MONTEREY, CA, March 24, 2026 – Over 650,000 people fly into Monterey County through MRY every year to take in its incredible beauty. One of the most naturally diverse counties in the Golden State, Monterey’s natural wonders have long inspired its communities, particularly those with artistic and scientific bents. The Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History and Monterey Regional Airport proudly unveil a new Art at the Airport exhibition that explores Monterey’s long history of interpreting science through art.

The Art of Observation: Recording Monterey County’s Natural World was curated by the Museum’s Exhibitions Coordinator Maya Sosa, Collections & Research Senior Manager Nate King, and Executive Director Dr. Rachel M. Miller to take visitors on an incredible journey exploring the places, people, and stories of Monterey County through a conservation lens. Featured artists include Linda Yamane, Wesley Haack, the late Don Wobber, Fengwei Zhang, Sammi Chang, Maria Klos, Kristen Burroughs, and Andrea Dingeldein.

“This exhibit celebrates a tradition that began in 1881 with the Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle in Pacific Grove and continues today at the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History where curiosity about the natural world is expressed through various mediums of art.” Says Ms. Sosa, “From Wesley Haack’s woodcuts to the basketry of Linda Yamane and Violet Smith, the jade carvings of Don Wobber and the science illustrations, these works invite us to look closely at the incredible facets of our county’s natural world and deepen our connection to its landscapes, plants, and wildlife.”

Each work in the exhibition offers a distinct artistic perspective on Monterey County’s landscapes, revealing how artists translate the region’s coastline, forests, plants, and wildlife into visual expression. Together, these interpretations highlight the powerful relationship between place and creativity, showing how art can deepen our understanding of the natural world and strengthen our sense of responsibility for its care.

The Art of Observation: Recording Monterey County’s Natural World will be on display at the Monterey Regional Airport until March 2027. Travelers passing through MRY are encouraged to take in the new exhibition while it is on display.

###

About the Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History

In 1883, the Museum opened its doors among the first wave of natural history museums in America. Naturalists of this era began a national tradition of hands-on science education and nature preservation, a tradition the Museum has continued for over 140 years. The Museum’s mission is to inspire discovery, wonder, and stewardship of our cultural and natural world. The Museum supports conservation, scientific literacy, co-curation, and deep learning towards a resilient community and sustainable future. Their work is made possible, in part, by the following generous donors: American Water Charitable Foundation, City of Pacific Grove, Community Foundation for Monterey County, Harden Foundation, Helen Johnson Endowment Funds, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, and Shelby Cullom Davis Charitable Fund. The Museum is open to the public Wednesday-Sunday, 10am-4pm. For more information visit www.pgmuseum.org or on social media at @PGMuseum.