Pajaro Valley Arts is preparing for its first show in 2026, an annual members’ exhibit titled “Welcome Home.”
Curated by first-time curator Jim Turner, the exhibit will feature 150 artists and will run from Jan. 13-Feb. 21 in the historic Porter Building in downtown Watsonville.
“We have so much more space here than we did at Sudden Street,” Turner said. “When we did member shows in the past we had to severely restrict the size of pieces people could bring and now we have no size restrictions so we have a lot of big stuff. This show features a wide range of sculpture, cast bronzes fabric, photography, oil and acrylic works, carved stone and assemblage.”
Thanks to a cast of grassroots efforts, volunteers and donors, “Welcome Home” will inaugurate recent major remodeling of the two-story, 1903 building.
PV Arts board member Wendy Aiken said the board is excited to return to the Porter Building at 280 Main St., where PV Arts got its start in 1986.
Remodeling includes new but temporary gallery lighting, new flooring, fresh paint in some areas, the creation of a new tool room, a kitchen/break room, classrooms, workshops and offices, and more in the works.
“This is our new home and the theme of the show is to welcome area artists,” Turner said.
PV Arts Executive Director Miriam Anton said, “Consolidating into one central location strengthens PVA’s long-term sustainability while deepening our role in downtown life. As a leader of Second Saturday activities, PVA will continue to help activate the arts and contribute to the momentum of Watsonville’s newly designated Cultural District. Looking ahead, plans include expanded workshops, public classes, and new partnerships that invite even broader participation in the arts.”
Anton added that anyone interested in making a donation to the PV Arts remodel and future projects can visit pvarts.org. An artist’s reception for “Welcome Home” is set for Jan. 17 from 1-3pm. PV Arts new hours are Tuesday-Saturday, 11am-4pm.
