"First Friday"--Santa Cruz’s popular monthly art and gallery tour--now features more than two dozen venues around the downtown area.
On June 3, three of those venues will showcase the work of UCSC student artists.
The “2011 Creative Collective” at the R. Blitzer Gallery (in the former Wrigley Building) is an exhibition consisting of the work of eight students and five of the professors who have inspired them.
The brainchild of graduating senior art student, Lili Arnold, the idea was to curate a student/faculty art show and also benefit the Santa Cruz community.
Including a wide variety of work from photography to sculpture, the show’s sales and donations will be used to create a scholarship for two Santa Cruz high school students who have exhibited "amazing potential and passion for their craft."
The goal: to inspire the next generation of artists in Santa Cruz.
An opening reception kicks off the show on June 3rd, with music by The Coffis Brothers and the North Pacific String Band. The exhibition runs through the end of June.
Featured artists include UCSC students and faculty Ken Alley, Lili Arnold, Jeffrey Cheung, Chris Cravey, Frank Galuszka, Deena Hashem, Miguel Libarnes, Garrett McGovern, Cody Pearce, Katie Perry, Paul Rangell, Julia Warner, and Richard Wohlfeiler.
Another stop on the June 3 tour is Santa Cruz’ own Museum of Art and History, which is featuring an exhibition created by UCSC students called “Our Threads of Allegiance: World War II in Santa Cruz and Abroad.”
The exhibition celebrates the contributions of Santa Cruz citizens to the WWII relief effort, weaving together historical objects and personal stories to explore the relationship between local Santa Cruz citizens and those abroad during the war.
During First Friday, the exhibit will feature a special mock portrait studio (from 12-2 pm) where children are invited to dress-up in the attire of World War II and contribute their own tex "tile" to the Museum's growing visitor quilt.
Later that evening, a reception will take place from 5 to 9 pm, including live music, refreshments, and curator-led tours.
And at the Cellar Door (328 Ingalls St), UCSC grads Samantha Suddaby, Sean Vranizan, and Will Kasten will also be showing their wares.
The First Friday Art Tour is a free community event that takes place each month throughout the city of Santa Cruz. For more information, go to First Friday.
