FAQ

Little Sur River ©2019 Rich Brimer

Does Carmel Visual Arts sell art supplies?

• We provide no art supplies other than Gamblin’s Gamsol for students that are flying and can not bring it with them. All you need is an empty container and we will fill-er-up. Before you leave, you can put it back into our recycle jar.

Is there an art store nearby?

• Imagine Art Supplies 309 Forest Ave, Pacific Grove, CA 93950  (831) 372-1388. Locally owned complete art store. Limited brands, but you can get nearly anything you need if you forgot something for a workshop.
• Spencers Stationery 233 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel CA 93923.  This store is great if you are in need of a great sketchbook, pencils, pens, or paper. However, the store does not have any oil painting supplies, canvas materials, or sculpting tools.
• Michael’s  121 General Stilwell Dr, Marina, CA 93933 Usually Closes at 9 pm (831) 384-0562

What supplies will I need for my class/workshop?

• Listed under the workshop page on the Carmel Visual Arts website is our upcoming workshop lineup. Each workshop has its own supplies list readily available in a flyout menu.

What is CVA’s cancellation policy for workshops?

• After 48 hours, your workshop deposit is non-refundable. If you cancel within 30 days of a workshop, your entire paid fees are non-refundable. All policies are listed online at https://www.carmelvisualarts.com/workshops/policies/
• Workshops that have been rescheduled due to COVID-19 are refundable, however, we would hope you choose to use your fees for another workshop that better fits into your schedule.

Do I need to bring my own easel to the workshop?

• Our plein air painting workshops require you to bring your own portable easel.

Where should I stay in Carmel?

• Carmel is full of unique hotels, and comfy inns and AIRBNB has many offerings around the area. They vary in price depending on the location. Below are the two closest hotels to our studio.
  • Carmel River Inn offers a 15% discount to students attending a workshop at Carmel Visual Arts. Use discount code “CVA” in the “password” field to get your special rate. You can book online at http://carmelriverinn.com/ or you can call directly at 831-624-1575.
  • Carmel Mission Inn – Located directly next door to Carmel Visual Arts. Dog-Friendly, Walk to class.   http://carmelmissioninn.com or you can call directly at 800-348-9090.

Do I need to rent a car?

• Depending on whether or not you are signed up for a plein air workshop, or where you are staying will determine if you need a vehicle.
• Some workshops will sometimes travel down the Big Sur coastline or into Carmel Valley. You can usually arrange a ride with someone from the workshop.
• If you want to wander around the area when the workshops are not in session, it may be a good idea to rent a car if you are enrolled in one of these workshops.
• UBER and LYFT both operate in the Carmel/Monterey region
• Carmel has a decent public bus transportation system, look up ‘Carmel MST’ for more information.

How do I fly with paints and other art supplies? AIRLINE OIL PAINT NOTICE

• We recommend that you place your paint tubes in a large ziplock bag with the Airline Notice. (Download Airline Notice HERE)
• You may want to check the TSA website if you are unsure about flying with your materials.
• Flying with odorless mineral spirits is prohibited, but for a small fee, we offer Gamblin’s Gamsol for those who need it.

TRAVEL & LOGISTICS

Airports

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) A much smaller local option serviced by five carriers and direct flights to five West Coast cities. It is the most convenient for Carmel.

San Jose International Airport (SJC) Your closest major airport, located in Silicon Valley 75 miles north of the Monterey Peninsula. Serviced by 14 airlines, including United, Southwest, American Airlines, JetBlue, and Delta.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) 100 miles north of the Monterey Peninsula. More than 1,000 departures every day.

Oakland International Airport (OAK) OAK is also 100 miles north of Monterey, with a dozen carriers and 120 daily departures on carriers, like JetBlue, Southwest, and American Airlines.

Climate & Conditions

Cool and comfortable is the name of the game – temperatures rarely get above 77, even in the hottest summer months.

What is there to do between workshop times?

• Carmel-By-The-Sea is full of fun and unique things to do. Take a walk through downtown Carmel, and you can be guaranteed to find some of the best galleries on the West Coast including many that feature early California Impressionists. Walk through the downtown library for a closeup view of about 20 early Carmel-by-the-sea favorites. Also, you can find fun gift shops, nice restaurants, and excellent wine tasting. Carmel neighbors the beautiful Big Sur coastline, as well as the historic town of Monterey. If you are interested in adventures, great food, shopping, or just relaxing, there are a million great things to do around the area. Here is a link to the Monterey County Visitors Bureau