ART

Art Gallery at Wilder: Artist Rusk Draws Inspiration from Social Issues. The Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to view a virtual exhibit of the photography of Grant Rusk through Aug. 31 by visiting www.lamorindaarts.org/
online-galleries.  His series of chromogenic prints is entitled “The Ambient Fence.”  Never at a loss for new ideas, he is inspired by social, natural and environmental issues which arise on a regular basis. Rusk serves on the Moraga Art in Public Spaces Committee.

The Moraga Art Gallery invites art fans of all ages to its current show, “Midsummer Synergies,” which ends on Sept. 19, and features Donna Arganbright’s ceramics and Danguole Rita Kuolas’ etchings as well as paintings, photos, ceramics, glassware, jewelry, woodworking, sculpture and other media by more than 25 members and guest-artists. The gallery is located at 432 Center Street in Moraga’s Rheem Shopping Center. Come to meet the artists and enjoy light snacks and wine.  Open Wednesday through Sunday from noon to 5 p.m. (925) 376-5407, or http://moragaartgallery.com

Valley Art Gallery Announces a special exhibition and event: "Paint the Downtown!" Aug. 27 – 29. Special plein air painting event in downtown Walnut Creek on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 27 and 28. Several artists will be painting landmarks and street scenes on Broadway Plaza and in the Main and Locust Street areas at various times during those days. On Sunday, Aug. 29, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., gallery artists will show and sell their work on Rudney Plaza at the Lesher Center on Civic Drive and Locust. The public is invited to come and enjoy the show and vote for their favorite plein air painting.  Raffle for a year’s free downtown parking pass! Valley Art Gallery, 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, in Walnut www.walnutcreek
downtown.com/ArtsaroundAugust.

Lamorinda Arts Alliance Announces “The Natural World” at Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery in San Ramon, offers viewers a magnificent sense of the natural world around us. In our fast paced, digital times, it is easy to forget how the natural world is a huge part of our lives – from the earth we stand on, to the mountains, oceans, rivers, plants and animals around us – and to the sun, moon and stars above us. Viewing the exhibit is a great opportunity to become more conscious of our connection to nature and to the world around us. Sept. 2 - 29. Reception on Saturday, Sept. 11 from 4 to 6 p.m. The Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery is located at, 12501 Alcosta Blvd in San Ramon. The Gallery is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Fridays and on weekends during special events.  www.laa4art.org.

MUSIC

Classical Pianist Misha Galant Performs at St. Paul's in Walnut Creek. Aug. 28, 7 p.m. at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 1924 Trinity Avenue, Walnut Creek. It is our first in-person performance, and we will also broadcast online from St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. Wildly talented concert pianist Misha Galant recently graduated from the Columbia-Juilliard Exchange in New York.  He is the recipient of the Gilmore Young Artist Award, and a prize-winner at the Van Cliburn Junior international piano competition.  He is a rising star, and we are excited to host a performance with him on the West Coast. www.stpaulswc.org/concert-series for ticket registration and information or, just come to the performance.

THEATRE

Orinda Starlight Village Players are performing a mini 10-minute play festival on Aug. 20, 21, and 22, and a triple tryst of terror on Aug. 27, 28 and 29. Further details can be found on the website, https://orsvp.org/index-2.html

OTHER

17th Annual Orinda Classic Car Show Honors First Responders on Sept. 11. This year’s car show will feature a tribute to vintage emergency vehicles as it honors first responders who risk their lives to save others not only on 9/11 but daily. The event runs from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Orinda Motors, 63 Orinda Way, and surrounding streets. Approximately 200 American and European cars ranging from the 1920s to the classics of the ‘50s and ‘60s as well as modern exotics will be on display. Admission is free. “There will be live music during the show with food available via the Fourth Bore Restaurant’s classic firetruck,” said Classic Car Show Co-Chair Diane Lautz. “They’ve turned this former emergency response vehicle into a pizza oven!” Car Show proceeds benefit The Orinda Association and its Seniors Around Town ride program and other local nonprofit organizations. For more information, go to www.orindacarshow.com.

Coming events at Orinda Books Sept. 1 at 11 a.m. Pat’s Book club will read and discuss “Hamnet” by Maggie O’Farrell.  All are welcome. Just call Orinda Books, (925) 254-7606, to indicate attendance or email info@orindabooks.com. 276 Village Square, Orinda.

The Green Sofa Cinema Series continues Wednesday, Aug. 18 at 7 p.m. with a discussion of the film "Ice On Fire," a Leo DiCaprio production about novel ways to solve the climate crisis. Also hear from a leading Bay Area climate advocate. Sponsored by local environmental groups, Green Sofa Cinema works this way: Watch the film before Aug. 18 – "Ice on Fire" is free on YouTube. And register now for the Aug. 18 Zoom discussion: https://bit.ly/3A5SgSz

Christian Science Church, 24 Orinda Way, Orinda is offering a Prayer Garden for a quiet place to be refreshed, meditate, pray, relax in a shaded outdoor setting. Open to all during daylight hours. 925-254-4212 www.christianscienceorinda,org.

Solo Opera presents “Scalia/Ginsburg an Opera” by Derrick Wang. Friday, Sept. 10 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 12 at 2 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts. The opera will include an incredible cast: Nikki Einfeld as “Ginsburg,” Christopher Bengochea as “Scalia,” and Kirk Eichelberger as the “Commentator.” The chamber opera will be accompanied by a seven-piece orchestra under the baton of Maestro Alexander Katsman. An incredible production team will be led by Solo Opera Artistic Director, Sylvia Amorino, as stage director/producer. Seating is reserved and ticket prices are Adults: $50, Seniors: $40, Youth 17 and under: $25.  Tickets at (925) 943-7469 or visit the Lesher Center for the Arts Ticket Office:  1601 Civic Drive Walnut Creek