Mission Santa Cruz: Vistas, Memories, and Coastal Heritage
Perched high above Monterey Bay, Mission Santa Cruz offers a unique perspective on one of California's smaller historic sites, focusing on its vantage point, surrounding nature, and rich regional history.
"In researching this mission, I came to appreciate that the tower symbolized the role of the mission not only to evangelize the faith, but to protect their neophytes, staff and missionaries... serving as a look-out and a warning system," Howard shares.
Key Details & Nostalgic Landmarks:
The Hilltop Bell Tower: Set upon a scenic rise overlooking the semicircular curve of Monterey Bay, the replica bell tower highlights the mission's historic role as a watchtower and community anchor.
Coastal Boardwalk & Giant Dipper: To the far right, Howard depicts the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and its iconic 1924 wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper.
Redwood Train & Trestle Bridge: Peeking through native Monterey pines, redwoods, and coastal oaks, the painting features a vintage locomotive crossing a trestle bridge, a nod to the artist's fond family train rides through nearby redwoods.
A Tapestry of Personal History: Framing Victorian and mission-style homes in the neighborhood, the piece blends sacred history with Howard’s cherished memories of beach trips, family vacations, and mountain biking along the coast.
Mission Santa Cruz: Vistas, Memories, and Coastal Heritage
Perched high above Monterey Bay, Mission Santa Cruz offers a unique perspective on one of California's smaller historic sites, focusing on its vantage point, surrounding nature, and rich regional history.
"In researching this mission, I came to appreciate that the tower symbolized the role of the mission not only to evangelize the faith, but to protect their neophytes, staff and missionaries... serving as a look-out and a warning system," Howard shares.
Key Details & Nostalgic Landmarks:
The Hilltop Bell Tower: Set upon a scenic rise overlooking the semicircular curve of Monterey Bay, the replica bell tower highlights the mission's historic role as a watchtower and community anchor.
Coastal Boardwalk & Giant Dipper: To the far right, Howard depicts the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and its iconic 1924 wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper.
Redwood Train & Trestle Bridge: Peeking through native Monterey pines, redwoods, and coastal oaks, the painting features a vintage locomotive crossing a trestle bridge, a nod to the artist's fond family train rides through nearby redwoods.
A Tapestry of Personal History: Framing Victorian and mission-style homes in the neighborhood, the piece blends sacred history with Howard’s cherished memories of beach trips, family vacations, and mountain biking along the coast.
