Ben provides insight into the artists, but also how to best match a piece or transition from one…read morestyle to another within the same room. Although I don't care what anyone thinks of the inside of my house, this type of consideration would be extremely valuable for those feeling nervous and judged about what art goes on their walls. Excellent, affordable selection!

I have visited their sister gallery in Palm Desert so decided to visit the Carmel gallery. A great…read moreselection of incredible art on display. Friendly staff on the premises to help you and answer questions about the works of art. Very interesting how the sales person explained how some of the paintings were done. One of my favorite being a modern art piece of brlliant colors blended together, that was created by being inspired by his wife"s colorful garden. Some of the paintings actually looked more like a real photograph than a painting. Such amazing talent. I really love this gallery.

The current exhibition is Salvador Dalí. It's a fantastic menagerie of art and history. I truly…read morethought I knew so much about his work until my recent visit. The stories of his work and inspirations had me reading every last tidbit. The black and white photos of Dalí preparing his own work were mesmerizing. I could've spent the whole day here. The whimsical arrangements throughout the rooms gave me the notion that I had stepped into a secret space that made me think differently. It's hard to describe. It was beautiful.

I found this little museum quite interesting. I love learning new things about places I visit. On…read morethe lower level, the museum focuses mostly on early settlement in the Monterey area with wide coverage of the World War II era and the entire Pacific fleet not exclusive to Monterey. On its upper level more exhibits can be found directly related to Monterey's fishing industry and the history of Cannery Row. There are two exhibits that caught my eye. The first one can be seen as soon as you walk through the doors as it is situated on the open floor between the museum's entrance and the Monterey County Visitor Information Center. The Bixby Bridge is located in nearby Carmel, CA but you can see a masterful sculpture carved out of old growth redwood by artist Michael Miller (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8FhwlcREHuMFeNISkhSz0A?select=C8WBeFH2NGi9JdxTfwQsjQ). Take the time to observe the fine detail that the artist puts into the sculpture. It's truly a masterpiece. The second exhibit is probably the biggest item inside the museum and can be seen to the left of the museum's entrance doors and that is the huge historic Fresnel lens once housed at the Point Sur Light Station (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/8FhwlcREHuMFeNISkhSz0A?select=TvlZXZSWAjVb7Bz9ej2ICg). The highlight of the exhibit is the 580 glass prisms which makes up the lens. There is a nice assortment of information surrounding the exhibit as well as some interactive stations. The museum's collection is worthy of 5 stars, but I found some serious design flaws on several of the exhibits which detracted from my viewing experience. Simple things like accent lighting pointed directly at a glossy painting whereas the viewer can not experience the artwork but simply a burst of yellow light on glossy canvas. Several of the exhibits had a sheet of clear plexiglass protecting them which is wonderful for prolonging the life of the exhibit but it doesn't work when accent lighting and direct sunlight hits it from different directions causing a triple image because of shadowing. I found a lot of simple things just like that on both levels which were just distracting. The museum is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 AM to 5 PM. There is no admission fee, but donations are accepted and appreciated.

Carmel is great for art but there's a serious price tag attached. If you want more affordable,…read moredown-to-earth prices on gifts, trinkets, and housewares, stop by this little shoppe tucked away in the corner of a mall. They have a whole wall of tasteful but fun handmade jewelry and an array of artsy wooden gift boxes. The best part was their Munktiki collection. The owner's husband is the founder of Munktiki mugs, arguably the kick-@ssest drink containers you will ever see (http://www.munktiki.com/). So, you know, if you're ever running low on tiki mugs and tiki-related accessories, and you happen to be in Carmel, this is the place to go.

Third Thursday at MMA La Mirada: Open until 8:00 pm the third Thursday of the month…read more So here I am, fresh from a four hour drive across our beautiful state, fresh from checking into my hotel, ready to spend a little time looking at some beautiful local arts n culture. Now, pay careful attention to your GPS, folks, because I totally missed the drive the first time. I arrived, but was afraid I had arrived at someone very fancy's personal estate. It was dark, oh so dark. But there must have been 30 cars, so I parked with all the others and walked toward the building. I guess first I walked around the building. There were two places I could see light coming from, and I picked the one on the left. Folks, go for the one on the right. I walked around back and into the rose garden. I was still a little afraid the master of the house would set his royal guard dogs on me for prowling. Back to my car. I'm hustling. I'm thinking, "there was a sister museum that was also advertised to be open late, maybe I should go there!" (apparently that was wrong anyway, cause it;s First Friday at MMA Pacific Street not Third Thursday, but in retrospect I was pretty confused all around). But first I try the other place where light beckoned. It is an adorable, old fashioned door. And all of a sudden, I'm on the other side and inside this beautiful land of art, curated by beautiful people and enchanting enclosed within a historic estate (see, eg., chandeliers, dainty little bathrooms, gift shop in what feels like a dining room). Almost everyone was already in a lecture about art restoration, so I slowly wandered through the collection without having to navigate a crowd. It was super enjoyable. The kids area/library was a place I'd like to spend more time, and the gift shop was well priced. I'd definitely like to go back and see the outdoor area. It was, as hinted at above, almost pitch black at night.

Words cannot describe how lovely La Mirada is! I was married there May 18, 2013, and it was…read moreeverything I had dreamed of and more. The setting of the estate is intimate, comfortable, warm, and the roses add amazing color. For our May wedding, the roses were in their first bloom. They were gorgeous and the scent during the ceremony was heavenly. The guests enjoyed having cocktail hour in the rose garden; they were snapping photos of the blooms and it made for a beautiful back drop. Reading some of the other reviews; it makes me sad to think people picked this place apart! My husband, family, and I had a wonderful experience from start to finish. Our events coordinator was Mel Cota. She is FANTASTIC! This gal does not skip a beat! Not only is she kind, detailed oriented, compassionate, and communicative; she was able to turn my vision and my wants into a perfect wedding day. The day of flowed effortlessly and was seamless, all thanks to Mel. Having recently received my wedding photos from Michele Beckwith Photography; I am so thankful we went with La Mirada. The grounds of the venue came out amazing in the photos. Classy and elegant! Being able to take photo's upstairs in Elizabeth Taylor's room with my groom was such a treat! This place truly is a five! Thank you La Mirada! - Alixandra

I stumbled upon this new modern gallery located right on Ocean Avenue in downtown Carmel by the…read moreSea. They have a great selection capturing stunning images of nature. Elizabeth was such a doll and helped with all of my questions! I highly recommend stopping by, not just an ordinary gallery.

Came across a little gallery on a walk while in Carmel. Carmel Fine Art photography is a hidden gem…read morefilled with stunning works of art. The gallery is hosted by Juan Mancheno. Juan welcomed me warmly, he is knowledgeable and answered all my questions. He was kind enough to share his adventures of my favorite pieces. I found a piece I fell in love with, I had to buy! Juan helped me find the perfect custom frame for it. I couldn't wait to get it home!! I am extremely happy with my purchase. The piece of art makes for a compelling display at home everyone that sees it compliments its beauty.

Wonderful little museum packed with beautiful artworks. Came for the Mary DeNeale Morgan show but…read morewas impressed by the total amount of art in this small museum. Even great art in bathroom and basement hall. Especially loved that many watercolor paintings were displayed. If you're a student (any age) you can get a discount!

This is a cool museum and a wonderful diversion from some of the more touristy spots in the area…read more We came for the Biennial California exhibit. A photo of mine was on display. It is truly humbling to see your work displayed alongside other fantastic artists. It is a wonderful space. The staff is extremely friendly. My exhibit is over, but check out their next exhibition.

This is one of our favorite galleries in Carmel. We purchased a Michael Obermeyer oil painting…read morehere some years ago. The owner was able to look it up today when we strolled in. I could not believe the last time we were there was 2010. He has an amazing collection of oil paintings, including two pieces by the renowned artist, Edgar Payne. Don't miss this lovely collection.

I liked the sea life sculpture and flowers by the art gallery. Interesting art gallery in Carmel…read moreto visit.

This is a welcoming and very pleasant gallery showing a small collection of beautiful stone…read moresculptures and some amazing nature photos from the area, capturing magnificent colors and shapes of the sea and sky . You can order any photograph in many different sizes and shapes. They also hold some a great panoramas of San Francisco. It is a must see gallery because it's unique and creative. You'll enjoy just visiting even if not purchasing any of the lovely art items. I also loved the yoga sculptures and the playful way the sculptor handled the stone.

This unique gallery in beautiful, picturesque "Carmel by the Sea" is home to some of the most…read moreexquisite art work in the world! Please help Gallery Sur find a new home for these treasures - your home! PS. Ask about the lost work of Gedion Nyanhongo!