The purple building on Main Street houses Art Center Morro Bay.

See exhibits with a myriad of themes throughout the year

You can’t miss the large purple building sporting a mural with the iconic Morro Rock in downtown Morro Bay’s Main Street, known as Art Center Morro Bay. This is the home for a variety of local and far-away artists who are members of the Morro Bay Art Association. For more than 65 years the community and visitors have enjoyed attending art classes, and viewing and purchasing quality paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry from this art center.

Beginning in 1951, seventeen dues-paying members met in local homes and hung their paintings outside on neighborhood trees, using whatever space was available for shows. The association acquired its current home and opened the gallery doors in 1971. With two spacious galleries, Art Center Morro Bay presents eight exhibits on various throughout the year.

Debbie Patrick, Study in Blues – Dakota Art Pastels Award, 2017

Special exhibits include Pastel Society of the West Coast, featuring national and international artists, and an annual juried event with special awards. An artist reception is generally held on Sundays during the opening of each exhibit. Art demonstrations by talented artists are presented on the second Monday of each month from 3 to 5 p.m. free and open to the public.

Art Center Morro Bay works with local high schools to provide an internship program and provides scholarships to deserving youths. Youth and family summer art classes are offered during the summer months and adult art classes and workshops throughout the year. MBAA is the proud sponsor of Morro Bay Art in the Park, the second oldest park show in California!

A wide range of children’s and adult art classes are available for a small fee. Classes include watercolor, pastels, adult coloring book, life drawing, mosaics, jewelry, art with succulents, and classes for creating items for home and garden. There is a free Creativity class when artists can bring projects and a bag lunch and spend time creating in the company of other artists. Classes are available all through the year so check the website regularly.

A view of the Russell Gallery upstairs at Art Center Morro Bay.

Art Center Morro Bay is a board run, member-supported non-profit organization, completely run by volunteers. Members are the heart of the organization. Membership in Morro Bay Art Association runs $30 for an individual, $40 for family and $15 for students. Non-members may also exhibit their works at the gallery. For more information call the gallery at (805) 772-2504 or visit www.artcentermorrobay.org.

It’s located at 835 Main St., Morro Bay, CA. For more information call the gallery at (805) 772-2504 or visit artcentermorrobay.org.