Fall 2026

64 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • F A L L 2 0 2 6 alenke Arts is the brainchild of and labor of love for Juan L. Sánchez. A fifth-generation musician from Spain, he founded the multicultural arts organization in 2016 in a repurposed locker room at the Martin Luther King School of the Arts, recently expanding to a second location, the Palenke Teen Arts Center, both in Seaside. “The founding of Palenke Arts has been a pinnacle moment for me,” he says. But this endeavor wasn’t what he initially saw as his career path. “I am a linguist by trade.” He holds a master’s degree in applied linguis- tics from UCLA, speaks six languages and has worked as an elementary school teacher, a college professor and as a touring musician. Sánchez envisioned Palenke as a means of transforming the Seaside community through the arts, bringing the joy of music, dance and art to hundreds of youths and adults who would otherwise lack access to it. In the process, the organization brings people together in profound ways. “I believe that art, music and culture are wonderful vehicles to bridge our differences, restore our humanity and create a sense of belonging. “I wish that everyone could experience the same joy, healing and connection that art, music and culture have brought me throughout my life.” He has been recognized as a Champion of the Arts by the Arts Council for Monterey County among many other accolades. To learn more, visit www.palenkearts.com . —Michael Chatfield P icon Juan Sanchez Building Community Through the Power of the Arts Photo: Kelli Uldall