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

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.

Edward Montgomery was amongst the first to bring his forward-thinking art approach to a gallery in Carmel. From its first position in 1993 on the outskirts of Carmel’s commercial district to its most recent location along ‘Gallery Row’ on Dolores Street, Edward Montgomery Fine Art has always been a sought-after destination. The exhibition space offers a sophisticated yet casual environment where discriminating art collectors can find fresh, innovative and progressive artwork by both established and emerging international artists. From paintings by the French artists Maria Amalia and Georges Coulomb to the multimedia work of Stephen Harlan, this gallery is sure to inspire.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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’.

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.