Monday Funday – .stART here.

Monday Funday: Signs by Chris Ballas

Sign maker Chris Ballas‘ art show during First Friday Santa Cruz earlier this month reminded me of two things – all the signage I saw cruising around town on my bike as a kid and a list of my adult vices including beer and tattoos. Adorning the walls of Rosie McCann’s Irish Pub & Restaurant were hand painted signs from the young artist who values traditional hand lettering technique and exudes old school style.

Merging art and function, Ballas’ work is clean, simple, and approachable. His art showcases an attention to detail and honors classic craftsmanship. Not overworked nor complicated, his pieces are much more literal and still playful. With such a clear and creative point of view, Ballas is definitely an artist to keep an eye on!

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Monday Funday: Screaming Hand 30th Anniversary

Acrylic on wood by (L-R) Jim Phillips, son Jimbo Phillips, and grandson Colby Phillips

I had the pleasure of volunteering for the Screaming Hand 30th Anniversary Show during the VIP preview event on Thursday night at Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH). Artists featured in the show, MAH members, and the who’s who of Santa Cruz skateboarding came together for an awesome night. Honoring one of the most iconic images in skateboard culture and its creator Jim Phillips, the MAH was screaming with so much energy and excitement, and so was I. It was my first night volunteering at the museum, and I couldn’t be more thrilled!

The Screaming Hand 30th Anniversary Show has been traveling around the world for the past year, showcasing Jim Phillips’ original logo interpreted by 50+ artists from all over the world. The final stop is where it all began (Santa Cruz circa 1985), and opened to the general public during First Friday Santa Cruz festivities. The celebration will continue as the show remains at the MAH for the next eight months.

In addition to hearing words from MAH Executive Director Nina Simon and Jim Phillips himself, I mingled with some of the artists in the show who were so incredibly stoked to be included. A MAH member was equally excited that the event was bringing together a variety of different people for a common interest and spectacular show. What an exciting event for the Santa Cruz community, the MAH and their mission, “To ignite shared experiences and unexpected connections.”

Seeing how different artists portray the Screaming Hand in their own format and style really gives the show its exuberance. It’s an epic collection of inspired works. From a fun and bright mixed media on panel by Mark Gonzalez, a stencil spray paint on panel by Jason Adams, a hand lettering acrylic on wood by Thomas Campbell, an ink/pencil on paper by Eric Dressen, to photographs of screaming Jason Adams by Jai Tanju, a modern Bauhaus-like spray paint on panel by Ben Raney, a neoclassic inspired oil on canvas by Jason C. Arnold, and so many more. These pieces are bound to transcend expectations of skate art for museum goers.

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So much fun both Thursday and Friday nights. I bumped into and caught up with friends, some people I haven’t seen in awhile like Jai Tanju and Jimbo Phillips. I met artists I’ve admired for awhile like Jeremy Fish and Caia Koopman, and then legends like Jason Jesse. He is genuinely one of the nicest dudes I’ve ever met. I’m so thankful to call Santa Cruz home and stoked that “my life is dope, and I do dope sh*t!” (- K. West)

Stay tuned for more art, culture, and design I think is rad! Thanks for stopping by! xo ❤

Monday Funday: stART something new

Let’s stART this week off enjoying another installment of Monday Funday.

DUDE! I’m so stoked to start volunteering at Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH). I attended a volunteer orientation on Saturday and learned that their mission totally aligns with my personal goals right now. “To ignite shared experiences and unexpected connection.” Right on!

In my current state of funemployment, I’ve been really opening up to endless possibilities. I am feeling rejuvenated and even more determined to make the most of this crazy journey we call life. It’s been awhile since I felt this inspired. Luckily, I’ve had such awesome continued support coming from a variety of sources. From my ever-loving family, unwavering friends, to new bonds and connections made locally, I am extremely thankful! I am super grateful for a couple of recent experiences that are motivating me into a powerful trajectory.

I started working temporarily for a chiropractic wellness office in June a handful of hours a week. I totally enjoyed getting treatment there so when an opportunity to help out came along, I had to say YES! It’s such a wonderful place of healing and feels really great to be part of it.

I am also helping out a friend get certified to be a law of attraction coach. She’s helping me focus on what I want and how to get it while she hones in on her practice and coaching skills. It’s been a totally gratifying experience and is reminding me to live the life I love through the power of positive thinking.

All this to say that I’m so stoked for all that is now and up next. Some of it will be brand new and some of it may still be far off in the distance, but it feels awesome, and I’m totally happy. Go out and get yours!

“There’s only one very good life and that’s the life you know you want and you make it yourself.” – Diana Vreeland

Monday Funday: #santacruzlife

Fiddler on the Roof at Cabrillo Stage

fiddler

My neighbor plays violin in the orchestra and hooked me up with some preview tickets last Thursday. (Thanks, SD!) I have to admit that I had no clue what this award-winning musical was about whatsoever. So I was pleasantly surprised when not only was the story pretty solid but so were all the performances. I even knew some of the songs never realizing before that they were from this piece.

I have to say it was pretty crazy to see how some of the same themes like racism, sexism, and discrimination being depicted in 1905 Easter Europe are still so prominent in today’s modern society. Despite the somber and abrupt ending, I highly recommend checking it out before it closes on August 14. Mazel Tov! Cabrillo Stage Summer Music Festival’s Fiddler on the Roof.

Kimbap at Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH)

I was stoked to see this event on the MAH Instagram. It’s not everyday in Santa Cruz that an Asian themed event pops up right downtown. Let alone, a food related one. I knew I had to go even though I was still on the cleanse and couldn’t actually eat any of it.

abi

Current MAH Artist in Residence Abigail Han invited friend and Los Angeles-based Korean American artist Hannah Naomi Varamini to show us how to make Kimbap, a Korean seaweed rice roll.

As we collectively assembled the rolls, both artists shared their appreciation for food, especially as it relates to art, politics, and culture. We discussed the adage, “you are what you eat”, and examined how powerful food can really be. The strength to break barriers and borders, bring people together to build communities, and teach us about our pasts in order to create our futures. This concept was portrayed in the nori, or seaweed, we used to wrap the Kimbap that was laser cut with excerpts from a Korean poem about the end of the Korean War.

I later chatted more with Artist in Residence Abigail Han, originally from Singapore and currently living in Los Angeles. She is at the MAH until the end of August and interested in creating community recipes in her museum installed kitchen. How do we take the food of the past and modernize it to create something new? By the end of her residency, Han hopes to have enough footage of the community making food together and create a motion picture. Feel free to visit her at the museum during their regular hours. She’d be psyched to “break bread” with you. I told her I’d come back when I could eat again so we could cook Filipino pancit (noodles) and lumpia (eggrolls) with a modern twist. Yummy!

Monday Funday: San Francisco & Santa Cruz

Today’s mellow Monday Funday is actually all about my Sunday Funday yesterday. My friend, Heather, was in town from the east coast so I met up with her in San Francisco. We spent the afternoon people watching at Dolores Park in the Mission, and here’s what I saw.

Heather with a turtle on a leash. The owner brought TWO turtles to the park!

boys & bikes

partner yoga

dogs

Then, I came back to Santa Cruz for an evening walk up West Cliff Dr. only to stumble upon a silent disco party at Lighthouse Point Park called Silent Santa Cruz, where guests listen and dance to music through headphones. Here’s what I saw.

“And forget not that the earth delights to feel your bare feet and the winds long to play with your hair.” – Khalil Gibran

Monday Funday: Lance Cyril Mountain’s “Multiple Personalities” at Seeing Things Gallery

I went to the opening night of Lance Cyril Mountain’s “Multiple Personalities” show at Jai Tanju‘s Seeing Things Gallery in San Jose this past Saturday. I checked out some rad art, met and congratulated Mountain, caught up with some dudes, and met the artist’s father and skateboard legend, Lance Mountain too. Somebody pinch me!

photo © Bernadette Cruz

Mountain’s “Multiple Personalities” exhibits minimalism through a variety of works – from mixed media collages with typewritten messages and large scale paintings to framed photographs, screen prints, and paintings on canvas. His pieces go back to basics by showcasing familiar lines, shapes, primary colors, earth tones and splashes of metallic. This approach provides viewers with an accessible and unassuming window into Mountain’s abstract visual form of expression.

photo © Bernadette Cruz

I got the chance to see owner Jai Tanju again and reconnect with San Jose local skater Jason Adams. I hadn’t seen Adams since his NYC visit back in 2010 when we checked out his “American Boarders” portrait at Paul Rusconi‘s solo show at Upper East Side’s Stellan Holm Gallery, and then a couple months later at The Movement‘s fifth art party presented by Jersey’s own Sic Chix Production. I got to catch up with The Kid again, but now on this cool spring Saturday night on the west coast in San Jose – just over the hill from my new hood and home. After nearly six months out here, I still can’t believe this is my life!

photo © Bernadette Cruz

Be sure to check out Lance Cyril Mountain’s “Multiple Personalities” at Seeing Things in San Jose if you find yourself in the South Bay these next few weeks. Visit http://www.seeinghthingsgallery.com for a full list of all artwork, pricing, and shows!

Monday Funday: Art Openings

I’M BAAACKKK! I’ve been on hiatus since my west coast move in September but am back at this blogging thing with my first official Cali-based post, a Monday Funday feature. These are friendly Monday reminders to always live in the moment, get out and have fun!

Today, I’ve got my hand picked calendar of this week’s events across the country.

NEW YORK CITY

March 6th – 9th: The Armory Show at Piers 92 & 94 from 12p – 7p

The Armory Show is one that I’ve always wanted to check out but constantly said, “next time.” This annual contemporary and modern art fair is the largest in New York City, showcasing over 2,000 artists from hundreds of galleries around the globe. So if you’re in the area and can treat yourself to sensory overload at its best, go for it! Tickets start at $40 day passes to $75 run of show passes. For more information, visit www.thearmoryshow.com.

JERSEY CITY, NJ

March 7th (JC Fridays): E. Tittlemouse & Co. presents “Women Power JC” at 246 Bay St. from 6p – 8p

Who run the world?! Girls. This event presented by E. Tittlemouse & Co. features the diversity of Jersey City female artists and their talents. My friend, Rika Gunawan, will be there with her unique collection of handmade, limited edition hair accessories for women and children of all ages, Republic of Pigtails. Stop by and say hi!

This is just one of many events during this month’s “JC Fridays” presented by Art House Productions. For a full calendar of events, visit www.jcfridays.com.

BOONTON, NJ

March 7th: Anthony “Weird Eye” One’s “Something Wild” at Speakeasy Art Gallery 816 Main Street from 6p – 9p

I first met Anthony “Weird Eye” One back in March 2012 at his “Colorful Eye Candy” solo show and quickly became a fan of his work. Two years later, this painter, muralist and street artist takes his intricately patterned style of “movement and motion” and evolves into “Something Wild.” Watch “Weird Eye” One discuss the upcoming show presented by Speakeasy Art Gallery and check out a sneak peek here. For more event information, visit www.weirdeyedesigns.com.

SAN JOSE, CA

March 7th: “Tangible: a handprinted exhibition” at Seeing Things Gallery 30 N. Third Street from 7p – 10p

I finally got to check out Seeing Things Gallery, owned and operated by photographer Jai Tanju last month. I caught the current “Let’s Meet in the Middle” show featuring individual and collaborative mixed media artwork from husband and wife, David Imlay & Ana Carolina Pesce Imlay. This Friday, a new show, “Tangible” opens where the artists “have created photographs in the traditional sense, using their hands to make a physical object.” For more information, visit www.seeingthingsgallery.com.

FIRST FRIDAY SANTA CRUZ, CA

March 7th

I couldn’t be more thrilled that Santa Cruz has tons of talented local artists and an abundance of inspiration to offer! I’m stoked to see as much as I can this Friday but really interested in trying to check out the following:

50+ artists, live music, 28 studios, ArtBar & Cafe, Music by John Michael at Tannery Arts Center (1050 River St.) from 6p – 9p
Paintings by Santa Cruz tattoo artist Dan Whysuph at Miss Mae’s House of Beauty (527 Seabright Ave.) from 6p – 9p
Henna & Canvas Artist Julia Miho Nakamura at Lumin (1013 Cedar St.) from 5p – 9p
“Print a Shirt” at Notorious Teaze (131 Front St.) from 5:30p – 9p

For a complete event listing, visit www.firstfridaysantacruz.com.

Monday Funday: The Movement Art Party on 8/10

Sic Chix Production, the ladies of THE MOVEMENT, are hosting a one-night only, pop up art party on August 10 at Port-O Lounge in Jersey City with music by DJs Carol Gunz and Murph. I’ll be showcasing and selling photographs from my S.S. Coachella 2012 trip featuring musicians like Pulp’s Jarvis Cocker, Grimes, and Alexis Krauss from Sleigh Bells.

Featured artists showing works of their own are Quim Cardona, Kris Markovich, and Jai Tanju. All artwork will be available for purchase including those by Angry Tiki God, Kaio Bordes, Jen Calle, Clyde, Dan Delle Donne, Felipe Lara, and Anthony Weirdeyeone. Come party with us, check out cool art, and support local artists. Cheers!

Like us on Facebook or email th3mov3m3nt@gmail.com for more information.

Monday Funday: Rain Room by rAndom International

Monday Funday: PULSE Contemporary Art Fair at The Metropolitan Pavilion

New York City played host to a trifecta of art fairs that brought in hundreds of gallery owners, artists, and contemporary art work from around the world this weekend. Frieze at Randall’s Island, NADA at Pier 36, and I was lucky enough to attend the third, PULSE New York at The Metropolitan Pavilion. I arrived there with my friend Skims, and we were immediately drawn in by the first booth of exhibitors, The West Collection (Pennsylvania). I gravitated toward the two pieces below and complete sensory overload commenced.

I knew very quickly that I was going to walk through the rest of the art show as if I was in a dream. I was in art heaven, if I believed there was such a thing, floating on cloud nine taking in the photographs, sculptures, installations, paintings, and all the hard work and emotions that come with. After meeting up with more friends to enjoy the show with, Skims and I left cultural stimulated a little more than two hours later. We grabbed a bite to eat nearby, and I didn’t even need a drink – now that’s rare!

See more photos I took of the gorgeously inspiring artworks below, including a friend of .stART here. Allison Green‘s “Everything Changes” series, which chronicles the life cycle of sunflowers, with exhibitor Susan Eley Fine Art (New York).