30 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JULY 23-29, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com ART An everyday scene framed with hangers, a frozen moment in time showing the dancer’s movement, yellow-orange poppies tucked into blurry green grass, and a high contrast of lights and shadows creating traveling lines—these are among the 100-plus photos from 22 local artists that fill the walls of the Walter Lee Avery Gallery at Seaside City Hall. The images are part of the latest exhibition of Padres Trails, an amateur local camera and photography group that’s been around since 1948. “The club has been around a long time, and it’s the oldest, longest-continuously active camera club on the Monterey Peninsula,” says Ken Jones, a club member who is part of the showcase. The photo exhibit is titled Photography Begins with Seeing and opened on July 17. According to Jones, “seeing” in this case “talks about the difference between just looking at things and really engaging with a subject” before pressing the shutter button. Photographer Sandie McCafferty says Monterey County is a perfect place to practice the craft. “We live in a really rich environment for taking pictures and for enjoying people,” she points out. The county has diverse terrain including mountains and forests, coastline and agricultural fields. McCafferty’s photos include conceptual elements, and she notes that’s one of the reasons she enjoys taking photos. She adds that viewing the exhibition could inspire others to think artistically and produce their own work. McCafferty has been with the club for three years and says viewers get a peek into the photographers’ personalities by looking at their work. “It’s so much more fun when I wake up in the middle of the night with an idea,” McCafferty says, noting the next morning, “I can put it into action and figure a way to make it work.” Besides providing a change to socialize and share ideas, the club holds monthly photo challenges. “It pushes you to do something different,” Jeff Hobbs says. Exhibits allow club members to share their work with the community. But participation provides an opportunity to gather inspiration and learn from others. Photography Begins with Seeing is on display 8am-5pm Monday-Friday until Sept. 4. Walter Lee Avery Gallery, Seaside City Hall, 440 Harcourt Ave., Seaside. Free. (831) 899-6700, ci.seaside.ca.us. CELIA JIMÉNEZ Good Look Seaside’s City Hall gallery presents an exhibition of amateur photographic artists. By Celia Jiménez Photographer Jeff Hobbs, left, talks, with David Thon about the nature photos that are part of Padre Trails’ exhibition during the opening reception on July 17. CRAZY 8’S Bowl with your friends! 8 pins on first ball = STRIKE Sign up individually or as a team: Adrianas@montereylanes.com MONTEREY LANES 2161 N. Fremont St., Monterey MontereyLanes.com (831) 373-1553 WEDNESDAYS STARTS AUGUST 8 6:30PM 8 SESSIONS 4 PERSON TEAMS ALL AGES $18 PER WEEK 2 GAMES SHOES INCLUDED
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