Exhibits

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Current Exhibit: October 27 – December 22

The Santa Cruz County Government Center at 701 Ocean Street is currently showcasing artwork from five talented local artists. The art exhibits are on the 1st and 5th floors, and artists rotate every three months. The series is a collaboration with Santa Cruz County Parks. Open hours: 8am - 5pm Monday through Friday.

Suzy Norris

Painting, 1st Floor

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Anil Sawe

Painting, 1st Floor

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Myra Eastman

Painting, 5th Floor

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Julianne Bonnet

Digital Art, 5th Floor

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Santa Cruz Woodworkers

Display Cases on 1st & 5th floors

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Call to Artists

Exhibit at the Santa Cruz County Government Center

Santa Cruz County artists and craftspeople are invited to apply to exhibit in the Santa Cruz County Government Center during the 2024 exhibit year. Artwork will be displayed on the walls and in glass cases on the First and Fifth floors.

Eligibility/Guidelines:

  • Must be a resident of Santa Cruz County

  • Cannot have participated in the 2023 exhibits at the County Government Center

  • All submitted work samples must have been created in the last four years and be representative of the style and content that you plan to exhibit

  • All work should be appropriate to a public office building - religious or political subjects, nudity, and violence are not acceptable

Facts for Applicants

  • Friday, December 8th: online applications due to Arts Council

  • Twelve 2-D artists and three 3-D artists are selected for each yearly exhibit cycle

  • Artists selected to exhibit will be notified the week of December 18th

  • Exhibit Year: January to December

  • Artist Eligibility: Every other year

Applications Process

Entries will be accepted electronically and must be received by 5pm, Friday, December 8th.

Entry Fee

Pay a $25 non-refundable entry fee online or by check payable to Arts Council Santa Cruz County. Mail checks to 1070 River St., Attention: Ann Ostermann, or drop off in person Monday-Thursday from 11am to 4pm.

Entry fees must be received by Monday, December 11th in order for your application to be screened.

About the Exhibits

Arts Council Santa Cruz County presents three exhibits each year at the County Government Center, featuring local artists. Co-sponsored by the County Department of Public Works, shows consists of work from five artists: two artists displaying on the First floor walls; two artists displaying on the Fifth floor walls; and one 3-D artist showing work in display cases on the First & Fifth Floors (display cases are 92" long x 19" deep x 21" high). Additionally, in March/April/May, the Arts Council produces a Youth Art Exhibit showcasing artwork created through arts education programs in Santa Cruz County schools.

Santa Cruz County artists and craftspeople are invited to apply once a year. Exhibits begin in January and run for approximately 9 weeks. Arts Council provides all hanging & display hardware and pays for a First Friday Art Tour listing (optional). Artists are eligible to exhibit every other year.

Applicants are screened by the selection committee, consisting of two professional artists, the Open Studios Art Tour Director, an Arts Council Board member, a Santa Cruz County Arts Commissioner, a representative from the County Public Works Department, and two County employees. The Selection Committee strives to provide quality exhibits representing the diverse talents of our local artists. Artists should be aware that the County Government Center is not a gallery and should plan their shows to be appropriate for a public office building. Inappropriate or unsuitable material will not be displayed.

Questions?

Contact Ann Ostermann, Open Studios & Events Director

ann@artscouncilsc.org | office: 831-475-9600 x17 | cell/text: 831-226-1189