Arts Council for Monterey County

Artist Talk for Refuge III
2026-01-17 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-17 15:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Luna Gallery, 107 B The Alameda, San Juan Bautista, 95045
Asian American artists talk about work in an exhibition curated by Judy Na Omi Shintani at Luna Gallery in San Juan Bautista. Followed by reception for the artists.

Pacific Grove Museum Opens 2026 with Major Slate of Exhibits and Events - LiMPETS RIM teacher training
2026-01-17 10:00 - 16:45 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History has an ambitious plan for its 2026 exhibits and events schedule, with the first six months of the year encapsulating everything from driftwood sculpture to great white sharks. Under the leadership of Executive Director Dr. Rachel M. Miller, the Museum has seen unprecedented growth in exhibits, outreach, and programming, which will be on full display in the coming year.
January will begin with current exhibitions Wings of Wood and Beyond Illustrating Nature with Lindsay Newey and Iffat Karim cycling out to introduce two new exhibits: Tethered Light by LA-based artist Raphaele Cohen-Bacry on January 21 and Beyond Illustrating Nature with Calene Luzco on January 7. A special virtual meet-and-greet with Raphaele will be held on February 22 at the Museum for anyone interested in meeting her and discussing her work.
January will also see a number of exciting events, including a screening of a new documentary Western Monarch Butterflies: Preserving Our Pollinators with filmmaker Ian Nelson, a bird walk with local guide Amanda Preece, and a special Science Saturday celebrating Sandy the Whale and animal migrations.
Featuring a reptile and amphibians theme, February will host a special book talk about the amphibians of California with Dr. Emily Taylor of Cal Poly San Louis Obispo, a herpetological painting party with Nicholas Ta, artist and founder of Reef Renders. That month’s Science on Tap will take a deviation into the world of fish with a night about great white sharks with Hopkins Marine lab scientists led by Dr. Barbara Block before circling back to the theme with a Reptile Revelry Free Science Saturday.
March will be the Museum’s Member Month and will introduce a new rotating exhibit by artist Lynn Butler, with a meet and greet taking place that First Friday, 3/6. The night before, 3/5, the Museum will host a History on Tap about the Women who Saved Pacific Grove featuring local scientist and author Steve Palumbi (The Death & Life of Monterey Bay, The Extreme Life of the Sea). That week will end with a Women in Science Tea on Saturday, 3/7, which will feature a special panel of local women scientists discussing their work and paths in their careers. There will also be a variety of special member-only events including brown bag lectures, special science walks, and more. The month will close with a special Science Saturday celebrating the Museum’s founder Mary B. Norton on 3/28.
April will feature more science walks and brown bag lunches, and close out with the Museum’s annual Student Research Symposium, a special event open to the public showcasing the work and accomplishments of studies conducted by students working with the Museum’s LiMPETS and Watershed Guardians programs.
May’s First Friday will bring with it the opening of Illustrating Nature, the Museum’s most popular annual exhibit. A long-standing partnership with CSU Monterey Bay’s Science Illustration program, Illustrating Nature features the work of graduating artists and will hang for six weeks, during which time there will be several associated events including paint and sips with program graduates, field workshops, and demo days. There will also be a special market with featured artists on June 5 for those interested in purchasing art prints or originals. The following weekend will feature the Walk of Remembrance in Pacific Grove, celebrating the history and contributions of the fishing village community and their descendants, as well as AAPI community members.
June at the Museum will feature a special Science on Tap around creatures of the land, sea, and air, and continue with brown bag lunches, science walks, and artist workshops. The departure of Illustrating Nature will see the introduction of a photo exhibit by local photographer Jason Bradley, with a special event to celebrate its opening tentatively scheduled for July 10.
Listed Events:
January:
Documentary Screening: Western Monarch Butterflies: Preserving Our Pollinators, 1/16, 5:30-7:30pm
LiMPETS RIM teacher training: 1/17
Bird Walk with Amanda Preece: 1/30, 9am-12pm
Science Saturday: Migration Celebration! 1/31, 10am-3pm
February:
Book Talk: Amphibians of California, 2/6, 5:30-7pm
Animal Painting Party, 2/7, 10:30am01:30pm
Science on Tap: Great White Sharks, 2/12, 5:30-7:30pm
Virtual Meet and Greet with Raphaele Cohen-Bacry, 2/22, time TBD
Science Saturday: Reptile Revelry, 2/28, 10am-3pm
March is Member Month!
History on Tap: The Women Who Saved Pacific Grove, 3/5, 5:30-7:30pm
First Friday: Lynn Butler Exhibit Opening, 3/6, 5:30-7:30pm
Women in Science Tea, 3/7, 2-3:30pm
Member Brown Bag, 3/20, 12:15-12:45
Science Saturday: Mary B. Norton & Women in Science, 3/28, 10am-3pm
April:
Special Member Walk: 4/1 Time TBD
Member Brown Bag Talk: 4/24, 12:15-12:45pm
Student Research Symposium: 4/25, 10am-3pm
May:
First Friday: Illustrating Nature Opening-5/1, 6-8pm
Walk of Remembrance: 5/9, Events start at 11am
Illustrating Nature Workshop: 5/22
Free Science Saturday: 5/30, 10am-3pm
June:
Illustrating Nature Workshop: 6/2
Illustrating Nature Artist Market: 6/5, 5:30-7:30pm
Science on Tap: Creatures of the Land, Sea, & Air, 6/11, 5:30-7:30pm
Member Walk: 6/19
About the 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 cultural and natural world. The Museum supports conservation, scientific literacy, co-curation, and deep learning towards a resilient community and sustainable future. Their work is made possible, in part, by the following generous donors: American Water Charitable Foundation, City of Pacific Grove, Community Foundation for Monterey County, Harden Foundation, Helen Johnson Endowment Funds, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org.

The Elephant Man
2026-01-17 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-23 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-24 19:00 - 21:00, 2026-01-30 19:00 - 21:00 | 1534 Fremont Blvd, 1534 Fremont Blvd, Seaside, 93955
In 1880s London, John Merrick is a horribly deformed young man – a victim of rare skin and bone diseases. Under the care of celebrated physician Frederick Treves, Merrick slowly evolves from an object of pity to an urbane gentleman, desperate to be recognized as a man like any other.

Gutenberg! The Musical
2026-01-17 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-23 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-24 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-30 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-01-31 20:00 - 22:00 | Paper Wing Theatre 711 Cannery Row Suite I Monterey, Ca. 93940, 711 Canner Row Suite I, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
A hilarious love letter to Broadway
Get ready for big laughs, bigger dreams, and two actors playing ALL the roles!
Gutenberg! The Musical is a fast-paced, absurdly funny show about two hopeful writers who perform their epic musical for an audience, hoping it’s their big break.
With nothing but enthusiasm, imagination, and a whole lot of hats, this clever comedy celebrates creativity, ambition, and the joy of live theater.
Performance Dates:
Fridays & Saturdays at 8:00 PM
January 16 – February 15
Sunday Matinees at 3:00 PM on the last two weekends
Saturday VIP Dinner Option Available
Includes:
• Buffet-style dinner
• One non-alcoholic beverage
• Dessert
• First choice of general admission seating
• A special keepsake photo from our themed photo booth
Whether you’re a Broadway fan or just looking for a night of nonstop laughter, Gutenberg! The Musical is the feel-good event you don’t want to miss.
Tickets available now, grab yours and join us for this side-splitting theatrical adventure!

Art of Rehabilitation
2026-01-19 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-20 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-21 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-22 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-23 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-28 08:00 - 17:00 and 1 more date | County of Monterey Building, 168 West Alisal Street, Salinas, 93901
What if art could change lives?
A powerful new exhibit at the County of Monterey Administration building in Salinas proves it can. The installation showcases work by inmates from Soledad Correctional Training Facility—videos, audio, poetry and visual pieces that reveal the transformative potential of creativity and rehabilitation behind bars.
Created through the Life on Art’s – Rehabilitation program, these works are more than art—they’re part of a proven strategy to reduce recidivism and prepare inmates for successful reentry into society. The program complements existing education and mental health services, giving incarcerated individuals a vital tool for self-expression and healing.
Each piece tells a story. Hear directly from the artists themselves as they share the thoughts, struggles, and hopes that shaped their work. This isn’t just an art show—it’s a window into the humanity of people often unseen, and a testament to the rehabilitative power of creative expression.

Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History Presents “Tethered Light” A Driftwood Sculpture Exhibition by Raphaele Cohen-Bacry On view January 21 – April 26
2026-01-21 10:00 - 2026-04-26 16:00 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History announces the presentation of “Tethered Light,” a sculptural exhibition by California-based artist Raphaele Cohen-Bacry, on view January 21 through April 26. The exhibition features a collection of sculptural works created from driftwood gathered along California’s rugged coastline.
Rooted in the landscapes and histories of California’s shores, Tethered Light transforms weathered, fire-marked and ocean-worn wood into expressive sculptural forms that speak to environmental change, endurance and renewal. Many of the materials used in the exhibition were collected from beaches where wildfire-scarred trees met the sea, carrying visible traces of both destruction and survival.
Bright marine ropes bind the sculptural elements together, referencing the maritime traditions of the Pacific Coast — from fishing vessels and buoys to migration routes and navigation systems that have long shaped life along the water. These luminous cords contrast with the aged wood, symbolizing the human impulse to connect, secure and preserve in an ever-changing environment.
Several pieces in the exhibition are suspended, appearing to hover and sway in space. These floating forms suggest motion, balance and the shifting relationship between land and sea — a reminder that California’s coastline remains in constant dialogue with wind, water and time.
“Tethered Light is a meditation on resilience and regeneration — sculptures shaped by the sea and bound by memory, inviting us to reflect on our deep connection to California’s coast and the shifting balance between nature, culture and change,”
— Raphaele Cohen-Bacry
Presented at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, the exhibition aligns closely with the museum’s mission to inspire discovery and stewardship of the natural world. Through sculptural storytelling, Tethered Light invites visitors to consider the fragile beauty of coastal ecosystems and the responsibility we share in protecting them.
Located on the edge of Monterey Bay, the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History serves as a gateway to understanding the rich biodiversity and cultural history of California’s Central Coast. Tethered Light offers a contemplative artistic extension of that mission, blending science, environment and art into a single immersive experience.
Special Event
Virtual Artist Meet & Greet
February 22 | 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Join artist Raphaele Cohen-Bacry for a live virtual conversation exploring the inspirations, materials and stories behind Tethered Light. Details and registration information will be available via the museum.
Exhibition Details
Exhibition: Tethered Light
Artist: Raphaele Cohen-Bacry
Dates: January 21 – April 26
Venue: Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
Website / Artist Studio: Raphaele Cohen-Bacry Studio
For museum hours, admission and exhibition information, visit www.pgmuseum.org.

BusinessWorks Presents: Get Ready to Showcase Your Art for the Open Studios!
2026-01-23 10:00 - 11:00 | Community Foundation for Monterey County, 945 S. Main Street, #207, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Ready to take your work from the studio to the spotlight? Join us Friday, January 23, 2026 at 10am for a free workshop designed to help artists prepare for the 2026 Open Studios Art Tour (OSAT).
Artist and Arts4MC Board Member Kiran Kamath will share the practical “nuts and bolts” of exhibiting, from setting up your art business and organizing your timeline to creating a professional display that connects with visitors. Whether this is your first exhibition or you are refining your professional presentation, this session offers clear guidance and confidence-building insights for OSAT 2026!
Community Foundation for Monterey County, Conference Room
RSVP to save your seat: bit.ly/rsvpbizworks

Choral Artists of Carmel Winter Concert
2026-01-25 15:00 - 16:30 | First Presbyterian Church of Monterey, 501 El Dorado Street, Monterey, 93940
Choral Artists of Carmel will present their winter concert, entitled “Metamorphosis of Swans,” on Sunday, January 25, from 3:00–4:30 pm at the First Presbyterian Church in Monterey.
The concert will feature the world premiere of the opera “Metamorphosis of Swans,” composed by choir member Heather Green. Ms. Green is a Wagnerian soprano and composer residing in Berlin, Germany. The premiere of her opera will include arias, as well as choral pieces sung by the Choral Artists of Carmel. The music and lyrics are based upon Hans Christian Anderson’s fairy tale, “The Wild Swans,” a classic story of perseverance and the transformative power of love.
The opera premiere will highlight a number of exceptional performers. Soprano Jody Lee from the Monterey Peninsula and soprano Emily Schuck from San Francisco will be the soloists for the aria, “What is Left?” In addition, Ms. Lee will premiere the duet, “Call,” with Ms. Green. Also featured will be the poem “Wings,” written by conductor Robin McKee Williams and set by Ms. Green for SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass) voices and oboe. Peter Lemberg will be the oboe soloist.
The Choral Artists of Carmel will also perform the West Coast premiere of Ola Gjeilo’s “The Road,” accompanied by David Dally’s Monterey Strings and harpist Pamela Scholz. “The Great Flowing River” and “Calling From Afar,” both by James Eakin, and “They Will Rise” by British composer Jonathan Dove will also be performed by the choir.
Zoom interviews with composers James Eakin, Jonathan Dove, and Heather Green are available at www.youtube.com/@choralartistsofcarmel and www.choralartistsofcarmel.org.
Robin McKee Williams continues to support newly composed choral works and showcase the talents of the Choral Artists of Carmel, which includes well-established professional singers from San Francisco, San Diego, New York, and Germany. The concert, “Metamorphosis of Swans,” will present a rich experience of choral, orchestral, and solo music to inspire the Monterey Peninsula.
There is a suggested donation of $30. Tickets will be available at the door.
For more information, call 831-809-9112 or email choralartistsofcarmel@gmail.com.

2026 Poetry Out Loud Competition
2026-01-31 13:00 - 14:30 | Black Box Theater, 901 Blanco Circle, Salinas, CA
Join us for the 2026 Poetry Out Loud Monterey County Competition, where talented high school students from across the county bring powerful poetry to life through performance and public speaking. Cheer on the next Monterey County Champion as they compete for a chance to advance to the California State Finals and beyond.
Participating schools include Alisal High School, Monterey High School, Pacific Grove High School, Palma School, Rancho San Juan High School, and Trinity Christian High School. Hosted by the Arts Council for Monterey County in partnership with the California Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts, this inspiring event celebrates youth voices and the enduring impact of poetry.
Saturday, January 31, 20261:00 – 2:30 PM
Black Box Theater, Monterey County Office of Education
901 Blanco Circle, Salinas
RSVP encouraged: bit.ly/polrsvp2026
Questions? Email info@arts4mc.org

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2026-02-06 17:00 - 19:00 | 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!

ArtWorks @Salinas Artist Reception Featuring Peggy Hartman
2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Fall in love with local art this First Friday Artist Reception, February 6, at ArtWorks @Salinas
Featured artist Peggy Hartman presents Art from the Aromas Backroads, a collection inspired by years of observing and painting scenes along the Central Coast’s rural backroads. Also on view is Mark S. Bollwinkel’s Water Breaks Down Rock Over Time, a ceramic series influenced by Japanese traditions that explores process, material, and transformation through clay.
Our February Artist in Residence, Nate Stapleton, presents Alternate Dimensions: Explorations in Shape and Color, a body of work that investigates form, color, and spatial relationships through his experimental visual approach.
Also in the gallery are works by Artists in Residence Cristal Hammer, Edge Lorenzo, Kelly Melendez, Shagufta Khan, Deborah Good, and Brenda Saglio. Enjoy a live guitar performance by Franky Soto and connect with artists and community throughout the evening.
Join us for First Fridays from 12 PM to 8 PM, with the Artist Reception beginning at 5 PM
Regular gallery hours are Tuesday 11 AM to 2 PM, Wednesday 2 PM to 5 PM, and Friday through Sunday 10 AM to 4 PM.

First Friday Salinas
2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Downtown Salinas, 100-300 Blocks Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
This month is all about love, community, and connection. Come enjoy an evening of local art, live entertainment, delicious food, and shops open late. It’s the perfect chance to gather with friends or find thoughtful gifts for your loved ones.
Bring your friends and family and discover something new every First Friday of the month — you won’t want to miss it!
Stay tuned for highlights from the special events and exhibitions happening this February.
When & Where:

Every First Friday of the Month
Starting at 5:00 PM
Location: Downtown Salinas
Opening Ceremony: 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM, at the One Main Street Stage (in front of the Steinbeck Center).

First Friday at Salinas Valley Art Gallery
2026-02-06 17:00 - 20:00 | Salinas Valley Art Gallery, 218 main st, Salinas, 93901
Celebrate community, creativity, and connection at First Friday in Old Town Salinas!
This month at Salinas Valley Art Gallery, we’re honored to feature celebrated artist Ed Avila. With over 50 years of experience as a photographer and painter, Ed’s expressive pastels capture the spirit and nostalgia of the Central Coast through still lifes, landscapes, and local scenes. He’ll be joining us in person from 5 to 8 PM—stop by to meet him and explore his beautiful work.
We’re also hosting a Make & Take Valentine Station for guests of all ages! Whether you’re feeling crafty or just want to share a moment of joy, this hands-on activity is a perfect stop during your evening stroll.
Valentine Station Highlights:
Free and open to kids and adults
All materials provided: paper, pens, glitter, glue, stickers & more
Create a handmade valentine for someone special—or just for fun!
Enjoy complimentary refreshments and soak in the creative buzz of First Friday on Main Street, where galleries, shops, and eateries come alive with music, art, and local love.
Whether you’re meeting an artist, making a valentine, or simply taking it all in, we hope you’ll join us for an evening that celebrates both heart and art.
We can’t wait to see you!

Night Market 831
2026-02-06 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 each month.
