Hearts of Carmel Returns
Carmel-by-the-Sea Is Wearing Its Heart on Its Streets This Summer
This summer, the Carmel Chamber of Commerce invites you to fall a little more in love with our village. Hearts of Carmel 2026 brings 12 beautifully painted heart sculptures — each one a original work of art created by a talented local artist — to businesses throughout Carmel-by-the-Sea, transforming our charming streets into an open-air gallery unlike anything else on the Monterey Peninsula.
From July 18 through September 8, residents and visitors alike are invited to explore the village, discover each heart, and experience Carmel through a whole new lens.
The Heart to Heart Trail
The Hearts of Carmel will line the streets of Carmel-by-the-Sea as part of the “Heart to Heart” Trail — an interactive art walk inviting the community to explore, discover, and connect.
Each sculpture is:
- Created by a local artist
- Sponsored by a local business
- Displayed throughout the village
- Auctioned in September - you could take one home to love forever
This is more than an art installation — it’s a celebration of who we are as a community.
The Artists
This year's participating artists are:
- Mel Ahlborn
- Bekah Bull
- Simon Bull
- Tatiana Cabrera
- Anne Marie Cachia
- Kristy Chettle
- Karen Gelff
- Kurz
- Edi Matsumoto
- Patricia Qualls
- Kathy Sharpe
- Mary Titus
Each artist was paired with a local business sponsor to create a one-of-a-kind heart sculpture — a true collaboration between creativity and community.
The Big Reveal
Join Us to Kick Off the Summer
Hearts of Carmel 2026 Official Unveiling
Saturday, July 18, 2026
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Carmel Plaza, Carmel-by-the-Sea
Come celebrate the launch of Hearts of Carmel 2026 with the artists, sponsors, and the community that makes this all possible. The unveiling will take place at the close of The Carmel Book Festival. Be among the first to see this year's sculptures unveiled.
Sponsor and put your brand at the heart of the community.
Sponsoring a sculpture on the Heart to Heart Trail offers:
- Your business paired with one of 12 original heart sculptures
- Collaboration with a local Carmel-area artist — you select your artist in the order you sign up
- Logo and business name on the sculpture’s recognition placard
- Listing on the Heart-to-Heart Trail map distributed to visitors throughout Carmel
- Logo placement on the Hearts of Carmel event webpage
- Recognition in the Chamber newsletter and e-blasts reaching thousands of subscribers
- Social media features across Chamber platforms
- Print advertising recognition in program materials and local publications
- Public acknowledgment at Hearts of Carmel events and community gatherings
- Media outreach and press coverage inclusion
First right of refusal to renew your sponsorship in 2027
Sponsorships are first-come, first-served — and sponsors select their artist and heart in the order they sign up. Don’t wait to reserve yours.
Sponsorship inquiries:
📧 Kimberlie@carmelchamber.org
Heart Auction Benefits the Carmel Chamber Foundation Arts Council
At the close of the program, the heart sculptures will be auctioned online to the public. A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Carmel Chamber of Commerce Foundation Arts Council in their mission to celebrating, preserving, and advancing the artistic legacy of Carmel-by-the-Sea.