The Pacific Grove Art Center always has a wonderful variety of art. Many times they display our talented youth's efforts. Every space is imbued with a history of creativity. If those walls could speak, oh the stories they would tell! read more

The Art Center was formed in 1969 the year Pacific Grove sold alcohol for the first time. The Art Center during its first opening that July 4th weekend served alcohol. Ironically the woman, ElMarie Dyke, who was it's first director and founder was a staunch prohibitionist. The green awning over the front door can't possibly prepare a first timer for what will unfold once the stairs have been climbed. Four galleries, 16 artist studios, a ballet school and an art classroom, The Art Center completely changes all of their exhibits every 7 weeks. It is the busiest gallery space in Monterey County. Run by an all volunteer board and a skeleton crew. If you are thinking about donating to the arts you will get your money's worth here. The Art Center specializes in exhibiting unknown, local and controversial artists. Some of my favorite shows have been by: Hurricane Katrina victims, Center for Non-Violence, Carol Baker's silk paintings, Kira Corser, Kim Weston, Richard Greenberg, The Metal Arts Guild. I consider PGAC the jewel of downtown Pacific Grove. You haven't seen PG until you've seen this place. A testament to the conviction of it's local citizens to the arts who have cared for it over 40 years I am sorry it is not wheelchair accessible. They have tried for may years to get an elevator but they do not own the building. read more

I live in PG and LOVE the Pacific Grove Art Center! At the top of the staircase is a large, beautiful art gallery, filled with artist creations featuring a wide variety of media. Often featured are creations from local high school art students with information from each artist about their motivations for the piece displayed. You'll be amazed to see the complex, meaningful creations of these high school students! Also featured, of course, are full galleries displaying the work of a single artist. This is a wonderful place to be inspired as well as purchase art. There's no entrance fee, and no pressure at all, if you just want to browse. Don't miss the Pacific Grove Art Center if you're visiting downtown PG. read more

Unfortunately I came on a Saturday and no artists were working. But they have open galleries. There are maybe 20 or so individual artist studios here where they actually work. You cab peek in on them and I suppose chat with them. Maybe a weekday is the best time to visit. read more

This little gallery is another great reason to spend time in downtown PG. Their open mic nights are a great way to stay out a little later on a Pacific Grove Friday night. Exhibits change frequently, so there's often new things to see. An outstanding asset to the downtown community! read more

Great local venue with a wide variety of art, classes, studios, etc. Regular receptions are a great way to meet or run into locals. The centerpiece of PG's Friday art walks. read more

in response to Kelley s bad experience,Please don t let your bad experience keep you from coming back.The PGAC is a friendly place.with great artists and volunteers.They ve been serving the community since 1969 read more

My husband was going to purchase painting lessons for me for Christmas. He told me about it but I had questions that I needed clarified prior to deciding if I would go. The artist was responsive and informative, but it ended up not working with my schedule so I opted not to participate. When he wrote to the artist to let him know I wasn't going to attend and thanking him for his responses. The artist actually stated that he didn't like corresponding with people that aren't actually interested. Wow, he's offering a service as a businessman. We exchanged literally two e-mails with him to ask questions and this is the attitude he gives? I'm less than impressed. It's not like we wasted his time. I had legitimate questions which I would think he would be happy to answer professionally. Sadly this review will be a reflection of the whole place and other artists there, which I have limited experience with (been there once) so really have no authority to review, but in case someone else was thinking about taking painting classes here I hope you have a better experience and this man is nicer in his class, because frankly I think he's pretty rude. read more