Best of Carmel Close-Up: The Winfield Gallery

Carmel-by-the-Sea houses over 100 galleries within one square mile, so picking and sharing our favorites can be tricky business. What makes for an exceptionally great gallery, anyways? Here are a few attributes we think you’ll appreciate, and that The Winfield Gallery delivers in spades.

A Cool History

Ask the owner, Chris Winfield, about his gallery’s cool dinner theater roots. He’ll even point out exactly where 1950’s era Carmel-ites danced late into the night.

A Warm, Knowledgeable Host

Chris invites guests to explore at their leisure, and exudes a laid-back warmth that makes you feel right at home.

Works that Can’t be Found Anywhere Else in Carmel

The Winfield Gallery’s eclectic world of carefully chosen works are hand-selected by Chris from over 100 established and mid-career artists. You won’t find this particular brand of classy quirk anywhere else in Carmel, or the world, for that matter.

Photo-Op Friendly!

Don’t try this everywhere — many galleries prohibit photography. Luckily, Winfield encourages you to snap away, and don’t you think a few wacked-out shots with the gallery’s sculptures, like my rooster friend here, add a much needed sense of humor to your seaside vacation album? Share your favorite Carmel galleries in the comments, and send me your favorite wacky (and post-able) vacation photo.

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