Event highlights for the week of May 2, 2018.
Green Fix
Iris Farm Sale and Show
Bearded Irises smell and look amazing, and are drought tolerant, as well as deer- and gopher-resistant. What more could you ask for from a little plant? Brook Lomond Iris Gardens is opening their doors to the public for two weekends, and will be selling them along with other certified organic irises and holding demonstrations on plant care. This is prime blooming season for bearded irises, so if you don’t have any Mother’s Day plans (or forgot about it altogether) grab your mama and head on down.
INFO: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, May 5 and 12, Sunday May 6 and 13. Brook Lomond Iris Farm. 10310 California Drive, Ben Lomond. 336-2203. Free.
Art Seen
‘Collage’ Art Show
For T.S. Anand and Christianna Hunnicutt, collage is more than just gluing things together. Sure, it’s fun and expressive, but it also requires a tremendous amount of patience, diligence and inspiration. Anand teaches for the Prison Arts Project inside the Santa Cruz Main Jail, and her work there has inspired her most recent collages that consist only of torn paper, inspired by popular culture and landscapes. Hunnicutt is renowned for her figurative ceramic sculpture, and after 30 years, has transitioned to working with magazine cuttings, photographs and cell phone parts in her collage.
INFO: First Friday Opening: May 4, 5:30-8:30 p.m. Show runs through May 27. Michaelangelo Gallery. 1111 River St., Santa Cruz. 426-5500. michaelangelogallery.wordpress.com. Free.
Saturday 5/5
Third Annual Mini Maker Faire
The Mini Maker Faire is the ultimate form of show and tell, without the pressure. Whether it’s drones, salsas or candles, there is literally something for everyone. Makers include tech enthusiasts, crafters, scientists, and chefs of all ages and backgrounds. The idea is to celebrate all of the makers and inventors in Santa Cruz and inspire others along the way. Whether you go to network, learn or enjoy a cupcake, you’ll leave feeling inspired by the creative community.
INFO: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cabrillo College, 6500 Soquel Ave., Aptos. santacruz.makerfaire.com. Free.
Saturday 5/5 and Sunday 5/6
Spring Art Market at the Tannery
This year’s market has doubled in size, and is already bursting at the seams with tons of local gifts, puppets and live music. With 40 artist vendors, live music, dragons, face painting, and brunch—yes, there will be both dragons and brunch—the Spring Arts Market has some of the best artisanal gifts around. Tannery Studio Artists will open their doors to sell directly from their creative spaces and another two-dozen outdoor pop-ups will showcase jewelry, ceramics, paintings, textiles and leather, glass and photography. There will also be a treasure hunt and face painting for kids.
INFO: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. The Tannery Arts Center. 1050 River St., Santa Cruz. tanneryartscenter.org. Free.
Friday 5/4
Wenger Designs Show
Former computer programmer for the U.S. Space program and theoretical physicist Daniel Wenger somehow also found time to make stunning mid-century modern steel and leather furniture in the ’60s and ’70s. The 1969 the Lotus Chair (pictured) is his most well-known piece, and has appeared in galleries and collections all over the world. After a 30-year hiatus from furniture making—during which he worked at UCSC, among many other things—Daniel and his son Sam began making functional art together around six years ago. Agency will be showcasing Wenger Designs work along with two other artists during First Friday.
INFO: 6 p.m. Agency. 1519 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz. 515-7937. wengerdesigns.com. Free.
