collection help us connect to ideas, but the Carmel Public Library Foundation takes it a step further by hosting its popular film and speaker series, one educational program of many at this nearly 100-yearold institution. MCGives! donors will help launch “What Shapes Us: Elements that Shape Human Experience,” a series that dives into the dynamics shaping the human story and illuminating our shared humanity. “The Carmel Public Library Foundation’s speaker program never disappoints. Whether featuring a colorful local voice with deep roots in our community or a world-renowned author, historian, scientist or thought leader, every event offers a rare opportunity to learn and be inspired. Each speaker brings a unique perspective that challenges our thinking, sparks meaningful conversation and broadens our understanding of the world. We invariably leave the room a little wiser, more curious and with a deeper appreciation for the ideas and stories that shape our lives.” -Robert Carver COOPER-MOLERA ADOBE Year Founded: 1968 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 3 paid, 35 volunteers Budget: $372,000 (831) 259-4513 coopermolera.org BIG IDEA: The Cooper-Molera Adobe tells the story of the Cooper family, but this Big Idea goes much deeper. Through its historic adobe complex, the building, grounds and museum tell the multilayered history of Monterey and the environmental, political and social issues that bridge the centuries. Weekly wellness programs like tai chi and yoga, as well as access to the adobe’s tranquil native gardens, make Cooper-Molera Adobe a hub of downtown Monterey, attracting more than 125,000 visitors each year. “I’ve lived in Monterey since 1985 and never knew this museum existed! Monterey Bohemian Artisan Market in the historic gardens should run all summer.” -Eric Bull EMILE NORMAN ARTS FOUNDATION, INC. Year Founded: 2020 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 0 paid, 50 volunteers Budget: $305,000 (831) 915-6621 emilenormanarts.org BIG IDEA: Artist Emile Norman’s handcrafted midcentury home in Big Sur provides the enduring inspiration for this foundation’s Big Idea. Funds are needed to protect this remote site, including fire protection. Beyond preserving the artist’s legacy by sharing his archives, collections and home, the Emile Norman Arts Foundation presents exhibitions throughout Northern California. This year, donors can support the foundation’s efforts to produce the first comprehensive book celebrating Norman’s life, work and influence. “As a Carmel native and artist who built a career in the arts, design and architecture, I cannot overstate the influence that regional artists like Emile Norman had on my life. His work—and the artistic legacy of this spectacular coastal region—shaped my worldview, education and creative path. Emile’s influence was profound during his lifetime and continues to resonate today. His home and archive have already become a vital hub for artistic, musical and intellectual exploration, welcoming creatives of all backgrounds. The openness with which the site is shared echoes Emile’s spirit and offers inspiration and opportunity to others, just as it once did for me.” -Debra Nichols ENSEMBLE MONTEREY Year Founded: 1992 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 1 paid, 2 volunteers Budget: $143,396 (831) 869-9276 ensemblemonterey.org BIG IDEA: Ensemble Monterey’s Big Idea can be summarized in one word: Welcome! This organization is introducing pay-what-you-can tickets, inviting everyone to set their own ticket price and 34 Monterey County GIVES! 2026 mcgives.com ARTS & CULTURE DONATE ONLINE MCGIVES.COM HIDDEN VALLEY MUSIC SEMINARS Year Founded: 1963 Paid Staff and Volunteers: 35 paid, 15 volunteers Budget: $1,228,060 (831) 659-3115 hiddenvalleymusic.org BIG IDEA: Hidden Valley Music Seminars presents more than 100 classes and performances every year from its eight-acre campus and 300-seat theater. Big Idea arts education programs like the Northern California Flute Camp and Festival of Winds hone the talents of aspiring young musicians and help them develop elite audition skills. The Emerging Composers Intensive debuted 10 new works in July 2026, providing talented, fresh voices with professional recordings of these world premieres to help them boost their portfolio. The campus gives rising musicians a chance to study intensively, and audiences a chance to hear the results. “I so fondly remember the sessions that I participated in during my formative years in the 1970s. Since that point I have had a long career as associate principal oboe with the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra and prior to that, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra. I am so happy to see that Hidden Valley is still thriving and providing great experiences to young musicians.” -Lon Bussell SPOTLIGHT “A community treasure!” -Sandra Jordan, Pacific Grove Public Library Friends and Foundation
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