First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2025-03-07 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-04 17:00 - 19:00, 2025-05-02 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
FREE after-hours access to the Museum on the First Friday of the month. Join us for an evening of art, music, and community gathering!

First Friday Artist Reception: JC Gonzalez, Jerry Takigawa, Natalia Poehner Corazza
2025-03-07 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us in closing out “Celebrating Monterey County Art Fellows” at ArtWorks @Salinas!
This last Artist Reception will be held on Friday, March 7th, at 5 PM, during Downtown Salinas’ 1st Friday Art Walk event. This exciting exhibit showcases the incredible work of 3 California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship recipients, including JC Gonzalez, Jerry Takigawa, and Natalia Poehner Corazza. Enjoy live music, small bites, and the opportunity to meet the artists and see their inspiring pieces up close. Take the chance to see the artist studios of Shagufta Khan, Emerald McColey, Edge Lorenzo, Deborah Good, Kenji Tanner, Nate Stapleton, and Victoria Lee plus crafts from local artisans! The exhibit run will run through March 30, 2025.
ArtWorks @Salinas is located at 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA.
Gallery hours: Friday-Sunday, 10 AM – 2 PM.

Afternoon with the Curator: Open Archive with Cydney Payton and Eleanor Uhlinger
2025-03-08 14:00 - 15:30 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join Guest Curator Cydney Payton and Monterey Museum of Art Archivist Eleanor Uhlinger in a conversation about presenting, preserving, and creating new futures for the work of fine artists. Open Archive will offer a rare behind-the-scenes conversation about Monterey Museum of Art’s historical archives and the curation of the exhibition Morley Baer: Modernism in Northern California Architecture. How does the process of making exhibitions from artist’s archives work? What is included and why? See and hear about works that were not selected for the exhibition. Learn about the importance of the archive in curatorial research and the role of the artist in the creation of their legacy. Gain a deeper understanding of Morley Baer’s methodology to ensure his place in history. Advance purchase is required. Seating is limited, so we recommend reserving your tickets early. $5 MMA Members, Students, Military, Under 18, and SNAP Participants with EBT $20 General Admission. Includes an admission pass to MMA – Pacific Street. About the Presenters Cydney Payton is an American museum director, curator, and writer. Payton was the Director and Chief Curator for both the Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (2009–2000) and the Boulder Museum of Contemporary Art (2000–1991). Payton has curated over fifty exhibitions, many for individual artists including Larry Bell, Lynda Benglis, Stan Brakhage, Dale Chisman, Yu-Chen Chou, Dorothy Dehner, Jane Hammond, Damien Hirst, Ana Maria Hernando, Brad Kalhammer, Susanne Kühn, Roberto Behar and Rosario Marquardt, Wangechi Mutu, Erwin Redl, Rex Ray, Stacey Steers, and Collier Schorr. She has written on artists such as Lynda Benglis, Dorothy Dehner, Jasper de Biejer, Susanne Kühn, Susan Meyer and Jeffrey Starr, Barbara Shark, Ann Shostrom, Rex Ray, and Clark Richert. Payton holds an MA in Curatorial Practice, from California College of the Arts. Her practice focuses on the relationship between contemporary art and architectural histories and theories. Eleanor Uhlinger is the Archivist/Librarian at the Monterey Museum of Art. In her former role as University Librarian at the Naval Postgraduate School, she created a Special Collections and Archives department to document and preserve the history of the School, its students and faculty, and its location on the grounds of the former Hotel Del Monte. After retirement, she became active in the Monterey Regional Collections Roundtable, a local group of archivists, historians, librarians, and researchers who meet monthly to facilitate cooperation and promote a better understanding of the sound administration, preservation, and appropriate use of historical research and museum collections in the Monterey Region.

Carmel Art Walk
2025-03-08 16:00 - 19:00, 2025-04-12 16:00 - 19:00 | Throughout Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921, United States
Founded and run by local artists, the Carmel Art Walk is a free and family-friendly event. Support our local artists and keep the HEART of Carmel beating strong! Carmel Art Walk is the second Saturday every month from 4pm-7pm and is open to the public. Tour artist-owned galleries and meet the artists who carry on the Carmel-by-the-Sea artist colony legacy. Follow the blue lanterns at each gallery.

Art & Food Sovereignty
2025-03-13 17:00 - 19:00 | Art & Healing UAC Gallery, 21 Soledad St. Suit C., Salinas, CA, CA, 93905
A workshop conversation where Rudy Jimenez, visual arts and UAC organizer shares about his journey into with Green Thumb Farms. JC with facilitate the conversation and lead an art activity.

Artist Workshop: Cyanotype Portraits and Landscapes With Iris McGilloway
2025-03-15 13:30 - 16:30 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Learn how to make landscape and portrait cyanotypes with Iris McGilloway of Song Dog Studios using photo negatives. Participants are encouraged to bring their own personal photo negatives, all other supplies are included. Open to all experience levels!

Something Rotten!
2025-03-21 19:00 - 21:00 | Robert Stanton Theater, King City CA, 720 Broadway St., King City, CA, 93930, United States
Welcome to the Renaissance and the outrageous, crowd-pleasing musical farce, Something Rotten! Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz. Something Rotten features large song and dance numbers, and a wacky cast of over-the-top characters, each with their own moment to shine! Show Dates: Friday 3/21/25, Saturday 3/22/25, Friday 3/28/25, & Saturday 3/29/25 at 7pm Sunday 3/23/25 and Saturday 3/29/25 at 1pm Tickets available now!

Botanical Illustration: Spring Flowers Workshop
2025-03-22 10:00 - 14:00 | The Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Botanical Illustration: Spring Flowers Join us for a day of botanical exploration on paper. Working with local wildflowers, participants will create botanical studies in pencil and color media. We will explore the shape, gesture, structure, texture, and color of our specimens to describe each plant’s unique features on paper. Learn rendering techniques, color matching, and terminology and gain a better appreciation for our local ecosystem through art. Date: March 22, 2025 Ages: 12 – Adult Hours: 10am – 2pm Location: The Lyceum Instructor: Erin Ellis Class size: Limited to 8 students Fee: $60 (includes all materials)

First Friday Artist Reception at ArtWorks @Salinas: Javier Lopez Jr. presents “Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula”
2025-04-04 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us on Friday, April 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM at ArtWorks @Salinas (262 Main Street, Salinas) for a special Artist Reception. Experience the debut of local artist Javier Lopez Jr.’s heartfelt exhibit alongside the inspiring PhotoCarmel display celebrating photography on the Central Coast. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks as you explore the vibrant artist studios and shop featuring over 10 local artists and artisans—all free and open to the public!

MMA's Block Party
2025-04-05 11:00 - 16:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Get ready for the Monterey Museum of Art’s 3rd Annual Block Party! This vibrant arts festival, free and open to all, transforms downtown Monterey into a bustling hub of art and creativity. Discover local artisans and makers showcasing their unique crafts alongside dazzling performances and a variety of delicious food and drink options. Participate in interactive arts activities designed for all ages, and enjoy free admission to our latest exhibitions. We invite ages 21+ to return in the evening for a Dance Party under the stars.

BEAN CREEK WITH OTTER OPRY
2025-04-05 15:00 - 17:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Starting with the basics: If you have never heard Billy Pitrone sing, you have missed one of the most incredible and moving bluegrass voices on the planet. Not only that, but he’s also one of the nicest people ever. OK, enough of that: Billy and his Bean Creek band – a local favorite for a good long time – will be gracing the Otter Opry stage on Saturday, April 5th at the United Methodist Church in Monterey. Eeeh hah! Who are these folks? Bean Creek is a bluegrass band that plays straight-ahead traditional style bluegrass. Slightly revised since the passing of original (and deeply missed) band member Pete Hicks, the band is now joined by Henry and Ella Warde. Enthusiasm and passion, as well as fine song choices including rousing instrumentals and heartfelt ballads, are guaranteed to delight foot-stompin’ audiences like you. Dulcet harmonies and fun stage banter are always a solid part of the program, so get ready for some real fun! Bean Creek was voted Best Band four times by the Northern California Bluegrass Society, while Billy has captured Best Vocalist eight times since 2008. Rob has also picked up Best Banjo Player in previous years. Band members include Billy Pitrone on guitar and vocals, Sarah Eblen on bass and vocals, Rob Horgan on banjo, Ella Warde on fiddle and vocals and Henry Warde on mandolin and vocals. This is the sweetest, best, most talented bunch of bluegrass stars you could ever hope to see and hear. C’mon down! 3pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $25/show (CBA members $20; 15 and under free). www.otteropry.org.

Viano Quartet
2025-04-05 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Pre-concert lecture at 6:30 pm.
The program includes pieces by Franz H, Astor, Kevin, Franz S, and Sergei.

Franz Joseph Haydn String Quartet in F Major op. 77 no. 2

Astor Piazzolla Resurrección del Ángel

Kevin Lau String Quartet No. 5: The Train to Impossible Places

Franz Schubert String Quartet No. 12 in C Minor (“Quartettsatz”), D. 703

Sergei Prokofiev String Quartet No. 2 in F Major, op. 92

Performers

Lucy Wang, violin

Hao Zhou, violin

Aiden Kane, viola

Tate Zawadiuk, cello

About the Performers

The Viano Quartet aims to unite the dichotomy between collaborative and soloistic music making to create a voice that speaks both distinctly and as one cohesive force. We believe in uplifting the individual through dynamic teamwork and uncovering the personal nuances of collaboration to invigorate our communities. Our hope is that through a charismatic and fiery approach, our music can tell a unique story that speaks authentically to each audience member and empower a new generation of artists.

The quartet was named the inaugural June Goldsmith Quartet-in-Residence for the Music in the Morning series in Vancouver until 2025, where their focus will be to commission new works and lead extensive community engagement initiatives. The quartet has also held residencies at the Curtis Institute, Colburn Conservatory, Northern Michigan University, and Meadows School of the Arts at Southern Methodist University.

The quartet achieved incredible success in their formative years, with an unbroken streak of top prizes at major competitions. In addition to their career-defining achievement at the 2019 Banff InternationalString Quartet Competition, they also received the Grand Prize at the 2019 ENKOR International Music Competition and second prize at the 2019 Yellow Springs Chamber Music Competition. At the 2018 Wigmore Hall International String Quartet Competition they received Third Prize, the Haydn Prize for the best performance of a Haydn quartet, and the Sidney Griller Award for the best performance of the compulsory work, Thomas Ades’ “The Four Quarters”. They received the Silver Medal at the 2018 Fischoff National Chamber Music Competition and Third Prize at the 9th Osaka International Chamber Music Competition in 2017.

The Viano Quartet has collaborated with world-class musicians such as pianists Emanuel Ax, Marc-André Hamelin, Inon Barnatan and Elisso Virsaladze, violists Paul Coletti and Paul Neubauer, violinist Noah Bendix-Balgley, vocalist Hila Plitmann and clarinetist David Shifrin. Their chief mentors include faculty of the Curtis Institute and Colburn Conservatory, as well as members of the Dover, Guarneri, and Tokyo string quartets. Past summers have been spent at the Ravinia Steans Chamber Music Institute, the St. Lawrence String Quartet Seminar, the Festival d’Aix en Provence, the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival,and the McGill International String Quartet Academy.

The name “Viano” was created to describe the four individual instruments in a string quartet interacting as one. Each of the four instruments begins with the letter “v”, and like a piano, all four string instruments together play both harmony and melody, creating a unified instrument called the “Viano”.

Controlled Chaos Improv at Wave Street Studios!
2025-04-11 19:30 - 21:30 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, 93940
Get ready for a night of non-stop laughter and unpredictable fun at Wave Street Studios! Controlled Chaos Improv puts their own twist on traditional improvisational theatre. Quick wit and spontaneous energy are combined with truth in comedy to bring something fresh and fun to the stage! Grab your friends and join us for an evening you won’t soon forget! A good time is guaranteed for all. You may pay for a whole seat, but watch as these improvisers keep you on the edge of it! 16+

15th Annual Whalefest Monterey
2025-04-12 10:00 - 17:00 | CA
Save the date for the 15th Annual Whalefest Monterey to be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, 2025 from 10 am – 5 pm each day. This free family-friendly event will be held at and around Old Fisherman’s Wharf and the Custom House Plaza – Monterey State Historic Park. It includes fun and educational activities for all ages, musicians, and dozens of interactive marine-related interactive exhibits by numerous local and national organizations. In addition, we plan to have several research and rescue boats available for public tours. Whalefest Monterey benefits many local and national marine organizations dedicated to explore, educate, inspire, and to empower the public to protect the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary (MBNMS). The always fascinating Symposium with world-renowned marine experts will be held on Saturday and Sunday, April 12 and 13, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm in the theatre at the Monterey History & Art Stanton Center, 5 Custom House Plaza. Dan Haifley from the Board of Directors for the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation Monterey Bay, and former Director of the Sea Odyssey of Santa Cruz returns as MC for the Symposium. For more information go to https://whalefest.org/symposium The interactive marine-themed exhibits on the Plaza will be back for both days and will have something interesting for all ages (see list below). An array of live music and engaging activities such as Gyotaku, Origami, Scrimshaw, and the “almost famous” Abalone Races and more will be available on both April 12th and 13th on Old Fisherman’s Wharf. New this year will be participation by the Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association throughout the event locations. Interact with artists, who will be sharing their approach to composition, technique, and process. See how artists interpret and celebrate all things Whalefest 2025! In addition to the research boats, Current’Sea from Marine Life Studies, and Sheila B. from Moss Landing Marine Labs, this year will be a new addition: the fishing boat, General Pershing, that was built at the Siino Boat Works then located next to Hovden Cannery in 1930 by the local boatbuilders, the Siino family. “Dee”, the life size inflatable humpback whale model one can walk inside, will be back. We also plan for the return of “Gracie”, a 30ft real whale skeleton waiting to be assembled by the attendees. There will be a Calamari Cooking Demo by Gourmet Realtor Tene Shake on April 12th at 2:30 pm. There will be Wharf Walks Maritime Historian Tim Thomas at 11 am and 12:30 pm on both April 12th and 13th. There will be a variety of live musicians performing on both days and the list is on Whalefest.org. Whalefest Monterey will feature many educational and engaging displays from local, regional and national non-profits,

Present Connections: Contemporary Latinx Poets and Robinson Jeffers
2025-04-12 15:00 - 16:30 | Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation, 26304 Ocean View Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921
APRIL 12 – Poetry Reading: “Present Connections: Contemporary Latinx Poets and Robinson Jeffers,” with Monterey County Poet Laureate Rachelle Escamilla, Manuel Paul López, MK Chavez and Darrell Dela Cruz. 3:00 pm, at Tor House, 26304 Ocean View Ave., Carmel 93923. Admission: $15. Reservations (required) at www.torhouse.org. Seating limited. Reception to follow. For more information: (831) 624-1813.

Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month Resolution
2025-04-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Government Center, 168 W. Alisal St, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
April is Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month (ACCM), and this year’s theme, Health, Healing, and Hope, reminds us how the arts can uplift, bring people together, and rejuvenate our spirits during challenging times. Art promotes health, Culture helps us heal, and Creativity sparks hope—this month is a celebration of the special role the arts play in our lives. Arts4MC is excited to invite you to join us in applauding the County of Monterey Board of Supervisors as they officially recognize April as Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month (ACCM) on Tuesday, April 15, at 10 AM at the Government Center.

Workshop: Creating Strong Paintings from Photos
2025-04-18 09:00 - 15:00 | Oldemeyer Center, 986 Hilby Ave., Seaside, CA, 93955, United States
The Central Coast Art Association is offering a workshop with award-winning Monterey artist Christine Crozier on April 26th. Christine will guide you through principles and techniques for creating strong paintings from photos and making a compelling piece of art rather than merely making a painting of a photo. This workshop is open to oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel artists. It will cover composition, value, editing, texture, and the use of color. Christine will demonstrate and provide individual guidance throughout the day. The workshop fee is $50.00 for CCAA Members and $80.00 for non-members. Sign up now; there is limited space, and the deadline is April 25, 2025. April 26th from 9-3 at the Oldemeyer Center in Seaside. Sign up: https://centralcoastartassociation.com/workshops/

Unveiling Celebration: BRACERO LEGACY MURAL in Chualar
2025-04-18 16:30 - 18:30 | Chualar Market, 24335 Grant Street, Chualar, 93925
Supervisors Chris Lopez & Luis Alejo and The Arts Council for Monterey County Invite You To The Unveiling Celebration of The BRACERO LEGACY MURAL: Honoring the Contributions and Sacrifices of the Bracero Workers of 1942-1964???????????? FRIDAY, APRIL 18, 2025 • 4:30-6:30pm At Chualar Market • 24335 Grant Street, Chualar, California 93925. Mural by renowned artist: Hanif Panni Free Tacos & Raffle • White Hawk Aztec Dancers • Community Resource Fair. To Table or More Info, Call The Office of Supervisor Luis Alejo 831-755-5011 This Bracero Legacy Mural is also in memoriam of the 32 #Bracero workers, ages 19-59, who were killed in Chualar, California when 57 Bracero celery workers were hit by a freight train in the makeshift truck they were being transported in. 25 workers survived. The legendary #ErnestoGalarza was appointed by Congress to investigate. 9,000 attended the funeral at Palma High in Salinas! Many families in the Salinas Valley and beyond are here today because these hardworking men came here to work, contribute to this nation and find a better life for their families. Today, we honor all the Bracero workers whose history is often forgotten. FACEBOOK EVENT PAGE: https://facebook.com/events/s/bracero-legacy-mural-unveiling/665249606155374/?mibextid=wwXIfr

BusinessWorks: Mastering the Inner Game: Mindset for Art Business Success
2025-04-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Community Foundation for Monterey County, 945 S. Main Street, #207, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Attend Arts4MC’s upcoming installment of BusinessWorks, a free professional development series for artists and art nonprofits! Friday, April 25th at 10 am at the Community Foundation for Monterey County, Salinas Office: 945 South Main Street, Salinas. Success in the art business isn’t just about marketing—it starts with mindset. Join award-winning artist and gallery owner Edi Matsumoto (@edimatsumotoart) as she shares how shifting her beliefs about money, business, and self-worth transformed her art career. Learn essential mindset fundamentals and marketing strategies to help your creative business thrive! RSVP encouraged to ensure your seat: bit.ly/rsvpbizworks

MC Youth Poet Laureate BOS Resolution
2025-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Government Center, 168 W. Alisal St, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join Arts4MC at the Board of Supervisors meeting on Tuesday, April 29, at 10 AM at the County Government Center, as they proudly present a resolution recognizing the upcoming 2025-2026 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate. Celebrate the talent and creativity of our young poets!

Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony
2025-04-29 17:30 - 18:30 | Marina Library, 190 Seaside Circle, Marina, CA, 93933, United States
You are invited to the 2025 -2026 Monterey County Youth Poet Laureate Commencement Ceremony—an evening celebrating the voices of young poets and introducing the next Youth Poet Laureate. Date: Tuesday, April 29th Time: 5:30 PM Location: Marina Library Community Room. Enjoy performances by the upcoming Youth Poet Laureate, Runner-Up, Honorable Mention, and a Featured Reader. We hope you’ll join us!

Seldom Heard History of the Civil War Era
2025-05-02 00:00 - 2025-05-04 23:59 | Monterey History & Art Association at Stanton Center, 5 Custom Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
2nd annual Central Coast Conference. “Seldom Heard History of the Civil War Era” will feature a full weekend of presentations by a roster of preeminent authors and historians, to be held in the Stanton Center Theater in Monterey, California. The Stanton Center is situated on the Custom House Plaza, bordering the Monterey State Historic Park. There will be a short program on Friday evening, followed by two full days of talks on Saturday and Sunday. Book sales and signing will be conducted in the Stanton Center lobby on Saturday afternoon. Visit the event website for more information: https://whtours.org/seldom-heard-history-2025.html

First Friday Artist Reception at ArtWorks @Salinas: Javier Lopez Jr. presents “Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula”
2025-05-02 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 5:00 PM at ArtWorks @Salinas (262 Main Street, Salinas) for a special Artist Reception with local artist Javier Lopez Jr. Experience his heartfelt exhibit alongside the inspiring PhotoCarmel display celebrating photography on the Central Coast. Enjoy light refreshments and snacks as you explore the vibrant artist studios and shop featuring over 10 local artists and artisans—all free and open to the public!

Night Market 831
2025-05-02 17:00 - 21:00 | sand city art park, 525 Ortiz Ave, Sand City, CA, 93955, United States
Inspired by the vibrant open-air street bazaars from around the world, Night Market 831 is a lively gathering where friends and families can sip, savor, socialize, dance, shop, and explore. Held in the colorful Sand City Art Park, surrounded by stunning murals, the market creates a unique and inviting atmosphere. We are committed to fostering a safe, fun, and inclusive community space, featuring a rotating lineup of local performers, creatives, and entrepreneurs who bring their talents to life on the first Friday of every month. Free and All Ages! Visit www.nightmarket831.com for more information.

illustrating Nature Returns to the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History on May 2, 2025
2025-05-02 18:30 - 20:30 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
PACIFIC GROVE, Calif. — Illustrating Nature, the much-anticipated showing of student works from CSUMB’s graduate Science Illustration Program will once again be on display at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History starting Friday, May 2nd. A landmark 15th year of partnership between the Natural History Museum and CSUMB, the exhibit is a beautiful demonstration of the deep connections between the natural and human worlds. “Each year, we are given the chance to witness how these talented illustrators interpret the natural world.” Says Dr. Rachel Miller, the Museum’s Executive Director, “Every artist brings their own unique perspective, style, and personal story behind the illustration they have chosen to exhibit. The Pacific Grove Museum is proud to support these emerging illustrators as they launch their careers and share their incredible talent with our community.” The program at CSUMB is one that prepares its students for the world of scientific illustration, and they obtain mastery in a variety of artistic techniques and learn techniques for starting a business, selling designs, and more. Most students come in with scientific or artistic backgrounds, and the program takes them through not just the ways to illustrate science but to work with scientists and institutions. “The pieces you’ll see in the exhibit are more than just beautiful pieces of art.” Says Reid Psaltis, head of the Science Illustration Program at CSUMB. “They are the end products of an extensive amount of planning, research and effort from our students to tell stories, explain scientific concepts, and inspire.” The Exhibit will open with a meet-the-artists reception from 6:30-8:30pm on Friday, May 2nd. In a change of pace, the show will have its longest run ever at the Museum with a six-week showing ending June 15th. The Museum and Science Illustration Program would like to extend their thanks to the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Monterey County Board of Supervisors for funding this exhibit work. During its run, the Museum will host several accompanying events including: · Workshops led by program graduates May 17 and June 14 · Free student art demonstrations on May 24th and June 14th · A student art market held during the Museum’s First Friday on June 6 from 6-8pm where prints, stickers, posters, and more will be sold by the artists themselves. Those interested in seeing a sneak peek of the art on display can find it starting April 14 on the Museum’s website: Exhibits — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Upcoming Events at the Museum: Free Science Saturday: Student Research Symposium, 4/26, 10am-3pm Illustrating Nature Public Opening, 5/2, 6:30-8:30pm Walk of Remembrance, 5/10, 10am-2pm Illustrating Nature Artist Market, 6/6, 6-8pm Jade Beneath the Sea Opening & Ribbon Cutting, 6/12, 5:30-7:30pm History on Tap: Steinbeck, Ricketts, & The Sea of Cortez, 6/19, 5:30-7:30pm About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History The museum is currently hiring for two positions to join their award-winning education team. Find out more at our website: Careers — Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our natural world. It envisions a community of curious minds, engaged in discovering the natural heritage and cultural legacy that exist today on the Central California Coast. The Museum is a catalyst for conservation and a valued learning resource in this region, facilitating active inquiry for all ages. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

Catalyst Quartet & Todd Palmer, Clarinet
2025-05-03 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Pre-concert lecture at 6:30 pm.
The program includes pieces by David and Samuel.

David Bruce “Gumboots”(2008)

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor Quintet in F-sharp Minor for Clarinet and Strings, op. 10

Performers

Karla Donehew Perez, violin

Abi Fayette, violin

Paul Laroia, viola

Karlos Rodriguez, cello

Todd Palmer, clarinet

About the Performers

The Catalyst Quartet, known for “perfect ensemble unity” and “unequaled class of execution” (Lincoln Journal Star), has toured widely throughout the United States and abroad, including sold-out performances at the Kennedy Center in Washington D.C., at Chicago’s Harris Theater, Miami’s New World Center, and Stern Auditorium/Perelman Stage at Carnegie Hall in New York. The quartet has been guest soloists with the Cincinnati Symphony, New Haven Symphony, St. Paul Chamber Orchestra, and the Orquesta Filarmónica de Bogotá, and has served as principal players and featured ensemble with the Sphinx Organization’s featured ensemble, the Sphinx Virtuosi, on six national tours. They have been invited to perform at important music festivals such as Mainly Mozart in San Diego, the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Sitka Music Festival, Juneau Jazz and Classics, Strings Music Festival, and the Grand Canyon Music Festival, where they appear annually. The Catalyst Quartet was ensemble-in-residence at the Vail Dance Festival in 2016 and in the 2021-22 season were in residence with San Francisco Performances where they presented the complete series of works from their Uncovered Project. In 2014, they opened the Festival del Sole in Napa, California with Joshua Bell and participated in England’s Aldeburgh Music Foundation String Quartet Residency with two performances in Jubilee Hall. In 2022 the Catalyst Quartet was named ensemble in residence for the Chamber Music Northwest Festival in Portland and for the Met Museum’s LiveArts series in NYC.

The Catalyst Quartet combines a serious commitment to diversity and education with a passion for contemporary works. The ensemble has served as principal faculty at the Sphinx Performance Academy at the Cleveland Institute of Music and Curtis Institute of Music. The Catalyst Quartet’s ongoing residencies include interactive performance presentations and workshops with Native American student composers at the Grand Canyon Music Festival. Past residencies have included concerts and masterclasses at The University Of Michigan, University Of Washington, Rice University’s Shepard School of Music, Houston’s Society for the Performing Arts, Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music, The Virginia Arts Festival, and Pennsylvania State University, and internationally at the In Harmony Project in England, The University of South Africa, and The Teatro De Bellas Artes in Cali, Colombia. The ensemble’s residency in Havana, Cuba for the Cuban American Youth Orchestra in January 2019, was the first by an American string quartet since the revolution.

The Catalyst Quartet members hold degrees from The Cleveland Institute of Music, Curtis Institute of Music, Juilliard School, and New England Conservatory. The Catalyst Quartet proudly endorses Pirastro strings.

TODD PALMER (clarinet) has appeared around the world as soloist, recitalist, chamber music collaborator, educator, arranger, and presenter. A three-time Grammy nominated artist, he was a winner of the Young Concert Artist International Auditions and grand prize winner in the Ima Hogg Young Artist Auditions. He has made solo appearances with the Atlanta, Houston, and BBC Scotland orchestras, and the St. Paul, Cincinnati, Montréal, and Metamorphosen chamber orchestras. His recital performances include Weill Hall and 92nd Street Y in New York, the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and Suntory Hall in Tokyo. He has collaborated with some of the world’s finest string ensembles, such as the St. Lawrence, Brentano, Borromeo and Pacifica quartets, as well as renowned sopranos Kathleen Battle, Renée Fleming, Elizabeth Futral, Heidi Grant Murphy and Dawn Upshaw. Palmer has championed Osvaldo Golijov’sklezmer clarinet quintet The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind; premiered David Bruce’s Gumboots at Carnegie Hall with the St. Lawrence Quartet, and commissioned Ricky Ian Gordon’s theatre work, Orpheus and Euridice. He was awarded the Leonard Bernstein Fellowship by the Tanglewood Institute. He appeared in Lincoln Center’s revival of South Pacific and was also soloist in Robert Lepage’s staging of Stravinsky’s The Nightingale and Other Fables at BAM, dressed as a Cossack. Palmer has recorded for DG, EMI, Koch, Naxos, and Ghostlight.

Garden Party 2025: Celebration of Spring & Poetry
2025-05-04 14:00 - 17:00 | Robinson Jeffers Tor House Foundation, 26304 Ocean View Ave, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 93921
Enjoy strolls in the springtime gardens. Tor House docents will read poetry and offer informed context to your visit inside this unique early 20th century cottage and tower, both built largely by the poet himself. Live music and gourmet refreshments complete the experience. Visitors can: * stroll the grounds, * enjoy Tor House and Hawk Tower, * ask questions of docents about the history of Tor House and about the poetry of Robinson Jeffers, * climb the 40′ Tower, * photograph to their hearts’ content, * enjoy music (the bagpiper at the top of the tower, the pianists playing Una’s 1904 Steinway Model O Grand Piano in the cottage, and Youth Music Monterey musicians in the east wing parlor) * learn about the birds of Carmel Point (scope, binoculars and information provided by the Monterey Audubon Society), and * enjoy delicacies from Sweet Elena’s Bakery.
