ART

“Darker Shades of Red” provides a rare opportunity to revisit the Cold War Era through the exploration of the Soviet Union’s official imagery Feb. 7 – May 20 at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art. The collection of 55 posters reveals the economic, social and political ideology of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. There will be an opening reception from 4 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 8. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum (See story page B7)

Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery presents “Bio-Genesis” - Jill Taffet and Judith White Marcellini from March 8 to April 7. New work by Taffet and White Marcellini explores the intersection of art and science. Their curiosity extends to the moment of creation and consciousness, and results in work that asks questions, and entertains. Immerse yourself in the projections and moving imagery of Taffet’s hand-drawn cel animation. View with wonder the detailed paper sculptures of White Marcellini’s creatures inspired by the Cambrian Explosion. There will be an opening reception from 6 to 8 p.m. on March 8, with an artist talk at 5 p.m.

“Garden Abstraction” continues at the Moraga Art Gallery through March 17. Its title derives from the panorama of fleeting colors, shapes, shadows and light found in the course of a day in artist Lisa Gunn’s Orinda garden. Along with paintings, photographs, ceramics, and jewelry by the gallery’s other artists, the exhibit features a collection of functional and sculptural stainless steel baskets created by Alejandro Santamarina of Petaluma, as well as a unique collection of photographs by the late Wayne F. Miller chronicling post-war Lamorinda through the eyes of then school-age baby boomers. www.moragaartgallery.com

An unveiling of “Frida Kahlo’s Courageous Transformational Life,” a vibrant portrait of Mexico’s most famous 20th century woman artist by present-day artist Trina Swerdlow, will be held at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery in Lafayette at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 where the artist will give a talk about the portrait and the inspiration behind her painting. To attend this free event, RSVP by email: jp@jenniferperlmutter.com with your name and “Yes Frida” in the email subject line. For more information go to https://tinyurl.com/Frida-Kahlo-Painting.

MUSIC

Live at the Orinda Theatre Concert Series at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1 with Amanda King (A Salute to Ella Fitzgerald: The Early Years). The stunning venue will be a place where audiences will experience exceptional performers at close range in an exceedingly elegant setting. Tickets start at $50 and are available at the Orinda Theatre box-office and online at www.lamorindatheatres.com.

Campolindo High School’s Concert and Symphonic Bands will present their Winter Band Concert at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 22 in the Campolindo Performing Arts Center in Moraga. They will be joined by trumpeter Mike Vax, of Stan Kenton fame. A $10 donation is requested and appreciated! Students and children are free. For more information visit www.campomusic.org.

West Coast Performing Arts Presenters presents “Come Together: The Beatles Concert Experience” from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 at Lesher Center for the Arts, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. “Come Together” recreates the look, sound and history of the Beatles, taking you back into time to witness their phenomenal rise to pop stardom. Cost: $40-$45. For more info see http://www.concertacts.com or call (310) 941-0948.

Gold Coast Chamber Players concert, “Czech Mate” at 7:30 p.m. (pre-concert talk at 7 p.m.) on March 10 in the Lafayette Library Community Hall. Musicians: Boston Trio; Irina Muresanu, violin; Jonah Ellsworth, cello; Heng-Jin Park, piano; Pamela Freund-Striplen, viola. Tickets: $45 general; $40 senior; $15 student. Purchase online at www.gcplayers.org or by phone at (925) 283-3728.

THEATER

East Bay Children’s Theatre (EBCT) is raising the curtain on the musical adventure “It Must Be Pinocchio!”  The beloved tale of the little wooden puppet is brought to magical life in EBCT’s production of Ron Lytle’s exuberant musical. Audiences will be dazzled by the high-energy singing and dancing, cutup comedy, and imaginative special effects that they’ve come to expect from EBCT productions. Showtimes are 1 and 3 p.m. on March 11 in the Orinda Library Auditorium. Tickets are $12-$17, and may be purchased online at: www.EBCTonline.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

Looted Art of World War II at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 28 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Learn about the process of art confiscation under the Nazi regime before and during World War II. Explore examples of recovered art and the role of provenance researchers in restitution cases. Presented by Dr. Shir Gal Kochavi, assistant curator of the Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life at the University of California, Berkeley. A Lamorinda Teens Read event.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

The 2018 Friends of the Lafayette Library Bookmark Contest will be beginning Feb. 16. The contest is open to all Lafayette students, grade K-8. Entry forms will be available at school libraries in the Lafayette School District and St. Perpetua School, the Lafayette Library and Learning Center and the Friends Corner Book Shop. The entry deadline is Friday, March 9. Winners will receive a gift certificate for a local book shop, the Friends Corner Book Shop and complimentary framing of their winning bookmark at Fastframe of Lafayette. The award ceremony is planned for April 24. For more information please contact Kay Pekrul: kae865@hotmail.com.

The City of Orinda will host its annual Summer Camp Fair from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24. at the Orinda Community Center located at 28 Orinda Way in Orinda. Find out about summer programs offered through the City of Orinda, meet summer day camp staff plus a variety of specialty camp instructors.

Contra Costa Camp and School Fair – the sixth annual free event with booths for camps, schools, preschool, S.T.E.M. and S.T.E.A.M. programs, sports, cooking, enrichment, performing arts, scouts and YMCA. Free coding workshop plus bow and arrow, abacus and tennis exhibitions – will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 25 at Acalanes High School, 1200 Pleasant Hill Rd., Lafayette. Free admission and parking. www.ContraCostaCampFair.com

Seak the Treasure at Orinda Library through the month of February. Solve the clues inspired by the Lamorinda Teens Read book selection, “Salt to the Sea,” by Ruta Sepytys, to find the treasure. A Lamorinda Teens Read event.

Critter Compassion: Shelter Workshop with Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) from 4 to 5:45 p.m. Friday, March 9 at 2890 Mitchell Dr., Walnut Creek. The Critter Compassion series teaches our littles about kindness to animals. At the end of the workshop, you will receive some heartfulness resources and tips to take home. Cost: $15 Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/critter-compassion-shelter-workshop-with-animal-rescue-foundation-tickets-42542235973.

OTHER

Free Legal Workshops available through the Contra Costa Bar Association. Immigration Law workshop from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26, at the Pleasant Hill Library, 1750 Oak Park Blvd., Pleasant Hill. Signups begin at 5:30 p.m. on a first come, first served basis. For more info and other additional clinics and dates go to /www.cccba.org/flyer/Legal_Workshops.pdf.

Contra Costa Tale Spinners at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 22 in the Orinda Library Garden Room – includes a story swap with featured teller, Lois Kincy. Her story, an adaptation of “Little Match Girl” is dedicated to the grandmothers who have stepped up to raise their grandchildren. Share, listen, expand your universe.

Volunteers are needed to prune Fire Blight from the Moraga 104-year-old pear orchard from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 from at 1000 Camino Pablo (cross street Canyon). Instructions, gloves/tools provided. Wear sturdy shoes/bring water; bring loppers, gloves, hand/pole pruners, and orchard ladders if you have them. For info, contact Bobbie Preston at (925) 376-8474 or barbarampreston@comcast.net.

In honor of Martin Luther King and his vision, Orinda Community Church is offering a free showing of “Martin Luther King in Palestine” to the public at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 25 in Fellowship Hall, 10 Irwin Way, Orinda. To accommodate young families, the celebration will begin with a Potluck Supper: A to H Entrée; I to P Salad, Appetizer or Fruit; Q to Z Dessert. The film will be started about 6 p.m. Invite your friends to join you for an entertaining and learning experience!  R.S.V.P. Call Orinda Community Church (925) 254-4907 or J. Elkinton-Walker at (925) 254-8754.

Managing Headaches without the Pharmacy with Tim Appleford, PT, MSPT, OCS, ATC. The Feb. 27 lecture will touch on migraines, tension headaches and bad habits that may contribute to headaches. He will also give an in-depth look at how physical therapy could be beneficial for this ailment through postural correction and tension release with exercise and stretching. Free. Seating is limited; call (925) 284-6150 to register today.

“Me Too” Founder Tarana Burke to speak at Saint Mary’s College of California at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 27 in the Soda Center. Burke is senior director for the nonprofit Girls for Gender Equity and director and founder of Just Be Inc., a youth organization focused on the well-being of young women of color. Burke’s appearance at Saint Mary’s College is part of the ongoing 44 Days Honoring Black History celebration series. Cost: $15 general public; free for SMC students, staff, faculty and alumni. For more information, visit stmarys-ca.edu/inclusive-excellence/44-days-celebration.

Make-A-Wish Club of Campolindo is having a Dine and Donate from 5 to 9 p.m. on Feb. 27 at the Chipotle in Lafayette, with 100% of the profits going to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Breast Cancer Update: Highlights from the 40th San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium from 6 to 8 p.m. on Feb. 27 in the Community Hall at Lafayette Library and Learning Center. The San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium is the premier international breast cancer conference designed to provide information on major advances in research, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer. Our speakers will include: Christine, Chung, M.D., radiation oncologist; Natalie Marshall, M.D., medical oncologist; and Rita Kwan-Feinberg, M.D., surgeon. Register online at https://feedback.sutterhealth.org/f/142953/6aa8/ or call (510) 204-5656.

The Elfenworks Center for Responsible Business invites you to its fourth annual conference from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, March 1 in the Soda Activity Center to explore how businesses have defined and honored human rights. Learn what actions businesses have taken to comply with standards and prevent violations of human rights. Explore models and practices that can inspire other businesses. The conference check-in will begin at 12:30 p.m., followed by panels exploring the interdependence of business and human rights, a keynote address, and ending with a networking reception. The event is $20 (free for current SMC students, staff and faculty) and open to all, but registration is required.

Summer camp job fair with the town of Moraga and cities of Lafayette and Orinda 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at the Lafayette Community Center, Live Oak Room, 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette. There will be many summer camp providers ready to hire local talent for the summer months. In addition to meeting with employers and finding out which jobs are available, there will also be a resumé building workshop to get your resumé updated and ready to stand out. For more information visit moragarec.com.

All are invited to celebrate with Saint Mary’s College Guild St. Patrick’s Day Dinner/ Auction Fundraiser from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 10. Featuring a delicious, traditional, Irish corned beef dinner with all the trimmings. Guinness, Harp, wine, Irish coffee available. Cost: $50 per person. Make checks payable to: SMC Guild, Send to: Shirley Bohuslav, 782 Augusta Drive, Moraga, CA 94556. For more info: (925) 284-7750.

Persian New Year Chaharshanbeh Souri: Festival of Fire - Persian Center will be hosting its 19th Annual Chaharshanbeh Souri from 6 to 10 p.m. on March 13 at the 2000 block of Durant Avenue in Berkeley. Jump over bonfires to celebrate the change of seasons and welcome spring. Enjoy Persian food, music, dancing, and children’s activities. Rain or shine. Free. https://www.facebook.com/PersianCenterOrg/

Lamorinda Arts Council (LAC) will now host its Third Annual ShortDocs Film Fest at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center at 3 p.m. on April 15. Originally scheduled for Feb. 11 this year, this documentary film festival provides local filmmakers an opportunity to create new work as well as showcase it at a community screening. The extended deadline for Entries for the Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest is now March 18. To learn more about the Lamorinda ShortDocs Film Fest competition and to enter go to http://www.lamorindaarts.org/shortdocs.

17th Annual Women’s Film Festival LunaFest at 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 22 at the Orinda Theatre. This unique film festival highlights women as leaders in society, illustrated through nine short films by women filmmakers. The films range from animation to fictional drama, and cover topics such as women’s health, body image, relationships, cultural diversity and breaking barriers. There will be a VIP reception starting at 6 p.m. in the Fourth Bore Tap Room. Tickets are $25. Advance tickets only, purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/lunafest-film-festival-tickets-43121612905?aff=es2.

Come break all the rules at the “Night at the Library” – includes cocktails, vino, silent Disco (?!?!) and fun around every corner beginning at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, June 2 in the stacks of the Lafayette Library. Immerse yourself in merriment, while supporting the library and its programs. www.LLLCF.org/Night2018

SENIORS

Join LOPC for Men’s Breakfast at 7 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 28. Andy Amstutz from Lamorinda Village will speak on the topic of “Over 55? What can Lamorinda Village do for you?” Bring friends and family. $5 donation at the door for breakfast. RSVP by noon on Feb. 27 to janet@LOPC.org. Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette. (925) 283-8722. LOPC.org.

GARDEN

Volunteers are needed to prune Fire Blight from the Moraga 104-year-old pear orchard from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 24 from at 1000 Camino Pablo (cross street Canyon). Instructions, gloves/tools provided. Wear sturdy shoes/bring water; bring loppers, gloves, hand/pole pruners, and orchard ladders if you have them. For info, contact Bobbie Preston at (925) 376-8474 or barbarampreston@comcast.net.

Montelindo Garden Club March Meeting (third Friday of every month, September through May) will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, March 16 at Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Presentation: Big Ideas for Designing Your Small Back Yard; speaker Susan Morrison. Susan is a nationally-recognized landscape designer and authority on small-space garden design. Her most recent book, “Less Is More in the Garden,” was released early in February. Ms. Morrison’s presentation will focus on how to create unique small-space gardens that are lovely, family friendly, and low maintenance.