Thursday, Dec. 18 CAT CROCHET Is it possible to turn a ball of yarn into a cat? Carmel Public Library is offering a workshop on cat amigurumi—Japanese art of crocheting/knitting stuffed creatures—for teens. The cat won’t meow, but its fluffy self might charm you. It’s a perfect project for those trying to expand beyond hats and clothing into different forms. Crocheting 3-D creatures may be intimidating, but participants will have help along the way. They can expect to leave the workshop with a fluffy support animal they can keep or gift away this holiday season. All skill levels are welcome, materials are provided. [CJ] 3-4:30pm Thursday, Dec. 18. Harrison Memorial Library, Ocean and Lincoln, Carmel. Free. (831) 624-4629, ci.carmel. ca.us/library. Friday, Dec. 19 REVIVED INNOVATION What do you think of when you hear the word “innovation” in 2025? Probably some kind of startup, likely one investing in some new technology. But Maija Danilova West, a retired attorney, author and consultant, is aiming to reclaim that word, hosting a talk—literally titled “Innovation”—on rebuilding culture. She brings over 25 years of experience advising nonprofits, business, tribes and government agencies, specializing in fostering a culture of trust to promote strong agreements within diverse communities. She explores what it means that “innovation starts with learning to trust ourselves as we navigate and reshape the systems we live in,” insights she articulated in a recent conversation on The Well Woman NPR podcast. Her talk invites people to see that trust, relationship and responsibility are not soft skills, but are pillars to a functioning society, and ones our future depends on. [KR] 8:30-10:30am Friday, Dec. 19. Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave St., Monterey. Free. (831) 655-2010, creativemornings.com. HOLIDAYS ON ICE As a social activity, ice skating became the thing in the mid-19th century, popularized by Empress Eugene of France. For young women of her era, it 38 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 18-24, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com R. MIKE NICHOLS Riverside-based watercolorist R. Mike Nichols is known for his colors, playfulness and dogs as a recurring motif in his art. The above work is part of the Carmel Art Association’s The Art of Gifting: 100 Under $1,000 exhibition of works by CAA artists. This show is put together annually with the hope that local artworks will be considered as a holiday gift—a thoughtful and one-of-a-kind alternative to yet another gift card or, worse yet, cash. The gallery is located on Dolores Street between 5th and 6th, Carmel; open daily 10am-5pm. On display through Jan. 5. [AP] 18-24 DECEMBER HOT PICKS To see more local events, and add your own, visit montereycountynow.com/events R. MIKE NICHOLS REGEN MONTEREY VISUALS BLACK GOLD We have another mural in the community, this one located in Seaside at 1350 Fremont Blvd., on the Farmers Insurance building. ReGen Monterey (Monterey Regional Waste Management District) commissioned prolific local muralist Hanif Panni to create a piece called “Black Gold,” which praises and promotes sustainability and the power of renewal through food scrap composting. The mural is part of ReGen’s “Sort With Heart” campaign and serves as “a reflection of Seaside’s commitment to sustainability,” said Seaside Councilmember and ReGen board member Alexis García-Arrazola. “It reminds us that every small action can help protect the place we call home.” Stop by the mural and devote some thought to your own recycling and composting practices. [AP] It’s been a big year for the Monterey Peninsula Gospel Choir and leader John Nash Jr., singing on a Grammy-nominated single and touring in Europe. They’re bringing their “Christmas Carols with Gospel Flava!” show to Pacific Grove. (See details on p. 42.) MONTEREY PENINSULA GOSPEL CHOIR Santa Cruz-based Americana band Eyes Like Lanterns is one group in the lineup for the inaugural performance on Sand City’s new Lido Stage (see p. 40).
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