MAH - “Ying: Inspired by the Art and History of China” | June 1-29

Ying: Inspired by the Art and History of China offers a new path of discovery through these historical, traditional and contemporary art and artifacts by Chinese and Chinese-American artists and artisans. The Museum continues to organize exhibitions that address the intersection of history and contemporary art, and as we are fully committed to embracing our community, we have included Santa Cruz artists whose works are greatly influenced by Chinese art and history.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

First Friday Free Admission at MAH | June 1 (11 a.m.- 6 p.m.)

The museum is open Tue-Sun, 11 a.m.-5 p.m.. Its store, located in the street front octagon building, is open Tue-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sun, noon-5 p.m.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Free First Friday Lunch Tour at MAH | June 1 (noon)

Sherry Karver leads an in-depth discussion about current Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk series' exhibition.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Festival at the Cement Ship | June 2 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Celebrate the unique history of the WW1 Concrete Ship Palo Alto, the natural wonders of Seacliff's fossil beds, and the many animals that call the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary their home. Enjoy music, fun and food. Experience the park's history through arts, crafts, games and stories. Make a kite to fly on the beach. Visit educational booths to learn about our animal friends.

Seacliff State Beach
Hwy 1 @ State Park Dr., Aptos
831-685-6444, www.santacruzstateparks.org

Natural Science Illustrations for Kids! | June 2 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Christine Elder, graduate of UCSC's Scientific leads youth, age 10-14, on a fun filled day of art activities that introduce techniques used in illustrations like those displayed for the Museum's Illustrating Nature exhibit. In addition to learning methods for creating realistic sketches, participants will complete a final project using the carbon dusting technique. $40 museum members, $55 general. Reservations suggested.

Museum of Natural History
831- 420-6113, www.santacruzmuseums.org

Book signing & reception at MAH - "Line Kiln Legacies: The History of the Lime Industry in Santa Cruz County" | June 2 (1-3 p.m.)

Authors Frank A. Perry, Robert W. Piwarzyk, Michael D. Luther, Alverda Orlando, Allan Molho, Sierra L. Perry and Kenneth Jensen discuss the historical findings and history of the area's lime industry. Free.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Evergreen Tour Cemetery: Ladies of the Evening | June 7

Take a ghostly tour of Evergreen Cemetery and discover tales from the early days with wild and wicked characters. Learn about the world’s oldest profession in the early years of Santa Cruz County. Location: Evergreen Cemetery, Evergreen Street near Harvey West Park, 11 a.m., cost: free, donations welcome.

Near Harvey West Park
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

MAH Spotlight Tours | June 7 (11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.)

These innovative tours bring artists’ voices directly to visitors. Tours begin in the Lezin Gallery then move into the Solari and Art Forum Galleries for viewing and discussion. Tours are free with Museum admission or membership.

Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz
831-429-1964, www.santacruzmah.org

Festival at the Cement Ship | June 7 (11 a.m.-4 p.m.)

Celebrate the unique history of the WW1 Concrete Ship Palo Alto, the natural wonders of Seacliff's fossil beds, and the many animals that call the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary their home. Enjoy music, fun and food. Experience the park's history through arts, crafts, games and stories. Make a kite to fly on the beach. Visit educational booths to learn about our animal friends.

Seacliff State Beach
Hwy 1 @ State Park Dr., Aptos
831-685-6444, www.santacruzstateparks.org

Presenting Boardwalk History | June 7 (7:30 p.m.)

Colorful and entertaining talk about the history of the Santa Cruz's beach amusement and vacation land, the development of the Beach Boardwalk and more than 100 year history.

Bookshop Santa Cruz
Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz
www.bookshopsantacruz.com