Oxford Dictionaries defines the noun "valley" as "a low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a stream or river flowing through it." Seems straightforward enough. But choose 10 Carmel Valley residents or business owners at random and ask them what constitutes that region of Monterey County and you'll likely hear 10 different answers. Some believe the … [Read more...] about Basking in the Glow of Prosperity
Painting Bold Colors Under the Carmel Sky
Simon Bull’s Masterful Art
Photographs posted on Simon Bull's website depict the artist with several stars ranging from actress Ashley Judd and television host Larry King to boxers Evander Holyfield and Muhammed Ali. This articulate, thoughtful and philosophical artist may rub shoulders with the glitterati, but he has his feet firmly planted in Carmel…and in reality. Born in England, Bull's early … [Read more...] about Painting Bold Colors Under the Carmel Sky
Natural Light
The Timeless Appeal of Ansel Adams
"At one with the power of the American landscape, and renowned for the patient skill and timeless beauty of his work, photographer Ansel Adams has been visionary in his efforts to preserve this country’s wild and scenic areas, both in film and on Earth. Drawn to the beauty of nature’s monuments, he is regarded by environmentalists as a monument himself, and by photographers as … [Read more...] about Natural Light
Two Friends, Two Pianos
The fact that jazz history is made at the Monterey Jazz Festival (MJF) isn’t particularly unusual. What is unique is how consistently and how frequently those moments occur. This year is no exception, in large measure to the appearance together of two of the most talented, accomplished, original and influential keyboard artists of their generation, Herbie Hancock and Chick … [Read more...] about Two Friends, Two Pianos
Life After Dennis the Menace
The Jazz Portraits of Hank Ketcham
For many years, artist Hank Ketcham brought Dennis the Menace to life on the drawing board at his Pebble Beach studio. One of the world’s most beloved comic characters, Dennis was born in October 1950—his name inspired by Ketcham’s rambunctious, real-life son, whose mother one day declared, “Your son is a menace!” Ketcham drew the daily comic for 44 years until he retired, … [Read more...] about Life After Dennis the Menace