The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is gearing up for an exciting fall season with two major events on the horizon. The CommonGround Festival, a biennial event showcasing outdoor artworks, will return from September 13-22, 2024. This year’s festival will feature works by artists like Jim and Brighton Denevan, Huy Truong, and Susana Ruiz, transforming scenic spots in Santa Cruz County into unique art installations. Highlights include a large sand drawing at Cowell Beach and video portraits projected on trees at Evergreen Cemetery. The festival invites visitors to explore themes of public memory and historical justice through these thought-provoking works.
Alongside the CommonGround Festival, MAH will also host the exhibition “Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art” from August 23 to December 29, 2024. This exhibition features works by African descent artists, including David Hammons, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas, and Kara Walker, exploring themes of identity, politics, and art history. The exhibition’s founder, Bernard Lumpkin, emphasizes its relevance in addressing contemporary discussions on race, equality, and inclusion.
During this period of exciting events, Marla Novo, with 30 years of curatorial experience and a deep commitment to MAH’s mission, will serve as the Interim Executive Director. Novo, a lifelong Santa Cruz resident, is dedicated to enhancing the local cultural scene and looks forward to continuing the museum’s vision while the search for a permanent Executive Director takes place. The search process is being facilitated by Fortress and Flourish, with input from over 200 community members. The museum is seeking a leader who aligns with the community’s vision and aspirations for MAH.
Jorian Wilkins, Board Chair of MAH, emphasized the importance of finding a visionary leader who will continue to advance the museum’s mission and values. Candice Elliott, Founder of Fortress and Flourish, highlighted the collaborative nature of the recruitment process, ensuring that the chosen leader embodies the spirit and goals of the museum. For more information about the Executive Director position, visit the MAH careers page.
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is committed to fostering a vibrant cultural community and invites everyone to celebrate art, history, and culture through their diverse array of events and exhibitions. For the latest updates, visit santacruzmah.org.
