Carmel Art Association
Dolores between Fifth and Sixth, Carmel
(831) 624-6176
They’ve long been known as the second-oldest continuously operating artist co-op in the country. No more. With the folding of a co-op in Rockport, Maine, the Carmel Art Association is now the oldest. But that’s not necessarily why they’re the best. Will Bullas, CAA member artist and former president, says that’s because they host new art shows the first Wednesday of every month (with a gallery reception the following Saturday), they’ve taken marketing into their own hands (which has increased attendance and associate membership), they tap the professional skills of member artists (like an architect who consulted on recent renovations), and they’re doing more cross-pollination and collaborations than ever (including with the Arts Council for Monterey County and the Museum of Monterey).