2025 Artists in Residence Exhibit now open at Last Chance Mercantile and ReGen Monterey through May 24, 2025
CSU Monterey Bay Student-Artists Ashley Brunetti and Melanie Gatica Present: “Doll Parts: Reclaiming Glamour from the Forgotten”
Ashley Brunetti and Melanie Gatica, Visual and Public Art (VPA) seniors at California State University, Monterey Bay (CSUMB), have been selected as the 2025 Artists in Residence (AIR) at ReGen Monterey. The AIR Program is a partnership between ReGen Monterey, CSUMB, and Last Chance Mercantile. Since 2016, student artists from CSUMB have been selected for a fellowship at ReGen Monterey. The artists scavenge for discarded materials at the Last Chance Mercantile reuse store and ReGen Monterey’s Materials Recovery Facility (recycling plant), and upcycle them into art.
“Creating artwork at ReGen has been a fun, eye-opening experience that’s changed how I view the artistic potential of everyday objects,” said Gatica. “My work has always explored the intersection of glamour, beauty, and the mundane—blending symbols of glamour with visual styles that are often overlooked or labeled as ‘lowbrow’ and reframing them as something beautiful and bold.”
Brunetti had a similar goal with her fellowship—to challenge herself and produce art using various artistic techniques: “I initially set out to create pieces inspired by societal expectations of women,” said Brunetti. “Being at ReGen has made me think more deeply about how our daily choices connect to those forces. It sparked a kind of Venn diagram in my mind—where nature, consumerism, and femininity all overlap—and that’s the space I’ve been exploring through my art,” says Brunetti. A residency that required making art from salvaged materials provided ample opportunities for artistic experimentation.
Visitors to Last Chance Mercantile have been able to observe Gatica’s and Brunetti’s creative process and interact with the artists during store hours. The seasonal fellowship culminates with an art installation titled “Doll Parts: Reclaiming Glamour from the Forgotten” on display now through May 24, with a special reception and Q&A on Thursday, May 8 at 2 p.m., all at the Last Chance Mercantile. The installation and reception are open to the public.
Melanie Gatica is from Salinas, CA and Ashley Brunetti is from Escalon, CA and both decided to further their study of art at California State University, Monterey Bay. They will graduate with a B.A. in Visual and Public Art this month.
“We are proud to continue this longstanding tradition and support of our local artist community,” said Felipe Melchor, general manager of ReGen Monterey. “Our program offers emerging student-artists a professional platform, while inspiring the public about the importance of repurposing, recycling, and reusing discarded materials. We can’t wait for the community to see their colorful, creative and eclectic exhibit.”
The Artist in Residence program’s goal is to inspire environmental stewardship, recycling and upcycling in the community through art. The artists and the public learn about sustainable material sourcing for art, home and community projects. The program provides a unique and professional platform for local students as they transition from student to professional artists.
Find Gatica’s and Brunetti’s art portfolios and learn more about the program and previous artists in residence at regenmonterey.org/artist-in-residence/.
Last Chance Mercantile is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.