both acclaimed international artists and talented local musicians. Donations support practical expenses like artist fees and venue rentals needed to keep this valued programming going, and also Big Ideas like discounted or free tickets offered to students, seniors and low-income residents. Those who get inspired to pick up an instrument can then attend this organization’s community masterclasses and even someday be invited to open for visiting Carmel Guitar Society artists. “The Carmel Guitar Society has elevated public guitar performance tremendously in the last few years. It is bringing world-class talent to Central Coast audiences who haven’t had many opportunities to experience the instrument on that level, while also featuring rising, homegrown guitar talent. Their concert series is a real treasure.” -Sheila Gibbons Hiebert CARMEL MUSIC SOCIETY Year Founded: 1927 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 14 volunteers Budget: $112,000 (831) 625-9938 carmelmusic.org BIG IDEA: Carmel Music Society is preparing some Big Ideas to celebrate its 100th anniversary season. While the party officially begins in fall 2026, donors can help build birthday momentum via the launch of several new initiatives, from offering open rehearsals to hosting artist-led masterclasses and launching a vibrant student volunteer program. This year, Carmel Music Society will introduce two new concerts in The SandBox in Sand City for an intimate classical music experience. It’s part of the nonprofit’s forward-looking mission to focus on engaging a younger, more diverse generation of concertgoers and future artists. “It is an honor to be invited to help steward the Carmel Music Society into its next century. The Society’s legacy is not only one of world-class music, but also of community, tradition and the enduring power of live performance. I’m proud to play a role in shaping its next chapter, honoring the past while embracing the future.” -Michelle Djokic CARMEL PUBLIC LIBRARY FOUNDATION Year Founded: 1990 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 2 paid, 17 volunteers Budget: $1,033,018 (831) 624-2811 carmelpubliclibraryfoundation.org BIG IDEA: There are many ways to be inspired by words, whether through books on shelves, digitally, through live events or beyond. The Carmel Public Library Foundation supports the two public library branches, but also helps the public engage through curiosity-sparking events, including lectures and film screenings. This year, the nonprofit’s event series theme is “The Power of Language” and explores perspectives in journalism, poetry and neuroscience. In the spring, this Big Idea is scheduled to feature a surrealist film screening and a lecture from a preservation architect. All events are free and open 30 Monterey County GIVES! 2025 mcgives.com ARTS & CULTURE DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM CARMEL ART ASSOCIATION Year Founded: 1927 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 8 paid, 80 volunteers Budget: $1,300,000 (831) 250-3347 carmelart.org BIG IDEA: For close to 100 years, the Carmel Art Association (CAA) has been providing a space for local artists to show their work. Carmel’s oldest continuously operating gallery has supported some 850 artist members over that time. But its original venue—a 1914 Murphy cottage—has experienced significant structural damage and is in need of repairs. This Big Idea will help restore the building, fixing urgent structural needs in CAA’s roof, cracks in floors, walls and ceilings and a sunken north wall, enabling artists to continue to pursue their craft and connect with viewers. “As a professional art researcher, I have utilized Carmel Art Association’s archive and publications for several decades. I am acutely aware of how rare it is for a nonprofit arts organization to celebrate its 10th anniversary, much less to be closing in on its centennial! Carmel Art Association remains the oldest continuously operating visual arts gallery on the West Coast. It keeps fulfilling its original mission from 1927: To support local artists while educating, enlightening and entertaining visitors and collectors alike.” -Stephanie Boris SPOTLIGHT “The commitment to free access and thoughtful programming reminds me how vital public spaces like this are to a healthy, curious and compassionate community.” -Lacy Williams Buck, Carmel Public Library Foundation
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