Supporting Our Arts Community
September-October 2023
Presented by the Lafayette Chamber
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Lafayette Chamber Announcements | |
Performing Artists, Local Artists and SO MUCH MORE!
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival Sept. 23-24, 2023
10am-7pm Saturday, 10am-6pm Sunday
Downtown Lafayette
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SPECIAL LOCAL ARTIST ALLEY FEATURE - SEE THEM AT THE FESTIVAL! | |
Robert Anke Fine Art & Author Illustrator
I think I’ve always made things in order to satisfy the urge to create. Whether it’s art, music, trail building or whatever, the desire to make things has been a constant in my life for as long as I can remember.
While I may spend time working in various mediums, I never stray far from painting, drawing, and ceramics; they are my home base. With regard to illustration, a little mix of dark and light, or contrasting themes in general- often with a dash of humor- seem to be the things that run through my work. My paintings lean toward landscapes because I’m constantly awed by scenery while riding a bicycle, which is another lifelong love of mine. The nerve of nature to interrupt my rides in order to capture photos to paint from is eternally galling.
Teaching art reminds me to keep my sense of wonder (and humor) alive. Kids are terrific coworkers and their constant experience of “the new” is a good reminder to see the world with beginner’s eyes; to see it as a beautiful, transient thing. I want to capture it, tweak it a little bit visually, and put it out there again for people to enjoy.
If you’d like to purchase my work or have a commission done, send a message via the contact page on robertanke.com or call Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek. For books you can contact my publisher at Cupola Press or find them on Amazon or at the finest, finest, FINEST bookstores.
See Robert Anke Fine Art & Author Illustrator's work at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival on Sept. 23-24 in the Local Artist Alley!
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Art Room by Chari
Chari Worster is local artist specializing in acrylic on canvas.
See her work at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival on Sept. 23-24 in the Local Artist Alley!
"Painting is a way for me to share my thoughts through colors or shapes or a combination of both. I define what it is going to be. But my form can be anyone else’s interpretation. It is not meant to end." See more on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/art_room_by_chari.
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Amber DeSilva Art
Amber DeSilva is a mixed media artist - I work in collage, acrylic, oils, pen and whatever else seems right now! I grew up in Napa, Ca. and am still enchanted and inspired by the rich and beautiful land there. Art has surrounded me all my life as both my mother and father were artists and art has been my anchor throughout my life. I live in Orinda currently and started my art journey during quarantine starting with collaged greeting cards, and then in 2021 began to allow myself to expand and try every medium I could. I work largely with art as a healing tool, allowing intuition to lead the way. https://amberdesilvaart.com
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Enumero Cribbage Boards
Enumero Cribbage Boards are hand crafted in small batches using beautiful, warm hardwoods and richly colored inlay. Each and every board is unique in its appearance, name, and the series (or batch) it belongs to.
I humbly believe that an Enumero Cribbage Board will be played on and enjoyed for generations to come.
Enumero is derived from the latin word "enumeratus" which means "to count". Cribbage has been played for over 400 years and continues to grow in popularity.
An Enumero Cribbage board can enhance your playing experience or can be given as a memorable gift to your favorite Cribbage Player. Each Enumero Cribbage Board comes with metal pegs that are kept in a small storage compartment at one end of the board. This compartment is secured with a small threaded hardwood cap.
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Susan Goldie Art
Susan Goldie Art: To celebrate my birthday this year, I'll be having lots of fun in booth #909 at the Lafayette Art and Wine festival on September 23, and 24th! I hope you will come to my 2-day-Pop-Up-Art-Gallery-and-Gift-Shop-Birthday-Party-and-Sale in my booth!! There are so many of you I haven't seen in person for a long time and it would be so great to catch up and for me to show you what I've been up to. And, you might be the lucky winner of one of my prize draws for a Fine Art Print!! I'll have some great art on offer and also gift items like art puzzles, Christmas ornaments, colourful mugs and more .... Hope to see you there!
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KinCraft
We are 3, Karen Cordill, George Smith, Bryan Cordill, joined together as family and our creative quests, to design and build useful, aesthetically pleasing items to share with our family, friends and customers.
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Massaro’s Market
Hello! I’m Samantha Massaro, the creator and maker behind Massaro’s Market. I’m passionate about all thing’s art, and the emotions it releases. It’s something that’s always been calming, sort of grounding to me. I’m an absolute mess when I’m creating, but the chaos adds to the beauty. When I think about what led me to this small business gig my answer isn’t some amazing revelation other than simply being happy creating. Each piece starts as a digital drawing. Once finalized I transfer the design to be cut on both my laser and CNC machines. Pieces are then hand sanded, hand painted, glued, distressed, and stamped to sell. I am honored to have my pieces displayed in your homes.
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Rad Plaid Publishing - Author Amy Landgraf
At Rad Plaid Publishing, our mission is to grow minds, one book at a time! We are committed to creating and publishing high-quality children's books that engage, inspire, and educate young readers. Our goal is to foster a life-long love of learning in children, and to help them develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life. We believe that books have the power to transform lives, and we are dedicated to using that power to make a positive impact on the world. With a focus on innovation, creativity, and inclusivity, we are committed to being a leading publisher of children's books that make a difference. www.amylandgraf.com
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Raphael Originals Jellyfish
We raise our Jellyfish in saltwater tanks. They are allowed to die naturally. We add a phosphorescent die to mimic their glowing in nature so they will fluoresce. Some are left in their natural color and some we enhance. They are enclosed in resin. We offer a light stand to bring a beautiful color change to the Jellyfish. They range from 2 1/2" to 12" in height. Each Jellyfish is unique and it's exciting to find the one that you are connected with.
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Come see new works by OnodaArt!
I have paintings of sheep, tall trees, orchards and of course our beautiful yellow hills. OnodaArt.com
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West Coast Vibez
The artists at West Coast Vibez can’t wait to see you again at this year’s festival! They create ocean-inspired resin designs on charcuterie boards, serving trays, jewelry dishes and more, including their NEW resin turtles, octopus and skulls. These little statues take a week to make, so quantities are limited. Come take a look and let them know which one you like the best! And, yes, they still have that signature beachy vibe you all know and love. https://www.westcoastvibez.com
See their work at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival on September 23-24!
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Whitchurch Glass Designs
Curved Sun Catchers, $48
Sunlight radiates through this floral free-standing curved glass sun catcher. This 15" x 6" fused glass piece transmits beautiful colors when placed in a window or near light. Sun catchers are currently available online at www.WhitchurchGlassDesigns.com.
Lafayette artist and resident, Cynthia Whitchurch creates her art by melting and bending colored glass into custom molds producing beautiful pieces including panels, bowls, plates, dishes, coasters, night lights and more. Her work is available at the Red Door Gift Shop in Brentwood, CA. She welcomes the opportunity to partner with local retailers to showcase her work. Contact Cynthia at WhitchurchGlassDesigns@yahoo.com.
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Also at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival ... | |
Girls Crushing It
We’re popping up at the Lafayette Art & Wine Festival! More than 70 entrepreneurs ages 8-18 will be selling everything from handmade jewelry and housewares to pet supplies and one-of-kind works of art.
Shop Sept. 23 from 10:00–7:00 & Sept. 24 from 10:00–6:00, 3566 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA 94563
Thank you to our sponsors: Square, SOMA Equity Partners, Life Science Cares, Lafayette Juniors and Meredith Maitland Real Estate. Learn more at http://www.girlscrushingit.org.
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Country Music Comes to the
Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Saturday, Sept. 23rd
Premier Pavilion Stage, 12 pm to 1:30 pm
The Lafayette-based band (and new Chamber member) Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores will play at this year's Lafayette Art & Wine Festival. Enjoy this 7-piece band as it plays country favorites from the Eagles, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams, Willie Nelson, and more. The band has played across the Bay Area since 2014 and will soon be releasing its second CD called Rodeo Tears & Lonesome Years. So bring a cowboy hat and come boogie with the band as you sip a glass of your favorite wine. https://www.lonesomeeddieandthesaddlesores.com
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Upcoming Events & Special Announcements from our Arts Community | |
International Film Showcase
Our September selection is The Eight Mountains from Italy. This film won 14 international awards and nominated for 18 more. The film will open in Orinda on 9/15/23 for at least one week and at the Jarvis Conservatory, Napa on 9/23/23.
Synopsis: In a secluded village in the Italian Alps, an unlikely brotherhood forms between two young boys: Pietro, a boy from the city, and Bruno, who has only ever known life in the mountains.
Over the years Bruno remains faithful to his home while Pietro aspires to greater heights, but as decades pass and lives unfold, their paths ultimately lead them back to where they first met – and back to each other.
Set against a truly magnificent Italian landscape, THE EIGHT MOUNTAINS is a profoundly moving portrait of a lifelong friendship
Trailer: https://youtu.be/gpEtgBA86pg. Further information is available on our web site at www.internationalshowcase.org
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At The Bruns Cal Shakes Theater | |
CYMBELINE | Free Shakespeare #AtTheBruns
September 16, 17, 23, and 24 – Doors open at 3 p.m. for a 4 p.m. performance
For the 41st season of Free Shakespeare in the Park, SF Shakespeare Festival presents Shakespeare's epic romantic adventure Cymbeline. This year we are excited to partner with California Shakespeare Theatre to bring Free Shakespeare to The Bruns Amphitheater!
Tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-shakespeare-in-the-park-2023-cymbeline-the-bruns-amphitheater-tickets-694903955437
For events At the Bruns, guests are encouraged to dress in layers, as temperatures at the outdoor venue can fluctuate widely even within the same day. Follow us for more updates and events on our website https://calshakes.org or socially @calshakes!
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PACIFIC CHAMBER ORCHESTRA presents
BACH’S BRANDENBURG CONCERTOS
The Pacific Chamber Orchestra, Lawrence Kohl conductor, will perform all six Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos Sept. Sept 16, 7:30 pm at the Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette and Sept. 17, 3:00 pm at the Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore. The program displays Bach’s “imperishable genius” with an incredible variety of virtuoso concerto formats. PCO’s brilliant soloists include violinists PCO Concertmaster Igor Veligan, and Iris Stone, along with harpsichordist Yuko Tanaka.
Go to PacificChamberOrchestra.org to purchase tickets. Tickets for the Livermore performance may also be purchased through the Bankhead box office (925) 373-6800 or in person at 2400 First Street.
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All Ages Play in Plaza Park this Sunday!
This Sunday, August 17, join All Ages Recreation in Plaza Park anytime from 1pm to 4pm. Remember to bring the whole family, from the very young to the young at heart! The Lafayette Parks and Recreation Department and the Community Foundation of Lafayette have teamed up to bring you a wide variety of fun choices, including: Giant Jenga, Giant Connect 4, chess, wooden train track, badminton, volleyball, ping pong, giant pick up sticks, kinetic sand, simple crafts, giant checkers, and a chance to win small prizes! More dates, locations, and activities may be added. Learn more here.
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Diablo Symphony Orchestra
Pianist Randall Benway joins the Diablo Symphony Orchestra at the Lesher Center for the Arts this coming Sunday afternoon, September 17, for Beethoven’s lyrical Piano Concerto No. 4. The concert, which begins at 2 p.m., also includes Jean Sibelius’s majestic tone poem “Finlandia” and his Symphony No. 1 in E Minor. The program is filled with innovation; compelling rhythms; and strikingly beautiful melodies, including the serene melody in “Finlandia” that was later adopted for the hymn “Be Still, My Soul.” Before moving to Olympia, Washington, Benway was a longtime Lafayette resident and assistant director of the Blackhawk Chorus—this is the perfect chance to hear him perform again in the Bay Area!
The DSO’s very affordable season also features Lafayette-based WomenSing (in the December holiday concert), jazz violinist Mads Tolling (in the April family concert), and saxophonist Greg Brown (in the May “Music from the Americas” concert). And the DSO itself tackles new heights with Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring in March.
To reserve seats for this Sunday’s concert, call the Lesher Center box office at 925-943-7469, or visit the DSO’s website at www.diablosymphony.org/events/beethoven-with-benway/. Tickets will also be available at the door. And it’s not too late to purchase season tickets. For details of the season visit www.diablosymphony.org/buy-tickets/2023-2024-season-joy-beauty-and-all-that-jazz/. We hope to see you at the symphony!
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Public Art Committee, City of Lafayette
Murals!
The Lafayette Downtown Mural Program will create four murals over four years to evoke inspiration and enhance the vitality of downtown Lafayette. If you are the property owner of a high visibility site in the downtown area and are interested in having a mural painted on your wall, please visit the Murals page through the City web portal at www.lovelafayette.org to indicate your interest in consideration. Please visit the Murals page to learn more!
On view now!
See the work of local community members featured in the exhibit “The Morning Bell Project” presented by the City of Lafayette’s Public Art Committee at the Library Public Art Gallery.
Started by local moms after the Uvalde tragedy, the Morning Bell Project seeks to raise awareness around keeping schools safe from gun violence. The Project’s name is evocative of a school bell, a new day, a call to action, and in its use of the word “morning,” reminds us of “mourning” in the wake of Uvalde. The exhibit features moving drawings by children and a large community quilt showcasing drawings by local kids and adults with messages about why school safety is so critical.
Be sure to join us for a special viewing and opening reception on Tuesday, October 10, from 5 - 6:30 pm. The reception along with the exhibit is free and open to the public.
The gallery is located in the lobby of the Don Tatzin Community Hall at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. It is open to the public only during public events occurring in the Community Hall.
Coming Soon!
The Lafayette Public Art Committee is excited to announce the opening of “Whispers and Echoes,” an exhibit of black and white photography by Lafayette artist Ozgur Aydogdu. (Pictured) The exhibit opens September 19, 2023 at the Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St, and is open during theatre hours. Join us for an opening reception on October 1 from 3:30 to 5 pm. Meet the artist and enjoy refreshments provided by the Lafayette Public Art Committee. The event is free and open to the public.
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Peace & Kindness Carnival @ Orinda Concert in the Park
Thursday, September 21, 2023 6:00 PM thru 8:00 PM, Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563
Celebrate the International Day of Peace with Mindful Littles and the City of Orinda!
Fun for the whole family!
- Live Music-Patron Latin Rhythms
- Beer, Wine & Food Trucks
- Community Service Projects
- Kindness-themed Activities & Lawn Games
Thank you to our sponsors. The concert is supported by the Orinda Community Foundation, Orinda Rotary and the Orinda Parks & Recreation Foundation. The carnival is sponsored by Lamorinda Tooth Buds and the Penserra Foundation. Learn more at mindfullittles.org.
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SPECIAL SEPTEMBER COMING ATTRACTION from the Mountain Shadow Film Society
Saturday, Sept. 23rd - 3:30 PM & 7:30 PM
With a “Meet the Filmmakers Reception” between screenings from 5:30-6:30 PM
Special location: Las Lomas (High School) Theater, 1460 S. Main St., Walnut Creek
GENERAL ADMISSION: $13.00
MOUNTAIN SHADOW’S 9th ANNUAL SHORT FILM COMPETITION: Our 22 volunteer jurors previewed and rated a whopping 466 submissions this year, and selected nine Finalists from around the country, who will present their documentary, live-action and animated short films in person on Sept. 23rd, at our special one-time location: the Las Lomas High School Theater (1460 S. Main). This one-day event has two identical shows (3:30 PM & 7:30 PM), when all the filmmakers engage audiences in Q&A when the screenings end. Audience members then complete ballots to determine the winners of the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place “Laurels.”
COVID HEALTH SAFETY PROTOCOLS: MASKS OPTIONAL, PROOF OF VACCINATION ARE NO LONGER REQUIRED. Learn more at https://www.mountainshadow.org.
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September 2023 Activities
Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Animal, Scenescape and Native American Sand Paintings
The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to view paintings by Jane Raymond, Rita Sklar, Claudette McDermott as well as Native American Sand Paintings in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library during September. View their artwork online and purchase it with one clock at www.lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits/.
Virtual Art Gallery at Wilder: “Bay Area Photography” by Ryan Magpusao
The Lamorinda Arts Council presents a solo Virtual Wilder Art Gallery exhibit in September featuring photographer Ryan Magpusao. After immigrating to the US at the age of three he served in the US Marine corps. He uses photography as a creative expression of the peace and beauty he finds in his relationships with people and places. His exhibit runs until Oct. 1. View and purchase his photographs with one click online at https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-wilder/
Kids Art Table at Lafayette Art & Wine Festival – Sept. 23 & 24 Booth #924
The Lamorinda Arts Council invites art lovers to join us at Booth #924 in Local Artists Alley at our Kids Art Table. Visit our sheltered double booth offering art stations for young artists with a washable colored marker giveaway for kids. Volunteers needed for face painting, stencils and washable tattoos. We provide all materials. Questions? Call 925.359.9940 or email info@lamorindaarts.org.
Mocktails & Cocktails Canceled for September 24 Due to Lafayette Art & Wine Festival
Join us on Sun. October 29 at a new location as The Coop is moving to Walnut Creek. Check our online calendar for the location. Email us at literary@lamorindaarts.org.
October 2023 Activities
Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: The Glover Group & Friends Plein Air Paintings Celebrate Nature
The Lamorinda Arts Council celebrates the beauty of nature with paintings by 17 artists from The Glover Group & Friends Oct. 1 through Nov. 3 in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library. The late, great Pam Glover taught at the Orinda Community Center for many years and these artists continue to visit plein air sites favored by Pam. “We plein air painters visit local sites outdoors and work to capture the moment on canvas,” said exhibit organizer Maria SantoStefano. View their work online at https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits/.
Virtual Art Gallery at Wilder: “Bay Area Photography” by Ryan Magpusao
The Lamorinda Arts Council presents a solo Virtual Wilder Art Gallery exhibit in October featuring photographer Ryan Magpusao. After immigrating to the US at the age of three he served in the US Marine corps. He uses photography as a creative expression of the peace and beauty he finds in his relationships with people and places. His exhibit runs from Sep. 30 to Nov. 4. View and purchase his photographs with one click online https://lamorindaarts.org/current-exhibits-wilder/
10th Art of Mixology – Sat. October 14, 4:30 – 7:00 pm at Orinda Theatre Square
The Art of Mixology at Orinda Theatre Square is Lamorinda Arts Council's only fundraiser of the year. Professional and amateur bartenders create luscious craft cocktails as the audience and judges sample and vote for their favorites. Local restaurants provide tasty bites complementing the cocktails. Purchase tickets at https://lamorindaarts.org/product/ticket-mixology-2023/ Email Mixology team at https://lamorindaarts.org/contact-art-of-mixology/ or call 925.359.9940. All funds from this event support the many art programs sponsored by LAC for all ages. See https://lamorindaarts.org/mixology/ for details.
Art Embraces Words: October 28, 2 – 3:30 pm Costume Event with Prizes
The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to show up as your favorite literary or artistic character at this free program in the Lafayette Library. Emerging writers read from their work surrounded by artwork from local artists. In this way art literally “embraces” the spoken word. Apply to read your work or show art at https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words/. This program is made possible by a generous grant from the Lafayette Community Foundation.
Mocktails & Cocktails: October 29 – 4:00 – 6:00 pm Location TBD
Join those who love art, literature, music and everything in between at a new location to be revealed from 4-6 p.m. Time for some conversation about your creative journey with friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council. Questions? Email literary@lamorindaarts.org. Check our calendar listing for location https://lamorindaarts.org/event-directory/.
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Laurie Sings a Song for You: A Cabaret Concert Inspired by the Music of Karen Carpenter
September 15th & 16th at 2:00pm
Tickets/More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/lauriesings
Laurie shares personal stories and memories in an uplifting evening woven through well known Carpenters songs. Featuring Special Guest Vocalists and Musicians. There will be a special VIP meet and greet with Laurie from 6:15pm-6:45pm on the September 9th evening performance, including appetizers and champagne.
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Yes, and Wine! Adult Improv
September 17th at 7:00pm
Enroll/More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/adult-education
Are you ready to try something new and have fun doing it? Join us for a beverage and play some improvised theatre games. These one-night-only classes are a great way to stretch your boundaries, meet new people, and have some laughs! Classes are open to improvisers of all skill levels.
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The Turn of the Screw
Adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher, story by Henry James
Previews September 28th & 29th
September 30th-October 21st
Tickets/More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/turnofscrew
*Pay-What-You-Can tickets available at the door for all performances
In 1872, a young governess journeys to Essex to take care of recently orphaned Flora and Miles at Bly Manor, where their Uncle has left them to live. As the secrets and dangers of Bly Manor reveal themselves, the governess is convinced that she must be the one to save the children from ruin. But are the dangers truly what she believes them to be? Will she lead the children to safety or downfall? A story played out by two actors with no props, one costume each, and only a chair and a staircase for a set, The Turn of the Screw is an eerie, cleverly told account of a woman’s whirlwind journey to meet her destiny.
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ProgJect- In Concert
October 8th at 7:00pm
Tickets/More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/progject
With a two-plus hour set that includes Prog classics and epics such as, "Back In NYC", "The Cinema Show", "Firth of Fifth", "Karn Evil 9 - 1st Impression Pt. I & II", "From The Beginning", "Siberian Khatru", "Roundabout", "Long Distance Runaround", "21st Century Schizoid Man", "Lark's Tongues In Aspic", "Xanadu", "La Villa Strangiato", "Have A Cigar", "Wish You Were Here", "Solsbury Hill", "Living In The Past" and more... ProgJect is going to drop your jaw and blow your mind.
The ProgJect VIP Experience includes attending soundcheck, Q&A with the band meet/photograph/autograph opportunity, and a pre-show 20% discount on all merchandise.
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Hedwig & The Angry Inch: Concert Performance
October 9th at 7:00pm
Tickets/More Info: https://www.townhalltheatre.com/hedwig
Join us in a one night only concert performance of the upcoming Shotgun Players production of Hedwig & The Angry Inch!
Winner of 4 Tony Awards! Hedwig is an “internationally ignored song stylist”, a fourth-wall smashing East German rock ‘n’ roll goddess. This outrageous and unexpectedly hilarious story is dazzlingly performed by Hedwig in the form of a rock gig/stand-up comedy routine backed by a hard-rocking band. Included will be a short post show conversation with the creative team after the performance.
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Saint Mary's College Museum of Art
Saint Mary's College Museum of Art
Fall 2023: September 13 – December 10, 2023
Corita Kent, heroes & sheroes
Printed between 1968 and 1969, heroes and sheroes represents a body of bold colorful graphic words and images created by the artist, educator, and advocate for social justice, Corita Kent (1918-1986). Adapting the visual language of pop art in the midst of social and political justice, Kent’s work conveys messages of faith, acceptance and love supporting civil rights, labor, anti-war movements, nuclear disarmament and the political assassinations that would define the 1960s. The series of 29 prints highlights Kent’s momentum and belief in the power of collective action to revolutionize systems and evoke necessary change. This exhibition is organized in collaboration with the Corita Art Center of Los Angeles.
Corita Kent Day: November 20 from 2 to 5:30 p.m.don VIP reception can be purchased at www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum
Lisa Congdon, Hold It Lightly
Illustrator and fine artist Lisa Congdon's current work, Hold it Lightly, explores themes of joy, liberation, and radical inclusion, displayed on printed matter featuring her bold, colorful illustrations and hand lettering. Exhibited in conversation with Corita Kent's Heroes & Sheroes series, Congdon's work reflects the profound personal impact of Kent's legacy.
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Wine and Tapas Speaker Series
Creekside Commons of Lafayette presents this year's Wine and Tapas Speaker series that looks at the emerging face of spirituality in our time, the ways traditional religious institutions have responded, and some alternatives you might want to explore by designing your own local pilgrimage or finding spirituality in the ground beneath your feet. Use this link for more information and to register for this first episode, which explores the Sacred, the Secular, and the Shifting Boundaries of American Religion. Learn more here about Creekside Commons.
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East Bay Art Gallery Tour Announced With 8 Local Galleries Participating
Lamorinda Arts Alliance is participating in this exciting event. Our members have artwork at aRt Cottage in the “Feast of Color” exhibit during the months of September and October. We are very happy to be a part of the East Bay Gallery Tour!
Eight of the East Bay’s favorite art galleries have teamed up under the guidance of artist Samantha McNally, whose dream it was to create a fun art-lovers event: a gallery tour of the East Bay.
Running from October 6 through 15, 2023, the public is encouraged to visit any of the 8 participating galleries (listed below) to collect their free Art Passport, which gets stamped each time a gallery is visited during the event, for a chance to win a gift certificate to be used at any participating gallery.
- aRt Cottage, Concord
- Blackhawk Gallery, Danville
- JOR Fine Art Gallery, Clayton
- Main Street Arts Gallery, Martinez
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Moraga Art Gallery, Moraga
- Valley Art Gallery, Walnut Creek
- Village Theatre Art Gallery, Danville
- Studio 55 & Art Gallery, Martinez
Commented Samantha McNally, “We have a tight-knit art community here in the East Bay. I felt by teaming up to create an East Bay Gallery Tour, we can best showcase our many talented artists and the wonderful galleries where their work is displayed. It’s a fun activity for friends and family to plan their Gallery Tour, and then enjoy a variety of the paintings, sculptures, jewelry, and ceramics on display.
Participants who have all 8 stamps in their Passport will drop them off at the last gallery they visit for a chance to win one of two $300 gift certificates to be used to purchase artwork from one of the participating galleries. The two winners will be chosen at random and announced soon after the East Bay Gallery Tour event is over.
Image: Fused Glass Wall Vase by Jerry Hild
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CAMPOLINDO BENEFIT CONCERT – OCTOBER 14 AND 15
AMPLIFY THE ARTS IS PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE: A Celebration of the Arts - A Benefit Concert for the Campolindo Performing Arts Center. Please join Campolindo on October 14 and/or October 15 for a once-in-a-lifetime concert featuring performances from Campolindo’s illustrious performing arts alumni now seen professionally on stage, in the pit and on the screen! Both benefit concerts will be held in the Campolindo Performing Arts Center (CPAC) and will be followed by a reception hosted by Campolindo performing arts parents. Visit the Benefit Concert page for more information. Tickets go on sale September 18 for donors with early access and September 21 for the general public. Note: Donations to Amplify the Arts received by September 15 may be eligible for early access tickets and other benefits. Click here for giving and benefit details.
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Four Great Courses in Lafayette from OLLI at UC Berkeley
The The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at UC Berkeley is excited to announce it's back in Lafayette! Join them on Thursdays, Oct. 19–Nov. 9 for four in-person courses at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center — all taught by Cal faculty and other scholars: “The Golden State? California’s Future”; “Getting Americans Talking to Each Other”; “Film Noir and Philosophy”; and “Joy of Singing.” Plus, many more online and in Berkeley. Check out all 30+ courses here. OLLI is a one-of-a-kind learning community for one-of-a-kind learners 50+. No Cal affiliation necessary. Just a love of learning, engaging and connecting.
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Art and Wine Reception at the Moraga Art Gallery
"Wonders of Man and Nature" will be at the Moraga Art Gallery through October 22, 432 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center. The gallery will have on display scores of striking artworks by its featured member artists, Wenda Pyman, a photographer, and Linh Kang, an acrylic painter, as well as recent paintings, jewelry, ceramics, woodworks, prints, glasswork, sculptures, and much more by two-dozen member and guest artists. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925)376-5407.
Images below: Awakening by Wenda Pyman; The Calling by Thuy Linh Bennett Kang
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Lamorinda Arts Alliance Announces "A Feast of Color"
It has been said that art is food for the soul. As the fall colors emerge around us, we invite you to come see artists’ food inspired and colorful works of art. A Feast of Color, will be a deliciously vivid and unforgettable exhibit nourishing everyone’s soul!
The exhibit will be available for viewing through October 27th.
The address of the aRt Cottage is 2238 Mt. Diablo Street, Concord CA. Hours are Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 5pm.
Lamorinda Arts Alliance is an organization of local artists and friends who reside or work in the area. Its purpose is to provide coordination, education, and service to promote and increase knowledge, appreciation, and practice of the arts, and to enhance the cultural development of Lafayette, Moraga, Orinda, and the surrounding communities. The group seeks to foster a better understanding of art within the community and encourage the exchange of ideas for the mutual benefit of all members through its programs, exhibits and other activities within the community. www.laa4art.org
Images: “Pastry Window” by Carla W. Gelbaum & “Brick Beach” by Nancy Roberts
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Diablo Ballet's 30th Season
Join Diablo Ballet for its 30th Season presenting iconic classic ballets such as "The Nutcracker Suite" and "Sleeping Beauty's Wedding" and exciting new works at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Become a season subscriber today! Learn more at https://diabloballet.org/performances.
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Contra Costa Ballet Foundation
Founded in 1974, the Contra Costa Ballet Foundation is a non-profit organization bringing the art of dance to the East Bay. Our mission is to provide affordable, professionally-staged dance performances to our community. We are also devoted to supporting a regional dance company, Contra Costa Ballet Company, and providing deserving young dancers with scholarships to be trained and gain performance experiences which will prepare them for a professional career in dance. Through various Outreach Events, the Foundation seeks to bring the ballet to local schools and the public. Contra Costa Ballet Centre is the official school of the Contra Costa Ballet Account. For enrollment and information please contact The Contra Costa Ballet Center at 925-935-7984, visit the website at contracostaballet.org, or email school@contracostaballet.org.
The Foundation sponsors two productions each season: The Nutcracker and Spring Repertory. Each year, The Nutcracker is attended by an audience of more than 4,500. Spring Repertory features classical productions of Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake for the greater community’s enjoyment as well as contemporary works like Alice in Wonderland. These productions offer performance opportunities for dancers of the Contra Costa Ballet Centre, as well as unique exposure to perform with professional dancers at the Lesher Center for the Arts.
Look for Contra Costa Ballet Foundation’s Nutcracker coming to the Lesher Center in Walnut Creek on November 24th, 25th, and 26th.
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Progress Being Made Towards the Renovation of the Park Theater
The Park Theater Trust (TPTT) gets asked ALL the time, “When are you going to start construction?” Their consistent answer is: When we have received 80 percent of the renovation funds. The support TPTT has garnered thus far is significant as it strives toward that goal. Of the total $12 million campaign to purchase, protect, and renovate the Park into the community cultural resource we all envision, TPTT is over halfway there, at $6.5 million.
TPTT spent the summer months focused on refining design and construction plans; check out the renderings at parktheatertrust.org, as well as continuing its dedicated fundraising for the Park Theater renovation campaign. TPTT received a pledge of $1M from the Hofmann Family Foundation toward the renovation of our beloved Park Theater. TPTT is extremely grateful for the Hofmann family’s generosity and their leadership in supporting this transformational and truly once-in-a-lifetime civic project. For more information on how you can participate in this community-wide initiative, please visit https://parktheatertrust.org/how-to-help/.
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Become a lifetime Friend of the Chamber
A Friend of the Chamber membership provides a way for community members to support the efforts of the Lafayette Chamber of Commerce. We are 76 years strong and our mission continues “To promote and maintain a healthy business climate and to preserve and enhance the quality of life in Lafayette.”
All aspects that make up a community are important to us: schools, residents, churches and synagogues, community organizations, activities, and the city government. Chamber members work with representatives of all these groups for the betterment of our community. A lifetime Friend of the Chamber membership is $150 per family. Learn more here>>
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Quick Links to Lafayette Chamber Resources
Please note: to signup via text you will be asked for your birthdate. This information is not stored, it is only used for verify you are over 21 years of age.
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Sara Regan, Executive Director
251 Lafayette Circle, Ste 150, Lafayette, CA
Office hours by appointment only:
Monday-Thursday 9am-4pm, Friday 9am-1pm
Closed M-Thr 12:30-1pm for lunch.
(925) 284-7404
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