Arts/Culture/Weekend: big waves and DIY art

Logo for the L@te Marker Dance Party

It's official: the Mavericks big wave surf contest is on for Saturday.  It's the first time in three years that the contest will be held, so needless to say, there are some stoked surfers out there. 

The event will surely be crowded, and the contestants will be difficult to see since the 25- to 35-foot waves forecast for the contest will be breaking half a mile off the coast. So, if that's not enough to lure you to Half Moon Bay, maybe you'd be interested in hunting naked people down in an art museum?

To be sure we are on the same page, I'm talking about a scavenger hunt at the Legion of Honor Museum, where you go searching for nudity in art.  It's a special Valentine's Day weekend hunt put on by Watson Adventures. And don't worry, the event's description assures participants that "no previous experience with art, or nudity, is required."

If that doesn't tickle your fancy, it's your last chance to check out the less risqué art on display at the Float Center in Oakland.  "DepARTures" is a show featuring three artists that "have each found a way to commit the flavor of the expedition onto the canvas."  That show ends on Saturday, but if you don't make it, there's always time to check out the center's floatation tanks.

But if you're more of a DIY art person, and are looking for more stimulation than relaxation, then check out the L@te Marker Dance Party at the Berkeley Art Museum on Friday night with East Bay zine collective Rock Paper Scissors.  The walls, ceilings and floors will be covered with paper for you to draw to your heart's content, while a DJ spins tunes.