Friday, May 8 RAW ART Limitless is the title of the new exhibit by Art Abilities, and “limitless” could easily be the motto for the nonprofit. Art Abilities offers art classes to neurodivergent people, a group whom, in the 1940s, French psychiatrist Jean Dubuffet argued produces work that is more vital and original than conventional fine art because it is unburdened by academic training or the desire to impress critics. He called it “raw art.” As Art Abilities founder Ritika Kumar stated in an announcement for this show, “For many of our students, art is their primary language—a powerful and joyful medium through which they share who they are with the world.” Come meet some of them during the artists’ reception. On display until Aug. 3. [AP] 5:30-7pm Friday, May 8. Pacific Grove Public Library, 550 Central Ave., Pacific Grove. Free. (831) 648-5760, pacificgrovelibrary.org. PETAL POWER Many young children will see a patch of pretty flowers and instinctively start picking them to create a bouquet just for Mom, nevermind those blooms are really dandelions. This Mother’s Day, surprise Mom with a self-made bouquet made with the guidance of a professional artist and the best of blooms. Amapola Kitchen & Wine Merchant is hosting a “Petals and Pour” workshop just two days before the special day. “Petals” refers to the gorgeous bouquet you will get to take with you. “Pour” is the sparkling wine you’ll get to sip while making said bouquet, along with some small bites. That means both you and Mom get a special treat. [PM] 6-7:30pm Friday, May 8. Amapola Kitchen & Wine Merchant, 32 W. Gabilan St., Salinas. $55. (831) 262-0075, amapolakitchenandwine.com. SPIRITUAL ROOTS Monterey Peninsula Voices presents “Roots to Gospel,” a program in which 70 voices guide listeners through the rich history of African American sacred music. From hushed, reverent spirituals that send a shiver down the spine, to hearty gospel celebration that has the whole room swaying, the program won’t disappoint those who enjoy gospel music. Leading the ensemble is Dr. Sean Boulware, joined 28 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY MAY 7-13, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com SALINAS LOVE The Urban Arts Collaborative invites the public to experience What I Love About Salinas, a mixedmedia exhibition showcasing the talents of local visual artists Gerardo Venancio, Melanie Gatica and JC Gonzalez. Through photography, paintings and creative illustrations, the show captures what makes this diverse agricultural community so distinctive. Curator JC Gonzalez, a visual artist and Public Arts Commissioner for the City of Salinas, describes the exhibition as “a celebration of our community’s unique contributions and the colorful tapestry that makes Salinas special.” The gallery is open Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 3:30–5:30pm at 21 Soledad St., Suite C, Salinas. Through May 15. [AP] 7-13 MAY HOT PICKS To see more local events, and add your own, visit montereycountynow.com/events COURTESY OF THE URBAN ARTS COLLABORATIVE GERARD MARTIN VISUALS GERARD MARTIN What does an art gallery’s board of directors look like when it steps away from the meeting table and into the studio? Board Works is a new exhibit that offers a rare glimpse into the creative lives of the 15 individuals who work behind the scenes to keep the Carmel Art Association financially sound, artistically vibrant and historically intact. Through paintings, sculptures and weavings, artists including Gerard Martin (a plein air painter and teacher whose “Golden Wind” is shown above), Kathleen Crocetti, Ethan Walsh, Sibyl Johnson and Ann Artz—among others—reveal themselves not as administrators, but as working artists in their own right. The show is a reminder that at CAA, the people running the gallery are every bit as passionate about art as the members they represent. Dolores between 5th and 6th, Carmel. Open daily 10am-5pm. Viewable through June 1. [AP] The Walk of Remembrance (on Saturday, May 9) is both solemn and celebratory, honoring the lasting cultural legacy of the Chinese immigrants who made the Monterey Peninsula their home. It kicks off with lion dances (see details, p. 32). PAM MARINO Pioneering neo-soul musician Meshell Ndegeocello brings her compelling lyrics and unique style to the Sunset Center stage on Friday, May 8 (see p. 30). CHARLIE GROSS
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