www.montereycountynow.com APRIL 3-9, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 37 CULTURE Maybe you’ve gotten too close to a work of art in a museum, setting off an alarm or activating the guards to pull you away physically. Now, forget about that—the staff of Monterey Museum of Art wants you to join in a day of immersive, tactile art. And the featured artist at this year’s third annual block party, Hanif Panni, has designed a large installation on three 8-by-4-foot panels that works only when viewers interact with it, reaching out to touch inviting, glowing orbs, triggering samples of musical sounds. “When people are working together, even strangers, we can make a beat together,” Panni says. “People will be able to remix the artwork in real time.” The idea might feel anathema to some people’s idea of museum—cue the guards and somewhat stodgy, very silent vibe. The MMA team wants art to feel quite different. Inviting, interactive, fun and, as an added bonus, free. “There are a lot of things that bring people together—sports, otters,” says MMA Executive Director Corey Madden, noting the collective passion around each. Why not art? After the museum reopened post-pandemic in 2021, Madden and team hatched the idea of connecting people in and around the museum. During the block party, the doors of MMA are thrown open. “It shouldn’t be just about looking at pictures on walls,” Madden says. “It should be about finding your own adventure through the museum, and through art.” That adventure can look quite different at this day-long event. Of course you can take advantage of the free entry for a classic museum-going experience, or just cruise through for a quick look at the exhibits before heading out to Calle Principal for live music or to participate in creative, hands-on activities presented by local arts organizations. Those 21 and older are invited to return for an evening dance party. For the record, MMA’s Director of Education and Public Programs Rozanne O’Weger says what the block party represents is not a departure from the norm, but a new normal—the idea of the museum as a place that is welcoming to a range of experiential modes. “A place where I can’t talk or I can’t touch—that’s not at all the case,” she says. “We really see the gallery experience as an active experience.” Monterey Museum of Art’s Block Party takes place 11am-4pm Saturday, April 5. Free. Dance party takes place 8-10pm. $25; $125/VIP. Ages 21 and up. MMA, 559 Pacific St., Monterey. 372-5477, montereyart.org. MONTEREY MUSEUM OF ART Arty Party The Monterey Museum of Art makes it a tradition, hosting a third annual block party dedicated to creativity. By Sara Rubin Part of the magic of the Block Party is in ephemeral, pop-up experiences—show up at one time and see a pop-up painter or hear local students perform live music. PRESENT THIS AD ON ANY SUNDAY IN APRIL TO RECEIVE A Shop. Donate. Volunteer. For drop-off information, please call 831.443.8879 Salinas Discovery Shop at Harden Ranch Plaza 1534 North Main Street, Salinas cancer.org/discoveryCA Sponsored by Hillard Hives Honey sold at The Farm and Star Pharmacy 10% discount on everything! Can You Solve the MYSterY Before tiMe runS out? Follow the rabbit. Rob the bank. Travel through time to save the world....and many more. A 60 minute adventure, 9 rooms to choose from each with a different theme. Great for birthdays or special events. Kid friendly. All locations surrounded by great local restaurants. 4 MONTEREY LOCATIONS 765 Wave St, Ste A2 • 599 Lighthouse Ave • 700 Cannery Row Ste DD and Oscar’s Playground 685 Cannery Row (Third Floor) 831.241.6616 BOOk TODAy! Escaperoom831.com oscar’s Playground Voted Monterey County’s Best new Business ’23 A Gathering of Local Artists Since 1989 Artist: Gordon Mayfield Best artist-owned gallery in Monterey Meet the artist on duty daily Paintings, sculptures, jewelry & ceramics Located in the heart of Monterey Open Daily from 10 am to 6 pm April Artist Reception: 3-5:30 pm, Saturday, April 5th 260 Alvarado St., Monterey (831) 372-6279 www.venturegallery.com
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