ART

 

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: 80 Inspired Artworks Escape Local Studios. The Lamorinda Arts Council is excited to host a COVID-19 retrospective of artwork from 40 local artists who were unable to exhibit work during the COVID-19 shutdown. This is the first in-person exhibit at the fully opened gallery since March 2020. Meet 40 local artists at an outdoor reception in their honor on July 10, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Light refreshments will be served. View artwork at the Gallery, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, and in the Council’s online gallery at www.lamorindaarts.org/

online-galleries through July 31.

 

Art Gallery at Wilder Virtual Exhibit:  “Sophie’s Lush Bouquets.” Sophie Sanders has been interested in drawing and painting since her childhood in Taiwan. While she has had formal art training, she says, “I truly play on paper - having fun is my main goal.” As you will see, she is a talented botanical artist; each artwork is a floral world unto itself. View her amazing pen and ink drawings online through July 31. Visit www.lamorindaarts.org/

online-galleries.

 

The Moraga Art Gallery presents a new summertime show, “Midsummer Synergies,” open from July 14 to Sept. 19, featuring the vibrant creations of two Lafayette artists: ceramicist Donna Arganbright and Danguole Rita Kuolas, a printmaker and etching specialist.  Kuolas will demystify printmaking by doing a free public demonstration on Sunday, Aug. 8 from 1-4 p.m. at the gallery. The show also includes arresting papier-mach‚ sculptures by guest artist Francine Garcia and scores of works by the gallery’s roster of sculptors, painters, jewelers, photographers, ceramicists, woodworkers, printmakers, and more. The gallery is located in the Rheem Shopping Center at 432 Center Street, Moraga, and is open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.  For more information, visit www.moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 376-5407.

 

Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art (MoA) reopened to the public. On view through July 11, the current exhibition “Aesthetic Forces” features landscapes in the college’s permanent collection. The exhibition folds 100 years of cultural and environmental changes into California land interpretations created by artists working in the region. The Museum is open for limited hours from Wednesday to Saturday, 10 a.m.to 3 p.m. All visitors will need to complete the college’s health screen check before entrance at the campus gate. More information can be found at www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum.

 

LITERATURE

 

Art Embraces Words - Call for writers, visual artists and audience members, Sunday, July 25, 2 p.m. Zoom Webinar. Writers paint images with words. Artists tell stories with color. Together they enrich our community. Participate as a writer by reading your work, an artist by showing your work or an audience member in the Q&A. This free program is hosted by the Lamorinda Arts Council and made possible by a grant from the Lafayette Community Foundation. Visit www.lamorindaarts.art/

art-embraces-words for details and to register. Questions? Email literary@lamorindaarts.org or call 925.359.9940.

 

KPFA Radio 94.1 FM presents Dan Kovalik and Mickey Huff: “Cancel This Book” on Tuesday, July 13, from 7 to 8:30 p.m., at Online webinar, 1929 Martin Luther King Jr Way, Berkeley. Dan Kovalik discusses his new book, “Cancel This Book: The Progressive Case Against Cancel Culture,” converses with Mickey Huff and answers questions. Cost: Suggested Donation $5-$20.  For more info see www.eventbrite.com/e/dan-kovalik-and-mickey-huff-the-progressive-case-against-cancel-culture-tickets-154738889183.

 

MUSIC

 

Lamorinda Idol Finalists Perform at 6 p.m. Tuesday, July 20. Enjoy their lively vocals at Orinda Community Park adjacent to Orinda Community Center, 28 Orinda Way, Orinda. Steve Harwood emcees the event. Their Lamorinda Finals 2021 Contest is scheduled Aug. 15 at Orinda Theatre Square. For more information email idol@lamorindaarts.org or visit www.lamorindaarts.org/idol-2.

Join Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores (country band) for a festive July 4th celebration and street party in front of Provisions Restaurant at the corner of Virginia and Sacramento in Vallejo’s adorable downtown. That section of street will be closed off. Parking lot adjacent to the restaurant. Dance performances by Moon Aztec Ballet Folklorico. Tons of food, games, drinks, and general merriment 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 4th. Lonesome Eddie and the Saddle Sores will be playing from 1-4 p.m. Free event. www.lonesomeeddieandthesaddlesores.com

 

Pacific Chamber Orchestra presents Beethoven’s Fifth and Sixth Symphonies. July 17, 7:30 p.m. at Campolindo Performing Arts Center, 300 Moraga Road, Moraga and July 18, 3 p.m. at Bankhead Theatre, 2400 First Street, Livermore. For details and tickets visit www.pacificchamberorchestra.org

 

THEATER

 

Town Hall Theatre is excited to announce its first outdoor in-person event July 10 at Moraga Commons in Moraga. THT will host local artists as they present songs and spoken word pieces that mean something personal to them on the themes of Hope, Renewal, Equity, Resilience, Home, Inclusion, and Celebration.  The event is directed by Madison Gerringer and features musical accompaniment by the Steve Carter Trio. On July 20 portions of the live event will be presented for free as part of a fundraising telethon for Town Hall Theatre. Live Event July 10 from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.; online stream July 20 from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Tickets at www.TownHallTheatre.com

 

Applications are being accepted for Studio Retreat, a free 10-day Masterclass in acting and playwriting in Danville. Dates for the summer 10-day Acting and Playwriting Workshop are July 21 - Aug. 1 (with a break on Monday, July 26 and Tuesday, July 27.) We invite high-school students from throughout the Bay Area to Tao House, the Eugene O’Neill National Historic Site, one-time home of the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright. Students will be coached in their respective disciplines by highly experienced Bay Area professionals. We look forward to welcoming students back in person to Tao House this summer. www.eugeneoneill.org/studio-retreat/

 

Jackie Keliiaa’s Good Medicine announces a Night of Live Native Stand-Up to be held on July 17 at California Shakespeare Theater featuring top Native American stand-up comedians.  Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8 p.m. on July 17. Audiences are encouraged to arrive early and enjoy dinner and drinks on the Bruns Amphitheater grounds before showtime. Be sure to bring your blanket as temperatures cool in the evening. Copies of “We Had a Little Real Estate Problem: The Unheralded Story of Native Americans & Comedy” will be raffled off throughout the evening. Tickets start at $25.  For more information and tickets, visit: calshakes.org/good-medicine.

 

GARDEN

 

We welcome you to visit our meetings and to become a part of The Walnut Creek Garden Club. We meet the second Monday of each month at 9:30 a.m., September through June at The Gardens at Heather Farm.  If interested in joining our Club or for more information, please visit our website at www.walnutcreekgardenclub.org