Santa cruz’s first poet laureate has won the 2012 santa cruz county artist of the year award. Gary young was the inaugural santa cruz poet laureate in 2010. In addition to a renowned poet, young is a print artist, and has illustrated several books. His work is set to be displayed in celebration of the award on may 25th, at the santa cruz museum of art and history. gary Young is a poetry teacher at U.C. santa cruz; he recently published his latest book of poetry, titled “even so.” The santa cruz county artist of the year award is given by the county arts commission.