Carl Cherry Center for the Arts

02/11/2026

We are currently accepting submissions for our annual Monterey County high school poetry contest. For rules and submission link please visit: https://carlcherrycenter.org/2026-poetry-contest-rules/

10/16/2025

Jazz At The Cherry is excited to extend our reach southward, connecting with the vibrant jazz scene of San Luis Obispo. At its heart is drummer Darrell Voss, a driving force on the Central Coast for many years. He’ll be joined by two of the region’s finest — bassist Dylan Johnson and pianist Marshall Otwell — to form a powerhouse trio. Together, they’ll bring an afternoon of spirited, straight-ahead jazz: swinging standards, lyrical ballads, and soulful blues. Their groove is infectious, and after hearing them, you may find yourself planning a trip south to experience more of the exceptional jazz talent thriving in the San Luis Obispo area.

Performance is Sunday, October 19th at 2pm. Doors open at 1:30 for wine and light fare (included in the ticket price. Tickets are $45, available on Eventbrite.com.

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/darrell-voss-trio-jazz-at-the-cherry-tickets-1685142609909?aff=oddtdtcreator

10/16/2025

Paper Works, our current exhibition, brings together a diverse group of local and national artists to explore the versatility and intimacy of paper as a primary medium. Artists include Tracey Adams, Andrea Borsuk, Lisa Esherick, Ken Hale, Lisa Hochstein, Don Hughes, Kirstine Reiner Hansen, Jennifer Brook-Kothlow, Chris Leib, Rick Soto, The Temple Sisters, and Jan Wurm. Thru November 22, 2025.

Pictured: “Twinset No. 3” - Kirstine Reiner Hansen

10/16/2025

For the first time in the United States, Henry Miller’s luminous parable, "The Smile at the Foot of the Ladder" comes to life on stage in a bold new adaptation, SMILE: A Clown’s Ascension. This is not just another play — it is a once-in-a-lifetime convergence of literature and theater.

October 16th and 17th at 7:30pm, and October 18th at 2:00pm. October 18th at 7:30pm is sold out. Tickets are $40, available on Eventbrite.com or purchased through our website, carlcherrycenter.org. Due to language and subject matter, the play is suggested for 14 and up.

07/18/2025

Get ready to Jam!

This extraordinary afternoon will feature live music by the incomparable Rick Forschino and Friends, delicious wine from Scheid Vineyards, and light fare. Saturday, July 26th from 3-6pm.
Tickets are $60, available on Eventbrite.com.

Hope to see you there!

Join us Saturday, July 26th, from 3-6pm for our annual summer fundraiser

03/06/2025

Do you have an old typewriter the Cherry can borrow for the upcoming Monterey Block Party? If so, please call our office at (831) 624-7491. Manual typewriters preferred. Thank you!

01/17/2025

"Brush and Chisel," an exhibition of painting and sculpture by Robin and Chris Sawyer, is open now through Saturday, February 15th, and can be seen Wednesday through Saturday from noon until 4pm or by appointment. The gallery is located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Guadalupe, Carmel.

About this exhibit:

"Brush and Chisel" pairs artworks from the Sawyers in unexpected ways, sometimes crossing boundaries and exploring the two mediums through the investigations of color, surface, and optical perception. Robin Sawyer’s paintings, conversely, engage with her husband’s sculptural concerns by taking up ideas long associated with three-dimensional art, such as balance, composition and context. By combining elements of painting and sculpture, these works exist beyond well-known restrictions of what art can do and upset the balance of previous ideas of what art can be.

For more information, please visit our website carlcherrycenter.org

09/06/2024

It's a beautiful day for an art opening! The Cherry Center opens its latest exhibit, "Raining Cats and Dogs,"with a reception today (Sep. 6th) from 5-7pm. The event is free and open to the public.

More than 50 works from across the country were selected for this juried exhibit. Hope you can join us. We are located on the northwest corner of Fourth Avenue and Guadalupe Street, Carmel.

Pictured below: "Basking" - Roberto Zavala, Chicago, Illinois

07/18/2024

After a years-long absence, the Ukulele Melee returns to The Cherry stage! Tickets are still available for Friday, July 26th at 7pm. The 2pm matinee on Saturday, July 27th, is close to selling out. Tickets can be purchased at Eventbrite.com or by calling (831) 624-7491.

07/18/2024

Looking for a fun way to spend a Sunday afternoon while helping support the local arts community? If so, join us this Sunday, July 21st, for Cherry Jam in the Garden. Music, food and wine, and fun! This year we honor Denny and Nance Hoeft, who have worked tirelessly to make the Cherry grounds a thing of beauty. Who knows, the sun might even make a special appearance-- you won't want to miss that.

Tickets $50, and can be purchased online at Eventbrite.com, or at the door.

06/21/2024

The Cherry Trio — Elizabeth Gaver (baroque violin), Penny Hanna (viola da gamba), Michael Peterson (harpsichord) — and guest David Wilson (baroque violin) celebrate the summer solstice with music from seventeenth century France, Germany, and Italy.

“D’Apotheose de Lully”, by François Couperin, is a suite of short pieces with French texts depicting Lully’s meeting with Apollo and ascension to Parnassus. The concert will also include trio sonatas by Dario Castello and Dietrich Buxtehude, a suite by Marin Marais for viola da gamba and continuo, and a harpsichord suite by Buxtehude. Please join us for a reception after the concert.

The performance will be held Friday, June 21st, at 5:00pm. Tickets are $30, available on Eventbrite.com or by calling (831) 624-7491.

The Cherry Trio celebrate the summer solstice with music from seventeenth century France, Germany, and Italy.