The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History (MAH) is thrilled to announce two major events this fall: the CommonGround Festival from September 13-22, 2024, and the exhibition “Young, Gifted and Black,” running from August 23 to December 29, 2024. During this period, Marla Novo will step in as Interim Executive Director, leveraging her 30 years of curatorial experience and dedication to MAH’s mission, while the museum searches for a permanent Executive Director with extensive community input.
The biennial CommonGround Festival will return from September 13-22, 2024, featuring outdoor artworks by notable artists such as Jim and Brighton Denevan, Huy Truong, and Susana Ruiz.
Art installations will transform Santa Cruz County’s scenic locations, with highlights including a large sand drawing at Cowell Beach and video portraits projected on trees at Evergreen Cemetery. The festival will invite the community to explore themes of public memory and historical justice through these captivating works.
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From August 23 to December 29, 2024, MAH will present “Young, Gifted and Black: The Lumpkin-Boccuzzi Family Collection of Contemporary Art.” This exhibition showcases works by prominent African descent artists, including David Hammons, Kerry James Marshall, Mickalene Thomas, and Kara Walker. The collection’s founder, Bernard Lumpkin, emphasizes the exhibition’s relevance in contemporary discussions on race, equality, and inclusion, providing a powerful platform for exploring identity, politics, and art history.
Marla Novo, a Santa Cruz resident since age two, brings a wealth of curatorial experience and a profound commitment to MAH’s mission as the Interim Executive Director. “I love this County and downtown Santa Cruz,” Novo remarked. “For decades, I’ve walked to work, pondering the hidden stories MAH can reveal and the creative projects we can support. I look forward to continuing to work with my wonderful colleagues to advance MAH’s vision as we search for a permanent Executive Director.”
The search for a long-term Executive Director is actively underway, facilitated by Fortress and Flourish. The museum has incorporated feedback from over 200 survey responses to define the criteria for this pivotal role, aiming to find a leader who aligns with the community’s vision and aspirations for MAH. Jorian Wilkins, Board Chair of MAH, stated, “We are committed to finding a visionary leader who will continue to advance our mission and values.
The community’s input has been invaluable in shaping the profile of our next Executive Director.” Candice Elliott, Founder of Fortress and Flourish, added, “The recruitment process has been highly collaborative. We’ve worked closely with the MAH team and local patrons to ensure we find a leader who truly embodies the spirit and goals of the museum.”
For more information about the Executive Director position, please visit the MAH careers page.
About MAH
The Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is dedicated to fostering a vibrant cultural community. MAH invites everyone to celebrate art, history, and culture through its diverse array of events and exhibitions. For the latest updates, visit santacruzmah.org.
Source: Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History Unveils Exciting Fall Lineup and Leadership Transition
