This time of year, the few weeks before we say goodbye to summer and step into fall is my ultimate favorite! The air is warm in the day and crisp and cool at dusk. Usually, I would fill those end of summer weekends with outdoor events. This year my family and I plan on spending time exploring one of my passions, art! Luckily, we live in an area where art possibilities are as plentiful as our gorgeous autumn weather. Here are some fun art outings for children (and adults) of any age!
Monterey Mini Makers
4590 Carmel Valley Road, Carmel, 805-450-9995, www.montereyminimakers.com
Monterey Mini Makers was created to provide art education and sensory exploration experiences for toddlers and preschool age children on the Monterey Peninsula. Classes are for children ages 18 months to 6 years to enjoy with their caregivers.
Classes are arranged in multi-week sessions. This allows for in-depth exploration into projects and ongoing processing. Session prices include all classes, one hour each week for multiple continuous weeks, and all materials. Drop-ins are available when space allows for $20. Please contact them before class to make sure that they have space in the class and can get materials prepared for your child ahead of time.
Class days and times vary. Check the website for updated information and details on how to register.
Monterey Museum of Art-Pacific Street
559 Pacific Street, Monterey, 831-372-5477, www.montereyart.org
Located across from historic Colton Hall in Old Monterey, the Museum features galleries devoted to exhibitions of American and early CA painting, photography and modern art. The Museum store includes creative and unique cards, jewelry, and gifts by local artists. Also, the store carries a selection of books of regional interest. Wheelchair and stroller access are available at the sculpture park entrance located between Pacific and Calle Principal Streets.
This museum is unique because of the many activities they offer kids and families all year round. There are mini art camps on select Saturdays for children ages 6-12. Kids will enjoy two hours of hands-on art and get to take home everything they make. Space is limited to 15 students per class, so pre-registration is suggested. Check their website for upcoming camps.
Another fun class offered throughout the year is Kid’s Afternoon Art Club. It consists of 8-week session classes on Wednesday afternoons for kids in grades 1-4th. Students will create art of all media, work together on collaborative projects, and express themselves in a laid-back learning environment. Sessions are held on Wednesdays at 3:30-5pm.
The Museum is open daily from 11-5pm; closed on Wednesday (aside from art classes); closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Admission is $10, Students & Active Military w/ID, 18 years and under are free, members are free, NARM and AAM Members are free, and bicyclists receive 50% off on Thursdays when they show a helmet.
Monterey Museum of Art-La Mirada
720 Via Mirada, Monterey, 831-372-3689, www.montereyart.org
Contemporary galleries enhance the old-world elegance and rose gardens of this stunning, historic estate. Located in one of Monterey’s oldest neighborhoods, La Mirada began as a modest stone adobe during the Mexican period. It was later remodeled to become an elegant home where the famous stars of silent film were entertained. In 1994, the gallery wing was added to accommodate wonderful exhibitions that are changed out several times a year. MMA La Mirada is open only for special events and programs.
Occasionally, a free Family Fun Day is hosted on a Saturday afternoon at La Mirada. Check their website or Monterey Bay Parent’s online calendar for upcoming family events.
Pacific Grove Art Center
568 Lighthouse Avenue, Pacific Grove, pgartcenter.org
The purpose of the Pacific Grove Art Center is to cultivate the arts within the Monterey area by providing creative experiences that inspire and engage, touch hearts, challenge minds and enrich lives. The Art Center boasts four Exhibit Galleries and a variety of art forms: Painting, Photography, Sculpture, Encaustic, Fabric Arts, Mixed Media and more. Exhibits change every other month celebrated with a First Friday Gala Opening.
The Pacific Grove Art Center offers art class after school, weekend and summer art workshops for kids 8-17. They also have creative opportunities for teens and music and cultural events throughout the year
The Pacific Grove Art Center offers an art class for young people who show a serious interest in learning the basics of art and fine-tuning the skills they already possess. There will be an overview of different materials and techniques, with emphasis on individual expression. Classes are held Monday afternoons from 3:30-5 pm.
Open Wednesday-Saturday 12-5pm and Sunday 12-4pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday
Santa Cruz Museum of Art& History
705 Front Street, Santa Cruz, santacruzmah.org
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History is a different kind of museum, one that focuses on building community in Santa Cruz County. They create community through exhibitions, events, and projects that connect people to art, history, ideas, and each other. They believe that art and history are for everyone and work hard to offer experiences that connect people from many walks of life: across generations, ethnicity, and background. They provide multi-cultural festivals, exhibitions filled with wonder, partnerships throughout the county, and surprising, fun connections with people and ideas across the community.
Check out their online calendar for a list of upcoming family-friendly events, usually held on Fridays and Sundays such as trash to treasure and sun prints.
Hours are Sunday-Thursday 10am-8pm, Friday 10am-10pm, and Saturday 10-3pm. Admission is $10 general, $8 students, and free for members and children under 5
Free admission days are the first Friday of each month.
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