Winter 2021

Ar ts Organization Commemorates 40 Years of Cultural Impact B Y R ENE E B R I NCK S I n 1982, Monterey Peninsula artists and advo- cates established a nonprofit to promote local arts initiatives. Photographer Ansel Adams was involved in those early discussions, supporting the creation of the Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC). Four decades later, the non- profit continues shaping the cultural landscape. Arts4MC brings professional artists into local classrooms, educating up to 30,000 students a year. It runs “Arts as Healing” programs with partners like Rancho Cielo, Sun Street Centers and Veterans Transition Center. The organiza- tion’s ArtWorks program provides affordable studios for artists; supported by the Community Foundation for Monterey County’s COVID-19 Relief Fund, Arts4MC also gave grants to art- ists impacted by the pandemic. The nonprofit distributes funds to the Monterey Jazz Festival, Carmel Bach Festival, Pacific Repertory Theatre and other groups as well. Arts4MC will celebrate 40 years and honor arts leaders during its annual Champions of the Arts Gala in May. Executive Director Jacquie Atchison also plans to expand campaigns that reach all corners of Monterey County. “We are Monterey County’s official arts organization. People might think we just do grants or arts education, but it’s so much more than that,” she says. “We support enriching cul- ture and arts programs that welcome everyone in our community.” To learn more about the Arts Council for Monterey County, or to support the organization, please visit arts4mc.org or call 831/622-9060. Jacquie Atchison and her team at Arts4MC are celebrating their 40th anniversary by expanding campaigns to bring the arts to all corners of the Monterey County. 74 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • W I N T E R 2 0 2 1 Photo: Jazmine Zavala SHORT CUTS ART