Special Event – May 14, 2026

PORCHLIGHT STORIES

Porchlight Stories is a live spoken-word storytelling series that brings together authentic personal narratives by Monterey County residents of all ages. Use the link below for series’ guidelines and entry information.

Carl Cherry Center for the Arts

The gallery will reopen Saturday, March 7th.

Visit

Visit The Cherry

Since 1948, the Carl Cherry Center for the Arts has sought to enhance the quality and diversity of artistic, educational and cultural programs in Monterey County by encouraging interaction between artists and the community. The Cherry is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization, #94-1207693.

We are located on the northwest corner of Fourth and Guadalupe, Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Events

Monterey County High School Student Poetry Awards – Now Accepting Submissions

February 9 - April 4

Porchlight Stories – Now Accepting Submissions

February 18 - May 7

2026 Thinking Out Loud Regional Art Competition

March 7 - March 28

Portraits in Song: Sabelle, featuring Jewel Arianna

March 27 @ 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Now Accepting Submissions

Use button below for high school poetry contest rules and submission link.

Coming Soon

Cherry Center Founder (Mrs. Carl Cherry)

“There are no strings attached to the help we give. We don’t care whether those we help become famous or not. Our reward is in making it possible for an artist to be true to himself.” – Jeanne D’Orge

Educational Programs

Thinking Out
Loud Art Exhibit

Poets-In-Schools
Program

Elliot Ruchowitz-Roberts
Poetry Awards

About Us

Sponsors

All programs and exhibits are made possible through grants, corporate sponsors and private donations.

Our Story

The Carl Cherry Center for the Arts is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt, non-profit corporation, established in 1948.

Mission

The Center was established to support experimental fine arts and projects in the sciences.