I was initially skeptical about the Carmel Art Tour. We’d already been walking all day, I was tired, and I didn’t really want to see no stinkin’ art. But the moment we walked into the first gallery, my mind had changed. I realized I hardly ever set foot into art galleries, and not because I don’t enjoy art, but because I am afraid. Art can be intimidating, and I always wonder – is it okay to stop in and look at it even though I probably can’t afford to buy it?
Well, this tour taught me that art appreciation is always okay. And I think I took some really cool pictures along the way. Photography is something I’ve been working on since becoming a full-time blogger, and it was fun to be able to practice my own art by shooting others’ art!
For more than a century, Carmel has been home to many artists who find inspiration in the beautiful setting and uncomplicated nature of the area – the main road remained unpaved until relatively recently, and there are no street addresses. (Seriously, you give directions using the intersections. Crazy!) The city’s art association was founded in 1927 and is the second oldest in the country, so it’s no wonder there are nearly 100 galleries in town.
Winfield Gallery
Winfield Gallery
Winfield Gallery
Winfield Gallery
Winfield Gallery
Winfield Gallery
Winfield Gallery
I thought these were really cool – they’re oversized (that blue bottle is probably 1.5 feet tall) porcelain sculptures of everyday items like facial cream, pain reliever, and even a delivery pizza, complete with box. These are by Karen Shapiro.
Cassandria Blackmore Studios
Cassandria Blackmore’s art is created by painting on the back side of glass, then using extreme temperatures and a hammer to shatter the glass. It has an effect that catches light beautifully, as seen above.
Our last stop was to visit Steven Whyte’s sculpture studio and gallery, where we were lucky enough to be able to chat with the artist! His sculptures are of human forms, and range from miniature clay pieces to gigantic bronze sculptures that are displayed on college campuses and the like.
Steven Whyte Sculpture Studio & Gallery
Steven Whyte Sculpture Studio & Gallery. As you can see, Steven’s bulldog isn’t huge on art.
Are you intimidated by galleries like I am? Have you ever been on an art tour like this?
alissa says
This does look really neat! I love all the 3D images.
I love art, but galleries are sometimes difficult. My husband wants to take a long time looking, but I have kids. He gets annoyed with them. I’m in the middle. I’ve tried playing art games: Whoever spots my favorite art piece wins, or I need to guess your favorite art piece. Then my husband says we take too long. He likes to mingle. I like to look, and get out. We’re just different with walking around galleries I guess. Kids do not help.
Amber c says
What beautiful pictures!! I love going on an art tour!
Renee @ Gettin' Fit Fab says
WOW ! I love the pictures you took! The flower art piece is gorgeous!!!! I am not an art lover but I am hoping traveling to Europe will change that! I totes get the not being able to afford it aspect.
adi says
this aesthetic is gorgeous!!
CourtneyLynne says
Art galleries are the best! Whenever I travel to major cities I always look up art shows and museums! Wish I could get hubby more into this stuff!
Christie says
I definitely wouldn’t say intimidated. I feel inspired looking at all of the different pieces, amazing!
Taylor Brione says
I love art galleries! They are so fun!
Jennifer Pilgrim says
The pregnant human sculptures are my favorite! I kind of wish I had one of me when I was pregnant.
Jasmine says
Love it! Art has a great way of inspiring
Audrey says
I would love the sculpture studio! I like to see how things are made!
ashleigh says
I have never been on an art tour but this looks awesome! I used to take art in college and had to visit a museum, it was wonderful.
Rocio Chavez (@yoursassyself) says
I’m so lucky to have several artist friends who actually make art for a living, along with inspiring artists in my family. And I love participating in art walks. So inspiring.
Tiffany says
We are huge fans of art galleries. I love the statue of the pregnant woman.
Janell @ Saving You Dinero says
I should really visit more art galleries. This place looks awesome.
Jonathan Key says
I find art galleries very fun and relaxing. I’d love to take my wife to this one.
Claudette says
Have not been to an art gallery in a little while. These pieces looked simply amazing.
Krystal says
There are some truly beautiful pieces. I would love to find a city near me to do an art tour!
Marielle Altenor says
I’ve never been to any art gallery such as this one. I would so love to see those oversize bottles in person! I’m already short as it is so they would probably look even more massive!
Life as a Convert says
haha I kept waiting to see Carmel candies too. I’ve been to art tours, but none that looks this plentiful.
Raijean says
Such cool pieces, I love a good art tour. I’ll add this to my list.
Maureen says
What great pieces! I love visiting different art galleries and seeing what people can create.
lisa says
I love art and art exhibits. These are beautiful pictures and fantastic works of art!
adriana says
This looks beautiful! Thank you for sharing, I love your pictures!
Shell Feis says
You took beautiful photos! My mom is an artist so she used to drag me to art galleries as a little kid and I hated it. Now I appreciate that I got to see all those beautiful works!
mya.k says
Great exhibit, I love all of the art in there it is so unique and amazing.
Chubskulit Rose says
What a great place to visit. My daughter who is into art would love to see this!
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
Visiting museums and art gallerias are some of my most favorite things to do. You can tell so much about the artist in some of the simplest forms.
Censie says
What a beautiful collection. We love going to galleries here in Denver.
Wood Arts Universe says
I’ve always like visiting art galleries. All those art pieces are really good.
Valerie says
What a fun exhibit to see. I love visiting art galleries like this.
LauraFunk says
How fun! I too love the oversized bottles of medicine cabinet items! They look so real
Valerie says
I like those too. So neat!
Donna says
What a neat exhibit. I love seeing artists’ work!
Autumn @Mamachallenge says
That is a great exhibit. I love visiting art galleries!
Janis @MommyBlogExpert says
Carmel is such a beautiful place. Not only is it beautiful coastal California getaway town, it’s the home of Clint Eastwood and also a fabulous artists colony. Thanks so much for sharing all the pix of your art tour, those sculptures look beautiful.
Sarah says
I’ve never thought about going on an art tour but this looks pretty fun. All of the art looks pretty amazing.
ricci says
What an amazing art tour!! I would love that chance to see something like that one day!!
Jess C says
Looks like there are some amazing pieces there! Wonderful art.. If only I could only have some of those pieces for my home;)
Autumn @MamaChallenge says
I feel the same way! I would love to have some of this beautiful art hanging on my wall.
Melissa says
I have never been on an art tour like this one. I would love to go, those bottles sure are pretty and all of the sculptures would look great in my home. 🙂
JanetGoingCrazy says
This looks like a great tour and some beautiful art. My aunt is really into art and would love this!
Jasmine Watts says
I’m also art loving and that is very cool museum. One day I wanted to visit there!
Nicole Escat says
I haven’t heard this museum before, I like their those statue.
Athena says
That gallery looks awesome. We make sure we bring our children (all ages) to art museums. We want them to truly have that appreciation.
Scott says
Never been on an art tour, but we love hunting them down on our own. Especially ones that are open to the public for watching.
Michele says
I’ve never been on an actual art tour but I have most certainly walked into art galleries in NYC. There is just something special about seeing works of art-whether you end up appreciating it or not!
Lexie Lane says
That looks very cool museum, I’m gonna visit it one day.
Jeni Hawkins says
Beautiful pictures! I love all of the unique things you can find in Carmel!
Crystal says
There looks like so much fun to be had! I need to get myself to Carmel.
rika says
This is fantastic! I am going to tell my husband about this place. He loves art
Edwin Lao says
Wow awesome pictures and great art works. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Brenda Brown says
This looks like my kind of place to visit!
victoria says
This is a fun experience. my niece was really love arts and she wanted to go in this kind of tour.
Eileen says
I am an art person – and I love the photos – worth the extra walking
Carol Bryant says
I love art history and enjoyed seeing these images. Looks like a great place to visit.
Michelle F says
Those are some beautiful pieces of art. I really love those big white flowers.
Tonya C says
What a great experience! My daughter is such an artist and would love to see those galleries!
tiaras and tantrums says
some art galleries can be ridiculously boring – but some are super fabulous – you just have to keep searching.
Crystal says
I agree. That’s why a tour appeals to me. All the best have been selected. Not that we will all agree on what’s best!
Life as a Convert says
You are so right. I think this one looks fabulous. There are so many interesting things.
Crystal Lopez says
Things like this are so interesting. The giant porcelain sculptures of the Bayer and other items is super cool! Makes you wonder what exactly it was that inspired such interesting art pieces!
Tammi Roy says
I have always wanted to go to Carmel. It would be amazing to go on the art tour.
Ann Bacciaglia says
This is amazing art. I would love to go to Carmel and go on the tour.
Shelley Zurek says
It’s nice to see that at the end of a long day of weariness that art could revive your soul.
angela@spinachtiger says
I’ve only been to Carmel once. I long for my California days and an art tour would be such a pleasure.
Carly says
I love Carmel…..I grew up going every summer! We’re actually heading there for a few days in the spring…..I need to check out these galleries!
Chelley @ A is For Adelaide says
This is so fun! I love the Noxema porcelain container- those attention to detail items are so cool to me!
Lee says
I actually enjoy art galleries but I don’t enjoy museums. Odd I understand. But I will admit I looked over half the pictures thinking they were going to be made of carmel, the candy type. 😉
Lee
Nikki says
I’d love to see this cool museum, this is new for me, and I’m sure my husband would love to see this too.
Theresa says
I have never been on an art tour. Not because I’m intimidated, but because my area sorely lacks in the art department. I’d definitely do a tour in a bigger city that has them though!
Christine - The Choosy Mommy says
I have never been on an art tour like this and YES it does scare me. I don’t know enough about the art to even know where to begin. However, when we were in Italy, we did go see David (the only art museum I have ever been to) and it was really cool!
Katherine G says
I’ve never been to an art gallery. I haven’t had the opportunity. Your pictures are great! You caught the beauty of the artwork.
Aubrey says
I have only been to a big art gallery. These pieces look great.
Stephanie says
We have a local art gallery that has a toddler afternoon and we go once a month and learn about the different types of art or periods of art and see the art itself. While my little guy is a bit young, I just love exposing him to such beautiful pieces.
Lorane says
Let me first commend you on the beautiful Photos. I also do love art and appreciate it greatly. Even though I can’t afford it its always great to stop in and look to see what the artiste is trying to showcasing to the world
Nancy says
We might’ve just missed one another by literally a day or two. I was recently in Carmel-By-The-Sea too! Pretty sure that little town is one of my favourite places in the world.
Angie Scheie says
Lovely! I really like that middle picture in the Winfield gallery that looks like a metal lotus flower or something. Pretty!
Marcie W. says
I always find it so humbling to view artwork and do my best to really study every piece. Those Steven Whyte sculptures look particularly amazing
Jeanine says
This would be so fun. I’ve never been to an art gallery before and would LOVE to experience it.
Rebecca Brosemer Miller says
I work at a community art center, so I am blessed to be surrounded by gorgeous art everyday!! That being said, it is still a little intimidating 😉
Kristi @ Homestead Wishing says
Love it! What a great little gallery!
Amber Nelson says
What a fun thing to do. I do enjoy art!
Jessica Harlow says
This looks like a beautiful little gallery! Like you, I tend to think of galleries as stuffy and foo-foo, and I’m always so impressed with the work. It is truly an appreciation for beauty, creativity, and art!
Seattle Travel Blogger says
I agree with you that art can be intimidating!
You have taken some very top-notch pictures here.
Pam says
I have been on several art tours like this back when I was getting my post graduate degree. They were fun classes and I really enjoyed the tours. I love Carmel.
Cia | CiaSays.com says
Your art experience aside I must ask…have you ever thought of pursuing a career in photography? You definitely have an eye for capturing art and that is definitely not easy to do.
Saidah Washington says
I’ve always wanted to go to an art studio. Maybe my husband and I will plan a date night soon. He’s not into it but I think it would be fun
Helene Cohen Bludman says
I really enjoy strolling through art galleries. I visited Carmel a few years ago and loved it.
Crystal says
Art galleries are a fun way to explore art. I love the smaller ones near my house with their revolving artists. Always something new to see!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
I love visiting art galleries. This one is especially nice, I really adore some of the odder and nontraditional pieces.
Patty says
I have found some surprisingly affordable pieces by going into galleries. Not to mention the sheer joy of discovery of a new artist.
Stacie says
It’s been ages since I’ve been to an art gallery. Some artists are really talented. Their art work can really make you stop and think.
Mama to 5 BLessings says
What a fantastic experience! I love those 3D flowers, so beautiful!
Michelle says
i have never been to an art gallery i don’t think it has to do with being intimidated so much as it is not an area of interest for me
Jennifer says
I’ve never been to an art gallery because yes, I am very intimidated by them. I dont have an artistic bone in my body, unlike my father 🙁 I would love to be able to create visual pieces for people to enjoy though
Katie @ Pick Any Two says
You got some great photos! I too find art galleries to be intimidating. Thanks for the reminder that going in just to appreciate the art is OK!
Jeanette says
I love going to art fairs and seeing what people have there. It is fun to see all the creative stuff people come up with.
Natasha Mairs says
I love all the clay models, they look amazing!!! Love the dog too!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Me too! I love the pregnant woman statue too!
Brandy M says
I am very artsy and it is fun to see what other people create. I like to draw realistic, but my hubby is all abstract. We love see all the pieces.
Rebecca Bryant says
WOW!! even though I know little to nothing about art I love going to art shows and art museums. We have a wonderful one here on Campus that is free and I spend lots of time there.
Rebecca Bryant says
WOW!! even though I know little to nothing about art I love going to art shows and art museums. We have a wonderful one here on Campus that is free and I spend lots foftime there.
Terri Beavers says
I love visiting art galleries although since moving there aren’t any around here. I really enjoyed your photos and all of the art you photographed.
Rosey says
I was surprised to see the expecting woman. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a sculpture where a woman was pregnant. It’s very lovely!
Chanelle says
I think that might have been my favorite sculpture of his!
Ave says
I haven’t been on an art tour like you did, but it looks like a really great way to learn more about art! Steven Whyte’s sculptures look really great!
tara pittman says
Such a unique place. I would be afraid to go there as so many breakables.
Betsy Segars says
I love art galleries but do feel intimidated most of the time. They are always so beautiful and I’m always happy that I attend them, when I do!
Pam W says
I love seeing and supporting local art when I travel. I’m not an artist though!
Mardene Carr says
Beautiful exhibition and something that needs to go on a bucket list.
Heather D. (@GirlGoneMom) says
I always try and support local artists when I travel. I see lots of beautiful art here.
Rachel Mouton says
These are beautiful sculptures! You did a great job with the photos.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
I’m no artist by any means, but I love to view artwork. I find art galleries to be so interesting.
Anita Breeze says
I love wandering around in a place like this! Some of those pieces are really cool!
Tina @ My Highest Self says
You know I used to go to the galleries in downtown Chicago when I was working there. I miss that!
Jennifer says
This looks like a great gallery. I’m not intimidated by galleries. I don’t know what I’m looking at half the time, but I’m not intimidated.
Lois Alter Mark says
I love visiting art galleries, and this looks like an awesome tour. Sometimes I don’t really understand what I’m seeing but I always enjoy looking and learning.
Carmen Perez (listen2mama) says
Oh we absolutely love Carmel. I fell in love with this artist community 20 years ago when hubby and I first visited on a trip to California. Love your photos.
MyTeenGuide says
I have visited a few art galleries, but yes, like you I am intimidated, too. The sculptures you saw in this tour are amazing.
Elizabeth O. says
They sure are! I loved the sculptures too!
MJ L. commenting for Mommyhastowork says
Looks like a great tour! Love the bottles, they look so real!
Sarah Bailey says
What an interesting looking tour – it amazes me the talent some people have. x
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Although the talent passed over me, I come from a family of artists & definitely can appreciate fine art like this when I see it.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
I have not been to an art gallery for years! I love art tours. The talent of the artists are just awesome! Of all the pictures you’ve posted here, I loved the broken glass panel design! Cool!
andi says
i have to admit – up until now, the only thing i saw or knew about Carmel, California was that Clint Eastwood was its mayor at one point…. 😀
Lois Alter Mark says
Ha ha! I was surprised when I visited there, too! I definitely want to go back.
Dogvills says
What an interesting tour. Yes, I am intimidated by art, too. Not that I don’t like it, but sometimes, I wonder how I would interpret them.
Annemarie LeBlanc says
There are some art pieces that need a lot of thinking to be appreciated. I just love the talent the artists have, and how they can project their thoughts into their work.
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
Art can be pretty intimidating, but I love it. All of these pieces are so lovely and thought provoking.
Elizabeth O. says
It’s really amazing what artists can do with simple materials. Art Galleries are so nice to go to, although you’re right it can be intimidating, it’s really refreshing to look at art.
OurFamilyWorld says
So true! And they can even make beautiful things out of scrap materials or sometimes, junks. I haven’t been to a gallery in ages.