www.montereycountynow.com OCTOBER 9-15, 2025 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 31 ART The Open Studios Art Tour hosted by the Arts Council for Monterey County is back for its 33rd year, with the annual two weekends of local arts exploration. It’s a county-wide art treasure hunt, ranging from Royal Oaks to King City. Eighty-six artists—both veterans and those new to the scene—open their home studios and garages to the public or occupy selected galleries to introduce their work to whoever takes the self-guided tour. A first-time participant in the art tour is Debbie Leifried, with her selection of playful, marine-themed work. Even in a catalog of colorful pieces, her painting attracts an overwhelmed eye. Perhaps it’s because of the many hues of stormy green and blue, or perhaps because of the comradeship of the five white-bearded sailors depicted in the image Leifried chose for the catalog. These flamboyant captains all wear sailing caps and oversized striped sweaters. Each has a pipe hanging from their mouths. They look pleased with life. Leifried is not just a first-time art tour participant. The event will be the first time she shares her work with any audience—despite being a lifetime artist. This critical care veterinary unit employee is a “total introvert,” as she describes herself. Not even close friends were aware of her craft, and Leifried had to take a deep breath before showing the works she brought along to a meeting with the Arts Council, worried she would be hesitant over inquiries. The happy quintet of captains is for sale, as well as individual sailors that come in many colors and frames. She is hurrying to finish “The Woman With A Whale,” she says—another whimsical take on marine life, with an auburnhaired woman as the main character. Leifried also has cards and posters with flocks of birds bearing the names of local cities. Since 2024, she has been making delightful acrylics on fine cold pressed Italian paper (which just got extremely expensive due to tariffs)— fun, unpretentious, with great commercial appeal. Originally from Chico, she moved to P.G. in 2017, a longtime dream of hers. When she isn’t painting, she cooks for her neighbors. Visit Debbie Leifried at 351 Laurel Ave., Pacific Grove, 11am-5pm Saturday-Sunday, Oct. 11-12. (831) 760-5483. Open Studios Art Tour takes place 11am-5pm Saturdays-Sundays, Oct. 11-12 and Oct. 18-19. (831) 6229060, arts4mc.org/open-studios-art-tour. DEBBIE LEIFRIED Captains, My Captains Whimsical folk art by Pacific Grove artist Debbie Leifried to debut at the Open Studios tour. By Agata Popęda The Open Studios Art Tour features established and new artists alike. The above acrylic work comes from Debbie Leifried, who participates in the event for the first time. www.folktalewinery.com GET TICKETS FOR BOTH EVENTS STORYTELLERS SERIES SAN FRANCISCO COMEDY COMPETITION OCTOBER 12 OCTOBER 19 PASSING THE CROWN POUR & TELL
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjAzNjQ1NQ==