A countywide celebration of visual and performing arts kicked off April 16 and will run through April 26.
The Ripple Effect Santa Cruz County Arts Festival is the County’s effort to highlight the creative community during California’s Arts, Culture and Creativity Month.
Organizers said the event brings together local artists, cultural organizations, and venues to showcase a broad range of artistic disciplines, including visual arts, music, dance, theater, poetry, fashion and interactive workshops.
Events include exhibitions, performances, pop-ups, and hands-on workshops across multiple venues throughout the county. While some activities are free, others, such as the finale, require tickets.
Each venue manages its own events and ticketing, and parking options vary by location.
The grassroots, volunteer-driven festival aims to strengthen the local arts community and economy, organizers said.
Watsonville events include “Many Truths, One World: Mariposa Arts Showcase & Artwork” by Claraty Arts at Watsonville Center for the Arts; the ongoing PV Arts exhibit, “Hot off the Walls, and recent paintings by Annie Morhauser at Annieglass.
On Saturday Watsonville Public Library, 275 Main St., will host the Poets’ Circle featuring Watsonville writer Madeline “Maddie” Aliah, an award-winning teen author whose work spans poetry, fiction, and creative nonfiction. She will be joined by her mother, Geneffa Jahan, a longtime Cabrillo College English instructor and poet from 1-3pm.
On Sunday the Guelaguetza Festival from 10-4pm in Santa Cruz. It will feature around 150 performers, food vendors with traditional Oaxacan plates and more.
The Vive Oaxaca Guelaguetza is an authentic cultural festival with food, dance, music, and crafts presented each spring by Senderos. Similar to festivals in Oaxaca, Mexico, Guelaguetza is a Zapotec word that means “a commitment of sharing and cooperation.” Guelaguetza is a celebration that honors the gods for sufficient rainfall and a bountiful harvest, organizers said.
The festival takes place at Branciforte Small Schools campus, 840 North Branciforte Ave., Santa Cruz. Admission is $10, and children under 5 are free.For information, visit rippleartsfestsantacruz.org.
