Arts Council for Monterey County

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 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

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.

The common Thread of an Artist, Pacific Grove Art Center
2026-03-06 11:00 - 2026-04-23 17:00 | Pacific Grove Art Center, 568 Lighthouse Ave., Pacific Grove, CA, 93950, United States
Guna Hebbar, Gordon Dill, and Bob Selin- three local artists from Salinas Valley Art Gallery-share a common thread of creativity. Working in different media, with distinct personal styles, they explore local landscapes and expressive interpretations of the world around them. A group exhibition exploring shared landscapes through individual artistic vision.

The Art of Observation
2026-03-24 17:30 - 19:00 | Monterey Regional Airport
Monterey Regional Airport invites you to the opening of the
2026 Art Exhibit
March 24th at the Monterey Regional Airport off Hwy 68 & Olmstead Rd
Please join us at 5:30-7:00pm with a 6:00pm Monterey Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting to celebrate and enjoy the PG Museum’s new collaborative exhibit and the incredible artists, cultures, and natural wonders of Monterey County!

Mountains to the Sea
2026-03-25 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-03-25 10:00 - 2026-06-06 17:00 | Chesebro Wines, 19 East Carmel Valley Rd, Ste D, Carmel Valley, 93924, United States
Monterey Bay Plein Air Association and Chesebro Wines present:
Mountains to the Sea, Monterey County Landscapes.

Avenue Q
2026-03-27 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-28 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-03-29 15:00 - 17:00 | Paper Wing Theatre 711 Cannery Row Suite I Monterey, Ca. 93940, 711 Canner Row Suite I, Monterey, CA, 93940, United States
Avenue Q is the outrageously funny, Tony Award–winning musical that’s part flesh, part felt, and packed with heart. Set on a down-on-its-luck New York block, this smart, adults-only comedy follows Princeton, a recent college grad who moves to Avenue Q in search of his purpose, only to find a hilarious mix of quirky neighbors, wisecracking puppets, and songs you’ll be humming for days.
With show-stopping numbers like “It Sucks to Be Me,” and “The Internet Is for Porn,” the show blends nostalgia, satire, and genuine warmth in a way that’s utterly unforgettable. Beneath the humor is a relatable story about growing up, finding your people, and embracing the chaos of adulthood.
If you love witty comedy, bold musical theatre, and puppets behaving badly, Avenue Q is the must-see show of the season. Grab your tickets now and get ready to laugh, cringe, and cheer your way through one of the most unique musicals ever to hit the stage!

Dover Quartet
2026-03-28 18:30 - 20:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Chamber Music Monterey Bay is thrilled to present as our fourth concert of the season the extraordinary Dover Quartet, which BBC Music Magazine pronounced as “one of the greatest quartets of the last 100 years.” They have frequently been favorably compared to the great American string quartets of years past, such as the Emerson or Guarneri Quartets, for their depths of originality and musicianship. Their last appearance for CMMB was a streaming performance online during the pandemic, so we are overjoyed to welcome them back in person.
The Dover Quartet is currently the Penelope P. Watkins Ensemble in Residence at the Curtis Institute of Music, as well as Quartet in Residence at Northwestern University’s Bienen School of Music. The Chicago Tribune described their performances as embodying “expert musicianship, razor-sharp ensemble, deep musical feeling and a palpable commitment to communication.” We are proud to have them here to share their amazing music making with our Peninsula audience.
They will perform an exciting and unusual program featuring works by Jessie Montgomery, Franz Joseph Haydn, Karol Szymanowski, and Felix Mendelssohn, timeless compositions spanning the years from 1772 to 2012. Each work is a masterpiece of the chamber music literature.
The New Yorker called them “the young American String Quartet of the moment,” and we are over the moon to be bringing them to our wonderful corner of the world with this spectacular program. You will want to buy your tickets early.

Chamber Music Monterey Bay Announces 59th Season: A Showcase of Masterworks, Innovation, and Cultural Stewardship at Sunset Center
2026-03-28 19:30 - 21:30 | Sunset Center, San Carlos St at Ninth Ave, Carmel by the Sea, CA, 93921
Chamber Music Monterey Bay (CMMB) announces its 59th season, presenting five evening concerts by world-class ensembles at the historic Sunset Center in Carmel-by-the-Sea. Concerts will be held on Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., preceded by complimentary pre-concert lectures at 6:30 p.m., offering audiences deeper engagement with the repertoire and performers. The 2025–2026 season continues CMMB’s mission to enrich the cultural life of the Central Coast by presenting exceptional chamber music performances, commissioning new works, and supporting community education and outreach initiatives. This season reflects CMMB’s dual commitment to preserving the legacy of chamber music while advancing its evolution through contemporary voices. Dover Quartet Saturday, March 28, 2026 | 7:30 p.m. | Sunset Center, Carmel Free pre-concert lecture at 6:30 p.m. Recognized by BBC Music Magazine as “one of the greatest quartets of the last 100 years,” the Dover Quartet presents a deeply expressive program blending historical depth with contemporary brilliance. Jessie Montgomery – Strum Franz Joseph Haydn – String Quartet No. 27 in D Major, Op. 20, No. 4 Karol Szymanowski – String Quartet No. 1 in C Major, Op. 37 Felix Mendelssohn – String Quartet No. 6 in F Minor, Op. 80 (“The Lick Quartet”) This concert affirms CMMB’s dedication to programming that challenges, inspires, and uplifts. TICKETS AND ACCESS Season subscriptions and individual concert tickets are available now at www.chambermusicmontereybay.org or by calling (831) 625-2212. CMMB’s Kids Up Front & Free! program welcomes students in grades 3–12 to experience professional performances from premium center seats at no cost, fostering a lifelong appreciation for chamber music. Accessible seating, pre-concert talks, and printed program notes are provided at every performance to deepen audience experience and inclusion. About Chamber Music Monterey Bay Founded in 1966, Chamber Music Monterey Bay is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to presenting a world-class concert series, commissioning new works, and offering education and outreach that makes chamber music accessible to diverse communities. Its programming reflects a commitment to artistic excellence, cultural stewardship, and education for audiences of all ages.
