Carmel-by-the-Sea Art Galleries - Illumination Studio

Let the Beauty We Love Be How We Live

For over 30 years, Mel Ahlborn's Illumination Studio has served museums, film companies, academic institutions and private clients. A painter, sculptor and illuminator, Mel Ahlborn brings symbols and texts from anthropology and history to work side by side with direct observation.

Seeing Is Believing

At Illumination Studio Carmel, we specialize in exceptional craftsmanship using Old World techniques - gilding, fine art portraiture, manuscript illumination, mosaic, bookbinding, bespoke design. We invite you to plan your visit - let us know when you'll be in town and we'll set up a private tour for you.