Monterey Museum of Art

This museum has two locations, the exhibits and majority of the collection are housed at the Pacific St. location. Currently there are several exhibits along with the permanent collection. This collection consists of many artists whose reputation has not reached the level of being household names, nonetheless their work is interesting and influential.  The current exhibits are an eclectic mix of types of art. Two photographic exhibits of radically different visions of photography are on display.

The first,  “Who Shot Monterey Pop” consists of photos taken during the acclaimed Monterey Pop Festival. These reflect the artists and backstage personnel who made this event possible and as important as it turned out to be. Many great shots of world renowned musicians in their early days.  It runs from June 2nd through September 18th.

The second, “What We See”, has subject matter that is less easily accessed but perhaps more moving and personal. The photos are taken by homeless women who were given cameras and time to take pictures of their world and the things that are important and meaningful to them. It is a very emotional exhibit. It runs from March 13th through September 4th.

The other, non-photo, exhibit is more traditional, but challenging and thought-provoking. It is titled “Color, Light, and Form” and deals with a variety of means of expressing these seemingly simple concepts. It runs from July 13th through November 6th.

Up and coming is the fundraising project called “Miniatures”.  This exhibit is works created on a much smaller scale than one usually encounters in an art museum. The works are then raffled off to generate operating funds for the museum. Many interesting works are presented and the winners are everyone who attends the museum. It runs from November 3rd through December 17th.

The museum is closed on Tuesday and Wednesday.