Arts Council for Monterey County

FRANK SOLIVAN & CHRIS LUQUETTE DUO WITH OTTER OPRY
2024-10-09 19:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Otter Opry is bringing another awesome bluegrass program to Monterey United Methodist Church on Wednesday, October 9th: the Frank Solivan & Chris Luquette Duo. Individually, these two extraordinary musicians have compelling stories. Frank grew up near Modesto, California. His grandmother on his father’s side played mandolin and fiddle, and his father played the banjo, guitar, bass, and mandolin. His mother’s side of the family included classical violin and cello players. Frank fell in love with bluegrass music at an early age and formed his first band, Generation Gap, in the late 1980s. After his service in the US Navy, he decided to form his own band, Dirty Kitchen — a reference to the gourmet meals he prepares for friends and family. Frank holds Chris in high esteem. “In the 11 years Chris has been playing with me, I’ve seen him grow into a wonderful man,” he says. “Chris is an inspiration, and I feel like I’m a better musician and human because of his contributions, on and off stage. We’ve traveled the world and made some of the best music of my life together.” With his roots in the Seattle music scene, Chris Luquette seamlessly switches from jazz to rock to bluegrass. His acoustic guitar playing really stands out, but this multi-instrumentalist is equally at home playing mandolin, drums, bass, electric guitar, banjo, and Greek bouzouki. Chris toured with Dirty Kitchen for 11 years; he was also a founding member of Seattle-based Northern Departure and has found himself sitting in with Jerry Douglas, Emmylou Harris, Rob Ickes, and many others. So come on out and listen to this remarkable duo in what is guaranteed to be a brilliant performance. The event includes a public jam starting at 4:00pm and a delicious smoked meatloaf dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before October 5th, $17.50 at the door). Online ticket sales will end at noon the day of the performance. 7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $35/show (CBA members $30; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. Tickets and information at www.otteropry.org.

Harvest Festival Discover San Juan Bautista
2024-10-05 10:00 - 2024-10-06 17:00 | Downtown San Juan Bautista, 3rd St, San Juan Bautista,, 95045
Join us on October 5-6 from 10 AM to 5 PM each day for the Harvest Festival hosted by Discover San Juan Bautista! Immerse yourself in the vibrant celebration of the harvest season in the charming town of San Juan Bautista, California.

Experience live music performances, traditional dance showcases, artisanal craft vendors, delicious food and drinks, interactive workshops, guided tours of historical sites, and much more throughout the weekend. Be sure to visit the farmers’ market to sample fresh local produce and artisanal goods.

Sponsored by Discover San Juan Bautista, this event is a celebration of the town’s cultural and historical heritage. Don’t miss the opportunity to join us for a weekend filled with fun and entertainment for the whole family!

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate the harvest season at the Harvest Festival Discover San Juan Bautista. Stay tuned for more details and updates on our website and social media channels. We can’t wait to see you there!

Controlled Chaos Improv at Wave Street Studios!
2024-10-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave Street, Monterey, 93940
We can all use a good laugh these days! Come watch “Controlled Chaos” put their own twist on traditional improv. Quick wit and spontaneous energy is combined with truth in comedy to bring something fresh to the stage! 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+

First Friday - Monterey Museum of Art
2024-10-04 17:00 - 19:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Enjoy FREE after-hours access at the Museum on the First Friday in October. Join us for a fun-filled evening with art, music, and refreshments, and create your own comic book collage project inspired by Belle Yang’s art and graphic novels. Featuring live music by Glenn Bell. Refreshments available for purchase from Albatross Ridge and Other Brother Beer Co.

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2024-10-04 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-09-06 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-08-02 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!

Baroque & Unknown: Night One (Featuring The Boulanger Initiative)
2024-10-03 18:30 - 20:30 | Wendi Kirby Music, 550 Hartnell Street, Monterey, 93940
NIGHT ONE:
Where Are The Women?

Featured Composers: Raffaella Aleotti & Francesca Caccini

Where are the women composers in classical music? How can we find, celebrate, and uplift them? Join us on Thursday, October 3rd, for the kick-off of the Baroque & Unknown series, featuring Kathryn Radakovich, Learning and Development Director of The Boulanger Initiative, as we explore these crucial questions.

Our evening experience will transport you to 15th Century Italy, highlighting the music and lives of two remarkable composers: Vittoria Raffaella Aleotti (1575-1620) and Francesca Caccini (1587-1640). You’ll learn about Aleotti’s life as a renowned nun and conductor, and Caccini’s pioneering career at the Medici court as the first Italian woman to compose an opera. Five Women of The Central Coast Chamber Choir will perform these composers’ works in an intimate, salon-style setting. Plus, enjoy paired food and beverage tastings from Uncle Nearest and Chic Charcuterique as we immerse ourselves in the unknown. *Seating is limited.

Date: Thursday, October 3rd, 2024
Location: Wendi Kirby Music, 550 Hartnell Street
Time: 6:30PM – 8:30PM
Guest Speaker: Kathryn Radakovich, The Boulanger Initiative
Featured Artists: Central Coast Chamber Choir
Pairings By: Chic Charcuterique & Uncle Nearest and more!

Play with Clay
2024-09-29 14:00 - 16:00 | Monterey Clay Studio, 785 Broadway Ave., Seaside, 93955
Come learn the basics of throwing clay on the potter’s wheel! This is a two-hour experiential class where students get to leave perfectionism behind and fully embrace the flow of working with clay on the wheel. Unlimited balls of clay are provided during the session and clay used is reclaimed after class – letting you be truly present with the process and unattached to outcomes! For adults ages 18 and up.

Afternoon with the Artist: Belle Yang
2024-09-28 14:00 - 15:30 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join artist Belle Yang for an exclusive afternoon in the gallery of Imagining China: The Art of Belle Yang and Joseph Yang. Immerse yourself in the exhibition as Belle highlights select paintings, provides insight into her art and writing, and explores her creative relationship with her father, Joseph Yang.

Artist Workshop: Algae Cyanotypes and Mixed Media
2024-09-21 13:30 - 16:30 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Discover the creative possibilities of cyanotypes with professional marine biologists and artists Jenny Grossman and Madi McKay! Participants will make their own cyanotype paper and learn about different seaweeds and algae in Monterey Bay. Using those materials, create your own unique cyanotype design and, as a final touch, add mixed media elements such as watercolor, oil pastel, and charcoal.

Open to all experience levels!

17th Annual Seaside Artist Tour
2024-09-21 00:00 - 2024-09-22 23:59 | CA
Seaside Artist Association holds a yearly Seaside Studio Tour, during which the public can tour the studios, garages or backyards of working artists, learn about their processes, and have the ability to purchase artwork directly from them.

Carmel Art Walk
2024-09-14 16:00 - 19:00, 2024-08-10 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.

ArtWorlds: Illuminating Global Creativity
2024-09-14 15:00 - 17:00 | Irvine Auditorium, 499 Pierce St, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
ArtWorlds explores how enduring partnerships among artists, curators, and institutions can foster artistic innovation and create global impact, highlighting the creative depth of artistic partnerships on view in our fall 2024 exhibition season.

Experience a fascinating conversation between artists and curators featured in MMA’s fall season. The event will begin with a keynote by Lydia Nakashima Degarrod, followed by a lively discussion with Chuck Davis, Rick Murai, Ryuijie, and Belle Yang moderated by Lydia Nakashima Degarrod and MMA Executive Director Corey Madden.

Program Schedule

3:00 – 3:30 pm Mingle and enjoy a pre-event reception

3:30 – 5:00 pm Keynote and conversation

Middlebury Institute of International Studies

Irvine Auditorium in the McCone Building

Seating is limited, and advance registration is recommended.

For more information on our annual Fall Fundraiser, an exceptional afternoon-to-evening experience that includes both the ArtWorlds Program at MIIS and an elegant salon-style dinner and conversation with Season Artists and Guest Curators, please visit Premier Dinner at La Mirada.

On View - Imagining China: The Art of Belle Yang and Joseph Yang
2024-09-12 11:00 - 2024-11-24 17:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Imagining China: The Art of Belle Yang and Joseph Yang explores the powerful creative relationship between a father and daughter by assembling a selection of artworks, illustrations, and graphic novel panels that draw from their lived experience and shared memories. Together, the art of Belle Yang and her father Joseph Yang invites the viewer to accompany the artists on their visual journeys through China in the context of wars and political upheavals, their emotional growth in overcoming fear, and their mutual evolution as landscape painters. Curated by Oakland-based artist and scholar, Lydia Nakashima Degarrod, Imagining China uncovers how Belle and her father Joseph, both accomplished artists, found solace, resilience, and ultimately joy and deep satisfaction in creating art together.

Controlled Chaos Improv at The Stanton Center!
2024-09-07 19:00 - 21:00 | Stanton Center, 5 Custom Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States

First Friday - Monterey Museum of Art
2024-09-06 17:00 - 19:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Enjoy FREE after-hours access at the Museum on the First Friday in September. Get those black and white cell phone filters ready for a photo project inspired by Henrietta Shore and Edward Vision in Double Vision and Chuck Davis and Ryuijie in Yū-gen | The Language of the Sea.

Featuring with live music by Gin Fragonard.

Refreshments available for purchase from Albatross Ridge and Other Brother Beer Co.

91st Annual Festa Italia
2024-09-06 15:00 - 2024-09-08 21:00 | custom house plaza, 5 Custom House Plaza, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
The 91st Annual Festa Italia Santa Rosalia Fisherman’s Festival is set to captivate the community, inviting all to join in the festivities honoring the city’s Italian heritage and the indelible contributions of its local fishermen, past and present.

Festa Italia is a beloved family-friendly free event, known for its immersive experience of Italian sights, sounds, food, and culture, and provides a memorable celebration for attendees of all ages. Drawing both locals and visitors from the Bay Area and beyond, the free festival has become a cherished tradition that highlights the essence of the Italian experience.

Scheduled over three days, Festa Italia offers an array of authentic Italian cuisine, accompanied by great music, lively dancing, and an abundance of fun and friendship. Attendees can indulge in the delectable flavors of Italy, with a tempting selection of culinary delights available for purchase. From mouthwatering Calamari to savory Steak and Sausage Sandwiches, Pasta, Arancini, Shrimp, and delicious Cannoli, the festival promises a gastronomic journey that mirrors the rich tapestry of Italian culinary excellence. To complement the experience, a variety of beverages, including wine, beer, sodas, and water, will also be available for sale.

NEW this year will be a grilled Eggplant Sandwich which is perfect for vegetarians and eggplant lovers.

Also, award-winning Celebrity Chef/Gourmet Realtor Tene Shake will do a Calamari Cooking Demonstration with recipes for attendees on both Saturday, September 7th and Sunday, September 8th

Acclaimed singers, including internationally renowned Pasquale Esposito, tenor Erasmo Aiello, musician Mike Marotta, Jr. and Friends, the Anthony Lane Band, Money Band, and Tarantella Dancers will entertain. The event also features a highly anticipated bocce tournament open to everyone by reservation.

In addition to the culinary offerings, attendees can check out all the collectible Italian and Festa Italia-themed merchandise. Attendees will also enjoy visiting a diverse array of additional vendors showcasing unique crafts, jewelry, clothing and more.

The roots of Festa Italia trace back to 1933 when the inaugural celebration took place, marked by the donation of a statue of Santa Rosalia, the patron saint of Sicilian fishermen, to the San Carlos Cathedral. This tradition began as Sicilian fishermen sought the blessings of their patron saint for safe journeys and bountiful harvests. Festa Italia serves as a testament to the importance of preserving cultural heritage and passing it down to future generations.

In the spirit of honoring the region’s Sicilian roots and keeping cultural stories alive, Festa Italia invites attendees to partake in this joyous and festive event. Embrace the traditions of old and new, ensuring that this shared heritage is not merely remembered but celebrated with enthusiasm.

Don’t miss the 91st Festa Italia, where the spirit of Italy comes alive in Monterey. Everyone is welcome to join in this cultural extravaganza and free, fun event!

Controlled Chaos Improv at the Monterey County Fair!
2024-08-31 18:00 - 19:30 | Monterey County Fairgrounds-Community Stage, 2004 Fairground Road, Monterey, 93940
We can all use a good laugh these days! Come to the Community Stage at the Monterey County Fairgrounds and watch “Controlled Chaos” put their own twist on traditional improv. Quick wit and spontaneous energy is combined with truth in comedy to bring something fresh to the stage! A good time is guaranteed for all.

On View - Yū-gen | The Language of the Sea Photographs by Chuck Davis and Ryuijie
2024-08-30 11:00 - 2024-12-08 17:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Photographs by Chuck Davis and Ryuijie August 30 – December 8, 2024 Yū-gen | The Language of the Sea Yū-gen | The Language of the Sea celebrates the artistry born from an adventurous collaboration of best friends. Loosely translated as a profound and implicit sense of beauty, Yū-gen is the guiding vision for guest curator Richard Murai, a well-known local photographer, educator, and former Assistant Director at the Center for Photographic Art (CPA). Murai presents a unique and intimate creative conversation between two respected and prolific artists. Driven by a collaborative spirit and lifelong passion, Chuck Davis and Ryuijie embrace free diving as part of their artistic practice, finding both muse and canvas in the open ocean while acting as mutual lifelines in unforgiving waters. Expressing their vision with the traditional processes of silver and platinum printing, these stunning black and white images tell a visual story of both the exquisite beauty of the ocean and a delicate biosystem in peril.

Baroque & Unknown: The Pre-Series Book Club
2024-08-20 08:00 - 17:00 | Wendi Kirby Music, 550 Hartnell Street, Monterey, 93940
Pre-Series:
Baroque & Unknown Book Circle

Ready to dig into the history of unknown composers in advance of the Baroque & Unknown series events?

Read in tandem with other local music lovers by exploring excerpts from Anna Beer’s book Sounds and Sweet Airs. Sounds and Sweet Airs details the lives of composers Francesca Caccini, Barbara Strozzi, Élisabeth Jacquet de la Guerre as well as Marianna Martines, Fanny Hensel (née Mendelssohn), Clara Schumann, Lili Boulanger and Elizabeth Maconchy. We’ll read the book and meet to discuss before the event series kick-off.

Date: Thursday, September 26th, 2024
Location: Wendi Kirby Music, 550 Hartnell Street
Time: 7:00PM

Artist Workshop: Crochet Amigurumi with Lauren Wall
2024-08-17 13:30 - 16:30 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Lauren Wall will lead a crochet amigurumi of a mushroom using a pattern that the artist herself has created. Crochet can be done in an individual or group setting, creating a communication bridge for people of all ages and backgrounds

Note: Some experience with crochet stitches recommended.

Champions of the Arts™
2024-08-09 09:00 - 10:30 | Marriott Monterey, 350 Calle Principal, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
An annual celebration to honor those individual or organizations that have made a profound impact on the arts in our region.

Evening with the Artist: Gary Lopez
2024-08-08 17:30 - 19:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join artist Gary Lopez for a presentation on astrophotography, a unique photographic medium that showcases the many wonders in the skies. The artist, currently featured in MMA’s Into the Blue, will guide participants through his process and experiences in the astrophotography field.

About the Artist:
Gary Lopez is a fine art astrophotographer. His photographs are a blend of art and science, images that bridge nature photography and abstract art. The subjects of his images are the clouds of faintly glowing space gas and dust that populate the night sky, sites that are the birthplace of new stars. In his art he strives to capture the beauty and drama of the stories that are captured in this cosmic light. His work has been recognized in international photography events including First Place in both the 2020 and the 2021 International Photography Awards (Nature/Astrophotography category) and the Silver Award in the 2023 Prix de la Photographie Paris (Nature/Sky category).

Hiroshima Nagasaki Remembrance and Peace Lantern Ceremony
2024-08-03 19:00 - 21:00 | Lovers Point Beach Cove, 631 Ocean View Blvd., Pacific Grove, CA, 93955, United States
This evening of remembrance, reflection, and hope marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945. Gather to honor the lives lost and those affected by the violence of nuclear warfare. This is the 20th anniversary of the Peace Lantern Ceremony organized and sponsored by the Monterey County branch of Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom. Beverly Bean, Monterey Branch President, will emcee.

The evening begins with a powerful performance of Taiko drumming by Shinsho-Mugen Daiko.
Attendees will have the opportunity to craft a lantern with an expression of peace or remembrance.

As the sun begins to set, we will hear from keynote speaker, Sharat G. Lin, PhD, a distinguished medical physicist whose expertise spans global political economy, public health, and peace activism.

The evening will unfold with music, poetry, and stories. As darkness descends, the peace lanterns will be launched by kayaks to glide over the cove waters, guided by the serene melodies of Tai-Chi Master Jim Scott-Behrends on the Japanese bamboo shakuhachi flute.

Join us as we honor the past and envision a future in which war and the threats of nuclear annihilation are replaced with nonviolent conflict resolution and international cooperation.

For more information, phone 831-484-2451

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2024-08-03 11:00 - 15:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Spend a fun-filled afternoon at the Museum creating art inspired by our Into the Blue and Bay of Life from Wind to Whales exhibitions!

Enjoy free admission to the Museum and experience our exhibitions with the whole family!

First Friday Artist Reception
2024-08-02 17:30 - 20:00 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us for the latest artist reception for the ArtWorks @Salinas art exhibit Glaze, Stain, Pour: Embodied Alter-Tales by Dani Torvik, to be held on the first Friday of each month starting at 5:30 pm the first Friday of August, and September, to see the art, meet the artist, and enjoy tasty refreshments and appetizers.
We are also excited to welcome 16-year old pianist, Andres Benito-Yanez, who will be performing his musical stylings at our First Friday event. You can check him out online via @that_onepianist.
This exhibit is free and open to the public. We look forward to seeing you there!

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2024-08-02 17:00 - 19:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Enjoy FREE after-hours access at the Museum on the First Friday in August. Join us for a special evening featuring a community coloring project inspired by a piece in our Into the Blue exhibition.

Relax with live music by Kailey Wilson.

Refreshments available for purchase from Albatross Ridge and Other Brother Beer Co.

Sketching Birds in the Field
2024-07-28 09:00 - 11:00 | Jetty Road, Moss Landing
Join artist and naturalist Morgan Lewis of Ripple in the Wild/Monterey Bay Field Sketch Club for a morning of sketching shorebirds in Moss Landing. Birds provide a unique and often challenging subject, they rarely sit still for very long! This two hour workshop will cover all the basics to get you started sketching birds in the field and in your nature journal.

Field sketching improves your memory recall, your attention to detail, and your bird ID skills.

Instruction will be geared towards beginner field sketchers, but still great for all skill levels. Binoculars will be available to borrow. Warm drinks and baked goods will also be provided at the beginning of the class, please bring a reusable cup if you would like a beverage.

Ages 16 and up.

Pre-registration is required and will remain open until filled or until July 26th at 11:30pm.

Please bring your own materials, sketching materials will not be provided (see event page for what to bring).
