ArtWorks @Salinas Studios & Gallery
located at 262 Main Street in Downtown Salinas, is a vibrant community hub dedicated to uplifting local artists and making the arts accessible to all. Through rotating exhibits, artist receptions, and a place for workshops and pop-ups, it’s more than a gallery; it’s a space where art meets community.
Plus, don’t forget to check out ArtWorks for unique one-of-a-kind gifts! See our listing in Community Builders’ Merry & Mindful Sustainable Holiday Guide
Artist Studios for Lease
ArtWorks @Salinas is home to a vibrant collective of local artists, each leasing a studio space to create, collaborate, and share their work with the community. Interested in leasing a studio? Availability allowing, we offer affordable, sliding-scale subleases that include utilities, Wi-Fi, and marketing support. Need something short-term? Reach out! Artist placement is juried by a small panel to ensure a good fit for the program. For more information, email info(at)arts4mc.org.
Exhibit and Gallery Space
Our gallery features rotating exhibits every quarter, showcasing fantastic pieces from local artists. We aim to promote a diverse array of artworks for visitors to enjoy. The gallery is open to the public for free, making art accessible to everyone.
Artisanal Shop
Inside our gallery, you’ll discover a charming artisan shop featuring handcrafted treasures made by local creatives. Each purchase directly supports the artist who made it, with a small portion helping to advance Arts4MC’s mission of making the arts accessible to everyone. Add a touch of artistry to your life—and uplift the makers behind the magic.
Workshop and Popup Space
We also offer space for workshops and popup events, where vendors and artists can share their goods and engage with the community.
Studio Artists
Art Exhibition October - January
ArtWorks Salinas is pleased to present its 4th Quarter Exhibition, on view from October 2, 2026 through January 10, 2027. The exhibition features Bunny S. Paivine’s Illusions of Perfection, alongside sculptural works by guest artist George Saldivar, new work by highlighted studio artists Shagufta Khan and Kelly Melendez, rotating resident artists, and the Monterey County Group Photography Exhibition featuring 50 artists and curated by Spencer Enriquez.
Paivine brings decades of experience as both an artist and longtime Salinas educator to a colorful body of work shaped by experimentation, playful techniques, and what she calls “happy accidents.” Saldivar transforms found woods including oak, laurel, applewood, and walnut into organic sculptural forms, often incorporating vibrant stained glass and fractal-burning techniques. Khan creates intuitive abstract-impressionist paintings inspired by nature, family, and human connection, while Melendez uses photography to reflect on travel, unfamiliar places, and the emotional character of the environments she encounters.
Join us for our First Friday Artist Reception, held in conjunction with First Friday Salinas on the first Friday of every month. Meet the artists, enjoy live music, light refreshments, and connect with the local creative community while exploring the exhibitions and resident artist studios.
Admission is always free. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, collector, or simply looking for an inspiring evening in Downtown Salinas, ArtWorks offers a welcoming space to experience the creativity of Monterey County and beyond.
Special thanks to our First Friday Artist Reception Wine Sponsor:
Hours of Operation
We’re open free to the public:
Tuesdays: 11 am – 2 pm
Wednesdays: 2 pm – 5 pm
Friday to Sunday, 10 am to 4 pm
First Friday of the Month 12 pm – 8 pm
Come visit us and be a part of the creative magic!