BusinessWorks Presents: Get Ready to Showcase Your Art for the Open Studios!
2026-01-23 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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

The Elephant Man
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
2026-01-23 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, 2026-02-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-07 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-02-09 15:00 - 17:00, 2026-02-13 20:00 - 22:00 and 1 more date | 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!

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.

Art of Rehabilitation
2026-01-26 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-27 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-28 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-29 08:00 - 17:00 | 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.

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.

Hearts on Fire Hot Glass Workshop
2026-02-07 16:00 - 17:30, 2026-02-14 16:00 - 17:30 | Chris Johnson Glass-Studio Zayante, 131 Old Coast Road, Davenport, 95017
We’re bringing back the Love in February with our annual Hearts on Fire hot glass workshop. Come make a beautiful glass heart to give to your special someone, or come together to make hearts to exchange. Whether you are looking to create a Valentine’s Day memory, celebrate a birthday or anniversary, or engage your team through creative fun, an afternoon in our glassblowing studio is guaranteed to spark your creative fire. 🔥
❤️We have openings in our glass hearts workshops every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday through February, and weekdays by special arrangement. Visit our live online reservation calendar to see all available times https://www.chrisjohnsonglass.com/classes-workshops
❤️Other cool (hot!) workshops throughout the year, too.
Note that all glass workshop creations will need to anneal (cool) at least 24 hours. You can pick up your work the next day or afterward, or arrange for shipping.

Arts in New Youth Exhibition
2026-02-09 - 2026-04-09 | Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, 165 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove,, CA, 93950
Chris Morello
Executive Director, Monterey Regional Airport
831-648-7000
cmorello@montereyairport.com
Monterey Regional Airport Weaves the Natural World with the Arts in New Youth Exhibition: Featuring the work and stories of talented young artists from Monterey County
MONTEREY, Calif. (January 30, 2026) — Timing perfectly with the first blooms of spring, the Monterey Airport’s Art at the Airport program unveils a special exhibition: Nature Journaling: A Lens into Conservation. This exhibit, in partnership with the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History, explores the deep connections between the human and natural worlds through nature journals and art created by Monterey County youth ages 3-17.
Curated by the Museum’s Interpretive Programs Manager Natalie Johnston and Education Director Liese Murphree, the exhibit explores the ways in which humans are part of nature and how flora, fauna, and habitats in Monterey County feel meaningful. “These nature journals show kids’ superpowers of observation, and we are honored to partner with the airport on this project!” says Murphree.
The pieces invite visitors to engage with the work the same way it was created: by slowing down, observing, and being curious about the world around us. “I am inspired every day by the curiosity and love of nature our young visitors have. My goal with this exhibit is to share some of that wonder.” says Johnston. Inspiring wonder includes inviting visitors to start their own nature journal by sharing techniques (hint, it’s pretty easy and fun).
Nature Journaling: A Lens into Conservation will be displayed at the Monterey Regional Airport’s Youth Art Gallery now through the spring of 2026. Passengers and airport visitors are encouraged to view the new Art at the Airport exhibition and celebrate our region’s talented young artists and stunning natural wonders.
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 or on social media at @PGMuseum.
About the Monterey Regional Airport:
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is Monterey County’s only commercial airport and accommodates over 600,000 passengers each year. The airport serves nine nonstop markets with an average of 17 daily departures. We are committed to providing our customers with superior services and a convenient, hassle-free experience in a safe, secure, professional environment. The MRY Metamorphosis, an FAA-required Safety Enhancement Program, includes a replacement terminal that will welcome passengers in June 2027, and will transform how Monterey residents and visitors travel. Be sure to visit montereyairport.com or follow @montereyairport on Facebook, Instagram, and X.

Controlled Chaos Improv at the Pacific Grove Art Center!
2026-02-13 19:00 - 21:00 | Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Do you hate Valentine’s Day because it feels forced and commercialized? Why not add something unexpected to your Valentine’s plans? Come see Controlled Chaos Improv at the Pacific Grove Art Center! This is a Valentine’s Day experience that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Fueled by audience suggestions, Controlled Chaos Improv will create unpredictable and comedic scenes on the spot. So, whether you’re single, making questionable dating decisions, coupled up, or “it’s complicated,” Controlled Chaos Improv will make it a night of fun! Sweets and drinks included.

Carmel Art Walk
2026-02-14 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.

Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium
2026-02-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave, Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Pacific Grove Public Library hosts a monthly reading by poets from Central California and beyond, organized by the Monterey Bay Poetry Consortium. Enjoy all styles of poetry, created fresh by local poets. Sept. 13: Avery Burns and Lee Knight Jr.; Oct. 11: Chrissy Hernandez and Brandi Kary.
