126 The Best of Monterey Bay ® 2023-2024 Arts & Culture creatures, pioneering science and interactivity make it as current as ever. Displays of local birds, geology, animals and cultural history are bolstered by rotating exhibits, special events, and a native plant garden. 165 Forest Ave., Pacific Grove. (831) 648-5716, pgmuseum.org Pajaro Valley Arts Serving Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito counties, Pajaro Valley Arts offers access to high-quality visual arts exhibits and promotes arts education in the community. The firstclass gallery is housed in one of Watsonville’s premier historic dwellings, a 116-year-old structure provided rent-free by the city. PVA opened its first gallery in 1986, and continues to present rotating visual art exhibitions in both the gallery and off-site locations. They produce seven to eight exhibits each year. The gallery is closed between exhibits. 37 Sudden St., Watsonville. (831) 722-3062, pvarts.org Photography West Gallery This small, 38-year-old gallery dedicated to artist-printed film photography sells unique fine art, wet darkroom photographs, posters and notecards. They also feature appearances by renowned photographers like Christopher Burkett and Roman Loranc, and have rooms dedicated to the work of Ansel Adams and Brett Weston. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 625-1587, photographywest.com Salinas Valley Art Gallery A group of local artists runs this co-op gallery, which features paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, photography, glass, weaving, printmaking and fiber art. They spotlight a member artist on every First Friday Art Walk each month. 218 Main St., Salinas. (831) 4224162, salinasvalleyartgallery.com The Shop Started by a group of young local artists looking to disrupt the traditional art market, the Shop features works of fine art, handmade wares, candles and clothing created by local artists. It blends several aspects of creativity including podcasting, music-making, cooking and visual art, making good use of its unconventional spacious building. 1271 Tenth St., Monterey. theshopmonterey.com Steven Whyte Sculpture Studio The prolific and accessible Steven Whyte sculpts classical human forms in iconic poses with stylish touches. Impressive figures in various stages of completion look out at passersby from his studio, where he produces all of his works. The Barnyard Shopping Center (middle level), Suite A-22, Carmel. (831) 6201917, swbronze.com Studio Judy G Studio Judy G is a gallery, a studio and an art store run by artist/proprietor and Watsonville resident Judy Gittelsohn. It’s a gallery for Gittelsohn’s paintings, a showcase for works of other artists, performances and lectures. Gittelsohn is also the founder of “Why Watsonville,” a community group dedicated to the preservation and celebration of Watsonville. 430 Main St., Watsonville. (831) 288-0010, studiojudyg.com Tor House and Hawk Tower This monument to poet Robinson Jeffers is one of California’s most significant literary landmarks, built largely by Jeffers himself. A tour transports visitors into the fiercely independent poet’s world, punctuated with history, poetry and story. Docent-led tours take place on Saturdays from 10am to 1pm. On periodic Fridays, special musical tours are available. 26304 Ocean View Ave., Carmel. (831) 6241813, torhouse.org Urban Arts Collaborative It’s an artists’ hub In East Salinas. The mission of Urban Arts Collaborative is to promote community-based art and public art and create safe space for artistic expression as a catalyst for healing, leadership development and social justice. They organize exhibits and vegan food pop-ups to promote food justice and wellness, as well. 21 Soledad St., Salinas. urbanartsco.org Venture Art Gallery Venture Gallery offers exceptional fine art, including paintings, original prints, wood and glass sculptures, ceramics and fine jewelry. Venture has been owned and operated by local artists for over 32 years. This everchanging gallery specializes in local scenes of the beautiful Monterey Bay. Offerings are supplemented by unframed original art, and reproductions. 260 Alvarado St., Monterey. (831) 372-6279, venturegallery.com Visual & Public Art Gallery at California State University, Monterey Bay This small gallery is affiliated with and located within CSUMB’s College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences building, on the ground floor. It presents exhibits drawing from the pool of local talent, including students and alumni. They highlight scholarly research, social engagement, community building and analytical and creative leadership. One of the first exhibits was “Art, Solidarity & the Power of Image,” an interdisciplinary curatorial project about public awareness and recovery of populations of color in the context of Covid19. CSUMB Building 504, 3050 Divarty St., Seaside. visualandpublicart.com Walter Lee Avery Gallery This gallery occupies the hallways of Seaside City Hall, compelling visitors to walk through a literal interpretation of Seaside in the form of a changing rotation of exhibits that touch on art, history, archive, civic pride and commentary. 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. (831) 8996811, ci.seaside.ca.us Westbrook Modern This clean, sleek gallery features the most modern art you’ll find in Carmel, including the swirling rings of Corey Postiglione, abstract etchings of Gustavo Ramos Rivera, iridescent, geometrical crystal sculptures by Toland Sand and many more. 7th and Dolores, Carmel. (831) 625-2288, westbrookmodern.com Weston Gallery Established in 1975, the Weston Gallery is a leader in vintage, modernist and contemporary photography. The gallery represents nearly 100 artists including Ansel Adams, Edward Weston, Harry Callahan, Robert Frank and Michael Kenna. 6th between Dolores and Lincoln, Carmel. (831) 624-4453, westongallery.com Winfield Gallery The collection here can be hinted at with Winfield’s operating motto: “a common elegance and uniqueness—with an occasional journey into the bizarre for good measure.” It features contemporary, Californian and midcareer artworks. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 624-3369, winfieldgallery. com National Steinbeck Center
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