"Illustrating Nature" | May 5 - June 10

Annual spring showing of best works of artists from the UC Science Illustration program. More than 60 works are displayed that are done in watercolor, acrylic, pen and ink, colored pencil, graphite, scratch-board and digital media mediums.

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

"Splat" Art Tour | June 2-3 (11 a.m.-5 p.m.)

Visit the working studios of 28 renowned & emerging painters. Maps found online at www.splatarttour.com

Various Studios
831-239-4084, www.splatarttour.com

Family Art Saturday at MAH | June 2 (1-3 p.m.)

Special hands-on art activities for families on the first Saturday of each month. 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

Santa Cruz Plein Air Affair Festival | June 8-15

Festival event schedule includes Artists creating works at set Santa Cruz County locations. Visit www.santacruzmah.org for location and artist details.

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

21st Japanese Cultural Fair | June 23 (11 a.m.-6 p.m.)

Many cultural traditions are followed and demonstrated; there are dances, tea ceremonies, martial arts, and art works.

Mission Plaza Park, Santa Cruz
831-462-4589, www.jcfsc.org

Big Sur Hidden Gardens Tours | June 23 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.)

The tour is a self-guided tour. Each ticket-holder receives a map and booklet describing each garden and its history. Musicians and artists are at each venue. There is a garden market with handicrafts and gardening tools.

Self-guided tours private gardens
Hwy 1 @ Big Sur Ticket/Map: 831-667-1530, www.bigsurarts.org

Art at the Beach | June 24 (10 a.m.-5 p.m.)

A select group of area artists display works at the Esplanade's outdoor gallery. Some will be demonstrating their craft with works in progress. This is a free event.

Esplanade Park, Capitola
www.ci.capitola.ca.us