Supporting Our Arts Community

February-March 2023

Presented by the Lafayette Chamber
Lafayette Chamber Announcements
Lafayette Chamber presents “Getting your Business 2023 Ready” Speaker Series
“Staying Compliant in a Digital World – Keeping Your Website Accessible to Avoid ADA Lawsuits”
Tuesday, February 14, noon-1pm, Zoom ONLY

Craig Wacks is the Head of Sales at AudioEye, an industry leading accessibility solution that works with companies of all sizes, helping them become as accessible as possible and compliant with all accessibility-related laws. Open to all. Register here for Zoom link.
“A Conversation on Business Safety” Presented by the Lafayette Police Department’s Investigation Sergeant
Tuesday, February 21, noon-1pm
Pillar Cowork, 3515 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

Join us for a conversation covering important safety topics, including recent break-ins, advice for downtown businesses (both storefronts and offices) to be better prepared and how to prioritize safety for yourself, your staff, and your clients. *In Person Only. No Zoom option available. Open to all. Registration required.
New! Lafayette Women's Group
Supporting local women in business.
Wednesday, February 15, 8:45am-10am
Create & Flow Creative Studio, 3391 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Suite D, Lafayette.
 
A women-led business group. Shared experiences, contributed knowledge and skills, networking and collaboration opportunities. Empowering female entrepreneurs to build successful businesses.
 
Meeting once a month, typically the third Wednesday of the month, the group plans to meet at member locations throughout Lafayette at varying times from breakfast, bunch/lunch to happy hour and evening hours.

This group is for Lafayette Chamber members and their employees. Registration required.
 
Sign up for text notifications at https://eztxt.net/RFs4Sc. Sign up for email notifications at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/yozHC2T/women. Learn more at https://lafayettechamber.org/businesswomen.

📷 The Lafayette Chamber thanks Carine Camara founder of CARRINNA for coordinating!
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 75 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>>
TODAY'S EMAIL BLAST IS SPONSORED BY
Our 1200 square foot space is versatile, intimate, and perfect for workshops/classes, showers, micro wedding receptions, performance shows, corporate events and meetings, dinner parties, pop-up shops, product launches, photography/videography space and more. Reach out today to set up a site visit.
Did you miss our February nonprofit email blast? Read it here!
Have an event to share with our community? Add it to our Community Calendar!
Upcoming Events & Special Announcements from our Arts Community
Celebrate Our Schools

TODAY! Friday, February 10, 2023, 4:30-7:30pm
Lafayette Park Plaza (corner of Mt. Diablo & Moraga Rd)

Join LPIE for a festive family night in celebration of all we have done together to enrich our schools over the last 40 years and the potential of what is to come!

  • Games, Art, and Activities
  • Perry the Magician
  • Lafayette Student Performances
  • Live Music by David Martin’s House Party
  • Food Trucks and Restaurants
  • A Special LPIE Announcement

Entry is complimentary; food and drinks available for purchase. RSVP HERE. Guests who register will automatically be entered into a drawing to receive a Valentine’s dinner for two! Must be present on February 10th to win.
International Film Showcase

International Film Showcase's February selection is South Korea’s Oscar submission for this year. The film was a finalist for the Golden Globe and on the short list for the Oscar. The film will premiere at the Orinda theater on 2/10/23 for at least one week and at the Jarvis Conservatory, Napa on 2/11/23.
 
Synopsis: A detective investigating a man's death in the mountains ends up meeting and developing feelings for the dead man's mysterious wife in the course of his dogged sleuthing. Decision to Leave is a 2022 South Korean romantic mystery film produced, co-written and directed by Park Chan-wook. Trailer: https://youtu.be/9aMHyTqvIvU. Learn more at http://internationalshowcase.org.
Diablo Ballet

The magic and artistry of the legendary ballet Swan Lake comes to Diablo Ballet audiences this February, featuring highlights from Act 1, White Swan and Black Swan Pas de Deux, variations, and coda featuring the entire company, accompanied by the legendary score by Tchaikovsky. Also included in the program is the thrilling Tarantella by George Balanchine and set to the Grande Tarantelle by Louis Moreau Gottschalk; a command performance of the glorious Sur Le Fil by Penny Saunders; and a new work, Existing in Parallel by company dancer and choreographer, Michael Wells and Derion Loman who was featured on “World of Dance”. Swan Lake Suite performs February 10 - 11 at the Lesher Center for the Arts. For tickets and information, visit diabloballet.org
LAMORINDA ARTS COUNCIL & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
February 2023 Activities
“Ramses the Great and the Gold of the Pharaohs” at the de Young to February 12
The de Young Museum presents 181 priceless ancient Egyptian treasures in their exhibit at the Herbst Exhibition Galleries in San Francisco. The Houston Chronicle says, “Feels like stepping into a Hollywood movie set. The lighting, music, desert-like quietude, the rows of replica columns – we’re off to ancient Egypt.” Renowned George and Judy Marcus Distinguished Curator Renée Dreyfus in charge of ancient art at the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and others curated this world-class exhibition. It runs through February 12 and includes a virtual reality experience. See www.famsf.org/exhibitions/ramses-great-and-gold-pharaohs for details.
Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: 16th Annual Arts Ambassadors K-8 Student Art Exhibit
The Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC) invites the public to stop by to view the wildly creative artwork on display during February as part of the 16th Annual K-8 Arts Ambassadors (AA) exhibit in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way. View Moraga student art Feb. 4 to 16 and Orinda student art Feb 16 to Mar 3. Meet the students, their parents and supporters at a reception on Thurs. March 2 from 4:30 – 6 pm; musical performance in the Library Auditorium 5 – 6 pm.

This exhibit is not juried, so there is no competition and everyone has the opportunity to show their work. This program brings the creative juices of our young people to the public’s attention, who then get to see and enjoy the direct impact of the arts in schools. Executive Director of ONE, Emily Allen said, “Without the support of our school families, local businesses and community members, the arts programming in our schools would look vastly different. Both of my daughters were involved with the Arts Ambassador Program and still to this day, my daughter will come home and create art to relax, shake off a bad day or to celebrate a win.”

“Art Educator co-chairs Jill Hudson for Moraga schools and Janet Robinson for Orinda schools deserve a big thank you from all of us,” said LAC Ex. Dir. Aniston Breslin. They are doing the hard work of organizing delivery and return of student artwork to and from the gallery. Hudson and Robinson also curate the entire show, which fills the gallery. AA 2023 is a colorful way to provide the public with an overview of the visual arts programs in Moraga and Orinda K-8 schools. The smiles on student faces are heartwarming as they recognize their artwork in the gallery and receive their AA ribbons.

This exhibit runs Feb. 4 through Mar. 3 during normal Library hours in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library at 26 Orinda Way. Hours are Mon. – Thur., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sun. Close date is Mon. Feb. 20. Call 925.254.2184 for more information about the Library.
Art Gallery at Wilder: Illustrations from Elaine Drew’s Graphic Novel “A Knight’s Bad Day”
The Lamorinda Arts Council presents a virtual gallery of original gouache paintings by featured artist and author Elaine Drew in the Art Gallery at Wilder from Feb. 7 through Mar. 3.

Elaine Drew's love affair with the Middle Ages began when she worked at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. She enjoyed wandering the galleries looking at the luminescent color and gold of Medieval painting. "After I married I lived in England for four years, surrounded by history. Our small village was within walking distance of Winchester, the royal seat of the early English kingdom of Wessex. Learn more at https://www.elainedrew.com/.

Meet a bevy of colorful characters in Drew’s historical fiction graphic novel, “A Knight’s Bad Day.” Knight Egbert, the main character, wishes to join the court of King Beorhtric. First, he must prove himself. You’ll meet a Seer who advises him not to proceed, warriors he must best, a beautiful lady and her ladies-in-waiting, visit a haunted forest and enter an enchanted castle. Her humorous graphic novel is set in Wessex, England, in the year 800, Drew’s favorite time period. Drew anticipates publishing “A Knight’s Bad Day” later this year via Amazon. To view these images visit http://www.lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries.
20th High School Visual Arts Competition Submission Deadline: February 17
The Lamorinda Arts Council reminds high school students in the Acalanes High School District to enter submissions by February 17 at midnight. The VAC exhibit runs from March 6 through 31 in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library. Art in four categories – 2D, 3D, photography and the Lamorinda Arts Alliance sponsored Digital Art category – is accepted into this juried show. The Artists and Awards reception and ceremony is March 16 from 7 – 8:30 p.m. For more information visit https://lamorindaarts.org/vac/, email [email protected] or call 925.359.9940.
Mocktails & Cocktails, Sunday, Feb. 26 – 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Join those who love art, literature, music and everything in between at The Coop, 32 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, from 3-5 p.m. Time for some conversation about your creative journey with friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council. Look for our knockoff Picassoesque poster of Dora Maar (Picasso’s muse & model) – that’s us! No host bar. Just show up. Questions? Email [email protected].
New Spring Exhibitions Open at Saint Mary's College Museum of Art 
 
On Wednesday, February 15, new exhibitions open at Saint Mary's College Museum of Art (SMCMoA). 
 
Jacob Lawrence: Three Series of Prints, a traveling exhibition, brings forward 31 graphic prints created by renowned American artist Jacob Lawrence (1917-2000). Grappling with historical struggles and cultural injustices, the exhibition highlights selected prints from the Hiroshima Series, the Genesis Series, and the Toussaint L’Ouverture Series created in the 1980s and 1990s. On view through May 14, 2023, and from the collections of Dr. & Mrs. Leon Banks and Alitash Kebede. The exhibition and museum tour were organized by Landau Traveling Exhibitions of Los Angeles, CA.

From the Ground Up
Louis Siegriest (1899-1989) captured the vast changes in built and unbuilt land in the West through his 20th-century paintings. This exhibition brings forward an oeuvre of work that contextualizes the artist's influences and exploration of land, memory, and materials –unearthed from the ground up. This exhibition is on view through June 18, 2023. 
 
The museum is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission to exhibitions and programs are free. A public reception will be held on Thursday, February 16, from 4 to 8 p.m. More information can be found at www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum.   

Image credit: Jacob Lawrence, The Opener from Toussaint L’Ouverture Series, 1997 silkscreen print on Rising Two Ply Rag paper, 28 ½ x 33 ½ inches. Courtesy of the Collections of Dr. & Mrs. Leon Banks & Alitash Kebede.
Nine Viewpoints
“Nine Artists/Nine Viewpoints” at the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery!
 
Come see the work of a diverse group of nine women artists who have shared their artistic explorations, struggles, and successes for the past 23 years with the exhibit, “Nine Artists/Nine Viewpoints,” now open at the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery! 
 
Their discussions, critiques, and support has enabled them to learn from each other and appreciate the varied styles and mediums in which they work. Their mediums include acrylic, oil and silk painting, printmaking, mixed media and clay work.
 
Participating artists are Susan EricksonJudy Feins, Carla W. Gelbaum, Danguole Rita Kuolas, Jill Landau, Margaret Lucas-Hill, Judy Miller, Pat Prosek and Linda Yoshizawa. 
 
The exhibit “Nine Artists/Nine Viewpoints” is a snapshot of where they are now, as mature, but still growing, artists. 
 
The Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery is located in the San Ramon Community Center at 12501 Alcosta Blvd, San Ramon. It is open Monday to Friday from 8:30am to 5pm. Please contact the Center at 925-973-3200 for weekend hours.  The exhibit will be available for viewing throughout the month of February.
 
We want to thank the City of San Ramon for giving us this opportunity to display our artwork at the Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery.
Yana Verba’s Paintings to be Featured in “Movement,” an Exhibit at Lafayette’s Town Hall Theatre Gallery

The City of Lafayette Public Art Committee is very excited to kick off the year with the opening of “Movement,” an exhibit of paintings inspired by the Avant Garde movement in Kyiv by local Ukrainian-Canadian artist Yana Verba, at the Town Hall Theatre Gallery in Lafayette. The exhibition runs through March 6.
 
Click Here to read more about artist Yana Verba.
 
A complementary exhibit in the Public Art Display Case at the library offers a window into the diversity of Ukrainian culture. The materials feature books about Ukrainian artists and Soviet porcelain figures.
LAFAYETE ARTISTS HEADLINED IN "LIGHT AND FIRE."  

The creativity of two acclaimed Lafayette artists -- Donna Arganbright, a ceramicist, and Lucy Beck, an award-winning photographer, is featured at the Moraga Art Gallery's current show, "Light and Fire."

Also presented at the gallery, located at 432 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center, is the work of two dozen talented members and guests of every stripe: painters, jewelry designers, woodworkers, sculptors, glass artists, and more. "Light and Fire" runs until March 26th and is open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5:00 pm. For more information, visit http://www.moragaartgallery.com or call 925-376-5407.
Take a ride with Center Repertory’s production, Red Bike | Now through 02/25
Red Bike examines a crumbling American dream and the economic-social-cultural divide through the eyes of an 11-year-old growing up in small-town America. “[Director Jeffrey] Lo and the actors exemplify what it means to be in sync, and the ball in Red Bike never drops.” – Lily Janiak, Theatre Critic for San Francisco Chronicle
 
03/10 – 03/11 | College Notes A Cappella
College Notes is back for its fifth year of a cappella performances! The evening will feature a cappella groups from top universities from across the country and is sure to be the perfect harmony of bright minds and bright voices!
 
03/16 – 03/17 | Dance Theatre of Harlem
Back by popular demand, this unparalleled company performs a forward-thinking repertoire that includes treasured classics, works by resident choreographer Robert Garland, and innovative contemporary works that use the language of ballet to celebrate Black culture.
 
Bedford Gallery | Now – 04/02 | Erin Fong | The Sensation of Color
Through dedicated research and experimentation, Bay Area artist and letterpress printer Erin Fong has transformed Bedford Gallery into a vibrant lab full of prints, paintings, and installations that explore how color affects emotional responses and informs our daily lives in subtle, often unconscious ways.

Learn more about Diablo Regional Arts Association here. Purchase your tickets at www.lesherartscenter.org.

Children’s Programs – we have workshop Wednesdays every Wednesday from 10-10:45am and Story Times every Thursday from 10-10:30am.

Sculpture in the Garden – we are currently looking for local artists to feature in our 29th annual Sculpture in the Garden exhibit and sale.

📷 Valentine’s Bouquets are for sale on site on February 11, 12 and 14.

We are hosting a Community Day at the Garden on February 19 from 10AM – 2PM with local vendors.

Sound Bath on February 22 from 5-6PM.
Our Annual Gala is coming up on May 6 at 5:00pm in Ruth’s Garden! We’re also always looking for sponsors for this fundraising event! Inquires can go to [email protected].
FEBRUARY COMING ATTRACTION from Mountain Shadow Film Society

Bringing the best in international and independent filmmaking to Walnut Creek!

Friday, Feb. 17th - 4:30 PM
Friday, Feb. 17th - 7:30 PM
Saturday, Feb. 18th - 4:30 PM
Saturday, Feb. 18th - 7:30 PM
Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway, Walnut Creek
GENERAL ADMISSION: $13.00
Nominations for the 95th Academy Awards are announced on Jan. 24th this year. The Oscars will be televised on Sunday, March 12th. Before then, we present a “variety show,” consisting of a combination of short film nominees in all three genres: animated, live-action and documentary. We’ll invite our audience members to cast their votes, and then wait to see if the Academy agrees! TRAILER

MONTHLY FILMS ARE FREE FOR MEMBERS. IF YOU ARE NOT YET A MEMBER, CHECK OUT MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION HERE
* NOTE: All health and safety protocols will include all attendees provide ID and proof of full vaccination, and booster. At this time, masks will also be required; subject to change in the future. We will also have four portable air purifiers in the room to enhance ventilation.
Pillar Cowork and ThreeSpaces: From Digital to Physical: NFT Art Brought to Life
Friday, February 24, 6:30pm–8:30pm
Pillar Cowork and Childcare 3515 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette

ThreeSpaces is turning the world into a gallery, one wall at a time! Please join us at Pillar Cowork, one of our partnered spaces, who will have NFT art on display on an on-going basis.

Please come mix, mingle, and meet with our local Web3 community and see the newly installed NFT art on display at Pillar Cowork. Hosted by Pillar Cowork, ThreeSpaces, and Jon Ruiz Consulting. Featured artists for this event include Wildflower Martinez and local Oakland-based artists Robin Gibson and Robert G, and more! All of the art on display will be available for purchase, so please come support our artists! Appetizers and wine will be provided.

Artist Reception for Alexandra Saunders at Hollie's Homegrown
Saturday, February 25, 2pm-5pm
Hollie's Homegrown, 998 Moraga Rd., Lafayette, CA 94549

Join Hollie's Homegrown in celebrating the extraordinary work of local Danville artist Alexandra Saunders. Marvel at her incredibly detailed paintings close and hear her inspired stories of each animal and how she creates art to further animal conservation efforts globally. Light refreshments served. Reservations not required. hollieshomegrown.com
Diablo Symphony Orchestra

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra joins forces with Orinda native Juliana Athayde, concertmaster of the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra, on February 26 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts in a program featuring Mendelssohn’s lyrical, virtuosic and uplifting Violin Concerto. Athayde—daughter of Bob Athayde, recently retired music director at Lafayette's Stanley Middle School—made her solo debut with the San Francisco Symphony at age 16 and. at age 24, became the youngest person to be appointed concertmaster of the Rochester Philharmonic. She is an associate professor of violin at the Eastman School of Music and, in addition to holding residencies at San Diego's Mainly Mozart Festival and Idaho's Sun Valley Music Festival, appears as soloist and chamber musician throughout the country. The program also features Florence Price’s Dances in the Canebrakes, and Tchaikovsky’s ultimately celebratory Symphony No. 4. Inspired by Black plantation songs and ballroom dances of the 1920's and 30's, Price's suite pays tribute to the dancing that brought relief to slaves after long days spent clearing thickets of cane from plantation lands. Composed for piano and revised for orchestra by fellow Black composer William Grant Still after Price's death in 1953, the suite's three movements —a rag in the style of Scott Joplin, a dreamy “nostalgic” dance, and a spirited “cakewalk”—take listeners away to an invigorating dance floor. Finally, Tchaikovsky’s Fourth Symphony, known for powerful melodic and rhythmic themes that, in turn, represent fate, suffering, melancholy, happiness, and even whimsy (illustrated by pizzicato strings throughout the third movement) brings the concert to a rousing close. The program will be conducted by music director and conductor Matilda Hofman as well as “conduct-the-orchestra” auction winners Kathryn Crandell and Bill Rudiak. Advance tickets are available through the DSO’s website (www.diablosymphony.org), at the Lesher Center for the Arts box office (1601 Civic Dr., WC) or by phone to 925-943-SHOW (7469). Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for youth 13–17. Children 12 and under are free and a discount of $30 is available for groups of 10 or more seniors ages 62 and up.
LAMORINDA ARTS COUNCIL & COMMUNITY PARTNERS
March 2023 Activities: 
Town Hall Theatre: “The Shape of Things to Come” March 4 - 25
A young student drifts into an ever-changing relationship with an art major while his best friends' engagement crumbles, unleashing a drama that peels back the skin of two modern-day relationships. Previews: March 2nd & 3rd @ 8pm, Opening Night: March 4th @ 8pm. See website for details.
Art Gallery at the Orinda Library 20th High School Visual Arts Competition
The Lamorinda Arts Council is thrilled to kick off the 20th High School Visual Arts Competition March 6 through 31 in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library. The competition showcases and acknowledges art in four categories: 2D, 3D, Photography, and the Lamorinda Arts Alliance Digital Art category.

All work is by high school students who live in or attend school in Orinda, Lafayette, or Moraga, including all schools in the Acalanes Union High School District. The competition features cash awards, merit citations, an in-person art exhibit in the gallery as well as an online public exhibit of entries on the Lamorinda Arts Council website. Artwork must be created while students attend high school (grades 9 - 12). During the registration process, students are asked to list their teacher’s name for artwork that was created in class during school. The Council acknowledges the contribution of art educators on behalf of our students and community. Artwork that was created outside of school may be submitted as long as the work was done while attending high school.

Board member and Event Chair Olga Larner said, “Professional judges with experience in practicing, teaching, or representing the above categories judge the competition. The criteria used for judging include: creativity and originality; content and degree of expertise in the chosen medium.” All entries from the 2023 High School Visual Arts Competition remain on display in the Lamorinda Arts Council’s online gallery at https://lamorindaarts.org/vac-galleries/ April 1, 2023 through February 2024. Access the Winners Archive list at https://lamorindaarts.org/past-winners-archive-vac/.

Library hours in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library at 26 Orinda Way are Mon. – Thur., 10 a.m. – 8 p.m., Fri. – Sat., 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., closed Sun. Close date is Wed. March 29. Visit http://www.ccclib.org/ or call 925.254.2184 for more information about the Library. Email the curator with questions about the exhibit at [email protected] or call 925.359.9940.
Art Gallery at Wilder: Hilary Mills Lambert’s “Carnival of Animals”
Lamorinda Arts Council presents a virtual gallery of original oil paintings by featured artist Hilary Mills Lambert in the Art Gallery at Wilder, Saturday March 4 through Saturday April 1. It's no secret that animal characters have been featured in books, films and storytelling through the ages. Saint Saens' “Carnival of Animals” comes to mind when viewing Lambert's paintings. It is one of the most joyous pieces of music written for young musicians. Lambert's life-long love of animals is evident in all her work; it pulls you in. Her titled oil paintings on display are available for purchase include: "Happy Cow" 16" x 14," "Three Pig Painting" 30" x 40" and "Border Dog," 9" x 12". To view her work go to https://lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries.

Lambert, of Alamo, has focused on drawing and painting animals since 2020. "Inspired by the critters in my life and my previous job at Sesame Street, the creatures, sometimes realistic and sometimes whimsical, translate into those universal human traits. Currently, I’m on the Board of Ivory Orphans, subsidized by the African Wildlife Trust," said Lambert. Learn more at http://www.millsgallery.com.

This virtual exhibit runs March 3 through April 1. For more information about the Lamorinda Arts Council visit https://lamorindaarts.org/ or call the Lamorinda Arts Council at 925-359-9940.
Art Embraces Words: Live Program March 18, 2 – 3:30 pm: David Seaborg, Featured Poet
Artists paint with colors, writers paint with words. Together they enrich our community.
Missing your creative tribe? The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to return to free live Art Embraces Words programs at the Lafayette Library & Learning Center Arts & Science Room. Our featured presenter, David Seaborg, grew up in Lafayette and is both a scientist and a poet. Patrons are seated in the middle of the room surrounded by artwork from local artists. In this way art literally “embraces” the words spoken by emerging writers who read excerpts from their work. Program dates in 2023 are all on Saturdays: March 18, June 17, August 12 and October 28 (Costume Program). We invite lovers of the spoken word and visual art to register online to participate. Media table provided for writers and artists and information of interest to the literary and artistic community. Book sales are encouraged. Programs run from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Reception follows outdoors in the Library Courtyard. Visit https://lamorindaarts.org/art-embraces-words/ to apply as a writer or artist to be part of the program, for more information or call 925.359.9940.
Mocktails
Mocktails & Cocktails, Sunday, Mar. 26 – 3:00 – 5:00 pm
Join those who love art, literature, music and everything in between at The Coop, 32 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, from 3-5 p.m. Time for some conversation about your creative journey in 2023 with friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council. Look for our framed Piccassoesque poster of a crazy art lady – that’s us! No host bar. Just show up. Questions? Email [email protected].  
Art Embraces Poetry Saturday April 15 1:30 – 3:30 Featured Poet Ophelia Leong
Lamorinda Arts Council presents its newest “Art Embraces ….” program, Art Embraces Poetry in Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette. The program runs 1:30 – 3:30 pm with a no host bar available. Ophelia Leong is the Featured poet for this inaugural event. She is a recent Saint Mary’s College graduate whose poetry appeared in the SMC’s literary magazine, “River Run.” Ms. Leon will read a selection of her work to kick off this new venue. LAC Board President Sue Farmer, an accomplished musician and singer, will play selected works on the piano to demonstrate how lyrics are simply poetry set to music. Other poets will be scheduled as well. To apply to be part of this program contact the curators at [email protected] or call 925-359-9940.
Gold Coast Chamber Players Cello Extravaganza

A rare opportunity to hear not one but five cellos perform an eclectic program of music from Debussy to Chick Corea! Cello Extravaganza on March 11, 2023 at the Don Tatzin Community Hall in the Lafayette Library, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd in Lafayette features the Sakura Cello Quintet. This is the first of the final two Gold Coast Chamber Players concerts and we invite the community to come hear why GCCP was awarded Best Concert Series of the East Bay for two consecutive years! Single tickets are $15-45 and are available online at www.gccpmusic.com or by calling (925) 283-3728. 
TOWN HALL THEATRE ANNOUNCES YOUNG PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL OF 2023

Town Hall Education is excited to announce that our annual Young Playwrights Festival is back and in person! The Young Playwrights Festival (YPF) is a part of Town Hall Education's Young Playwrights Program, which connects Bay Area theatre professionals with local high school students to create, write, and develop new theatre pieces. From the many talented writers, four finalists have been chosen whose plays will be performed by professional actors at the Young Playwrights Festival this March 12th at 7pm, at Town Hall Theatre
 
Our 2023 Young Playwrights Festival finalists are: 
It's Not a Heist written by Ella Bradley and Colin Perusse 
May Lilies Do Die written by Amelia Soong 
Not For Myself written by Hannah Johnson 
The Three Surgeons written by Ivan Smith 
 
Tickets are open to the public and Pay-What-You-Can. The community is encouraged to cheer on these young playwrights. www.TownHallTheatre.com
Sustainable Lafayette 2023 Film Series: Game Changers
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 6:30 PM thru 09:00 PM
Lafayette Room of the Soda Center (Saint Mary's College, De La Salle Drive, Moraga)

Sustainable Lafayette, in partnership with Saint Mary's College, is proud to present a community screening of The Game Changers: a shocking new documentary that will change the way you look at meat. Panel discussion to follow. Free to the community. sustainablelafayette.org
On behalf of Lafayette Chamber member, Wandah Parenti, Best Life Ever Placement Agency
Diablo Ballet’s 29th Anniversary

Celebrate Diablo Ballet’s 29th Anniversary with a one-night only performance on March 31 at 6:30 pm at the Lesher Center for the Arts, featuring Diablo Ballet’s premiere of the festive Confetti by Gerald Arpino, the former Artistic Associate of the Joffrey Ballet, in honor of his 100th Anniversary celebration; the classical ballet Paquita featuring the whole company; and Elevator Operator, by company dancer Amanda Farris, Diablo Ballet’s first Dance Laboratory choreographer winner. 
 
The celebration continues immediately following the performance with a dinner and a champagne toast with the dancers at The Garden (formerly Scott’s Garden). For tickets or additional information, click here: https://diabloballet.org/29th-anniversary-performance
Summer Conservatory Camp at Cal Shakes
 
Our Shakespeare Conservatory will return in 2023 with both a 3-week and 2-week training option! Classes will take place safely outside at the Bruns Memorial Amphitheater this summer for grades 6-12. 
 
Students will develop and improve their performative skills by studying with Bay Area experts in such areas as ActingVoiceMovementText Analysis and more, all while rehearsing one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays for a performance on the Bruns stage!
 
3-week session | June 12th-30th*
Monday-Friday
9 am-3 pm
$1,875 tuition | financial aid available
 
2-week session | July 17th-28th
Monday-Friday
9 am-3 pm
$1,250 tuition | financial aid available
 
*No camp on June 19th in observance of Juneteenth. Final performances will take place on the last day of each session. Limited financial aid is available. Please fill out this form if you’re interested.
 
Non-refundable deposit of $100 due upon registration. Conservatory sessions will be held in person, outdoors, following social distance and masking guidelines as outlined by the Contra Costa County Health Department and the CDC.
 
STRUCTURE
Participants spend the morning playing and creating in a wide variety of theater disciplines, taught by working theater professionals. They then spend their afternoons in rehearsals, cultivating, crafting, and putting their newly-acquired skills to the test in fully-staged Shakespeare performances. The experience culminates in Shakespeare performances for family and friends at the end of the program on the famous Bruns stage.
 
CLASSES
  • Acting
  • Stage Combat
  • Movement
  • Voice
  • Shakespeare History/Text
 
EXPERIENCE
Conservatory participants receive complimentary tickets to at least one Cal Shakes production as well as discounts to other productions. Register HERE
Lafayette Chamber Local Artists
Wood Whisperer

I am a 65 year on and off again resident of Lafayette and graduate of Acalanes and Cal Berkeley. I spent 12 years operating a produce store and juice bar in Lafayette and Walnut Creek. After an opportunity for reflection I decided to pursue working with wood as that has been my passion since I was 10 and built 20 or so skateboards. My brother and I began doing wood display cases for Sennelier art products but eventually settled on doing hardwood floors. This financed eventually a complete woodshop and over time a large collection of rare and highly figured wood with the eventual goal of working on furniture featuring this wood. Finally I retired this year and I am building beautiful furniture as art. - Steve Johnson, Wood Whisperer. Learn more here!
Whitchurch Glass Designs

Escapare, a sea turtle escapade, $475 

Two sea turtles frolic about in this underwater scene made from fused glass. This 20" x 20" x 1/4" panel can be securely mounted to the wall with four stainless steel standoffs (provided). This piece is available online at www.WhitchurchGlassDesigns.com. Free shipping available for Lamorinda residents. 

Over the next couple of months, Cynthia's preparing two glass panels for the Ekphrasis Exhibit at the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library in May 2023, finalizing her 2023 events calendar, and completing custom orders. Learn how she makes her designs and keep up to date on studio projects by following her on Instagram @WhitchurchGlassDesigns. 
 
Lafayette artist and resident, Cynthia Whitchurch creates her art by melting and bending colored glass into custom molds producing beautiful pieces including bowls, plates, dishes, coasters, night lights and more. She welcomes the opportunity to partner with local retailers to showcase her work. Contact Cynthia at [email protected].
Onodaart
 
If you like California land you will like my work! I paint the joy I see in our landscapes. Most of my work is done on location within 60 miles of Lamorinda. I paint Napa, the Bay, small farms, orchards, and trees that I fall in love with. Teresa Onoda, www.onodaart.com.
Metz Gallery

I’m a mixed media collage graffiti-style pop/street artist, born and raised in the gritty, industrial city of Bradford, Yorkshire, in the North of England; living there for most of my childhood until moving to London in my late teens. The effects of growing up in these urban environments have obviously left an indelible mark on me. I’m very passionate about photography, music and entertainment, vintage movies and icons within pop culture and politics. My approach to art is to capture, memorialize and transform fleeting fragments of the world around us. I’ve taken these somewhat disparate elements and selectively layered pieces together, blending them into transform into a patchwork. I add colored acrylics and spray paint that adds depth and a multi-dimensional aspect to my work.

As part of my process, I try to first create and then develop common linkages and themes. I develop these unique fragments into a multi-layered, mixed media collage that that connects to create a common thread and overall narrative. Ultimately, I like my art to be dramatic, vibrant, colorful and provocative, evoking a sense of energy and passion.

I currently reside in Moraga CA. My website is www.metzgallery.com and Instagram @jaweedmetz and email [email protected].
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.
 
Cribbage and cutting boards have been recently re-photographed to show the exquisite detail. View etsy shop at https://www.etsy.com/shop/enumerocribbageboard.
Take Self Love, Harmony, Courage wherever you go with you or buy them as a gift for a beloved one.

Dinart is all about finding joy in creativity and all the good energy that we need to carry with us everyday and everywhere we go. To fulfill this goal I came up with the idea to transform my watercolor painting to different types of custom wearable arts. My hand-crafted art pieces can be seen at www.etsy.com/shop/dinartgift and din-art.com. Currently, my handmade painting jewelry is available online and is also sold exclusively at a local high-end boutique in Oakland, CA. Every collection has a name which is inspired by my personal journey such as Self Love, Harmony, Courage, Wisdom, Hope, ....

To learn more about me and my art, please refer to the above links. I was recently highlighted in the Lamorinda Weekly & Rossmoor News.  
Art Room by Chari

Chari began painting when the COVID-19 struck the world as a form of therapy. Most of her subject matter is abstract. She likes to experiment with techniques and form art in colors. She adds her personality and opens her work to your interpretation, encouraging conversation.

For more information about Art Room by Chari please visit art_room_by_chari on Instagram or call 510.381.4634.
Amber DeSilva Art

I am an artist living in Orinda. I work in multiple mediums, and my work is made to inspire, comfort and connect. Learn more on TikTok.

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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.
Closed Monday, January 16 for the holiday.

(925) 284-7404