By Santa Cruz Sentinel

The Santa Cruz County Parks Department recently announced Katie Simpson (mixed media paintings), Priscilla Martinez (mixed-media paintings and digital graphic design) and Kara Saiki (papier-mâché masks) as the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission’s 2025 Spotlight Award recipients.

Kara Saiki is a young, local artist who has been interested in art from an extremely young age. Over the past two years, Kara has channeled most of her creative work toward the theater, creating stage props, painting set pieces and even creating costumes. Although she works in a variety of media such as painting, sketching and digital art, one particular medium has allowed Kara to bring her artwork to life in three dimensions: papier-mâché. This unique and dynamic method brings together aspects of various media, which allows her to create everything from delicate objects to ferocious creatures using nothing but scrap materials, flour, glue and paint. Kara hopes to continue to work in theater.

Katie Simpson is an artist, nature enthusiast and educator from Aptos, with an MFA in Studio Art from the City College of New York, CUNY, and a bachelor’s degree in Drawing, Painting and Printmaking from Portland State University. Simpson’s primary artistic focus is acrylic mixed media paintings that combine drawing, painting, printmaking and other media — and her work circles in on nature in various ways. She shows regionally and is often part of Open Studios. Simpson is currently Arts Education Manager at Arts Council Santa Cruz County, and has been teaching with the Arts Council since 2019, as a SPECTRA Artist and with Mariposa Arts.

Priscilla Martinez is a Latina artist and illustrator, born and raised in Watsonville. She began painting murals as a senior at Watsonville High. After graduation, her passion for the arts brought her to Cabrillo College, where she took art classes while also working full time. Over the years, she has developed as a professional artist and has produced a recognized body of work in Watsonville. She created the official Watsonville Strawberry Festival poster for seven consecutive years as well as numerous posters and murals for local merchants, service organizations, schools and public agencies. In 2018, her design was selected for Monterey County’s first official government flag. Additionally, she has shown her work at the Pajaro Valley Arts gallery and created art for two utility boxes on Main Street in Watsonville.

Through the Spotlight Award, the County Arts Commission publicly recognizes individuals who have achieved a high level of excellence and creativity in their work but who have not received widespread acknowledgment of their talent. This annual award recognizes younger artists as well as those who are discovering their artistic voice later in life. The artists’ work will be exhibited on the 5th floor of the County Government Center (701 Ocean St., Santa Cruz) through Oct. 14. A First Friday opening reception will be held Aug. 1 from 5-7 p.m. See https://firstfridaysantacruz.com/events for more.

Bay Federal raises over $25,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Bay Federal Credit Union employees and members raised $25,805 during the Credit Union’s annual fundraiser in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

“Our employees and members continue to amaze me with their passion and generosity,” said Carrie Birkhofer, president and CEO of Bay Federal Credit Union, in a release. “Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals provide critical care to kids and support to their families during life’s most difficult moments. Supporting this cause reflects our deep commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of local families.”

A standout addition to this year’s effort was $4,200 raised through dealership contributions, thanks in large part to Venus Blake, Bay Federal’s Dealer Relationship Manager, Consumer and Business Lending.The Freedom Branch took home the top spot for fundraising, bringing in $6,537.61, followed closely by The Watsonville Branch with $6,127.99. The top individual fundraisers across the organization were Christina Ramirez ($1,765), Freddy Mata ($1,507), Ruben Muñoz ($1,320) and Jorge Medina ($1,069).

The funds raised will benefit the Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital Foundation, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals partner. Donations directly support local families by funding charitable care, upgrading life-saving equipment, enhancing patient services, and providing vital education and support.

Education

Maren Detlefs, of Santa Cruz, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Emerson College in Boston.

Kaveh Hodjat, of Santa Cruz, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Emerson College in Boston.

Sienna Parker, of Santa Cruz, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Emerson College in Boston.

Reid Perry, of Santa Cruz, was named to the dean’s list for the spring semester at Emerson College in Boston.

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