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The Eloise Pickard Smith Award is periodically presented by the Santa Cruz County Arts Commission to an individual who has fulfilled the high standards required of a recipient, which include: an extraordinary and sustained level of commitment of time, leadership, and/or financial support to the arts; a lengthy history and single-mindedness of purpose in promoting and supporting the cultural life of the County; and playing a vital role in initiating the creation of new cultural institutions or organizations which benefit the community. The award was first given to its namesake, Eloise Pickard Smith, in 1995. In addition to her work as an artist, Eloise was a director of the California State Arts Council, founder of the State Prison Arts Program, and curator of the Cowell College Art Gallery. Former recipients of the Award include Ernest T. “Bud” Kretschmer in 1996, Roy Rydell in 1997, Jack Baskin in 2000, Rowland Rebele in 2003, Hal Hyde in 2006, and George Ow, Jr. and Gail Michaelis-Ow in 2009.
In 1975, Tim Jackson co-founded Kuumbwa Jazz, recognized today as one of the best jazz venues in the world as voted by Downbeat Magazine. For 40 years, Kuumbwa Jazz has provided Santa Cruz County residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy and appreciate the full spectrum of jazz music through live performance of extraordinary regional, national and international musicians, as well as providing educational opportunities. Tim was instrumental in forming the Western Jazz Presenters Network, a coalition of jazz presenters in the western region of North America dedicated to mutual support through networking, booking, professional development and advancement of the full diversity of the jazz field. In addition to his work with Kuumbwa, Tim has served as the Artistic Director of the Monterey Jazz Festival since 1992, which has been named the best jazz festival in the world by JazzTimes Magazine. In the early 1980s Tim helped bridge the arts community through the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County, serving on its Board of Directors and as vice-chair of the Council Associates with a mission to share information, resources and ideas, and advocate for the arts in our community.
(831) 454-7901 (General)
Monday – Friday 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, except holidays
parksinfo@scparks.com (General)
Our physical office is open, but staff availability is limited.