Will and Imelda are super nice, friendly, and care about art. Somos frequently hosts art shows and…read moreevents, which always include local artists from Salinas and surrounding cities/counties. I recently went (and participated) in their first ever Cupcake Battle and it was awesome. Fun, sweets, friends, family, coolness. Somos is the place.

I bought a item but send me a wrong Item. I tried contact…read morethem by phone # from their website it doesn't work. it sounds like disconnected the phone line. Emailed a few times didn't hear from them. bad website, I don't recommended this website.

I've been to various paint nite events and was really hoping for this place to be the next go to…read morespot. Was a bit disappointed with the customer service, artist is not friendly, lacks customer service skills.

Enjoyable and a great learning experience! I have enjoyed all the classes and techniques that each…read moreartist demonstrates during the classes.

Framed a high dollar poster of Monterey Bay for me in two days flat. Great work, price was right,…read moreand they included wall hangars and advice for hanging. Couldn't ask for better service. Highly recommend AAA+++ .

They did a great job re-framing a 70 year old family heirloom watercolor painting which included a…read morenew mat and backing. Mathew was the best at helping me decide what color mat to choose. The called me to come pick it up within a week. They have a great location, easy on and off Hwy 101 at John Street and Alisal.

The Steinbeck Museum was a wonderful literary stop in Salinas. We also visited the Steinbeck House…read moredown the street, which made the experience feel more complete. As a tribute to Steinbeck and his connection to the area, the museum was thoughtful, engaging, and well worth the visit. I especially enjoyed the quirky gift shop, always a bonus when a museum shop has personality. The drive into Salinas was also unexpectedly lovely, with so many fields and vegetables growing. It gave the whole visit a strong sense of place and helped connect the landscape to Steinbeck's writing. A great stop for literature lovers, history fans, or anyone looking for something meaningful to do in the area.

While I can't remember the last time that I've read a book by John Steinbeck, I thoroughly enjoyed…read morevisiting the National Steinbeck Center. Unfortunately, reading his books wasn't part of my high school English curriculum; however, my interest in his works was rekindled by visiting this amazing facility! I spent at least a couple hours meandering through the exhibit, beginning with a short film telling the story of his life. It was fascinating to learn how John Steinbeck was both shaped by his hometown, and how much influence he had on the literary landscape during his lifetime. There is so much to look at and discover here! If you're a book nerd, whether a Steinbeck fan or novice like me, check this place out. Ticket prices are reasonable, and they offer discount for locals, veterans, and youth, or if you become a member. I can't wait to visit his childhood home next!

I've been attending / vending at 1st Friday Art Walk for a little over a year now and I have…read morenothing but positive feelings towards it all! It's such a great thing to have an event and place to promote and appreciate art of all sorts. There's always live music from local musicians. Varying snacks at Salinas 411. Stimulating conversation. Always someone new to meet. And you can never go wrong with a little shopping for unique wares! My only concern is that we need more artists and appreciators to join in the fun! But that doesn't have anything to do with the actual event really, so it doesn't count towards my rating. :P So come on down to Oldtown every first Friday of the month and see for yourself! :D

at 1st fridays art walk, free of charge, you can see and hear the art walker band, clear blue…read moreclay, greg hyde and living room, hal laughlin, souvenir, dan beck, and many others. you can see and hear richard best play a drum and/or sing. ask him to read a poem. he is the best poet in salinas -and has won many poetry slams. you can stand outside the door of the welcome center and hear both bluegrass and 60s rock - often at the same time. you can talk to great artists and good friends. you can see hot rods and buy art, you can find the best home made cookies and cartoons at bridgett spicer's gallery. buy a cartoon book or a button for someone special... you can find and buy great used books at the book nook. you can sip coffee and chocolate at two locations in old town. you can dine well inexpensively at multiple locations. some of the best discussions i have ever heard/participated in - have been at the welcome center and at bridgett spicer's gallery. i love 1st fridays art walk.

Today I took an art class at Open Ground Studios (OGS). Denese Sanders taught the class in…read moreaccordion book making. As with every class I've taken at OGS, it was artistic and informative, and a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. The studio itself is inviting, with enough room to work, lots of supplies, and really nice folks to get to know. Classes are fairly small, for personal interaction, and include time to focus, as well as time to collaborate and get to know each other a bit. I always learn more from being in that space than simply the topic I signed up for. I always wish for more time and space in my life to participate at OGS. If I could, I'd attend classes at least once a month, and/or "open studio" time. It's a wonderful place to create, and to be.

Last weekend I had the good fortune to take a workshop with Erin Hunter and I cannot sing her…read morepraises loudly enough! She opened my "heart door" to find my way back into the love of drawing I enjoyed as a young girl. Erin is one of the most gifted, generous, and skillful teachers imaginable. Also the Open Ground Studio Space is beautiful and filled with inspiring images and is well stocked with art supplies.