The third floor of the Santa Cruz County Government Center will showcase the voting rights artwork from the Pajaro Valley Arts exhibit, Vote! Your Vote is Your Voice/¡Vote! Su Voto es Su Voz, from January 27 to April 1.
The exhibit aims to inform, inspire and develop greater interest in the nonpartisan democratic process. Co-curated by Maria Gitin and Pajaro Valley Arts Curator Judy Stabile, the exhibit features Bob Fitch photography from the archives of Stanford University Library and artifacts from civil rights veteran Maria Gitin.
The exhibit also includes contemporary regional artists’ interpretation of voting rights and informative displays from Santa Cruz County Elections Department and Watsonville City Clerk’s Office. A visual timeline highlights key events in voting rights history including the historic Watsonville v. Gomez case. The exhibit is presented in partnership with Santa Cruz County Elections Department and Santa Cruz County Arts Commission.
The local artists participating include Jessica Carrasco, Myra Eastman, Bob Fitch, Jane Gregorius, Hedwig Heerschop, Matt Herron, Lucien Kubo, Joshua Moreno, Helen Ruiz-Thomas, Jaime Sánchez, Sandra Takashima Shaw, Peggy Snider, Carol Walberg.
“We are so pleased to provide a home for this amazing artwork,” County Clerk Gail Pellerin said. “I hope the art and history on display will inspire people to be engaged citizens by being a voter on March 3 and November 3!”
There will be a free reception with appetizers and refreshments on First Friday, February 7, 5 to 8 pm, 701 Ocean Street, 3rd Floor, Santa Cruz.
First Friday Art Tour happens every month, rain or shine throughout Santa Cruz County. First Friday is a free event for enthusiastic Art Goers or those just looking to have a fun and enjoyable evening checking out art, music and more.
The Vote exhibit is free and open to the public, suitable for everyone, and the venue is ADA accessible. Guided tours can be arranged upon request.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please contact County Clerk Gail Pellerin at 831-454-2419.
