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Meet our Team


Carol & Rich @ PhotoLACarmel Visual Arts hosts workshops primarily around Carmel, CA on the Monterey Peninsula which is known for its unique place in the history of both painting and photography. Our workshops and classes are given outdoors amid this coastal wonderland filled with inspiration.

Rich Brimer, Director

Rich Brimer finds the dramatic beauty of the California coast an irresistible muse for his plein-air paintings! That is why it was natural to begin Carmel Visual Arts on the Monterey Peninsula. Stalking the incredible light and beauty of the area and capturing it in pigment have become rituals. With leadership skills formed in Ventura County art organizations that he participated in, combined with being a naturally patient painting instructor, Rich brings it all to Carmel Visual Arts. The regional history of the arts on the Monterey peninsula initially incentivized Rich to relocate and partner with Carol Henry in starting this new creative center for the arts.

Rich’s background combines illustration and technology, with a special interest in producing documentary films before he turned his attention full-time to fine art several years ago. He received his education at California Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Arts.

As the director of Carmel Visual Arts, his vision is to bring together artists, from around the region and all points beyond by presenting enriching art education opportunities. With CVA’s world-class exhibits and workshops, Rich is bringing out the artist in everyone.

You can view Rich’s works on his website richbrimer.com

Carol Henry, Director of Photography

With expertise in fine art photography, Carol brings over 30 years of experience in visual imagery to CVA. She attended the University of Cincinnati, Northern Michigan University, and UCLA with specialties in design, fine art photography, and art education. Having just completed a 3-year resident artist stint at Studio Channel Islands Art Center, this is where she met and teamed up with Rich Brimer. She is a charter member of Women in Photography International and was instrumental in developing fundraising programs and community art opportunities at Studio Channel Islands Art Center.

Known for her cameraless photo techniques on Cibachrome paper she has been shown in 34 galleries and been featured in over 200 exhibits around the world. Her work is widely collected and included in many corporate collections, particularly health care facilities such as Stanford University Hospital, Northwestern University Hospital, Meijer Heart Center, and many Kaiser Permanente Centers.

With a passion for the environment and a special love for the Monterey Peninsula, Carol Henry has melded her contemporary vision of “seeing” the natural world with the painter’s view at Carmel Visual Arts!

You can view Carol’s works on her website carolhenry.com