The mission of the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission is to promote, expand and plan for the cultural life of Santa Cruz County and to bring artists and arts organizations together with government for the benefit of all the citizens of the County.

NOMINATIONS FOR ARTIST OF THE YEAR

The Santa Cruz County Arts Commission is seeking nominations for the upcoming year “Artist of the Year” Award, given for outstanding achievement in the discipline of performing, visual or literary arts. Nominees must be residents of the County, have received National recognition, have created or presented work in the County, and have contributed to the enrichment of the local arts com-munity. For more information call 454-7900.

ART-RELATED ACTIVITIES

Go to the Activity Guide download page for current information

PERCENT FOR ART PROGRAM

In April of 1991, the Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors took action to establish a Percent for Art Program. Up to 2% of the cost of construction of County buildings and parks can be designated to fund the inclusion of public art work.

The County’s most recent public art project, “Skyballs” (see artist's rendering to right), was installed at Anna Jean Cummings Park (Old San Jose Rd., Aptos), in the spring of 2001. Four large, sky-blue balls appear to be rolling down the gently sloping hill. A team of artists, Steve Gillman and Katherine Keefer, constructed the 8-9 ft. diameter concrete spheres.

Other public art projects include: “Vessel Fence Line” by Jack Mackie, at Simpkins Family Swim Center; “Harbor” by Larry Kirkland, at the County Health Services building; “Standing Blue Herons” by Barbara Abbott and Sandra Whiting; and “Source of Life” by Guillermo Aranda and Ralph D’Oliviera, at the Juvenile Hall Detention Center in Felton.