SALINAS VALLEY — Student artists from Hartnell College and the Salinas Valley Arts and Innovation Hub will be featured this spring in two events in Salinas and King City showcasing visual art, performance and creative workforce development opportunities.
The Hartnell College Art Gallery is presenting the 2026 Hartnell Student Art Show, on view now through May 1. The annual juried exhibition features student work in painting, drawing, sculpture, photography, digital art and mixed media, all created in Hartnell art courses and selected through a competitive jury process.
Organizers said the exhibition highlights student creativity, technical development and diverse artistic perspectives while giving students professional gallery experience. The show also reflects the strength of Hartnell’s Visual and Performing Arts program.
An opening reception will be held Thursday, April 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Hartnell College Art Gallery in Building J of the Visual and Performing Arts Center, 411 Central Ave., in Salinas. The event is free and open to the public and will include opportunities to meet student artists, along with light refreshments, a complimentary taco bar and wine tastings for guests 21 and older.
Visitor parking is available for $2 in Parking Lot 4 off Central Avenue during gallery hours and the reception. Additional paid parking is available in Lots 3 and 5. Parking permits may be required during regular school hours.
Gallery hours are Monday from 10:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Thursday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Friday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. The gallery is closed on weekends.
South County Showcase
Just one day later, the Salinas Valley Arts and Innovation Hub will host its fifth annual South County Arts Empowerment Showcase on Friday, April 17, in King City, expanding opportunities for student artists across South Monterey County.
The showcase will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. at Hartnell’s King City Education Center, 117 N. Second St. It will feature live music, poetry, visual art exhibitions, live art demonstrations and theater performances by dozens of student artists.
The Hub focuses on cultivating a sustainable arts ecosystem through mentorship and workforce development, with an emphasis on supporting underserved communities throughout the Salinas Valley.
Organizers said at least $10,000 in scholarships will be awarded to participating students, with additional funding supporting event coordination and community outreach.
“For many participants, this will be the first time their artwork is displayed or their music performed before a live audience,” added organizers. “These moments of recognition can be transformative, helping students see themselves not only as learners, but as artists whose voices and stories matter.”
More information about the King City event is available by contacting Marnie Glazier at mg******@******ll.edu.
