Artists - like developers, farmers and conservationists - deeply consider the role of water in our lives.

• Since its founding in 2009 by singer and actor Reg Huston, the S.T.A.R. Foundation has distributed $775,000 in grants to area performing arts groups and scholarships to aspiring performers.

• Some of the most exciting and pertinent local theater comes from Luis “Xago” Juarez of Baktun 12 and their ReAlisal series. They are docu-plays (based on interviews and documented research) about East Salinas, put on in collaboration with the residents who live it. The third in the series is Mi Abuelito Fue Bracero, inspired by Xago’s own father’s story of working in the Bracero Program. It runs Thursday-Sunday, June 18-28, at Alisal High School’s Mullins Theater. See the Weekly’s A&E Calendar section for more, and the Arts & Culture blog for even more.

• The city of Marina celebrates its 40th anniversary (hey, I’m older than the city of Marina!) by soliciting Monterey County-based artists to submit their concepts for site-specific outdoor public art, to be unveiled at the birthday celebration in September. Applications should be submitted by July 27. Call 578-7877 or email mcopperma@aol.com for info.

• This Friday, at Embassy Suites in Seaside, is the Black Business Expo. What is it? It’s a free, all-day lineup of 12 business workshops from Cal Am to FORA to Monterey Peninsula Regional Parks, 8:15am-4:45pm. In the middle of that, 11am-1pm, a presidential luncheon and Juneteenth celebration ($48) with 45 kids from a Seaside High School mentorship program. At 6pm, a VIP reception honoring State Sen. Bill Monning. 7:30pm-late it’s a gala barbecue dinner, keynote speeches by Monning, Mel Mason and Aubry Stone, and dancing ($75). 899-1610, 394-7678, www.MontereyCountyBlackChamber.com.

• We don’t hear a lot from Fearless Minds Theatrical. But when we do, it’s usually something special. Like this: a writing workshop for LGBTQ+ youth. It takes place at Carmel Youth Center (good lookin’ out) with supportive instructors from that community teaching Monterey County kids 14-18 years old – of any sexual orientation/gender identity, with accommodations to other languages and disabilities – queer history, identity issues and creative writing. An invite-only performance culminates the four-week program. 277-6429, 229-7540.

• The Colleagues of the Arts (COTA) hosts a luncheon at Corral de Tierra Country Club so its students can show their talents. Tickets are $45 for adults, $20 for children. Call 320-4189 to RSVP, www.ColleaguesOfTheArts.org for info.