A Toast to the Artist Colony

VIN by the Sea Hosts the Launch of the 2026 Arts & Culture Edition of The Carmel Guide

On Monday, July 13, the creative community of Carmel-by-the-Sea will gather at VIN by the Sea from 5pm to 7pm to celebrate the release of the 2026 Arts & Culture Edition of The Carmel Guide, presented by HAUS of HITE.

The evening is more than a launch. It is a celebration of a living artist colony.

More than a century ago, painters, poets, writers, musicians, and dreamers arrived on this stretch of coastline seeking something increasingly rare: the freedom to create. They built studios among the pines, gathered in homes and cafés, and established a culture that transformed Carmel-by-the-Sea into one of America's most celebrated artist colonies. Today, that spirit continues through the work of contemporary artists including Joaquin Turner, Jennifer Perlmutter, Isa D'Arleans, Nicole Cromwell, John Cromwell, Mel Ahlborn, Dan Louth, Lilli-Anne Price and the many creators whose work continues to shape the cultural identity of this remarkable village.

Salvador Dali & The Carmel Guide coming July 2026 (AI Generated Image)

At a moment when authentic human connection feels increasingly valuable, preserving and celebrating Carmel's creative heritage is more important than ever. This edition of The Carmel Guide explores both the history and future of the artist colony, introducing readers to the artists, galleries, makers, and visionaries carrying that legacy forward.

VIN by the Sea provides a natural setting for the celebration. Since opening in late 2025, it has become a gathering place where hospitality, craftsmanship, and conversation converge, reflecting many of the same values that have long defined Carmel's artist colony. Owner Roslyn Anderson has created a space where wine takes center stage while fostering meaningful connections among locals and visitors alike. Alongside her, Chef Paul Corsentino brings decades of culinary experience, from culinary school in San Francisco to ten years in New York kitchens, followed by leadership roles throughout Big Sur and the Central Coast. His approach today embraces the simplicity and generosity of Mediterranean cooking, allowing exceptional ingredients and thoughtful pairings to shine.

For the evening, guests will enjoy a collection of amuse-bouches that tell stories of memory, travel, and family. A roasted Maitake mushroom reflects Chef Paul's early fascination with Japanese flavors and his appreciation for clean, umami-rich cuisine. A delicate gougère filled with Mornay sauce recalls his years cooking in New York, where a similar bite welcomed diners at one of the city's French restaurants. A paella-inspired arancini blends Italian tradition with Spanish influence, creating a playful conversation between two Mediterranean cultures. Finally, VIN's beloved meatball honors Roslyn's family heritage, a recipe passed down through generations from Campania, Italy. The aroma alone transports her back to Sunday dinners at home, making it one of the most personal dishes on the menu.

Adding another layer of artistry to the evening are the floral installations of Tracie Zelei. Like the food emerging from Chef Paul's kitchen and the editorial work produced by HAUS of HITE, her arrangements transform ordinary moments into lasting memories. Together, florals, food, wine, photography, design, and storytelling create something larger than themselves: an environment that invites people to slow down, connect, and be present.

That shared philosophy sits at the heart of HAUS of HITE's mission. Through photography, writing, design, events, and publishing, HAUS of HITE continues to build platforms that celebrate culture, creativity, and community. From The Carmel Guide and The Sausalito Guide to artist features, exhibitions, gatherings, and partnerships across California, the studio remains committed to documenting the people and places shaping the cultural landscape of the West Coast.

Join us Monday, July 13, as we raise a glass to Carmel's past, present, and future. Together, we'll celebrate the artists, makers, storytellers, and dreamers who remind us that an artist colony is not a chapter in history.

It is something we continue to create together.