MONTEREY COUNTY — See Monterey has announced the launch of Off the Canvas, a new arts and culture tourism initiative highlighting murals, sculptures and other arts and creative spaces throughout Monterey County, including the Salinas Valley — from vibrant public art installations to open galleries and more.
The program invites residents and visitors alike to discover public and publicly accessible art in everyday places and to connect more deeply with the artists and stories that shape the region’s creative identity.
“Inspiration is Monterey County’s superpower, so it’s no surprise that art is central to how people connect with the destination,” said Rob O’Keefe, president and CEO of See Monterey. “Off the Canvas celebrates the beauty and creativity in every corner of our destination, inviting people to experience our landscapes and communities through the lens of local artists.”
Off the Canvas highlights art experiences woven throughout the region — from mural-lined streets in communities like Sand City and Salinas to the artist-owned galleries of Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur, alongside creative hubs across Monterey County’s diverse communities like Carmel Valley and King City.
In the coming months, See Monterey will promote curated public art highlights, art galleries and workshops and local cultural experiences, including plans for an interactive mural map developed with the Arts Council for Monterey County. Visitors and residents are encouraged to participate by sharing their favorite Monterey County pieces using the hashtag #ShowUsYourArtMonterey.
“From Sand City to King City, and everywhere in between, each community brings something unique to the Monterey County story,” O’Keefe said. “This initiative, developed with support from the Arts Council for Monterey County, is about celebrating that diversity and giving people more ways to discover the creative spirit of our region.”
The initiative aligns with See Monterey’s Monterey County Tourism 2030 roadmap by elevating local culture, supporting countywide collaboration and spreading the benefits of tourism more broadly.
See Monterey is working with community arts partners to identify additional opportunities to expand storytelling and accessibility to the area’s art over time. Future enhancements to Off the Canvas may include expanded digital resources that make exploration easier for residents and visitors.
How to engage now
- Follow See Monterey Instagram and Facebook (@SeeMonterey) for arts and culture content and features;
- Share favorite murals or sculptures using #ShowUsYourArtMonterey; and
- Explore arts and culture experiences at SeeMonterey.com/arts-culture.
For more information on Off the Canvas and other See Monterey programs, visit SeeMonterey.com.
