Tue, Apr 28, 2020
Kindness Rocks: May Community Craft
For the month of May, we are hosting a community craft and making kindness rocks. Learn how with our step-by-step guide!
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Life Outside
With school, work, hangouts, and entertainment found behind a computer screen these days, I am trying to squeeze in as much time outside as I can before winter. Join me in getting some fresh air, moving our bodies, and getting creative with this month's community craft project.
I've rounded up some local outdoor happenings by awesome organizations that are here to support you safely getting outdoors and having fun.
For this month's craft project, once you get outside and your eyes re-adjust to the real world, we're making memory boxes! Fill yours with things you find outside, or things that have gotten you through shelter in place. This craft is great for all ages and an awesome family project to help process this unprecedented time together. As local Middle School Teacher, Kenia Goicochea, shared in her interview with us a few weeks back, “[she] saw a beautiful fervor arise in them (her students), and excitement to capture this historic event through their lives’ lenses.”
Memory Boxes
Outside the Box Memory Craft
- Find a box! You can use a cardboard box, a shoebox, an altoid tin, a hollowed out book, or even a cereal box.
- Get your Inspiration on how to decorate your box and what to put inside. Check out our pinterest board for some ideas. https://www.pinterest.com/santacruzmah/outside-the-box-craft/
- Decorate your box in any way you want!
- Fill your box by following these instructions. Feel free to add more if you want.
Fill your Box with...
- Something you find beautiful
- Something from nature
- An item that brings you joy
- An item or phrase that reminds you to stay strong
- Something that makes you feel safe
- An object that is your favorite color
- Something that reminds you of someone you love
When filling your box, try to stay away from food and make sure to get permission if an item belongs to someone else. If you want to put something in your box that is too big, draw a picture, take a photo, or write down what it is and put that in the box instead.
Then take a picture! We would love to see what you made. Either tag @santacruzmah on social media or email jamie@santacruzmah.org.
Local Happenings
Getting outside is easy when you live in Santa Cruz County. The natural landscape and the ocean are great places to visit, but if you are craving more of an event, here are some local happenings this month:
Pajaro Valley Arts Outdoor Sculpture Exhibition
Sculpture IS: In the Garden 2020, marks their fourteenth sculpture exhibit in partnership with Sierra Azul Nursery and Garden. It features over 90 sculptures created by 42 artists and collaborators. Visit the stunning two-acre demonstration garden, relax under the umbrellas, and spend an afternoon enjoying the exhibit. It is on view through October 31st, 2020.
Ecology Action Biketober Challenge
Bicycling is a healthy, affordable, and climate-friendly form of transportation and recreation. Ecology Action believes that everyone who wants to ride a bike should be able to, wherever their destination and whatever their purpose. They had so much fun with Bike Month they are back with another challenge. Santa Cruz Biketober is happening October 1st - 31st. Set a goal for yourself and/or your company, enjoy a ride, win prizes, and share your stories.
Art Outside with the MAH
Visit Community is Collective Care
Free to visit daily Community is Collective Care is an outdoor exhibition that calls you to imagine individual and collective pathways toward healing with artist Irene Juárez O’Connell. Located behind the museum, enter through Abbott Square.
Take Yourself on a Tour
Check out our list of some must-see murals across Santa Cruz County here. Or go on a self-guided tour of the historic Evergreen Cemetery here.
Celebrate Día de Muertos
Get ready for a re-imagined Día de Muertos celebration with opportunities to come together and remember those we have lost. The celebration begins on October 15th. Check out the full list of offerings >>
Tue, Jun 9, 2020
Chalk Your Walk: June Community Craft
Share words of encouragement, joy, and solidarity by drawing with chalk. Get inspiration, a DIY chalk paint recipe, and a Q&A with a local chalk artist.
Tue, Aug 4, 2020
August Community Craft: Face Masks
Stop the spread and look great while doing it. Check guides and available resources from local Santa Cruz County organizations on how to make safe, fashionable face masks.
Tue, Sep 1, 2020
Send Art, Send Love: 2020 Snail Mail Project
Check out our September Community Craft Project to celebrate snail mail! Get more information on sending mail to loved ones and local firefighters as well as saving the post office and how to vote by mail.