GREENFIELD — ArtWorks @Salinas, a program from Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC), has announced its upcoming exhibit, “Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula,” featuring the incredible works of Greenfield artist Javier Lopez Jr.
The new exhibit opens Friday, April 4, with an artist reception at 5 p.m., and will run through Friday, June 27, at ArtWorks, located at 262 Main St. in downtown Salinas. The gallery is open weekly, free to the public.
“As part of our ongoing efforts to make the arts accessible for all, and to support local artists, Arts4MC is pleased to announce the upcoming unveiling of the latest exhibit at ArtWorks @Salinas, titled ‘Home: From the Valley to the Peninsula’ by South County artist Javier Lopez Jr.,” stated Nelly Otsu, communications director for Arts4MC.
Born in Salinas and raised amid the scenic charm of South Monterey County, Lopez brings the essence of his home to life through his stunning oil and acrylic paintings.
A studio art graduate from Fresno State, Lopez returned to Greenfield to immerse himself in capturing the landscapes and people that shaped his upbringing. His artwork serves as a heartfelt tribute to the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and its vibrant, close-knit community.
“Using oil paint on canvas, I interpret my experience of living in Monterey County, from the Salinas Valley to the Monterey Peninsula,” Lopez shared. “From hiking our parks to simply stepping outside to admire a sunset or sunrise, I work to capture those fleeting moments of the beauty that can be discovered in our area, an ode to home.”
As part of this three-month exhibit, ArtWorks is also hosting a special photographic display in partnership with the Center for Photographic Art to present “PhotoCarmel: A Celebration of Photography on the Central Coast.”
This exhibit will feature the works of Sylvia Gardner, Deborah Good and Lillie Grossman as they present their unique perspectives and will join a month-long celebration of photography at various galleries and venues through exhibits, workshops and events across the Central Coast.
The community is invited to explore the rest of ArtWorks @Salinas Studios and Gallery, which features more than 10 local artists and artisans on display weekly and during First Friday of each month for a special artist reception, all open to the public.
Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday, with the artist receptions set for each First Friday of the month at 5 p.m.
For more about ArtWorks, visit arts4mc.org/artworks. To learn more about the Center for Photographic Art celebration, visit bit.ly/photocarmelcelebration.
