m.k. contemporary art — Attraction in Santa Cruz

It’s easy to write a rave review for mk contemporary gallery, because whether you’re a local or from out of town, a visit to the gallery offers the opportunity to see a wide range of exceptional local art curated beautifully and certain to nourish and inspire you.

Melissa Kreisa, an artist herself, has tirelessly poured her generous spirit into creating a hub for artists to present their work and meet the public, as well as a meeting place to celebrate all the arts including music, poetry and community gathers.

There hadn’t been a large gallery of this caliber in downtown Santa Cruz in over 30 years and in the last 5 years Melissa has pumped so much life into the art scene here that we as artists and art lovers owe her a huge debt of gratitude.

If you’re looking to purchase art, to inspire your own creativity, to feed your soul or to find out why they say Santa Cruz is such an artsy town, then a visit to mk contemporary will...

How lucky are we in this small town to score a world class art venue like MK Gallery? The owner, an international artist herself, displays pieces that range from the exceptional to surprising quirkiness. Melissa is a very saavy owner who is also so approachable and down to earth in sharing her experiences as a generous mentor, curator and artist. The shows can be as unexpected as “Broadsides” pairing art with poetry and “Ties that Bind” pairing pairs of artists that might share things such as relationships or shared art experiences or as soothing as a sea of California landscapes to soothe the soul.

MK is a friendly non-intimidating wonderful gallery and space that just makes me feel inspired and happy inside as I wander in the great airy space and enjoy the rich local and regional art work...

I have worked closely with the gallery owner, Melissa as a curator for my office space. Melissa is top-notch at what she does. She knows how to highlight an artist and bring out their best work! Not only that her gallery is worthwhile to make a special trip for. Melissa showcases all the best art in the area and for an artist it is a dream because their art sells in her gallery! I highly recommend to stop by if you are in Santa Cruz (next to the MAH or across the street from Trader Joes). Special events happen on First Fridays. There may be music, refreshments and generally a fun atmosphere! I send all my friends and clients over there, it is worth your while! Thank goodness for Melissa!...