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Heartly There: Janjaap Dekker's striking photograph 'Reclining Nude With Virgen' is one of the artworks up for auction at Hearts for the Arts. Have a Heart Valentine's Day happenings around town range from the artistic to the gastronomic Hearts for the Arts: Serious art lovers and civic-minded shoppers alike turn out in droves for the county's annual benefit art auction, which features the donated works of more than 300 visual artists. When the bidding gets fierce, gala-goers can repair to the Bistro Under the Big Top to feast on gourmet comestibles from some of Santa Cruz' finest restaurants and sample wines from area vintners. Saturday (Feb. 10), doors open at 4pm; silent auction closes at 7pm; live auction begins at 8pm; Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, 307 Church St., Santa Cruz; $10 adv/$12.50 dr; call 688.5399 or visit www.ccscc.org. Heart and Soul: Music, dance and romance mingle at a smoke-, alcohol- and drug-free party for queer youth. DJ Spiffy will preside over a multimedia event that offers free transportation and refreshments for queer youth ages 14-20 and their guests 23 and under. Friday (Feb. 16), 8pm-1am; Equinox, 755 Cedar St., Santa Cruz; $0-$5; 335.3229. L'Amour au Feminin: Soprano Jennifer Der Torossian and mezzo-soprano Liliane Cromer, both resident artists of the Bay Shore Lyric Opera, perform some the world's most beloved duets for female voices. Sunday (Feb. 11); 3pm. Capitola Theater, 120 Monterey Ave., Capitola; $10; 462.3131. Love Letters: Roaring Camp Railroad is offering a special deal for the romantically inclined: two-for-one adult tickets. The catch? The couple must present an original love letter written by one of them to the other. Sat-Sun (Feb. 10-11); Roaring Camp, Felton; 335.4484. Lover: A Valentine's party for everyone, with FeelGoodHouse music by DJs Vasili, U-Gene, Jeremy and Eric-G. Friday (Feb. 16); 10pm; Jahva House, 120 Union St., Santa Cruz; $5. Me and My Valentine: Knowing that people and their pets often share the truest form of love, the SPCA presents a special Valentine Photo Studio at which instant photos of pets and owners will be placed in a very Valentine greeting card. Saturday (Feb. 10) and Sunday (Feb. 11); 9am-5pm; Pet Pals, 3660 Soquel Dr., Soquel; $7 donation benefits SPCA foster animal care. Salsa Romance: The San Francisco salsa band Candela creates some pre-Valentine Latin sizzle. Saturday (Feb. 10); 9pm; Cocoanut Grove, 400 Beach St., Santa Cruz; $15; 21 and over; 423.2053. Sweetheart Dance: This Valentine dinner-dance boasts a live band and a chocolate bar, the delights of which are best left to the imagination. Diners have a choice of roast beef or a vegetarian meal. Saturday (Feb. 10), 6:30-10pm; Trinity Presbyterian Church, 420 Melrose Ave., Santa Cruz; $25/couple; $15/single; 426.5010 The Vagina Monologues: The Santa Cruz Women's Health Center presents Eve Ensler's off-Broadway sensation. Friday (Feb. 16); 7:30pm; Rio Theater, Santa Cruz; $20/general; $50/with reception; 427.3500. Valentine's Day with Shawn Colvin: The female singer/songwriter gives a sit-down concert that promises romance--with an edge. Wednesday (Feb. 14); 8:30pm; The Catalyst, Santa Cruz; $37-$39; 21 and over; 423.1336. [ Santa Cruz | MetroActive Central | Archives ]