The legendary Carmel Art Association was formed on August 8, 1927, by a small group of artists who gathered at “Gray Gables,” the modest home/studio of Josephine Culbertson and Ida Johnson at the corner of Seventh and Lincoln in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

These nineteen “pioneers”—who grew up in the 19th century and individually found their respective paths to Carmel from all corners of the world—each desired a greater sense of community, a spirit of collaboration, and a place to show their work. Before the meeting concluded, they had established an association with a mission “to advance art and cooperation among artists, secure a permanent exhibition space, and promote greater fellowship between artists and the public.”

No one in the room that afternoon could have foreseen the dramatic influence and lasting impact that this informal alliance would have—and continues to have—on American art. Since the Carmel Art Association’s birth in 1927—distinguishing itself as the oldest continuously operating gallery in Carmel and one of the oldest non-profit artist cooperatives in the United States—the CAA has attracted into its fold the most significant names in California’s art history.

Since August 8, 1927, over 550 artists have joined the Carmel Art Association. Currently, the CAA represents over 100 of the area’s finest active professional painters, sculptors, and printmakers. As you visit our galleries today, imagine those artists whose portraits will be included on a wall of history and legacy when the Carmel Art Association celebrates its 100th Anniversary on August 8, 2027.