"Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula" by Javier Lopez Jr. 🌄 In a recent interview, artist Javier Lopez Jr. shared how living throughout Monterey County, from the Salinas Valley to the Monterey Peninsula, inspires his work. Using oil paint on canvas, he captures fleeting moments of natural beauty—sunrises, sunsets, and quiet hikes through our parks—as an ode to the place he calls home. 🌅 Join us for the First Friday Artist Reception and experience his work in person! Free and open to the public. Enjoy an evening of art, live music, wine, and community! 🗓️ Friday, June 6 | 5pm to 7:30pm 📍 ArtWorks Salinas | 262 Main Street 🖼️ Gallery Hours: Tues 10 AM - 2 PM | Fri–Sun | 10 AM – 4 PM 🎟️ Free and open to the public! Also featuring 📸 "PhotoCarmel: A Celebration of Photography on the Central Coast" 🎨 Art by Shagufta Khan, Emerald McColey, Edge Lorenzo, Deborah Good, Kenji Tanner, Nate Stapleton and Victoria Lee. #Arts4MC #JavierLopezJr #MontereyCountyArt #ArtReception #FirstFridaySalinas #OldtownSalinas #SupportLocalArtists (fb)

Thinking about joining the 2025 Open Studios Art Tour (OSAT)? 🎨 Hear from artist Lori Z Bala (@zbphotoart) 📸 Lori shares how OSAT is an opportunity to exhibit work and connect with the community. She encourages newer artists to take part, noting that it’s an ideal way to gain exposure and share your art in a supportive environment. 🖼️ Don’t miss your chance to be part of this countywide celebration of creativity! 🖌️ 📅 Tour Dates: October 11–12 and 18–19 | 11 AM – 5 PM 📩 Interested in a host site or being a host? Email klara@arts4mc.org 🔗 Register now at arts4mc.org/open-studios Deadline to apply: June 30th! (fb)