Arts Council for Monterey County

Carmel Art Walk
2025-01-11 16:00 - 19:00, 2024-12-14 16:00 - 19:00, 2024-11-09 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

First Friday Artist Reception: JC Gonzalez, Jerry Takigawa, Natalia Poehner Corazza
2025-01-03 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Celebrate the start of the year by “Celebrating Monterey County Art Fellows” at ArtWorks @Salinas! Join us for the Opening Artist Reception on Friday, January 3rd, 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, Victoria Lee, and special pop-up guest Gomez Multimedia Art plus crafts from local artisans!
The exhibit runs January 3 – March 30, 2025, with additional receptions on the First Friday of each month through March. ArtWorks @Salinas is located at 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA.
Gallery hours: Friday-Sunday, 10 AM – 2 PM.

First Friday Monterey Museum of Art
2025-01-03 17:00 - 19:00, 2024-12-06 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!

Arts and Healing: Sound Bath
2024-12-22 09:30 - 11:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Sound has been used for thousands of years because for its healing properties that target us on a physiological and spiritual level. These instruments are tuned to activate different centers and glands within the body to enhance the structures. Think of it as detox for your nervous system. You will leave feeling renewed and rested from just a short time of work. Please bring warm comfortable clothes to lie in, as well as a mat, blanket, eye pillow, and a journal. Anything that helps you remain comfortable while lying on the floor for a period of time. Advance registration is required due to limited space.

Winter Solstice Celebration
2024-12-21 17:30 - 20:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join us for an evening of merriment and reflection as we celebrate the end of the year and the closing of Iluminado. Highlights include local food and beverage available for purchase from Taevada Treats, Other Brother Beer, and Scheid Vineyards, and a live set by DJ Luna.

Merry TubaChristmas Monterey Bay
2024-12-21 15:00 - 16:30 | Mello Center for the Performing Arts, 250 E. Beach St, Watsonville, 95076
Celebrate the holidays with the glorious sound of dozens of tubas playing Christmas and Hanukah music at this festive FREE concert! Santa will pay a visit, and the audience is encouraged to sing along. It’s jolly holiday fun for the whole family! Visit TubaChristmasMontereyBay.com or e-mail TubaChristmasMB@gmail.com for all the details.

La Mirada Book Sale
2024-12-15 13:00 - 16:00 | 740 Via Mirada, Monterey, CA 93940, 740 Via Mirada, Monterey, 93940
Join us at MMA La Mirada for our Iluminado winter book sale. This holiday season look through MMA’s new and used books, featuring limited-edition exhibition catalogs, rare and oversized books, and so much more. Don’t miss your opportunity to find your new favorite book or find one for someone you love!

Just Jazz Sunday Brunch
2024-12-15 11:00 - 14:00 | carmel mission inn, Rio Road, Carmel
Join us for our popular Just Jazz Sunday Brunch at Shearwater Tavern at the Carmel Mission Inn, featuring the Leon Joyce Jr Quartet.

Yoga in the Galleries
2024-12-15 09:30 - 11:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join instructor Megan Cassamas for yoga in the galleries and breathe in the inspiration of our beautiful Iluminado exhibition. Bring your own mat and dress in layers. Advance registration is required due to limited space.

Artist reception
2024-12-14 15:30 - 19:00 | CA, United States
Unseen Hearts. A portrait series of wild animals built with hearts, emotion, spirit. Every being is a person and personal, and connected to you. See the paintings and meet artist Jack Wray at the reception and talk on December 14th at the Edi Matsumoto Gallery on Mission between 5th and 6th

Winter Art Market
2024-12-14 11:00 - 14:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Enjoy FREE admission to the Museum and join us for a creative and cozy shopping experience at our Winter Art Market! Held inside the wondrous Iluminado exhibition, visitors are invited to participate in our interactive art installation, support local artists and vendors, and find the perfect gifts for the holiday season! Join us for a Jolly Candle-Making Experience with Johnny Wicks! Get in the holiday spirit by creating your own festive candles. Choose from our cozy $25 soy wax candle-making session, where you can craft a long-lasting, customized scent. Or dive into our sand wax options—priced from $5 – $20 for a quick and colorful candle to brighten your home. Perfect for families, friends, or solo crafters looking to add a little holiday magic to their season!

Holiday Hand Lettering and Botanicals
2024-12-14 10:00 - 14:00 | Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
In this workshop you will learn to create beautiful and legible letters and words with a botanical twist. Learn typographic fundamentals while experimenting with a variety of different lettering styles and media, incorporating seasonal botanical elements to illustrate and decorate. Participants will create a project of their choosing: personalized cards, gift tags, or artwork to frame and gift for the holiday season or anytime.

First Friday Artist Reception with JC Gonzalez, Jerry Takigawa, and Natalia Poehner Corazza
2024-12-13 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Kick off the New Year by attending “Celebrating Monterey County Art Fellows” debuting at ArtWorks @Salinas! ???? This exciting exhibit features the exceptional works of 2023 California Arts Council Individual Artist Fellowship recipients: ????️ JC Gonzales, whose multidisciplinary art blends nature, abstract styles, and cultural identity to address societal issues. ???? Jerry Takigawa, an award-winning photographer with works in prestigious collections like the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. ???? Natalia Poehner Corazza, a muralist exploring vulnerability and connection through mystical landscapes. Join us for the Opening Artist Reception on Friday, January 3rd, at 5 PM, during Downtown Salinas’ First Friday event. Enjoy live music and small bites while you meet the artists and appreciate their incredible work. This is a great opportunity to explore ArtWorks @Salinas studios and gallery, featuring 15 talented local artists and artisans. ✨ The exhibit runs January 3 – March 30, 2025, with additional receptions every First Friday through March. ArtWorks @Salinas located at 262 Main Street in Salinas is open weekly, Friday – Sunday, 10 am – 2 pm.

Brews for a Cause
2024-12-12 18:00 - 21:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join us at the Museum for an exclusive after-hours event filled with local craft beer, food, and beverages, and a performance by local hip-hop, soul, and funk band, The BASSment! Purchase a punchcard to participate in a local brewery tasting! Each punchcard provides five 3oz tasting pours from our lineup of local breweries, with the option of using three “punches” for a full 12oz pour. Ages 21+

Arts and Healing: Ohana Art Therapy
2024-12-08 09:30 - 11:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Join us for an enriching all-ages community art therapy workshop where participants will create Collage Finger Labyrinths for inner reflection. Guided by a Registered Art Therapist from the Ohana Center for Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, this hands-on experience will provide the opportunity for personal creative exploration and a collaborative experiential activity. Come reflect, illuminate, and connect through the power of art! Advance registration is required due to limited space.

First Friday - Monterey Museum of Art
2024-12-07 17:00 - 20:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
Join us for FREE after-hours access to the Museum at this special edition of First Friday, celebrating the opening of our annual holiday program, Iluminado. Kick off the holiday season with DJ Edison Tesla and take in the festivities of Iluminado while sampling drinks, small bites, and art activities. Refreshments and small bites available for purchase from Ad Astra Bread, Comanche Cellars, and Other Brother Beer.

Free Family Fun Day - Iluminado
2024-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | 559 Pacific St, Monterey, CA, United States, California
Drop by the Museum for a fun-filled afternoon of artmaking within Iluminado—a wondrous interactive art installation. Meet the artists behind our creative installations. Walk through and even add your own reflections to the evolving Iluminado exhibition!

First Friday Artist Reception with David J. Gubernick at ArtWorks @Salinas
2024-12-06 17:00 - 19:30 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
We’re excited to invite you to the upcoming reception for award-winning nature photographer David J. Gubernick’s stunning exhibit, “Macro to Grand Landscapes,” on First Friday, December 6th starting at 5:00 at ArtWorks @Salinas. David’s exhibit beautifully captures Monterey County’s natural beauty, from intricate macro shots of flowers to expansive landscapes. Alongside David’s work, enjoy the captivating art of Shagufta Khan, Deborah Good, Kenji Tanner, Edgar Lorenzo, Emerald McColey, and Nathaniel Stapleton. Pianist Andres Benito-Yanez will perform live, creating a wonderful atmosphere for the evening. Don’t miss this fantastic evening of art, music, and community! Share with a friend!

Small Business Saturday at ArtWorks @Salinas!
2024-11-30 10:00 - 16:00 | ArtWorks @Salinas, 262 Main Street, Salinas, CA, 93901, United States
Join us for Shop Small Saturday on November 30th, 10 AM – 4 PM at #ArtWorksSalinas! ???? Discover unique, one-of-a-kind gifts from talented local artists and artisans like David J. Gubernick, Kenji Tanner, Shagufta Khan, Johnny Wicks Candles, and more! ☕ Also, don’t miss a special pop-up by Obsessive Coffee for your favorite coffee and treats while you shop! Support local, find special holiday treasures, and enjoy a great day out. See you there!

Virtual Youth Poetry Meet-Up
2024-11-20 19:30 - 20:30 | Zoom, Monterey County Theatre Alliance Hybrid Theatre, CA, United States
Calling High School Poets! Join Our Virtual Poetry Meet-Up! Are you a high school student passionate about poetry? Join the Arts Council for Monterey County for a free, Virtual Poetry Meet-Up on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at 7:30 PM!
Hosted by Monterey County Poet Laureates Rachelle Escamilla and Maram Haddad, this event is a perfect opportunity to share your poem and explore the beauty of poetry.
RSVP by Monday, November 18 and we’ll send you the link to join!

CALIFORNIA BLUEGRASS REUNION WITH OTTER OPRY
2024-11-19 19:00 - 22:00 | Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Having brought the house down at their first two Otter Opry performances, the California Bluegrass Reunion will be back on Tuesday, November 19th at the United Methodist Church to do it again. This star-studded band is highlighted by the awesome fiddling of Chad Manning and features an abundance of original instrumentals from mandolinist John Reischman and banjo player Bill Evans. Anchoring the rhythm section is Jim Nunally on guitar and vocals, Mike Witcher on Dobro, and Sharon Gilchrist on bass. The show will open with a four-song set by Nell & Jim, featuring Jim Nunally on vocals, guitar and banjo, with Nell Robinson on vocals and miniflute; this amazing duo delivers tight harmonies and original genre-bending music that will get the evening off to a sizzling start. Back to California Bluegrass Reunion: Grammy Award-winning John Reischman is a foundational mandolinist, composer, bandleader and musical educator in bluegrass and North American roots and folk music. Bill Evans – winner of the 2022 Steve Martin “Excellence in Banjo” Award – occupies a unique niche in the music world, celebrated for his varied bluegrass banjo styles as well as his innovative original compositions. Jim Nunally is a musician, composer, record producer and teacher – all in addition to being one of the finest guitar players in the world. Chad Manning is a bluegrass, old-time and swing fiddler who has performed with more famous bands than you can count. Sharon Gilchrist has long made her home in the American acoustic music scene, performing on concert and festival stages all over North America. Growing up the youngest of five in a musical and artistic family in the suburbs of Los Angeles, Mike Witcher found his voice playing the Dobro at the age of 14. These musicians have made music in various combinations for decades, but this all-star performance is an incredible opportunity to see and hear them together. To describe the show as a once-in-a-lifetime (actually, thrice-in-a-lifetime) opportunity is no exaggeration. The event includes a delicious dinner at 5:30pm ($12.50 before November 17th, $17.50 at the door). Online sales will end at noon the day of the performance. 7pm. Monterey United Methodist Church, 1 Soledad Drive, Monterey. $40/show (CBA members $35; 15 and under free); $12.50-17.50/pre-show dinner. www.otteropry.org

Artist Workshop: Vision Board Collage
2024-11-16 13:30 - 16:30 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA 93940, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 93940
The end of the year calls for reflection as we consider what 2025 may hold for us. Join local artist Edi Matsumoto to create a visual representation of your dreams, goals, and motivations. Build your own collage using magazines, word cutouts, and other visual materials, and create a vision board that inspires you!

Open to all experience levels!

Afternoon with the Curator: Lydia Nakashima Degarrod
2024-11-16 11:30 - 13:00 | Monterey Museum of Art, 559 Pacific Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join curator Lydia Nakashima Degarrod, Ph.D., for an exclusive afternoon in the gallery of Under the Guard Tower: The Watercolors of Chikaji Kawakami. Delve into Kawakami’s story as Degarrod highlights select paintings, provides a snapshot of life within Japanese internment camps, and explores the resilient beauty of Kawakami’s watercolors.

Collage Art for Holiday Gift Giving
2024-11-16 09:30 - 12:30 | Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
In this workshop we’ll be handcrafting holiday notecards, tags and small artworks for holiday gift giving. Join collage/mixed media artist and papercrafter Lisa Handley who will share plenty of fun and festive ideas and designs for your creative enjoyment. We will find inspiration in snowflakes, snowmen, winter trees, holly, stockings, mittens, seasonal abstracts and more. The special people in your life will surely be impressed when they receive your unique holiday creations!

Baroque & Unknown: Night Four (Featuring The Monterey County Symphony)
2024-11-14 18:30 - 20:30 | Wendi Kirby Music, 550 Hartnell Street, Monterey, 93940
NIGHT FOUR: From Baroque to Now.

Featured Composers: Elisabeth Claude Jacquet de la Guerre, Belle Von Zuyllen, and all prior featured composers in series.

President & CEO of the Monterey County Symphony, Nicola Reilly, joins us as the featured Guest Speaker for the fourth and final night of Baroque & Unknown series, with Special Guest Composer (TBA). Together the two will chat about their own musical heritage and what it means to move forward as a music organization post-2020.

Select members of the Monterey County Symphony will present a brief program of Instrumental works highlighting composers in the series, while the event will welcome you into the world of Elisabeth-Claude Jacquet de la Guerre and Belle von Zuyllen. Paired food and beverage tastings supplied by local small businesses and seating is especially limited for the series finale.

Date: Thursday, November 14th, 2024
Location: Wendi Kirby Music, 550 Hartnell Street
Time: 6:30PM -8:30PM
Guest Speaker: Nicola Shangrow Reilly, President & CEO, Monterey County Symphony
Artists: Select members of Monterey County Symphony
Pairings By: Uncle Nearest, Chic Charcuterique & More!

Pacifica Quartet
2024-11-09 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 Samuel, George and Antonín.

Performers

Simin Ganatra, violin

Austin Hartman, violin

Mark Holloway, viola

Brandon Vamos, cello

About The Ensemble

Formed in 1994, the Pacifica Quartet quickly won chamber music’s top competitions, including the 1998 Naumburg Chamber Music Award. In 2002 the ensemble was honored with Chamber Music America’s Cleveland Quartet Award and the appointment to Lincoln Center’s The Bowers Program (formerly CMS Two), and in 2006 was awarded a prestigious Avery Fisher Career Grant. With its powerful energy and captivating, cohesive sound, the Pacifica has established itself as the embodiment of the senior American quartet sound.

The Pacifica Quartet has proven itself the preeminent interpreter of string quartet cycles, harnessing the group’s singular focus and incredible stamina to portray each composer’s evolution, often over the course of just a few days. Having given highly acclaimed performances of the complete Carter cycle in San Francisco, New York, Chicago, and Houston; the Mendelssohn cycle in Napa, Australia, New York, and Pittsburgh; and the Beethoven cycle in New York, Denver, St. Paul, Chicago, Napa, and Tokyo (in an unprecedented presentation of five concerts in three days at Suntory Hall), the Quartet presented the monumental Shostakovich cycle in Chicago, New York, Montreal, and at London’s Wigmore Hall. The Quartet has been widely praised for these cycles, with critics calling the concerts “brilliant,” “astonishing,” “gripping,” and “breathtaking.”

An ardent advocate of contemporary music, the Pacifica Quartet commissions and performs many new works including those by Keeril Makan, Julia Wolfe, and Shulamit Ran, the latter in partnership with the Music Accord consortium, London’s Wigmore Hall, and Tokyo’s Suntory Hall. The work – entitled Glitter, Doom, Shards, Memory – had its New York debut as part of the Chamber Music Society at Lincoln Center series.

The members of the Pacifica Quartet live in Bloomington, IN, where they serve as quartet-in-residence and full-time faculty members at Indiana University’s Jacobs School of Music. Prior to their appointment, the Quartet was on the faculty of the University of Illinois at Champaign Urbana from 2003 to 2012, and also served as resident performing artist at the University of Chicago for seventeen years.

Botanical Illustration: Autumn Plants
2024-11-09 10:00 - 14:00 | Lyceum of Monterey County, 1073 Sixth Street, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Join us for a day of botanical exploration on paper. Working with cuttings of local wild plants, participants will create botanical studies using pencil and color media. We will explore the shape, gesture, structure, texture, and color of our specimens to better understand and describe on paper each plant’s unique features. Learn botanical rendering techniques, terminology, tips and tricks, and gain a better appreciation for our local ecosystem through your art.
