In 2009, the Santa Cruz Artists Assistance and Relief Fund or SCAARF - was created by local artists Sara Friedlander and Dee Hooker through the ART for ART exhibitions. It began as a fund to support Santa Cruz county artists who experienced a loss which crippled their ability to work. Since then, SCAARF has assisted many local artists facing emergencies. In 2021, SCAARF was able to award grants to five north coast artists after the loss of their studios in the CZU fires.  Now 13 years later, M.K. Contemporary Art (formerly Curated by the Sea) is proud to help reimagine this fundraising campaign.This 100% volunteer effort  will provide emergency grants to local, professional artists in need of special assistance in times of sickness, natural disaster, or unexpected extreme hardship. If you are a professional, visual artist residing in Santa Cruz County and are  in need of special assistance, please contact us at melissa@mkcontemporary.art to apply for assistance.