Family Art Saturday: Chinese Calligraphy Workshop with Yaming Shen | June 14 (1-3 p.m.)

This workshop introduces methods of character creation from ancient China, exposes the beauty of Chinese calligraphy and painting, and inspires creative art projects using Chinese calligraphy and simple Chinese painting. Hands-on tutoring will be offered. Recommended for ages 6 and up. Materials included. Space is limited.

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

Where the Wild Things Are Youth Art Camp | June 25-29 (9 a.m.-3 p.m.)

Classes led by Lisa Alexander and Anouk Johanna. Students learn how to make fun sculptures using clay, wood, stone, wire and more. Other activities explore various wild things and capture their images in various projects. $125 members, $135 non-members, $15 materials.

Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
9341 Mill Rd, Ben Lomond
831-336-3513, www.mountainartcenter.org