CASI Summer Gala: Metals and Microplastics

The California Arts & Sciences Institute 2026 Summer Gala will feature this year’s best-of CASI. Set in a magnificent Monterra home, we will come together over fine wine and scrumptious bites, setting the stage for local art, writing and scientific enlightenment. This exclusive event will be held Sunday, July 26 at 430 pm. Explore details at CASI Summer Gala 2026 – California Arts & Sciences Institute . This is a free event for all current CASI members.

If you are not yet a CASI member, Become A Member – California Arts & Sciences Institute and recieve two free tickets to the Summer Gala and many other events in the next 12 months. Event venue address will be sent to you when you become a member, register or RSVP

• Ashley Bennett Stoddard, sculptor and painter, notable for unique designs in bronze and steel, will discuss her metals media. and present some examples of her splendid work. Ashley was voted best sculpture gallery in Carmel, California.

• Mars Mining: NASA astronaut James Newman will share exciting prospects for the upcoming moon base and Mars base thereafter, including the prospect of mining Mars for the benefit of Earth. These inspiring developments hold the promise of reducing harm on Earth from the current toxic and cruel mining in China and Congo.

• Offshore Wind Victory: Researcher David Hurwitz will update us on recent developments in forestalling the monstrosities known as Offshore Wind Farms. Dr. Michael Hogan, CASI Founder, has long been an authoritative voice on this issue, including offshore wind’s deadly effect on whales and its role in the spread of ocean-borne microplastics. The threat isn’t dead yet, but has receded, a victory to be celebrated. 

• Art & Literature Tasting: Summary of the recent CASI Student Art Contest will be given, highlighting the exquisite talent that the Central Coast engenders. In similar fashion, we expect to award several winning entries of the 2026 CASI Student Writing Contest on topics ranging from whales to nuclear energy.
  
  A drawing will be held, where one of the event attendees will receive one of Ashley Bennett Stoddard's works. In addition, we will issue the scholarship awards at the event to CASI's 2026 Student Film Contest winners.