The Center for Photographic Art inspires the artist and audience by nurturing the personal growth essential to creating and appreciating art. CPA’s mission involves increasing understanding of photography and its evolving role in contemporary culture. CPA strives to address artistic development, build well-informed audiences, stimulate dialogue, and promote inquiry about photography through education, exhibitions, publications, lectures, grants, and community collaboration.
Building on the tremendous success of our inaugural PhotoCarmel: A Celebration of Photography on the Central Coast, the Center for Photographic Art is thrilled to announce exciting plans for expansion and enhanced support in 2026. What began as a strategic initiative, blossomed into a vibrant month-long celebration of photography and the Monterey Peninsula’s rich photographic heritage. The overwhelmingly positive response affirmed the community’s desire for this unique event. The festival successfully brought together local residents, out of town visitors, regional galleries, educational institutions, and other non-profit arts organizations, fostering a powerful sense of community and collaborative spirit.
The success has inspired a commitment to expanding PhotoCarmel to encompass the entire Central California region. Strategies are being developed to broaden programming, ensuring a richer experience. This includes strengthening the financial foundation and offering more artist support. Outreach and marketing efforts will be enhanced to attract a broader and more diverse audience.
Each year, we have several photography exhibits featuring both well-known and emerging artists and a diverse set of photographic styles, sensibilities, and techniques. We are the only photographic entity in Monterey County that provides such a varied and ongoing series of photographic exhibits that are free and open to the public. The Monterey Peninsula has a rich photographic history; we believe it is important that the residents of, and visitors to, Monterey have a venue to see shows that honor that history and others that explore how the photographic arts are evolving. We offer lectures, workshops and tours for students, artists, and people of all ages who are interested in photography and self-expression. We have both in-person activities and virtual options for our community members too, as well as our PhotoCarmel Festival. Our work impacts the arts in Monterey County and we work hard to support Monterey County artists.
I’ve been a CPA member for 11 years. During that time, the impact CPA has had on me personally and on my artistic path has been remarkable. The shows in the gallery, the artist talks, the workshops, the portfolio reviews, and the interactions with Executive Director Ann Jastrab and other CPA members have been a continual source of inspiration and have greatly expanded my artistic horizons. I’m sure I’m just one of the many hundreds, if not thousands, of photographers who have benefited similarly. CPA has attained a well-deserved national reputation – even an international reputation – as an important contributor to the development and celebration of the photographic arts and artists. There’s certainly nothing like it between SF and LA, and it’s right here on the Central Coast. Please consider supporting this vibrant arts organization.
- Matt Connors, Carmel
