Carmel-by-the-Sea's Best Art Galleries

Carmel-by-the-Sea offers more than 80 prestigious art galleries within one quaint square mile. These galleries feature world-renowned artists and one-of-a-kind Northern California specialists. The prestigious, bohemian-inspired village also utilises state-of-the-art technology, allowing visitors to download a one-hour self-guided art walk tour on their smart phone. Whether getting in touch with this technology or leisurely ambling through downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea, here are ten art galleries not to miss.

1. Classic Art Gallery

Art Gallery

Created by Jovan and Sanya Micovic from their experience, European heritage, knowledge and appreciation of fine-art, Classic Art Gallery boasts one of the most complete and valuable collections of fine-art in the United States. Offering an array of work from European masters, to deceased famous American artists and contemporary up-and-coming talents, Carmel Art Gallery has staked its claim in California’s art world, having two locations on the grid in Carmel.

Dawson Cole Fine Art

Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery exhibits contemporary and modern sculptures, drawings, prints and other unique works by American and European masters in a beautiful Spanish Colonial style building on the corner of Dolores Street. With a view towards contemporary, early modern and west coast regionalism, the gallery boasts past and recent works by such artists as Chuck Close, Richard MacDonald, Paul Gaugin, Robert Heindel, Henri Matisse and Pablo Picasso.
Dawson Cole Fine Art Corner of Lincoln & 6th Ave Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA 93921

3. Gallery Diamante

Gallery Diamante

Gallery Diamante offers a varied selection of international contemporary painters and sculptors that ‘open the mid and soul beyond what the eye can see’. The gallery prides itself on offering the finest selection of contemporary art from around the world, offering the utmost integrity in relationships with artists. From China’s Master Painter Shun-Tian Yi, to South African sculptor Sylvia Chait, Gallery Diamante showcases fresh-faced talent.
Gallery Diamante, Dolores Street, Carmel, CA, USA, +1 831-624-0852

Sylvia Chait ©
Redwood Media Group

4. Gallery Elite

Gallery Elite

Gallery Elite offers contemporary and traditional artistic works by national and internationally acclaimed painters and sculptors within a two-storey, 6,000 square foot gallery space. Vladimir Muhin, Royo, Evaristo Alguacil and many others artists that have been exhibited in museums around the world are showcased in Gallery Elite. Gallery owner, Teresa Bindel, has a strong Italian European heritage, which led her to the art business where she has been achieving success for over a decade.
Gallery Elite, San Carlos between 5th and 6th Avenue, Carmel, CA, USA, +1 831-625-2233

5. Gallery Sur

Art Gallery

Prominently situated between Dolores and Lincoln in downtown Carmel, Gallery Sur catches the eye of passers-by with a vibrant window that showcases regional photography and Zimbabwean fine art stone sculptures. The poignantly curated gallery captures the grandiose essence and magnificence of the dramatic coastline of Carmel, Monterey and Big Sur in photographs, whilst also displaying sensual African stonework chiselled and refined into delicate postures. Offering art pieces that delight all of the senses – from Winston Swift Boyer photographs to sculptures from the Nyanhongo family in Zimbabwe – Gallery Sur gives appreciation to an eclectic, yet romantic mix of contemporary naturalism. The gallery also participates in fundraising events and gives donations to the charity Art 4 Education.

6. Jones & Terwilliger Gallery

Jones & Terwilliger Gallery

Owned by Barbara Jones and Patricia Terwilliger, Jones & Terwilliger Gallery is an elegant and intimate atmosphere, inviting guests to view an inspiring selection of traditional paintings and sculpture by over 50 nationally acclaimed and emerging artists. Vibrant gardens, American and European landscapes and figurative studies are recreated in realistic and impressionistic styles throughout the collection. Also featured are carefully placed salon and life-size bronzes that lead a meandering path through the art. Meanwhile the gallery also hosts a myriad of special exhibits every year, including live artist demonstrations.
Jones & Terwilliger Gallery, 6th Avenue between San Carlos & Dolores, Carmel, CA, USA +1 831-626-0735

Gallery Floor ©Jones & Terwilliger Gallery

7. Nancy Dodds Gallery

Nancy Dodds Gallery

To experience a juxtaposition of styles between local artists, veer one block off of Ocean Avenue to the Nancy Dodds Gallery, which displays some of Northern California’s most intriguing contemporary artists such as noted designer and water-colourist Kipp Stewart, Jane Mason Burke, Gail Packer, and Carolyn Lord. Through French doors and a light, airy and fresh atmosphere, the venue affords gallery goers an inviting take on regional artwork.
Nancy Dodds Gallery, San Carlos Street & 7th Avenue, Carmel, CA, USA, +1 831-624-0346

8. Steven Whyte Gallery

Art Gallery, Memorial

Cannery Row Monument was sculpted by local artist Steven Whyte

Steven Whyte is an internationally acclaimed British figurative sculpture with a gallery and working studio located in Carmel. Displaying talent from an early age and collecting accolades by the tender age of eleven, Whyte soon ascended into the mature artistic realm where figurative sculpture took precedence – capturing the nuances of expression that make the physical individuality and spirit of a person. Some of Whyte’s most acclaimed sculptures were commissioned as remembrances, such as ‘The Silverdale Mining Memorial’, ‘The Lance Sergeant Jack Baskerfield VC Tribute’ and ‘The Spirit of 1948’.

9. Weston Gallery

Weston Gallery

Voted numerous times by the Monterey County Weekly as the best photo gallery in the county, the Weston Gallery is also one of the oldest photography galleries in the world. A leader in the field of fine vintage and contemporary photographic art from the 19th, 20th and 21st century, the gallery offers one of the largest collections of Edward Weston photographs alongside Chip Hooper, Ansel Adams and other A-list photographic artists. The gallery offers two rooms – one highlighting Weston’s works and the other hosting temporary shows by other represented artists.
Weston Gallery, 6th Avenue & Dolores, Carmel, CA, USA +1 831.624.4453

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