wildlife around you, Sophie will be available to answer questions, share her expertise, and help you see our local landscapes through a new lens. 🦅 Experience Live Birds of Prey There is nothing quite like seeing a hawk, falcon, or owl up close. Join a local falconer for a live falconry demonstration featuring magnificent birds of prey and learn about the centuries-old tradition of falconry, the incredible adaptations that make these birds such skilled hunte

First Friday at Santa Cruz Art Expressions 🎨🎶 Doors open at 5 PM for an evening of art, music, and creative connection at Santa Cruz Art Expressions. Enjoy a live DJ set, light refreshments, and the buzz of First Friday energy as the gallery comes alive. Meet featured artist Kelli C. Foss, known for her vibrant abstract paintings and unmistakable, intuitive style. Guests are invited beyond the gallery walls and into her personal studio for an intimate, behind-the-scenes look at her process, works in progress, and the creative world that shapes her art. In addition to Foss’s work, explore a curated selection of artists on display throughout the space, offering a rich mix of styles and perspectives. Come to mingle, move to the music, and immerse yourself in an inspired evening celebrating art and community in the heart of Santa Cruz.

Get stoked, Santa Cruz! 🌊📸 We are beyond hyped to host an exclusive art exhibit featuring the legendary work of decorated surf and ocean photographer, Dave “Nelly” Nelson! If you love the ocean, surf culture, and mind-blowing photography, this is one night you absolutely cannot miss. Come hang out, grab some good vibes, and be the first to witness an incredible collection of never-before-seen images from Nelly’s archives. Plus, we’re hosting an exclusive book signing—the perfect chance to snag a legendary piece of Santa Cruz surf history straight from the man himself! 🤙 Here’s what’s going down: What: Dave “Nelly” Nelson Art Exhibit & Book Signing When: Opening Night Reception – Friday, August 7, 2026 | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM Where: Sunny California – 912 41st Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 Bonus: We’re hosting an epic RAFFLE! Make sure to sign up at the door for your chance to win some amazing prizes. 🎟️🔥 (Can’t make it to opening night? No sweat! The show will be running through the entire month of August. But this is your chance to hang with the man himself) See you there! 👇 @nellysmagicmoments @sunnycalifornia_santacruz #DaveNellyNelson #SantaCruz #SantaCruzSurf #SurfPhotography #OceanPhotography #SunnyCalifornia #SantaCruzEvents #SurfCulture #SkatePhotography #ArtExhibit #MontereyBay

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

Please join us for this extra special exhibit! Come to the artist reception and meet Jack, hear about his unique art and life. Make a reservation for a table or a fire pit, or just grab a spot at the bar. We are open early and late, so don’t miss this colorful show. Abstract Paintings by Jack Mento Born in Hawaii and growing up in Syracuse, NY my nickname was Diamond which in Hawaiian is Kaimana. Although Hawaii will always be my spiritual home, I have lived in different places including Hawaii, New York, Arizona, Colorado and currently in the beautiful Sierra Nevada foothills in Northern California. My art is a unique expression of the many roads I’ve traveled, the things I’ve felt and seen, and the countless colorful adventures this life has given me. I started painting in 1986 and realized it was a deep way to express myself. At first my art had more of a realistic style that depicted my everyday experiences. Over time my work developed into a visual impression of the world around me and the mystery within. The art always seems to take me beyond what I imagined. Sometimes when I paint, I realize I am merely a witness to what transpires while the brush is in hand. I hope my art reaches people on a level that evokes their imagination about their own inner landscape as well as their curiosity about the world outside themselves. I believe one function of Art is to make visible to you the Mysteries of life on an emotionally deeper level. It is the life within and without that truly has led me to create what you see here. Contact info: Email : [email protected] Website : kaimanaart.com Venmo: @John-Mento-7

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

First Fridays at The 418 Project First Friday of Every Month 5:00–9:00 PM The 418 Project • 155 S River Street, Santa Cruz Free Admission Celebrate the vibrant creativity of Santa Cruz at First Fridays at The 418 Project! Each month, our lobby transforms into a welcoming marketplace and gathering space featuring local artists, makers, vendors, and creative organizations. Browse original artwork, discover handmade goods, meet the people behind the work, and enjoy an evening of art, conversation, and community. Whether you’re looking to support local artists, find something unique, or simply spend an inspiring evening downtown, First Fridays is a place to connect with the creative spirit of Santa Cruz. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome. Come explore, meet local creatives, and experience why The 418 Project is a place to move and be moved.

Join us Friday August 7th, from 6:00-9:00pm for the astrophotography of Christian Ryun! Up for August & September Meet The artist while enjoying wine & refreshments in our beautiful Loft! Message from the artist: My name is Christian Ryun and I am a photographer based in Santa Cruz, CA. In middle school, I worked all summer to afford my first camera. From dragonflies to water drops, that little camera opened the door to a lifelong love of photography. I found my passion in astrophotography through the Great American Total Solar Eclipse of 2017. Something that awe inspiring really grabbed a hold of me and I have been hooked ever since. In addition to photography, I have also been backpacking around the Western US for over 20 years. It was only natural that some of the darkest skies I could find for astrophotography would be in the backcountry!

Thread Bare: Erotic Textiles Make your way to LGC Friday August 7th from 6-9pm for a collection of suggestive pieces from local sewists, weavers, knitters, crotcheters, and embroidery artists. Ranging from the lighthearted to lewd, this collection is sure to be entertaining and titillating. Featuring works by Amanda Payne Ann Altstatt Arden Rosenthal Bobby Gordon Colette Rabin Derek Pratt Haley Ricci J Atencio Juliette Saux Lisa Sprinkle Martabel Wasserman Pete Brook Sophie Bassett LGC is an inclusive space and all are welcome, be aware of adult themes when bringing in younger viewers. 115 river st S Next to Mobo Sushi

The August show features Gelli, Mono, and Relief prints with PATT participants: Bob Rocco, Andrée LeBourveau, Ann Miya, Lu Lee, A V Pike, Jane Gregorius, Susan Gilchrist, and Cindy Haug, and guest artist Margitta Dietrick.

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!

Currently, Cat Alley Street has local artist Harry Hat displaying his fun, whimsical drawings/painting on our walls, along with other pictures that fit our aesthetic. Cat Alley Street is a swanky 1920s themed vampire nightclub, located at the Catalyst upstairs. We have a full bar, beautiful lounge, and great DJs playing electronic dance music Thursday thru Sunday, usually with no cover. This venue is 21+. Occasionally we have live jazz or bluegrass in the Sun Room. The bar & lounge open at 6pm, DJs start at 9. We will soon have food service at the Catalyst downstairs food counter, which can be brought upstairs. Our intention is all about creating an atmosphere that feels beautiful, safe, and genuinely welcoming.

First Friday Santa Cruz & Radius Gallery present a special exhibition! The Art of Flowers – Call for art and fresh floral designs Calling all floral designers, 3D vessel crafters (must hold water), and artists working in a variety of 2D and 3D media with a theme of flowers – we’d love to see non-literal, abstract and surreal work! Performance art welcome! Application is open to all Santa Cruz, Santa Clara, Monterey & San Mateo county artists. Up to two original works can be entered on the same form for consideration. No prints or reproductions please. Submissions will be reviewed and selected by the exhibition curators. APPLY HERE IMPORTANT INFO: Exhibition Location: Radius Gallery | 1050 River St #127, Santa Cruz,CA Exhibition Dates: August 6-16 Opening Reception: August 6, 6-8pm First Friday: August 7, 5-9pm Open Gallery Hours: Wed-Sun, 12-5pm Other special events TBA Application Deadline: July 3, midnight Application fee: $25 Acceptance Notifications Sent: July 10 Art Delivery: July 29-30 Florals designed in gallery: August 4-5 Commission on Sold Work: 60/40 (Artist/Gallery) Curated by Ann Hazels & Bree Karpavage. Contact: Bree Karpavage – [email protected] with questions.

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.

“Confluence”: where separate currents meet. This exhibition pairs the work of Santa Cruz artists Susana Arias and Glenn Carter, on view August 7 through September 13 at M.K. Contemporary Art Gallery. “Confluence” is exhibited alongside of 25+ local and regional artists whose work we adore. We will be hosting live, improvisational jazz music from the talented musicians of “the Leftovers”

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.

Confluence: where separate currents meet. The exhibition brings together two distinct practices, each shaped by its own materials, process, and point of view - meeting at a single point within the gallery. Carter's work begins from a place of not knowing, letting intuition guide the encounter between material and chance. Arias describes her work as primitive contemporary, presenting her sculptures as if they belonged in a history museum - objects that carry the weight and presence of relics. Together, their work forms a quiet conversation about what separate paths can become when they meet. "Susana and Glenn each bring such a deeply distinctive artistic voice to their work," said Rose Sellery, exhibition curator. "Confluence explores the fertile ground where two creative currents meet. Their work remains unmistakably their own, yet in conversation with one another it reveals new layers of meaning, beauty and possibility." Confluence is shown alongside work from more than 25 local and regional artists whose work the gallery is proud to represent, reflecting M.K. Contemporary's ongoing commitment to the Santa Cruz arts community. The exhibition opens with a First Friday reception on August 7, featuring live improvisational jazz from The Leftovers. The public is invited to attend.

Pole Fitness 101 is more than just aerial training. Get movement training you’ll use for life! ✅Pole technique with dance & fitness modules ✅Functional conditioning ✅Mobility & flexibility training ✅High level Xpert Xpole certified (L1-L4) ✅FRC certified Mobility Specialist (FRCms) Drop in on one class or attend the fully programmed module for 7 weeks! Fridays 6 pm. www.ohanastudiosantacruz.com

A documentary screening about mischief and theft at Walt Disney World, including the half-million-dollar animatronic heist. Followed by filmmaker Q&A.

Artisans & agency is delighted to feature the luminous paintings of Brian Rounds for the month of August. His plein air paintings of Santa Cruz woodlands and coasts are the perfect way to wrap up the summer and head into fall. We hope you can join us on August 7 from 6-8pm, to admire his work and meet Brian Rounds in person. A word from the artist… Art has the power to instill in us a sense of belonging. When I was growing up in California, rapid suburban development resulted in a dichotomous landscape — places of commerce intermixed with patches of land left somewhat wild. While the grid of technology and commodity provides many benefits, the forests, creeks, and trails present something indispensable: contact with what is ancient and nameless. My landscape paintings offer a sanctuary, a meditation, a place where one can lose oneself in the contours of nature. I seek places that inspire me with harmonies of composition, tone, and color, and there begins the process of building a small reflection of the world before me—an absorbing task urged on by the gradual and changing passage of light. Through the act of painting outdoors, I hope to express the unique and mysterious pull that landscape holds when we take time to feel a connection to it. Not unlike the American luminists, who explored nature’s mysteries by rendering light and color in spatially expansive landscapes, I strive to make light palpable and offer the viewer a sense of wonder and engagement with the natural world.