creative artisans

Two posts: one from a few years ago, and one (below) taken yesterday, both celebrating local young artists. The space below is the Youth Arts Collective in Monterey-- a non profit started by two industrious women who wanted to provide a place where young people could freely create after arts programs were discontinued in schools. To check out some great international artisan images, click here

Big Sur Marathon

Unfortunately I was gone this past weekend and unable to cheer the runners on ..but local photographer Edie Ellis was kind enough to loan this photo taken at Bixby Bridge-the 13 mile mark, where runners (visible just making the bend in the distance) enjoy a passing grand piano interlude.  

river lounge

This is one of my favorite things in the world..  on a warm day (like yesterday) lounging in the creek that runs behind the River Inn in Big Sur. On weekends they have a live band which makes for a more lively and all together different experience.  I've had many picnics on the lawn here..plus there's a swimming pool next door-- another favorite thing.

Pacific Grove Post Office

Found this great Depression-era mural of a local scene in the post office in Pacific Grove. Seems it was painted in 1932 by Victor Arnautoff, a disciple of Diego Rivera. More murals are here at Monday Murals

tiny house for sale

I've noticed a lot of real estate "For Sale" signs cropping up over the past few months. This one, found recently tucked away in a Big Sur canyon is about the size of a shoebox.  What you see there is the entire house. Perfect for a hermit.

cheese wall

A cool partition I found on Alvarado St in downtown Monterey. They’re rebuilding after a big fire burned down several structures a few years ago..but what’s with the free-floating food and wine? It's a mystery..for Monday Murals.  

The Daring Young

Each town has its celebrations and traditions that shape its culture. The Good Old Days, an annual street festival in Pacific Grove is one of them.  This guy attracted quite a crowd!

waterline

Indulging my yin yang sensibilities with this photo taken at Carmel Beach this morning for Weekend in Black and White.  PS Wishing everyone a great one!

the open door

Another unexpected installation by local artist John Cerney, this one on the outskirts of Salinas inviting viewers to enter... a field of artichokes? A couple of other samples of his work are here and here.

Monterey Fish

Where all the local restaurateurs go to get their fresh-off-the-boat crab, sole, halibut, and salmon. Judging from the flying horse logo above, the building once housed an Exxon Mobile Gas outlet. Turns out it's a Pegasus (am I the only one who didn't know that? probably) a little history of the Mobile symbol is here.  And more "M's" from around the globe here.