SALINAS VALLEY — ArtWorks @Salinas is opening its spring 2026 exhibition season with a collection of works that explore identity, heritage, storytelling and place.
Now on display, the curated showcase features multidisciplinary artists whose pieces offer both personal and collective perspectives.
Featured artist Rubí Hernández will present “Con el Corazón Abierto” (“With an Open Heart”), a series of charcoal and pencil drawings blending realism and surrealism. Hernández’s work highlights emotional moments where culture, identity and personal history intersect, inviting viewers to reflect on belonging, resilience and mental well-being.
Guest artist Holly Kristina Rose will display “Polka Dot Parade,” a collection of hand-sewn lampshades and home décor pillows created from fabrics designed by her uncle, Kaffe Fassett. Rose’s work transforms everyday objects into vibrant, playful art that celebrates creativity and the handmade process.
The gallery will also feature resident artist Brenda Scettrini-Saglio’s “Resonant Voices: Honoring the Legacy and Leadership of Women,” which pays tribute to influential figures, including Eleanor Roosevelt, alongside personal reflections from Scettrini-Saglio’s family history. The special exhibition encourages visitors to consider resilience, leadership and shared experiences across generations.
In addition, ArtWorks @Salinas is participating in “PhotoCarmel 2026: A Celebration of Photography on the Central Coast,” a six-week regional photography showcase running March 27 through May 10. Resident artists Deborah Good, Cristal Hamer and Kelly Melendez will present works exploring landscapes, travel and perception, offering audiences diverse interpretations of place and visual storytelling.
The community is invited to monthly First Friday Artist Receptions beginning at 5 p.m. on April 3, May 1 and June 5, providing a chance to meet the artists and enjoy new exhibits.
ArtWorks @Salinas is located at 262 Main St. in Oldtown Salinas. The gallery is open Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Wednesdays from 2 to 4 p.m., Fridays through Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and every first Friday from noon to 8 p.m. Admission is free.
More information is available at arts4mc.org/artworks or on social media @artworkssalinas.
