Category Archives: Events

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)