Beauty and the Bank

Of the things one might expect to find in a bank, art might not be the first to come to mind. But Santa Cruz County Bank has showcased community-based art in all of its branches since it opened in 2004.

In 2005, the opened its doors and joined in the quarterly art shows. “Celebrate Santa Cruz County,” which opens this week for public viewing in all five branches, is the latest exhibition. As the title suggests, this showing features works focused on iconic places throughout Santa Cruz County.

According to the bank, the exhibition highlights the region's rich agricultural heritage, locally owned businesses and architecture from the past and present, and it includes a special tribute to the 100th anniversary of the Looff Carousel.

Members of the community as well as customers are encouraged to enjoy these works of art.

“You can see people's pride in their community when they look at the work," said Mary Anne Carson, who is in charge of coordinating the Santa Cruz County Bank art shows. "It seems to evoke conversation and a sense of enjoyment through rediscovery of the joy and beauty within our county."  

“My paintings combine my love of certain places and images that may not be with us forever, or places and things that have been with us so long that they’ve become iconic," said Laurie Longnecker, one of 11 artists in the exhibit.

“Celebrate Santa Cruz County” will be up until July 21.

Carson said that the next exhibit will tie in with a local birding festival and focus on birding themes. In the winter, we can expect to see an arboreal theme.

Nearly all the works presented are for sale, and all the profits go directly to the artists. In this way, the bank is able to support local artists, as well as increase the public’s opportunity for exposure to the arts.

This is just one aspect of Santa Cruz County Bank’s dedication to benefiting the community. Carson said the entire bank is very focused on community reinvestment, with volunteerism and fundraising. Recently, Watsonville branch manager Pam Zamani took part in “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes," a walkathon for women’s crisis support.

There will be an opening reception in downtown Santa Cruz, where 40 pieces of artwork will be shown from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on April 26. The 27 pieces decorating the walls of the Watsonville branch are available for viewing Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.