120 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® 2026-2027 GALLERIES Big Sur Big Sur Artworks Artists in this collective pay homage to Big Sur. They have spent time in the area and catch Big Sur’s light and mood in all seasons, in landscapes, abstracts and imaginative expressions—all on canvas. Loma Vista, 4750 Highway 1, Big Sur. bigsurartworks.com Hawthorne Gallery The building and gardens alone are a wild, sculptural trip, designed by architect Mickey Meunnig, but that’s just the beginning of the styles on view here. Wander through to view works small and large in two and three dimensions by some two dozen artists. 48485 Highway 1, Big Sur. (831) 667-3200, hawthornegallery.com Carmel American Art Gallery The name is broad, but it’s apt here. The gallery prides itself on presenting both blue-chip and emerging artists. There is a surprising variety of contemporary painting, including works by Hal Frater, Shana Wilson, Innocent Chikezie, Gail Lehman and more. Dolores between Ocean and 7th, Carmel. (831) 2368167, americanartgalleries.com Carl Cherry Center for the Arts Founded by Carmel artist Jeanne D’Orge in 1948, the gallery, theater and gardens of this storied Carmel nonprofit have showcased a brilliant array of theater, poetry, films, music and art. Many of their exhibitions are also available online. Corner of 4th and Guadalupe, Carmel. (831) 624-7491, carlcherrycenter.org Carmel Art Association Carmel’s oldest gallery was established in 1927 and since then, this nonprofit has been owned and operated by 100 or so local artists from all over the county and beyond, with regularly changing exhibits. Find ubiquitous plein air works, as well as abstract works, photographs, sculptures and more. Dolores between 5th and 6th, Carmel. (831) 2503347, carmelart.org Carmel Modern Opened in 2025 by artist John Cromwell, nine contemporary abstract artists present at this What is it about Monterey County that attracts so many artists, authors and performers? One could visit the area just for the art galleries, join the thousands who gather for the annual Monterey Jazz Festival or spend weeks immersed in classical music during Carmel’s Bach Festival. There is a rare quality of light as the marine layer ebbs and flows, the rugged coastline and valleys trapped by mountain ranges. There are the farms and fishing boats. Ansel Adams saw it. So did John Steinbeck, Joan Baez and many others—and the arts scene remains vibrant. On any day, one might encounter poetry readings, theatrical performances, standup comedians, concerts and more. Check the Monterey County Weekly for what’s on during your visit. Monterey Museum of Art ARTS & CULTURE RANDY TUNNELL PHOTOGRAPHY
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