ReGen Monterey and the Visual and Public Art Program's Artist in Residence Program Fellows Ashley Brunetti and Melanie Gatica showcase work in exhibition and artist talk.  The seasonal fellowship culminates with an art installation titled, "Doll Parts: Reclaiming Glamour from the Forgotten" on display now through May 24, 2025 at the Last Chance Mercantile (operating hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am-4pm).

About the Program:  

ReGen Monterey (Monterey Regional Waste Management District) and the Visual and Public Art (VPA) Program at California State University Monterey Bay (CSUMB) have teamed up to create an Artist in Residence Program. As of January 2016, the collaborative partnership has allowed VPA students to salvage for discarded materials and upcycle them into art during a semester-long Artist Residency Fellowship. This year's awardees are Ashley Brunetti and Melanie Gatica.

The partnership draws upon the expertise of CSUMB VPA faculty, Hector Dionicio Mendoza, who mentors the student participants. ReGen Monterey and Last Chance Mercantile will provide access for material salvaging and a space to create and exhibit their artwork. VPA artists will work and create in the yard at Last Chance Mercantile, providing the general public the opportunity to watch and engage with the artists.

Program's Mission:

• To educate and inspire the general public on the importance of repurposing, recycling and reusing discarded materials.
• To create a professional platform for CSUMB VPA students to conceptualize, manage and produce a body of work using discarded materials.
• To create community partnerships with schools, art centers and other nonprofit organizations to encourage dialogue on the importance of environmental issues.

Ashley and Melanie were recently featured on the CSUMB home page in an article by Mark Muckenfuss, read this article here.