Back by popular demand, Quilts: Two Centuries of American Tradition and Technique presents the Bowers' most popular American quilts. To satisfy the curious and creative visitor, emphasis is placed on the quilts' construction techniques.

Guest curated by Julia D. Zgliniec, Quilts: Two Centuries of American Tradition and Technique presents the patterns, stitches, fabrics and other construction techniques of the Bowers' most popular quilts, and many that have never before been exhibited. To satisfy our curious and creative visitors, the top and bottom sides of several quilts will be visible. The exhibition features a variety of 19th and early 20th century patterns, a "Whole Cloth" or "Linsey-Woolsey" quilt dating to 1776, a 1930s "Utility" quilt made of men's suiting samples, and an unfinished variation of a "Crazy" quilt from c. 1850. Made using paper templates of old receipts, bills, letters and other documents, this particular quilt is every bit as interesting as a historical item as it is a textile.

How Much : Contact Venue

Additional Information :

Exhibit through January 16th, 2011
Museum Hours: Tuesday - Sunday
10:00am - 4:00pm

Come enjoy films, tours and bear exhibits
Gourmet food vendors and much more!

Showing times: 2:00pm & 8:00pm

Saturday, July 3rd: The Life & Times of Grizzly Adams
Saturday, August 7th: Hey There, It's Yogi Bear
Saturday, September 4th: Brother Bear

How Much : Free

Additional Information :

Location: Old Orange County Courthouse
211 W. Santa Ana Blvd
Santa Ana, CA 92706

Presented by Downtown Inc. and OC Parks

For over 35 years Harold Van Pelt has perfected the art of carving quartz and agate stones. The Bowers Museum is proud to be the first to assemble a body of Van Pelt's work in an exhibition that highlights the remarkable beauty and extraordinary skill of gemstone carving.

Thousands have admired the work of Harold Van Pelt who, along with his wife Erica, are considered the best gem and mineral photographers in the world. Few know of Van Pelt's extraordinary ability as a fine art gemstone carver, and nobody has ever seen his entire body of work assembled in one place. Bowers Museum is proud to present the first comprehensive exhibition of the extraordinary artworks of Harold Van Pelt.

For over 35 years Van Pelt has quietly been perfecting the art of carving quartz, rock crystal and agate gemstones. Hundreds of hours go into each multi-faceted, fluted, and textured vase, hollow container, sculpture and vessel, many of which are accented with gold and semi-precious stones. Working the stone down to paper-thin walls brings out the gorgeous natural quality and colors of the agate and gives quartz the transparency of glass. Transformed by one man's vision and skill from a solid stone to an incredibly delicate work of art, the gemstone carvings of Harold Van Pelt have to be seen to be believed.

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Exhibit through January 3rd, 2011
Museum Hours: Tuesday - Sunday
10:00am - 4:00pm

The story of an Ugly Duckling separated from the farm and trying to find his way hone again. Pursued by a hungry cat, and meeting many interesting characters along the way, he learns many lessons about love and acceptance before discovering his true beauty.

The award winning full two hour Broadway musical performed in two acts with a 15 minute intermission.

Suitable for the whole family.

How Much : Adults - $12.00, Children/Seniors - $10.00

Additional Information :

Performance Dates - Saturday, July 17th, 24th, 31st, and August 7th at 2:00pm
Saturday, August 7th at 7:30pm
Sunday, July 18th, 25th, and August 8th at 2:00pm

A play about poerty perversion; about making love and making art; about that old story of loving to death. Who murdered "Sirena Cantante" is not the question. The questions is: why?

"Digging Up the Dirt" takes place, as Moraga writes, "Inside The Poet's head, somewhere in the fragmented Chicano nation of Aztlán." Here, as in most Moraga plays, the playwright uses the imagined landscape of the Southwest to poignantly explore those censored questions that continue to impact Chicana lives. And, as in most Moraga plays, such depictions give all of us pause -regardless of race or gender or sexuality. This is especially the case in "Digging Up the Dirt" where the plot thematically interweaves two murder stories. One is the tale of "Sirena Cantante's" murderer, "Josefa Zanzibar," serving a life sentence, while, engaging in lesbian romances and being mercilessly visited by the probing "Poet." The second is an intimate account of the murder of "Amada," a Chicana lesbian killed by the hand of her own son. Through the telling of both stories, alternately satirical and tragic, audience members are held accountable for their own "crimes of passion" and the play becomes a kind of moving mirror to all our unacknowledged "murderous" deeds of the heart.

For more info about the production, artists, and the theater organizations, please visit:
www.breathoffire.org
www.cherriemoraga.com
www.adelinaanthony.com

Showtimes:
8pm - Friday's & Saturday's
6pm - Sunday's

Tickets:
$25 - Opening Night
(at door or advance purchase)

Artists: Emigdio Vasquez, Henry M. Godines, Greg Stone, Matt Southgate, Abram Moya, Jose Lozano, Gilbert "Magu" Lujan, Rosa Williams and Alma Lopez.

How Much : Contact Venue

Additional Information :

Orange County Artists and the Chicano Movement

Join Calacas as they get together to celebrate commUNITY and have lots of fun! They ride for about an hour, and go about 5 miles around the downtown are. $5 tshirts available (cash only) when you bring your bike!

Bring your bikes, lights, & helmets and your your community for a stress-free ride around downtown!

How Much : Free

Additional Information :

1st & 3rd Wednesday of each month!
Arrive 5:30pm/Depart at 6:00pm

Meet in front of Calacas

About the Venue

Calacas
324 West 4th Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

At the Open House you'll be able to:
Learn more about their programs.
Tour their facilities and get a feel for the school.
Speak with current students, faculty, and admissions staff.
Learn about student services, scholarship opportunities, grants, and financial aid (available to those who qualify).

How Much : Contact Venue

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Check-in begins: 9:30am
Presentations begin: 10:00am
Housing tour begins: 12:30pm

About the Venue

Don't miss the Trolley's debut!!

Free Historical Tour Saturday, August 7th. If you missed the debut in July, you won't want to miss the First Saturday in August tour. Find out historical facts you never knew about Downtown Santa Ana. The last hanging in California and where it occurred will surprise you. Toastmasters International began here in Santa Ana and has grown into a worldwide organization. What movie star was jailed at the OC Courthouse and what happened? Come find out the history of your downtown and join us on the next Free Historical Tour Saturday, August 7th. Boarding at the Old Courthouse (211 West Santa Ana Blvd.), begins at 1:00 PM. Tour lasts 20-25 fun filled minutes. All Aboard!

How Much : Free

Additional Information :

The free tours will begin every 20 to 30 minutes from the Old Orange County Courthouse at Civic Center and Broadway. The trolley can seat 20 people on each trip and requires no reservation.

Learn about the traditional style of Spanish guitar building & view her private collection.

How Much : Free

Additional Information

For more info, please call 714-662-2002 or visit:
www.monicasguitars.com

From the creator of the hit comedy Sordid Lives comes this funny and touching examination of sexuality and religion in the South.

How Much : Adult - $18.00, Student - $15.00

Additional Information :

Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm
Select Thursdays @ 8:00 pm
Select Sundays @ 2:00 pm

Every third Saturday of the month, residents of the Santiago Street Lofts host the Santiago Art District-A community art walk event.

Galleries open at 7PM and usually run until 10PM-and sometimes even later!

Ample (free) parking is conveniently located across the street at the Santa Ana Train Depot on the southeast corner of Santa Ana Boulevard and Santiago Street.

How Much : Free

Additional Information :

About the Venue

Santiago Art District
712 North Santiago Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701

Announcing the archeological discovery of the century! The long-lost tomb of the ancient Egyptian god SAA ZUU has been unearthed at the Santa Ana Zoo.

Rip Ribble, Board President of the Friends of Santa Ana Zoo, reports, "As you know, SAA ZUU is the little known Egyptian god of protection, prosperity, and partying for all those who live in and visit the Zoo grounds. We have been searching for SAA ZUU and his tomb for decades and can't believe that, while monkeying around in their enclosure, our very own Gibbons made the discovery! We are going bananas over this important find! This calls for a celebration."

SAA ZUU's tomb and its mystical treasures will be on display for one night only as the Santa Ana Zoo is transformed into a magical Egyptian oasis at Zoofari 2010.

All of the ancient Egyptian Pharaohs, their Queens, SAA ZUU, and Zoofari 2010 Honorary Chairs Sandy Segerstrom Daniels and Ed Arnold hereby command all party animals to come celebrate the majesty and splendor of the enchanting pyramids and temples on our beautiful grounds.

Let the feasting, frivolity and fundraising begin with our 18th annual black tie/safari-wear gala.

How Much : Contact Venue

Additional Information :

The evening includes valet parking underwritten by Villa Ford, a fully hosted bar, hors d'oeuvres, live cocktail entertainment, a signature drink "Cleopatra's Kiss," photo opportunity with camels, a fully catered, sit-down dinner and live and silent auctions. Chuck Dreyer, Southern California's preeminent fundraising auctioneer, will again serve as our Auctioneer. Dancing and music will follow dinner.

Zoofari's fundraising project this year is designed to upgrade our animal commissary to a state-of-the-art facility for animal food preparation. This important site is where all of the essential diets are prepared for each and every animal at the Zoo. By supporting this year's Zoofari, you will make a significant impact on our animals and their valuable place in the world.

Reservations are required.

With the cooperation of the Orange County Center for Contemporary Art (OCCCA), The Eclectic Company is a creative think-tank established in 2005 to support SoCal arts by organizing events that bring various artistic mediums together.

How Much : Contact Venue

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ˇAparato!: http://www.myspace.com/aparatorock
The RadioActive Chicken Heads: http://www.myspace.com/chickenheads

Theatre Out's first annual short play festival will showcase original short works by and about the gay community with the audience voting for the "Best of the Festival".

How Much : Adult - $15.00, Student - $12.00

Additional Information :

Fridays and Saturdays @ 8:00 pm
Select Sundays @ 2:00 pm

Visit 1937 Egypt (in 2010 Santa Ana)!
Explore the top secret archaeological dig site and newly discovered temple!
Meet the eminent archaeologist, Dr. Stanley Templeton!
Dine on exquisite cuisine provided by Country Garden Caterers!
Participate in silent and live auctions!
Dance the night away to the swinging sounds of Johnny Kleker and the Big Band!

How Much : Tickets are $125 per person or $1000 per table (seats 10)

Additional Information :

Proceeds from this signature event will go to support the 20,000 children who annually visit the Heritage Museum to participate in our hands-on educational programs.