8/5/26

Public art is all around us—murals, sculptures, mosaics, painted crosswalks, and creative installations that reflect the stories, cultures, and communities that make Monterey County unique. Through the Art Tours Monterey County mobile app, Arts4MC is helping residents and visitors discover these works in new ways.

Serving as a countywide public art guide, the app connects people to artwork throughout Monterey County through interactive maps, artist information, self-guided tours, and community-submitted content. Users can explore public art by location, learn about the artists behind the work, and discover creative destinations across the county.

One of the app’s most valuable features is its community-driven approach. Community members and artists contribute public art submissions that help document and expand Monterey County’s growing creative map. In addition to highlighting projects supported by Arts4MC, the platform continues to grow through contributions that help capture the breadth and diversity of public art found throughout our region.

The app also serves as a hub for Arts4MC’s annual Open Studios Art Tour, allowing visitors to locate participating artists, galleries, and organizations, explore locations on an interactive map, and build personalized tour routes each year.

If you’ve been in Salinas recently, you’ve likely spotted one of the monumental sculptures that make up *Alebrijes y Nahuales: Fantastic Animals from Mexico*, a public art exhibition on view throughout the city from July 31 through September 4. Through the Art Tours Monterey County app, visitors can explore a map featuring all eight sculptures pinned throughout the city, making it easy to locate each artwork and enjoy a self-guided tour. The exhibition invites visitors to discover the stories, artistry, and cultural traditions behind these larger-than-life fantastical creatures while experiencing Salinas in a new way.

Ready to explore? Download the free Art Tours Monterey County app via the App Store and Google Play – Search Art Tours Monterey County and access not only OSAT participants but so much more!