ART

Moraga Art Gallery’s new exhibit “Precision Beauty” features interpretations of nature in the form of jewelry by member artist Kuniko Kay Nitta of Walnut Creek and watercolor paintings by Berkeley’s Karen Kramer. The Gallery is located at 522 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center. For more information visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art (SMCMoA) and the California Watercolor Association (CWA) present “The Color of Summer.” Fifty new works are on view reflecting the member artists’ charge to capture their visions of summer. CWA is one of the largest and most active watermedia organizations in the nation with a mission to create, foster, and sustain artistic growth and interest in watermedia. This exhibition includes a series of events such as plein air painting, live demonstrations, and lessons for youth. The exhibition runs through Aug. 26.

Valley Art Gallery announces their new summer show, “August Ambience.” The Diablo Valley can be very warm in August, so what better way to cool off then with some very cool art from our very own Valley Art Gallery. Demonstrating a wide range of motifs, styles, media and prices, and representing the best of the best from more than 100 East Bay artists, the “August Ambience” exhibition is a must-see show for residents of the Diablo Valley. In addition, there are beautifully crafted, ceramic, wood and glass pieces, and original designer jewelry. www.valleyartgallery.org

The Moraga Art Gallery presents “Walk on the Wild Side,” a new exhibit featuring the distinctive, strikingly colorful abstract paintings by member artist Josie Osolin, whose work invariably evokes a sense of energy and passion. Also featured in the show are two guest artists: Jenn Norpchen, specializing in wild, whimsical gourds, reincarnated as birds, frogs, snails and other creatures, and Terry Ow-Wing, an Asian-influenced glass artist whose work has evolved from her background in architecture, photography, and glass blowing. The show will run from Aug. 15 to Oct. 20, with a free reception from 5 to 7 p.m. on Aug. 18. For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

The Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery is pleased to present “Surreal,” featuring the work of Bay Area artist Tom Gehrig. The exhibit will also include works by Catherine Moore, Carol Aust, and sculpture by Southern California artist Emily Maddigan. In times when truth is stranger than fiction, and the daily news feels surreal, we look to art for understanding and perspective. Viewers will be delighted by this engaging exhibit of work, a tribute to surreal art. The exhibit is on view through Sept. 1. www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com

MUSIC

Free summer concerts Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Orinda Community Park, 28 Orinda Way. Food trucks will be provided for all events by Tastes of the World: Aug. 14; Floorshakers.

Join your neighbors from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday evenings at the Moraga Commons Park for a relaxing free concert in the park. Bring your picnic blanket or lawn chairs to the grassy hillside in front of the band shell. Enjoy the music while your children enjoy the park. The volunteers of MPF will cook dinner for you with the Snack Bar opening at 6 p.m. The lineup includes the following: Aug 9: Mixed Nuts - Hits from the 40’s to present; Aug. 16: Houserockers - Rock & soul

THEATER

Orinda Starlight Village Players present Dave Freeman’s fast, furious and frantic farce, “Kindly Keep It Covered,” through Aug. 11 at the Orinda Community Park’s outdoor amphitheater. Showtimes and dates at www.orsvp.org. Call (925) 528-9225 or email info@orsvp.org for reservations.

California Shakespeare Theater presents the company debut of “The War of the Roses” - a monumental evening of theater spanning four history plays—the Henry VI trilogy and Richard III. Presented as an action-packed evening, “The War of the Roses” will deliver a fast-paced, far-ranging, vividly theatrical depiction of two powerful families—the Lancasters and the Yorks—and their decades-long fight for the English throne. Political unrest and power grabs collide with weak leadership and civil strife as the country fights against the threat of tyranny. The show runs Aug. 23 through Sept. 9. Tickets are $20 and are available through the California Shakespeare Theater Box Office, 701 Heinz Avenue, Berkeley, (510) 548-9666, online at www.calshakes.org, or at the Bruns box office on the day of the performance (pending availability).

Iron Filmmaker Contest kickoffs at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 18. Filmmakers are given 24 hours to create a short. At the kickoff you will be given three secret ingredients to include in the film. For details and to register go to https://www.caiff.org/ironfilmmaker. The top 25 shorts will be screened during the 21st Annual California Independent Film Festival. The top three finalists will receive cash prizes.

The 21st Annual CAIFF California Independent Film Festival opens Friday, Aug. 24 at the Rheem Theatre in Moraga and will run through Aug. 30 at both the Orinda and the Rheem theatres showing shorts, comedies, international films, dramas and documentaries. Tickets and the entire schedule available at caiff.org.

LECTURE & LITERATURE

KPFA Radio 94.1 FM presents Martha Nussbaum: The Monarchy of Fear from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug 23 at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 2727 College Avenue, Berkeley. Martha Nussbaum will discuss her new book, The Monarchy of Fear, answer questions and sign books. Hosted by C.S. Soong. Cost: $12 advance, $15 door. For more info see http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3477398 or call (510) 967-4495.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Twilight at Fernandez Ranch from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 16 at 1081 Christie Road, Martinez. Step outside and enjoy a night of outdoor exploration for the whole family. Llama meet-and-greet with Llamas of Circle Home, reptile show-and-touch with East Bay Vivarium, visit birds of prey with Lindsay Wildlife, Sliders food truck, ice cream, arts and crafts, and more! The event is open to the public, free of charge, and ADA accessible. Free parking available.

Explore, Connect, Feel: The Magical Luminary Farm with Mindful Littles from 9 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 18. Join us for an outdoor family adventure unlike any other. We will explore the wondrous Luminary Farm- Bay Area’s newest retreat center in Danville. During our event families will go on a short nature walk and get to experience the land with outdoor yoga, singing, movement, natural playgrounds and much, much more. You will leave our event with hearts full of gratitude and appreciation for our community and Mother Earth. Cost: Donation. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/explore-connect-feel-the-magical-luminary-farm-tickets-48104356425

OTHER

A Life Rebuilt: The Remarkable Transformation of a War Orphan from 4 to 5 p.m. on Aug. 9 in the Orinda Library Auditorium. Born in 1939 Belgium, Sylvia Ruth Guttman became an orphan at age 3 when her parents were sent to their deaths at Auschwitz. In her debut memoir, “A Life Rebuilt: The Remarkable Transformation of a War Orphan,” chronicles her escape to Switzerland with her two sisters, their arrival in New York to the home of her uncle and his abusive wife, and her struggles to overcome the trauma of her childhood. For more information about Sylvia visit her website at https://sylviaruthgutmann.com/.

Contra Costa County and City of Walnut Creek present the One-Stop Services Event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. at Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. The 2018 “Summer Block Party” aims to provide on-the-spot government services after normal business hours. Residents will find a range of services available, from licensing pets to registering to vote. For more information, please call the Contra Costa County Library at (925) 608-7713. For parking availability near the Park, visit the City’s parking website.

Contra Costa County and City of Walnut Creek present the One-Stop Services Event from 5 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 9. at Civic Park, 1375 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek. The 2018 “Summer Block Party” aims to provide on-the-spot government services after normal business hours. Residents will find a range of services available, from licensing pets to registering to vote. For more information, please call the Contra Costa County Library at (925) 608-7713. For parking availability near the Park, visit the City’s parking website.

Diablo Ballet’s Annual Gourmet Gallop food and wine walk returns to downtown Walnut Creek for the eighth consecutive year from 6 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 9. The event, sponsored by Diablo Magazine, invites guests to sip, sample and stroll their way through 18 downtown Walnut Creek locations as they experience a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure. Tickets are on sale now to the public and only $39 if purchased on or before July 26. After that date, the price goes up to $45 per person. Special group pricing is available. Tickets are available online at www.diabloballet.org or by calling (925) 943-1775.

14th Annual Summer Wine Festival 2-5 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11 at the Soda Center at Saint Mary’s College offers an afternoon of wine tasting, delicious appetizers, a silent auction and lots of fun! (Attendees must be at least 21 years of age.) Proceeds from ticket sales and the silent auction support student scholarships. Tickets: $60 are available stmarys-ca.edu/wine or (925) 631-8744.

The Contra Costa County Library is hosting its annual book giveaway from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. through Aug. 11 at the Pleasant Hill Library, Shipping and Receiving Area, 75 Santa Barbara Road, Pleasant Hill. All books available at the giveaway have been removed from the library collection due to lack of circulation, poor condition or relevance. Books are available on a first-come, first-served basis and members of the public are advised to bring their own boxes or bags to transport materials.

Large Animal Rescue presentation with Lamorinda CERT instructor Jim Breuner at 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 13 at the Garden Room, Orinda Library. Breuner will speak about the challenges and methods of rescuing animals (both large and small) from dangerous situations. He will also cover preparing for disasters and evacuating with your animals. RSVP to registrar@lamorindacert.org.

This is kitten season, the best time to visit Community Concern for Cats’ adoption events. See the sweetest kittens ever from 1 to 4 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 11 and 12, at Pet Food Express in Lafayette and Pleasant Hill, and Petco in Walnut Creek. For more information, see www.communityconcernforcats.org.

The 2018 Orinda Classic Car Show,  featuring a special exhibit of classic and historically significant race cars, will be held 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 8. Enter your car now at www.OrindaCarShow.com.  
 
POLITICAL GATHERINGS

Join the Lamorinda Democratic Club for a fun evening of political trivia and frozen margaritas at 7 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 9 at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. Proceeds from this fun event will benefit the Lamorinda Democratic Club American Dream 2109 Scholarship. Suggested donation is $20 per person or $100 for a table of 5 or 6. Contact hotaugtrivia@gmail.com for more information.