Melanie Blaha

Youth Arts Collective’s “Winter Show” exhibit is now available to see both in-person and online (472 Calle Principal, Monterey; yastudios.org). Melanie Blaha (whose work is shown above) is one of many young YACsters who create work that measures up to the wealth of great local art in Monterey County. “Art for me is an extension of myself,” Blaha wrote in her artist statement. “It’s how I communicate and process emotions that are sometimes difficult for me to fully express.” All of the 48 pieces on exhibit are for sale. Each work is equipped with basic information and photos of the young artists. As always, the exhibit is much more colorful than your average show. See the world of animals, friendship, humans and humanoids to learn what young people have in mind.