September 16-25, 2022
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Across Santa Cruz County | Mostly FREE
CommonGround is a new biennial festival of place-inspired, outdoor work hosted in locations throughout Santa Cruz County, from downtown plazas and nearby waterways to forested hillsides and local landmarks.
Focused on temporary and performative public art projects in rural, urban, and architectural space, the 10-day event features site-responsive installations and interventions across the area’s natural and built environments, connecting people, stories, and landscapes.
CommonGround is a mostly FREE event. While the majority of works can be visited at no cost, some festival performances are ticketed and there is a small admission fee to the MAH to view supporting exhibitions and installations.
Schedule
LOOM:FIELD
By BANDALOOP
Sep 16, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
Sep 17, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
MAH & Abbott Square / FREE
The Writing on the Wall
By Hank Willis Thomas & Dr. Baz Dreisinger
Sep 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25, 12–3pm
Additional viewing on Saturdays through spring 2023
Davenport Jail, 70 Center Street, Davenport / FREE
The Land of Milk and Honey
Sep 16–18, 12-6pm
Sep 22–25, 12-6pm
Additional viewing through December 31, 2022
MAH Solari Gallery / Suggested Admission $10
Weaving Aso Ofo
By I.B. Bayo
Sep 16-18; 12-6pm
Sep 22-25; 12-6pm
MAH Atrium / FREE
Refocusing Ecology
By Martabel Wasserman
Sep 17-18, 1-4pm
Sep 20, 4-7pm
Sep 21, 10am-1pm
Sep 22, 4-7pm
Little Giant Collective, 115 River St / FREE
TRANSBORDER
By Daniel Ruanova & Ignacio Ornelas
Farmers’ Market Tour
Sep 21; 1–6pm / Downtown Santa Cruz / FREE
Sep 23; 2–7pm / Watsonville / FREE
Sep 25; 9am–1pm / Live Oak / FREE
The Language of Birds
By Carolyn Chen, Natalie Jenkins, & Indexical
Sep 22, 23, 24
Viewings: 12–5pm / FREE
Performances: 5–6pm / TICKETS
Evergreen Cemetery & Wagner's Grove
ReflectioNNN
By MCXT
Sep 24; 7pm
Capitola's Lighted Nautical Parade, Soquel Creek
Esplanade Park / FREE
Featured Artists
LOOM:FIELD
By BANDALOOP
MAH & Abbott Square
Sep 16–17 / FREE
A vertical dance piece set to original live music, that weaves choreography and climbing technology with the art of textiles and ecological stewardship. Experience the museum facade transformed into a giant loom where stories, aerial movement, and athleticism interlace.
Performances:
Sep 16; 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
Sep 17; 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
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LOOM:FIELD
De: BANDALOOP
MAH y Abbott Square
Sep 16–17 / GRATIS
Una pieza de danza vertical ambientada con música original en vivo, que entreteje coreografías y tecnología de alpinismo con el arte textil y el cuidado ecológico. Ven a ver cómo la fachada del museo se transforma en un telar gigante donde se entrelazan historias, movimiento aéreo y atletismo.
Actuaciones:
Sep 16; 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
Sep 17; 1pm, 3pm, 5pm
The Writing on the Wall
By Hank Willis Thomas & Dr. Baz Dreisinger
Davenport Jail
Sep 16–25 / FREE
A collaborative installation made from letters, poems, notes, and stories written by incarcerated people and displayed across a historic jail-turned-museum as a form of verbal and visual intrusion. Co-presented with the Institute of the Arts and Sciences at UCSC.
Sep 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25; 12–3pm
Additional viewings on Saturdays through spring 2023
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La escritura en la pared
De: Hank Willis Thomas y Dr. Baz Dreisinger
Prisión de Davenport
Sep 16–25 / GRATIS
Una instalación colaborativa hecha de cartas, poemas, notas e historias escritas por personas encarceladas. Los materiales se exponen en y alrededor de una histórica cárcel convertida en museo como una forma de intrusión verbal y visual. La instalación es presentada con el Instituto de las Artes y las Ciencias de la UCSC.
Instalación abierta: septiembre 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25; 12–3pm
Visitas adicionales los sábados hasta la primavera de 2023
Photo / foto: Cameron Blaylock
TRANSBORDER
By Daniel Ruanova & Ignacio Ornelas
Farmers’ Markets
Sep 21–25 / FREE
A mobile installation featuring large-scale reproductions of 1950s-era photographs of Braceros, Mexican farm and railroad workers imported to the U.S. during World War II. The project gives new light to the images of citizens on their journey to the land of opportunity.
Farmers’ Market Tour:
Sep 21; 1–6pm / Downtown Santa Cruz
Sep 23; 2–7pm / Watsonville
Sep 25; 9am–1pm / Live Oak
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TRANSFRONTERIZO
De: Daniel Ruanova e Ignacio Ornelas
Farmers’ Markets
Sep 21–25 / GRATIS
Una instalación móvil que presenta reproducciones a gran escala de fotografías de la década de 1950 de braceros, trabajadores agrícolas y ferroviarios mexicanos que llegaron a los EE. UU. durante la Segunda Guerra Mundial. El proyecto da una nueva luz a las imágenes de los ciudadanos en su viaje rumbo a la tierra de las oportunidades.
Tour de Farmers’ Market:
Sep 21; 1–6pm / Centro de Santa Cruz
Sep 23; 2–7pm / Watsonville
Sep 25; 9am–1pm / Live Oak
Photo / foto: Ernesto Galarza Collection, courtesy of Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries.
The Language of Birds
By Carolyn Chen, Natalie Jenkins, & Indexical
Evergreen Cemetery & Wagner Grove
Sep 22–24 / FREE & Ticketed
An immersive piece that takes visitors on a guided tour through Evergreen Cemetery, transformed by the mythology of birdsong and heightened by site-specific sculptures. Performances include a world premiere composition inspired by early music.
Viewings: 12–5pm (free)
Performances: 5–6pm (ticketed; sliding scale)
More Info & Get Tickets
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El lenguaje de los pájaros
De: Carolyn Chen
Cementerio Evergreen y Wagner Grove
Sep 22–24 / GRATIS y con entradas
Una pieza inmersiva que lleva a los visitantes a una visita guiada por el cementerio Evergreen, transformado por la mitología del canto de los pájaros y realzado por esculturas específicas del sitio. Las actuaciones incluyen una composición de estreno mundial inspirada en la música antigua. Presentado en
conjunto con Indexical.
Obras visuales: 12–5pm (gratis)
Concierto: 5–6pm (con boleto; escala movil)
Más información y obtener boletos
Photo / foto: Crystal Birns
ReflectioNNN
By MCXT (Monica Canilao & Xara Thustra)
Capitola Beach, Lifeguard Stand #7
Sep 24; 7pm / FREE
A handcrafted sculptural raft—part art boat, part performance stage—that pays tribute to the Santa Cruz Venetian Water Carnivals, a Victorian-era spectacle that took place on the San Lorenzo River from 1895 to 1927. Part of the Capitola Beach Festival’s Lighted Nautical Parade.
More info on performers and full exhibition
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ReflexióNNN
De: MCXT (Monica Canilao y Xara Thustra)
Playa Capitola, puesto de salvavidas #7
Sep 24; 7pm / GRATIS
Una balsa escultórica hecha a mano, en parte un baro artístico, en parte un escenario de espectáculos, que rinde homenaje a los carnavales acuáticos venecianos de Santa Cruz, un espectáculo de la era victoriana que tuvo lugar en el río San Lorenzo de 1895 a 1927. Esto es parte del Desfile Náutico Iluminado del Festival de la Playa de Capitola.
Más información sobre los artistas y la exposición completa
Photo / foto: Tod Seelie
The Land of Milk and Honey
Solari Gallery, MAH
Sep 1–Dec 31 / $10 Suggested Admission
A traveling multidisciplinary and multilingual arts and culture program focused on the ideological concept of agriculture in the regions of California and Mexico. Co-presented with the MexiCali Biennial.
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La tierra de la leche y la miel
Galería Solari, MAH
Sep 1–Dec 31 / Entrada sugerida de $10
Un programa itinerante de arte y cultura multidisciplinario y multilingüe centrado en el concepto ideológico de la agricultura en las regiones de California y México. Co-presentado con la Bienal de MexiCali.
Weaving Aso Ofi
By I.B. Bayo
Atrium, MAH
Sep 16–25 / FREE
A textile installation exploring the art of weaving and ecological implications of fashion.
Viewings:
Sep 16-18; 12-6pm
Sep 22-25; 12-6pm
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La tejeduría Aso Ofi
De: I. B. bayo
Atrio, MAH
Sep 16–25 / GRATIS
Una instalación textil que explora el arte de tejer y las implicaciones ecológicas de la moda.
Instalación Abierta:
Sep 16-18; 12-6pm
Sep 22-25; 12-6pm
Refocusing Ecology
By Martabel Wasserman
Little Giant Collective, 115 River St
Sep 17–22 / FREE
A multimedia project investigating the complex history of photography and conservation.
Viewings:
Sep 17; 1-4pm
Sep 18; 1-4pm
Sep 20; 4-7pm
Sep 21; 10am-1pm
Sep 22; 4-7pm
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Reenfocando la ecología
De: Martabel Wasserman
Little Giant Collective, 115 River St
Sep 17–22 / GRATIS
Un proyecto multimedia que investiga la compleja historia de la fotografía y la conservación.
Instalación Abierta:
Sep 17; 1-4pm
Sep 18; 1-4pm
Sep 20; 4-7pm
Sep 21; 10am-1pm
Sep 22; 4-7pm
Supporting Programs
Flowers for Incarcerated Mothers
By jackie sumell
Davenport Jail
Sep 16, 2022–June 12, 2023 / FREE
An art and garden project made in collaboration with over two dozen mothers who are incarcerated, many of whom are serving life-sentences. Co-presented with the Institute of the Arts and Sciences at UCSC.
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Flores para Madres Encarceladas
De: jackie sumell
Cárcel de Davenport
Sep 16, 2022–June 12, 2023 / GRATIS
Un proyecto de arte y jardinería realizado en colaboración con más de dos docenas de madres encarceladas, muchas de las cuales cumplen cadena perpetua. Co-presentado con el Instituto de las Artes y las Ciencias de la UCSC.
More info / Más información
Photo / foto: Courtesy of jackie sumell's Solitary Garden for Incarcerated Moms project.
Transborder Braceros, Labor History, and Art
MAH
Sep 18; 2–3pm / FREE
Join historian Ignacio Ornelas Rodriguez and artists Daniel Ruanova and David Bacon for a conversation examining Bracero history, their labor contributions, legacy, and discussing contemporary implications of the H2-A guest worker agreement.
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Flores para Madre Encarcelada
Braceros transfronterizos, historia del trabajo y arte
MAH
Sep 18; 2–3pm / GRATIS
Únase al historiador Ignacio Ornelas Rodríguez y los artistas Daniel Ruanova y David Bacon para una conversación que examina la historia de los braceros, sus contribuciones laborales, su legado y las implicaciones contemporáneas del acuerdo de trabajadores invitados H2-A.
More info / Más información
Photo / foto: Ernesto Galarza Collection, courtesy of Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries.
A Celebration of Phoebe Marsh
Barson & Jessie Streets
Sep 24; 1–3:30pm / FREE
Celebrate the urban wetland known as Jessie Street Marsh with guided walks, art installations, marsh and river-mouth history, and more. Part of the Refocusing Ecology Workshop Series.
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Una celebración de Phoebe Marsh
Calles Barson y Jessie
Sep 24; 1–3:30pm / GRATIS
Celebre el humedal urbano conocido como Jessie Street Marsh con caminatas guiadas, instalaciones de arte, historia de pantanos y desembocaduras de ríos, y más. Parte de la Serie de Talleres de Ecología de Reenfoque.
More info / Más información
Admission
CommonGround is a mostly FREE event. While the majority of works can be visited at no cost, some festival performances are ticketed and there is a small admission fee to the MAH to view supporting exhibitions and installations.
Museum Admission
Adults: $10, Children (12 and under): $5
MAH Members: FREE
Become a MAH member!
MAH members get FREE entry into the museum and discounted tickets to select festival performances:
- Friend ($60) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults
- Family ($80) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults and four children under the age of 18
- Fan ($125-999) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults and four children under the age of 18, plus two additional guests
Sign up today and enjoy free admission, special viewing access, exclusive programming, and other member benefits.
Venues & Locations
Abbott Square and Museum of Art & History (MAH)
725 and 705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
A public plaza next to a three-floor museum in downtown.
Davenport Jail
70 Center Street, Davenport
A decommissioned jailhouse and historic landmark built in 1914.
Evergreen Cemetery
261 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz
A historic site and one of the state’s first cemeteries founded in 1858.
Farmers' Markets
Downtown Santa Cruz: 700-798 Cedar Street
Watsonville: Peack and Union Street
Live Oak: 21511 E Cliff Drive
Soquel Creek
124 Cliff Drive, Capitola
A coastal stream that flows into Monterey Bay, near Capitol Beach.
Wagner Grove
261 Evergreen Street, Santa Cruz
A redwood clearing located in Harvey West Park, near the cemetery.
Gallery
MCXT (Monica Canilao & Xara Thustra), photo by Najva Sol
LOOM by BANDALOOP, photo by Brooke Anderson
The Writing on the Wall (installation view) by Hank Willis Thomas and Dr. Baz Dreisinger, courtesy the artists and High Line Art
MCXT. We Well All Be (detail), Nova Color Acrylic Mural Paint, 7 feet 6 inches high by 34 feet 10 inches wide, 2019. Courtesy of Kelly Wu.
Braceros from the Ernesto Galarza Collection, courtesy of Department of Special Collections, Stanford University Libraries
The Language of Birds composer Carolyn Chen and sculptor Natalie Jenkins, photo by Crystal Birns, courtesy of Indexical
Adrian Clutario will perform as part of MCXT's floating installation, ReflectioNNN.
LOOM by BANDALOOP, photo by Brooke Anderson
TRANSBORDER rendering by Daniel Ruanova, courtesy of the artist
Fernando Armenghol, Sol2Soul Art Collective (2016), La Cosecha Sagrada, digital photograph.
The Writing on the Wall (installation view) by Hank Willis Thomas and Dr. Baz Dreisinger, photo by Sy Adubu, NYCLU
Cat Phillips. Barong PPE, Embroidery on hazmat suits, 2022.
Santa Cruz Venetian Water Carnival (ca. 1895), courtesy of Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History Collection.
Refocusing Ecology by Martabel Wasserman, courtesy of the artist
Leezy will perform as part of MCXT's floating installation, ReflectioNNN.
Swimming Cities of Serenissima by Swoon (collaboration with Monica Canilao), photo by Tod Seelie
CommonGround FAQs
CommonGround is a new biennial festival of place-inspired, outdoor work presented by the Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) from September 16–25, 2022.
Focused on temporary and performative public art projects in rural, urban, and architectural space, the 10-day event features site-responsive installations and interventions across the area’s natural and built environments, connecting people, stories, and landscapes.
CommonGround takes place Friday, September 16 through Sunday, September 25, 2022 at different times and locations throughout Santa Cruz County.
CommonGround is a mostly FREE event. While the majority of works can be visited at no cost, some festival performances are ticketed and there is a small admission fee to the MAH to view supporting exhibitions and installations.
Museum Admission
- Adults: $10, Children (12 and under): $5
- MAH Members: FREE
MAH members get FREE entry into the museum and discounted tickets to select festival performances:
- Friend ($60) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults
- Family ($80) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults and four children under the age of 18
- Fan ($125-999) | Includes MAH entry for up to two adults and four children under the age of 18, plus two additional guests
Sign up today and enjoy free admission, special viewing access, exclusive programming, and other member benefits.
You only need a ticket for select performances in the festival, which are noted on this website. However, if you choose to visit the artworks inside the museum during regular hours of operation, the cost of admission—if you are not a MAH member—is processed onsite at the time of the event. There is no advance ticket purchase option, other than purchasing or renewing a membership to provide a limited number of museum admissions.
Museum Admission
- Adults: $10, Children (12 and under): $5
- MAH Members: FREE
For events happening downtown or at the museum, we encourage attendees to visit the food and beverage vendors at Abbott Square Market, immediately next to the MAH. There are also many downtown restaurants in close proximity to the museum. Please keep in mind that food and drink are not allowed inside the MAH or its exhibition galleries.
Generally, CommonGround is a rain-or-shine event, although some outdoor performances may be delayed or rescheduled due to inclement weather. Dress appropriately and bring an umbrella if necessary!
The MAH continues to implement pandemic restrictions during CommonGround including masking recommendations, social distancing guidelines, and venue capacity limitations (both indoor and outdoor).
For the safety of our guests, staff, and community, the MAH continues to encourage masking, social distancing when possible, hand hygiene, and other preventive measures. If you are experiencing any symptoms of illness, please visit the festival another time.
How nice to hear you would like to volunteer! Please email us to express your interest.
CommonGround is made possible with the support of many partners and collaborators. To read more about partnership opportunities and how to get involved with us, visit our sponsorship page. You can also email Nikki Patterson for more information.
Artist submissions for 2022 are currently closed. Please keep an eye on the MAH website and social media channels for updates about opportunities to get involved in future festivals and projects.
You can also join our mailing list for the most up-to-date information on how to showcase your work at the MAH.
With additional funding provided by
City of Santa Cruz; Creative Work Fund; Indexical; New England Foundation for the Arts; The Humanities Institute at UC Santa Cruz; and the Institute of the Arts and Sciences at UC Santa Cruz as part of its Visualizing Abolition Initiative, funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation.