All posts by blburke75

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July 31 Lecture: The Presidios of Monterey

Mr. Binkley is the Command Historian for the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center at the Presidio of Monterey. He first arrived at the Presidio in 2007 after working several years for the National Park Service. Binkley also held research positions at Stanford University and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies (MIIS).  He is a graduate of San Francisco State University, MIIS, and the University of Denver.

Date:  Thursday, July 31

Time:  6PM, followed by a light reception

Location: Irvine Auditorium, McCone Building, 499 Pierce Street, Monterey

Events, Film Screening, Lecture

Screening of “Big Sur: The Way It Was” a Huge Success

The screening of Big Sur: The Way It Was” on April 10 was a resounding success, with over 220 in attendance – nearly filling Irvine Auditorium on the MIIS campus. Audience members came from across the Monterey Peninsula, with many traveling up from Big Sur to relive the early days of that area, with its natural beauty and artistic community. The movie was filmed and produced by Robert Blaisdell, a native filmmaker of the Monterey Peninsula, who shot the footage of Big Sur and its inhabitants throughout the 1960s. The film, narrated by Doug McClure, was nearly lost in time when the film went missing for many years. Bob Franco, a close colleague of Mr. Blaisdell, gave an overview of the making of the film.

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2023-2024 OMF Lecture Series Was a Success!


OMF was excited to restart our lecture series based on
the culture and history of the Monterey area after our Covid hiatus.

The first lecture was held on November 16, 2023 and featured

Claudine Chalmers speaking about her recent book – Barbizon by the Pacific – which was partially funded by OMF.  Her talk took us on a unique journey on the French influence of the art scene in the Monterey Bay. She also explored the relationships among Robert Lewis Stevenson, Jules Simoneau, and Jules Tavernier.

Our second lecture was by Joaquin Turner and Cynthia Wagner Weick on February 1, 2024.  Their talk expounded on the various renowned local artists and the specific spots on the Monterey Peninsula that inspired their artistry.  It was based on their book: Preserving Nature: A Field Guide to the Art and Artists of the Monterey Bay.

The third lecture featured Erin Gafill on April 17, 2024 discussing the impact her great-great-grandmother Jane Gallatin Powers had on
the art scene.  She was a significant force in building a sustainable arts community that would become Carmel-by-the-Sea.  Her artwork was
exhibited in California and Europe.

Our fourth and final lecture was by Susan Shillinglaw and Sherrie Flumerfelt on June 27, 2024, discussing the unique relationship that
John Steinbeck had with Ed Ricketts, which led to their famous voyage on the Western Flyer to the Sea of Cortez.  Sherrie talked about the incredible restoration of the Western Flyer, that is currently at Moss Landing and will be docked at Old Fisherman’s Wharf in the near future for educational tours.

OMF is proud to present these lectures on the history and culture of the
Monterey area. All lectures are free of charge followed by a wine + cheese reception.  Through the use of social media, our lectures averaged 120 attendees.  We hope to continue them on an annual basis and will keep you posted on upcoming lectures.

OMF wishes to sincerely thank Melissa Burdick, executor of the Marcia Devoe Fund of the Community Foundation of Monterey County, for her generous financial support of these lectures.

Art and Artists

Jane Gallatin Powers Lecture and Book Signing on April 17

Jane Gallatin Powers a California Modernist, Lecture and book signing by Erin Lee Gafill

Come join us for an exciting event featuring a lecture and book signing by Erin Lee Gafill, as she dives into the world of Jane Gallatin Powers, a California Modernist. Get ready to be inspired by the life and works of this influential artist. The event will be held in person at Irvine Auditorium. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to learn more about a true pioneer in the art world!

Lecture from 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM

Wine and Cheese Reception 7:30 PM – 8:30 PM with book sale and signing

RSVP: EventBrite

Art and Artists, Events

OMF Plein Air Display and Competition to be featured at 2nd Annual Monterey Museum of Art Block Party

Old Monterey Foundation presents “Plein Air in Old Monterey” with plein air artists painting at historic adobes and gardens on Saturday, April 6th. Throughout the day, there will also be the opportunity for the
community to enjoy the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party on Calle Principal, and at the Monterey History Art Association Historic Adobes. The California State Parks Open Adobes has many Adobes open with special presentations of the artwork within the
historic buildings.

The Plein Air artists will paint from 10:00 am – 2:30 pm, capturing the color and beauty of Old Monterey as they participate in a painting event. In addition, the artwork will be for sale at the end the day. The sale of the artwork will be held from 3:00 pm – 4:00 pm near Elkins Park on Calle Principal, next to the Monterey Museum of Art. Awards will be announced at 3:30 pm with First, Second, Third, and Honorable Mention awards. The public is welcome to stop by and watch the artists at work during the day.

Maps of where the artists are painting and much more information will be available at the Old Monterey Foundation booth at the Monterey Museum of Art Block Party on Calle Principal, and at the MHAA Stanton Center, as well as the CA State Parks office at Custom House Plaza. Pick up your maps and see the artists and plan for the Pacific House, Sensory
Garden, California First Theatre, Stanton Center, Casa Serrano, Casa Soberanes, Casa de Oro Garden, Elkins Park, Custom House Cactus Garden, Colton Lawn, Calle Principal/MMA Block Party*. * Maps available at these locations.

Plein Air Artists include Nataliia Aandewiel, Michael Armstrong, Jackie Bleisc, Julie Brandt, Katharina D’Amore, Cyndy Davis, Linda Elling, McKenzie. Floyd, Victoria Galitzine Elaine Goldstone, Georgesse Gomez, Guna Hebbar, Sue Holmes, Elizabeth Ingebretsen, Sibyl Johnson, Diana Kennedy, Laura Lindem, Elizabeth May, Donald Neff, Debra Nichols, Katrina Pura, Cynthia Rand-Thompson, Suzanne Roth, Alfred Shamble,
Willamina Strupat, and Barbara West.

Thank you to our sponsor: Marcia F. DeVoe Fund of the Community Foundation for Monterey County. Thanks also to the Monterey Bay Area Plein Air Association.

Residents and visitors are encouraged to come for this free event involving three nonprofits dedicated to preserving the culture and art of Monterey.

Art and Artists, Events, Projects

OMF and Middlebury Institute of International Studies Dedicate New Mural

Monterey, California (November 7, 2023) – Dedication ceremony for the McCone building mural on the Middlebury International Institute at Monterey campus. (Photo © 2023 Brett Simison)

On November 7, 2023, the Middlebury Institute of International Studies unveiled their new public mural called “Advancing Peace Together.”

The project was developed jointly by the Institute’s Committee on Art in Public Places and the Old Monterey Foundation, a nonprofit that works to support and enhance the artistic, cultural, and historic environment of downtown Monterey.

The 14-by-40 feet mural which is located on the side of the John and Theline McCone Building at 499 Pierce Street in Monterey.

The mural shows how the Institute’s history connects with Downtown Monterey and the region. Designed by Guillermo Arranda the mural features both a view of the Monterey Bay and agricultural fields to highlight the people of Monterey and their land.

Over 50 volunteers helped paint the mural including MIIS faculty, staff, and students, members of the Old Monterey Foundation, and students from North Salinas High School and other local high schools.

MIIS volunteers also painted a new pedestrian thoroughfare at the heart of campus and along the Monterey Path of History.

Monterey, California (November 7, 2023) – Dedication ceremony for the McCone building mural on the Middlebury International Institute at Monterey campus. (Photo © 2023 Brett Simison)