The region encompassing Monterey, Carmel and Santa Cruz offers groups scores of art experiences amid its rugged beauty and historic places. Here are some top picks.
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Groups can mingle among art and roses at the Monterey Museum of Art (www.montereyart.org), which is situated in Old Monterey. The Spanish Colonial-style former courthouse features The Rose Garden, with colorful blooms that overlook Lake El Estero. The museum includes many indoor and outdoor ideas. Group tours of up to 30 are available. The museum has a special interest in artists active on the Monterey Peninsula and the West Coast. It also collects Asian art.
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Beginning photographers are welcome on Robert Knight’s "Earth Expeditions" (www.robertknightgallery.com/earth-expeditions.php). Groups are guided through a variety of artistic and technical aspects of photography while exploring the rich diversity of wildlife and seeing some incredible scenery. Instruction, private boat charters and meals are included.
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A unique and economical route to get a group’s art fix is a simple stroll through Sand City (www.sandcity.org), a small seaside enclave of artists located about 10 minutes from Monterey. The tiny town is packed with artists’ live-work lofts and art galleries. Sand City’s West End, dubbed "SoHo West," includes a number of restaurants, coffee houses and cool galleries. The WestEnd Celebration, a festival that features live music, street performances and the wares of local and visiting artists, is set for Aug. 22 this year.
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Many artist studios can be found simply by driving along a stretch of Highway 1 between Big Sur River Inn and the Henry Miller Library. Galleries are free-standing by the side of the road, incorporated into hotels and nestled in between restaurants and meditation gardens. In between gallery stops, attendees can enjoy iconic views of the Central California Coast.
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Admission is free at the Carmel Art Association (www.carmelart.org). The gallery, which is located in a sculpture garden, features the work of more than 120 local artists. Exhibitions change every month. The gallery is home to the nation’s second-oldest artist cooperative. Painting demonstrations, lectures, concerts, films and opening show receptions are held regularly in the gallery and the garden.
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The Museum of Art & History at the McPherson Center (www.santacruzmah.org) in Santa Cruz is available for small conferences and groups. The museum’s three rooms can host 24, 80 and 250 attendees, respectively. The museum itself is available for receptions and parties. Located in the heart of downtown, the "MAH" is within an easy walk to beach area hotels, restaurants, nightclubs and shops. The museum also offers art workshops.
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SculpTour, a public art exhibit, can be found along Pacific Avenue in Santa Cruz. Ranging in subject from Rocky Dogs to Pendulum and Waterfall, the exhibit features artwork by a local blacksmith, a kinetic sculpture artist, an architectural metalworker and many others. A map of this self-guided waking tour is available at www. santacruzca.org.
