Art

Art show at Orinda Books. December features the paintings of Paul, Tia, and Joel Kratter. Paul is an accomplished landscape artist. Tia, his wife, worked as a background painter at Disney and as an Art Director at Pixar. Their son, Joel, is an experienced wildlife painter. Visit the Artist of the Month for a preview at https://www.orindabooks.com. Orinda Books is located at 276 Village Square, Orinda, 925-254-7606.

Annual 57th Artful Giving exhibition at Valley Art Gallery, which continues to Dec. 31, includes a wide variety of beautifully crafted ceramics, wood and glass pieces, original designer jewelry, fiber arts, small paintings, and many other unique, one-of-a-kind gift items all handcrafted by our talented East Bay artisans. Valley Art Gallery: 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek, www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311.

Music

Miramonte Choirs Winter Concert on Friday, Dec. 9, 7 p.m. Miramonte Theater. Fee for students, $5 general.

The Diablo Symphony presents holiday favorites at 2 p.m. on Dec. 10 at the Walnut Creek Presbyterian Church. The Blackhawk Chorus joins in for music from Home Alone, Messiah and more, and Anna Presler and Leighton Fong premiere a jazzy Double Concerto for Violin and Cello. Orchestra pieces include Chanukah Festival Overture, and “Sleigh Ride.” Tickets are available at https://www.diablosymphony.

org/events/holiday-concert-home-for-the-holidays/ until 5 p.m. on Dec. 9, or at the door.

Theatre

Synergy Theater returns to the Lesher Center for the Arts, at 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, with the world-debut of Spontaneous Myth and Magic: An Improvised Ancient Mythology! This completely improvised two-act comedy will keep the audience in laughter from the dawn of time until the end of days! It plays Thursday, Jan. 12, through Sunday, Jan. 22, at 8:15 p.m., Thursdays – Saturdays, and 3:15 p.m. on Sundays.

Other

The Acalanes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) will host a free ceremony as part of Wreaths Across America at the historic Lafayette Cemetery at noon on Saturday, Dec. 17. Following the ceremony, wreaths will be placed at the graves of nearly 300 veterans who lie at rest in the Lafayette Cemetery. The public is invited to attend the ceremony and assist Scout Troop 284 place the wreaths as they say each veteran’s name out loud. Learn more about the event at www.wreathsacrossamerica.

org/CA0565.

Join Goodwill of the San Francisco Bay for a drive thru community donation event at the Orinda Masonic Lodge located at 9 Altarinda Road in Orinda. Clean out those closets and bring all of your gently used items Saturday, Dec. 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 11 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and again Saturday, Dec. 17 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Can’t come in person? Schedule a pickup at tinyurl.com/SFBAYPickUp or visit our website at www.sfgoodwill.org to discover other ways you can support its mission.

Join ARF for Yappy Hour, an evening of fun for animal-lovers ages 21+ Dec. 8, 6-8 p.m. Unwind after work over cold drinks, smiling faces, and the company of new friends. Doesn’t that sound paw-sitively amazing? Come in your ugliest holiday sweater for a chance to win prizes! All guests will be asked to follow current Contra Costa County COVID safety mandates. Purchase tickets at arflife.org/yappy-hour.”

Support 60+ young entrepreneurs (ages 8-17) at the 5th Annual Girls Crushing It Winter Pop-up Shop. With everything from handmade gifts and decorative accessories to dog treats and one-of-a-kind works of art, you will find something for everyone on your holiday list. Shop Sunday, Dec. 11 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Lafayette Community Center at 500 St. Mary’s Road, Lafayette. Admission is free. Learn more at: www.girlscrushingit.org/

Moraga Garden Club spreads the holiday spirit. The tradition to decorate the library for the holidays was started by the Moraga Garden Club over 30 years ago. As always, the tree will be decorated with handmade natural ornaments most resembling woodsy animals. Hence, the description Critter tree. In keeping with this theme, pine cone snowy owls will be created by its youngest citizenry sponsored by the Moraga Garden Club. This fun activity may create another tradition and create memories for our kids and grandkids. Join in the spirit. The event takes place Dec. 8 at 4 p.m., no registration required, materials provided.

Winter Workshop for Kids! will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at Lafayette Plaza Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Children will make a gift for someone they love. Materials and assistance will be provided. Parents/guardians can assist. Gift options include wreaths, photo boxes, and ornaments; Christmas and non-Christmas choices will be available. This event is sponsored by Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, which invites you to join us and help spread the spirit of giving! www.lamorindasunrise.org