ART  

Valley Art Gallery 52nd “Artful Giving” Holiday Exhibition. From objects found to impressions visualized, artists have been busy creating this show of more than 300 works of art for sale or for rent. The show will run through Dec. 23. 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek. www.valleyartgallery.org

Small Things Holiday Pop-Up Gift Shop at Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery through Dec. 23. Imagine stepping into a local gallery and finding the perfect gift. Then discovering that your purchase supports local artists! It’s all possible at “Small Things” – The Holiday Pop-Up Gift Shop. Discerning shoppers will find an array of unique handcrafted items from original art to jewelry, porcelain, wood sculptures and even mixed media shadow boxes.  jenniferperlmuttergallery.com


The California College of the Arts Fall 2017 BFA Thesis Show will feature Illustrator Jaya Griggs who is a 2013 graduate of Campolindo High School. The show will be held at the McClintock Building,100 Carolina, San Francisco and is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 14 and an Artist’s Reception will be held from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14.    

Moraga Gallery Holiday Boutique. The current show at the Moraga Art Gallery, featuring the K. De Groot’s Asia-accented jewelry, continues through Jan. 6. In addition, member and guest artists are displaying a bounty of one-of-a-kind gifts: jewelry, paintings, scarves, ceramics, photographs, woodware, tree ornaments, greeting cards, and more. The gallery, 522 Center Street in Moraga’s Rheem Shopping Center, is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until Christmas. For more information, go to www.moragaartgallery.com, call (925) 376-5407 or email moragaartgallery@gmail.com.

MUSIC

WomenSing presents “Beginning With A Bang: Strike the Drum and Join the Chorus!” from 8 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 at the Church of Santa Maria, 40 Santa Maria Way, Orinda. WomenSing adds percussion to the holiday season in a joyous concert of traditional and unexpected repertoire, led by Artistic Director Ofer dal Lal. Cost: $28 general admission; $10 student. For more info, visit https://womensing.org/CurrentSeason, call (925) 798-4875 or email info@womensing.org.

Hip Hop For Change is presenting two free concerts this month:  Legionnaire at 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14 at located at 2272 Telegraph in Oakland and 6-9 p.m. Friday Dec. 15 at Spats located at 1974 Shattuck Ave. Berkeley. For more information go to hiphopforchange.org.
Join local band “JetBlacq” for its annual holiday show “Jingles with JetBlacq” featuring husband and wife Rebecca and Frank Faiola singing all of your favorite holiday songs at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15 at the New Rheem Theatre. Cost: $15. Tickets are available online at www. lamorindatheatres.com. Check out JetBlacq at www.reverbnation.com/jetblacq.

THEATER

CAPA presents The Nutcracker - Snow falls onstage and the Christmas tree magically grows in the California Academy of Performing Arts presentation of a full-length, narrated Nutcracker. A beloved Lamorinda tradition for over 20 years, this energy-filled spectacle reflects the studio’s dedication to young dancers with more than 100 local performers and extra characters and surprises. Performances Dec. 15-17 at 5:30 and 8 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 1 and 5 p.m. on Sunday at the Campolindo Performing Arts Center. For tickets, go to www.capashows.eventbrite.com.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Just for Teens: Holiday Crafts at 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Make holiday gift bags, boxes and tags with artist Valerie Adinolfi. All materials provided. For grades 6-12. No registration required.

Jewish Gateways presents Hanukkah Celebration for Families with Young Children from 10:30 a.m. to noon on Sunday, Dec. 17, at the Jewish Community Center East Bay, 1414 Walnut Street, Berkeley. Celebrate this festival of lights with Hanukkah songs, stories, a hands-on project, and treats. Led by Rabbi Bridget and Isaac Zones. Cost: $30 per family, plus $5 per sibling over 5. For more info see https://www.jewishgateways.org/hands-on-holidays, call (510) 410-0622 or email rabbibridget@ jewishgateways.org.

OTHER

Jane Goodall in Walnut Creek - The documentary “Jane” is this month’s selection for Mountain Shadow. It contains never-before-seen footage of Jane Goodall and her chimps and is backed by a beautiful score by Phillip Glass – two geniuses in one film. The film will be shown at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16 at the Walnut Creek Library, 1644 North Broadway St. Cost: $12 general admission. More information about the film as well as Mountain Shadow Film Society, is available at http://mountainshadow.org.

The Bethlehem Experience: The Lafayette United Methodist Church presents an interactive performance that takes you back through time from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Dec. 15-17. One-hour-long tours begin every 15 minutes. Tour Guides will lead groups of about 12 people through the marketplace of Bethlehem on the night of the Messiah’s birth. The Bethlehem Experience is a feast for the senses: the smell of exotic spices, the festive sound of music, the sight of robed and sandaled merchants in their stalls, the taste of freshly baked unleavened bread, live animals in the stable and the soft feel of flaxen “swaddling clothes.” Freewill donation: $5/person or $20/family. For information, call (925) 284-4765.

St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, Orinda, invites all East Bay worshipers to attend their Christmas services and events including a special Festival of Lessons and Carols at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 17 in the church. The service will be followed by a festive reception in the Parish Hall.

Lamorinda Grand Menorah Lighting. Amazing Hanukkah Celebration. Share with Family and friends and come celebrate Hanukkah together at 5:45 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Lafayette Plaza Park. Corner of Mt. Diablo and Moraga Road. For Adults and Children Alike. Free. www.Chabadoflamorinda.com/Menorah

Community Hanukkah Celebration! Dinner Buffet with a Menorah Lighting, Acrobat Show, Games Music, Latkes, Doughnuts, Special Kids Entertainment at 4:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17 at the Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA 94563. www.Chabadoflamorinda.com/Party

Hanukkah Oil Press. Join dozens of children from across Lamorinda for a Live Olive press presentation together with arts and crafts and learning about Hanukkah. Accompanied by traditional Holiday foods: Latke, Sufgoniot, Chocolate Gelt! For adults and children at 4 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13 at 790 Solana Drive, Wednesday. www.Chabadoflamorinda.com/Oil

Daughters of the Goddess, a Bay Area women-only Goddess Temple, will be holding its yearly Winter Solstice Ritual beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 20. East Bay address given upon RSVP. This is our annual Peace ritual to help bring peace, love and joy into the World. At this sacred time of year come and join women and girls as we dance and sing in celebration of the returning of the light. Newcomers discount is $15. Email Leilani@DaughtersoftheGoddess.com or visit www.DaughtersoftheGoddess.com.

SENIORS

Senior Scam Workshop at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 13 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Learn about the scams that target seniors the most. Get tips on how to avoid these tactics, which red flags to be aware of, and what resources to use to lower your chances of becoming a victim. Presented by the Better Business Bureau.