In troubled times, artists have always stepped up to the philanthropic plate. Live Aid, Farm Aid, “We Are the World.” Maybe it’s because the arts bring hope, and those who have hope care enough to spread it around. Which brings us to the First Friday Art Tour on February 5, the scene of two very different charity efforts in Santa Cruz.

First, at Motiv, sculptor Karen Card and photographer George McCullough are turning their artists reception into a Haitian Earthquake Relief Benefit.

“We provide the art, politics, wine, Jorge’s Fish Tacos and cheese from River Cafe,” says their flyer, “but we ask you to donate what you can to Oxfam or the charity of your choice.”

The reception, from 5 to 9 p.m., shows off Card’s series of female body casts created in clay and fired in Raku, along with McCullough’s images.

Local artists are also taking part in Hearts for the Arts, a two-week silent auction at Artisans Gallery. The gallery, thanks to new owner Linnaea Holgers, is resurrecting the event — once the domain of the Cultural Council of Santa Cruz County — in order to support the Council’s SPECTRA Artist program. Twenty artists are taking part in this fundraiser to help bring qualified professional artists into local schools.

Artisans will hold a Hearts for the Arts reception from 6 to 8 p.m. The auction ends February 14.

Haitian Earthquake Relief Benefit. 5 to 9 p.m. February 5. Motiv, 1209 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. Free, but donations requested. (831) 429-8070.

Hearts for the Arts reception. 6 to 8 p.m. February 5. Silent auction through February 14. Artisans Gallery, 1368 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz. Free. (831) 423-8183.

For more information on First Friday Art Tour, see www.firstfridaysantacruz.com.