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Sleeping Beauty's Wedding

February 9 - 10

In celebration of Valentine's Day, step into this romantic fairy tale as Diablo Ballet presents the enchanting Sleeping Beauty's Wedding, where you will see fairy-tale characters Puss in Boots, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Prince Charming, and the Bluebirds dance for Princess Aurora and her Prince in a joyous finale. This program also features the exhilarating Confetti by Gerald Arpino and a world premiere ballet, Dr. Magic by award-winning Penny Saunders dedicated to beloved Diablo Ballet friend Mari Cyphers. For tickets and information visit www.diabloballet.org.

SMC Museum of Art: Spring 2024 Exhibitions

Harmonia Rosales: ΩA Omega Alpha

February 14 through June 23, 2024 | Opening Celebration: February 15, 5-7 p.m.

Omega Alpha brings forward a visually enriched narrative that reimagines the traditional imagery of the black body in Christian art to empower lesser-known subjects through the canon of art history. Interweaving the oral histories and stories of Afro-Cuban religions, Rosales' depictions of the black body illuminate parallels in classical Western narratives while confronting the historical language of the Eurocentric male gaze. Referencing Greek, Roman, and European imagery, Omega Alpha inverts the narrative of how faith and orthodox-based stories are told, envisioning a new beginning rising from an end.

The Decisive Moment: PhotoUrbanism in San Francisco Bay, 1930s-1960s

February 14 through June 23, 2024 | Opening Celebration: February 15, 5-7 p.m.

Photographers interested in the ‘decisive moment’ often utilized the camera’s innate mechanical qualities to capture real-time experiences and explore modern art concepts of pattern, contrast, and light through the lens. The practice dominated mid-20th-century photography in the West. From the construction of the Bay Bridge to the revolutionaries of the Black Panthers, this exhibition features work by Ruth-Marion Baruch, John Gutmann, Pirkle Jones, Peter Stackpole, Brett Weston, and Max Yavno, whose photographs captured moments that came to define social urban history in the San Francisco Bay Area. This exhibition is organized in collaboration with Pier 24 and the Pilara Family Foundation.

Vignettes: Select Views of SMCMoA’s Permanent Collection

February 14 through May 12, 2024

Vignettes bring forward curated windows into the permanent collection explored through themes, eras, and art history. Highlights include recent gifts into the permanent collection as well as the legacy collection of landscapes by William Keith. Featured works include modernist European prints by Georges Braque, Marc Chagall, Ursula Fookes, Kathë Kollwitz, Marie Laurencin, and Jacques Villon: California waterways by Armin Hansen, Louis LaBrie, Bertha Stringer Lee, Gottardo Piazzoni, and Lundy Siegriest; pop art by Corita Kent and Andy Warhol; Abstract Expressionism by Seong Moy and Ruth Wall; and contemporary art by Joe Doyle, David Maxim, Diane Rosenblum, and Kal Spelletich.

Lisa Congdon: Hold it Lightly

September 14 through June 23, 2023

Illustrator and fine artist Lisa Congdon's current work, Hold it Lightly, explores themes of joy, liberation, and radical inclusion, displayed on printed matter featuring her bold, colorful illustrations and hand-lettering. Created in conversation with pop artist Corita Kent, Congdon's work reflects the profound personal impact of revolutionary joy.

Learn more at https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum-art.

Diablo Regional Arts Association

Get a Slice of Savings on Mystic Pizza Tickets at Center REP!

Hailed by critics as "unabashedly fun" and "ecstatically buoyant," Mystic Pizza is based on the 1988 rom-com about three working-class girls who navigate the complexities of life, love and family in a small-town pizza joint. The infectious score features mega-hits of the 80s and 90s from Cyndi Lauper, Pat Benatar, Journey, and more. Special Offer! Use code PEPPERONI49 to save on "Gold" level seats through February 21* on this deliciously fun musical. Order tickets today at CenterRep.org



*Discount available on “Gold” level seats at select performances through February 21, 2024 and not applicable to previously purchased tickets. All tickets and discounts are subject to availability.

Also at the Lesher Center ...

Sara McKenzie Jazzes Up the Lesher Center!

Experience the extraordinary talent of Australian jazz luminary Sarah McKenzie at the Lesher Center for the Arts with two performances on February 15! Presented by Lesher Center and Diablo Regional Arts Association, McKenzie's impeccable technical flair and lyrical swing promises an evening of refined musical artistry. Order tickets today at LesherArtsCenter.org.

OLLI @UC Berkeley

Join OLLI @UC Berkeley for two great music courses set to wow at the Lafayette Library and Learning Center starting Thursday, Feb. 15! (Plus, many more online and in Berkeley.) Sway to the sounds of Etta James and Ray Charles and delight in great comic moments in opera (it's not all dying divas.) Preview all courses here. OLLI is a one-of-a-kind learning community for one-of-a-kind learners 50+. No Cal affiliation necessary. Just a love of learning, engaging and connecting.

LAMORINDA ARTS COUNCIL FEB – MAR 2024 ACTIVITIES

February 2024

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: The BASA Invitational: “As We See It”

The Lamorinda Arts Council presents Bay Area Studio Artists (BASA) group show in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library entitled “The BASA Invitational: As We See It. ” The show features BASA artists Suzun Almquist, Jeanette Baird, Lassie Colebourn, Ellen Reintjes, Ruth Stanton, Sharon Tama, Joanne Taeuffer, and Marcy Wheeler. Five local artists have been invited: Flora Baumann, Nicole Reader, Cecelia Wambach, April Ward, and Lynn Whitson. Visit http://lamorindaarts.org/gallery-2 for more information or call 925.359.9940.

Art Gallery at Wilder: Save the Date - Grand Reopening March 3, 2024

The Lamorinda Arts Council is excited to announce the Art Gallery Wilder’s grand reopening on Sunday Mar. 3 from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. A reception is planned with light refreshments. Orinda Vice Mayor Latika Malkani will officially open the Gallery to the public. Hours will be M – F from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Curators are readying the gallery to display featured solo artist Shiva Jafarzadeh’s artwork. Her theme is “Paintings and Drawings of Romance, Womanhood, Feminine Poems and Motherhood.” Questions? Go to https://LamorindaArts.org/galleries-2, email info@LamorindaArts.org or call 925.359.9940.

Win a Prize for Your Art! Register for the High School Visual Arts Competition by Feb. 23

The Lamorinda Arts Council invites students in the Acalanes High School District to register to compete for cash prizes and merit certificates by midnight on Feb. 23. The reception in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library begins at 7:00 p.m. on March 14; the juried awards ceremony runs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Library Auditorium. For information and online registration, visit www.lamorindaarts.org/vac. Questions? Call 925.359.4490.

Art Embraces Poetry: Celebrate Black History Month Feb. 24, 1:30 – 3:30 Town Hall Theatre

The Lamorinda Arts Council celebrates Black history Month with poets and authors Senait Mesfin Piccigallo and Dorothy (Dot) Edwards. Piccigallo kept journals as she navigated transitions from Eitrea to Ethiopia to China and then to the U.S. Edwards is reading from “Langston’s Moon,” her children’s book. Mosaic artist Bushra Gill wins up the event. A No Host Bar is open during the event held at Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School St., Lafayette. This program is generously funded by the Community Foundation of Lafayette. Questions? Email literary@LamorindaArts.org or call 925.359.9940.

Mocktails & Cocktails: Sun. February 25 4:00 – 6:00 @ Tutu’s Lafayette

Join those who love art, literature, music and everything in between at Tutu’s, 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, from 4-6 p.m. Time for some conversation about your creative journey; artists of all kinds are invited to bring prompts. Look for our knockoff Picassoesque poster of surrealist Dora Maar – that’s us! No host bar. Just show up. Questions? Email Lamorinda Arts Council at literary@lamorindaarts.org or call 925.359.9940.

March 2024

Art Gallery at the Orinda Library: Students Rock the Art at VAC

The Lamorinda Arts Council’s (LAC) High School Visual Arts Competition (VAC) features 250 entries from students living in or attending 10 high schools in the Acalanes Union High School District in the Lamorinda area. In addition to the in-person art exhibit which runs from Mar. 4 to Apr. 7, the contest features cash prizes, merit certifications and an online public exhibit on the LAC website, www.LamorindaArts.org/online-galleries/. The reception in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, begins at 7:00 p.m. on March 14; the juried awards ceremony runs from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Library Auditorium. Questions? Call 925.359.4490. For information visit www.lamorindaarts.org/vac.

Art Gallery at Wilder: Grand Reopening on Sunday March 3, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

The Lamorinda Arts Council announces the Grand Reopening of the Art Gallery at Wilder on Sunday, Mar. 3, at a reception with light refreshments from 2:30 to 4:30p. Orinda Vice Mayor Latika Malkani will be present to officially open the Art Gallery at Wilder for public viewing Mon. - Fri. from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. Curator Bill Carmel will introduce featured artist Shiva Jafarzadeh and her themed artwork, "Paintings and Drawings of Romance, Womanhood, Motherhood & Feminine Poems.” Go to https://LamorindaArts.org/galleries-2, email info@LamorindaArts.org or call 925.359.9940 for more information. Be sure and download the PDF with directions if you plan to attend.

Mocktails & Cocktails: Sun. March 24 4:00 – 6:00 @ Tutu’s Lafayette

Join those who love art, literature, music and everything in between at Tutu’s, 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, from 4-6 p.m. Time for some conversation about your creative journey; artists of all kinds are invited to bring prompts. Look for our knockoff Picassoesque poster of surrealist Dora Maar – that’s us! No host bar. Just show up. Questions? Email Lamorinda Arts Council at literary@lamorindaarts.org or call 925.359.9940.

Lamorinda Arts Alliance

Main Street Arts welcomes its newest member Dean Evans. His work focuses on the coastal areas and towns that surround the San Francisco Bay. Evans seeks out the parts of the Bay that haven't been affected too much and still retain some of the area's uniqueness. "Making paintings of these places is the best way I have to share my interest in their disappearing character and also preserves something of my past." 

The California Watercolor Association exhibit continues to February 25. After that we will have Assemblage Artist, Dave Kwinter’s work on our guest wall and we invite the public to his reception on March 1 from 6 to 9pm during the Martinez First Fridays event.

While you are visiting the gallery don't forget to sign up for our monthly drawing for a free piece of work from one of our eleven members. December's drawing offered an original abstract by Mimi Wirth. January's drawing is offering a gorgeous Asian themed painting by Eric Carlstrom. February will highlight an original work by Bonnie Fry.

Main Street Arts Gallery is a member Gallery of the Lamorinda Arts Alliance. We will have an LAA show coming up in September/October. www.laa4art.org.

February is the month for Valentines Day! How about giving a gift that will last forever? Make it something so special like an original piece of art. 

We are open Wednesday through Saturday from 1:00am to 4:00 pm, Sunday from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm. A preview of the show is available at www.mainstreetarts.net.

Diablo Symphony Orchestra

The Diablo Symphony Orchestra brings Igor Stravinsky’s groundbreaking Rite of Spring to Walnut Creek on March 3, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Lesher Center for the Arts. Expanded to accommodate Stravinsky’s score calling for nearly 100 musicians, the orchestra will include multiple flutes and clarinets in different ranges; four oboes; two English horns; four bassoons; two contrabassoons; eight French horns; five trumpets; three trombones; two tubas; a full complement of violins, violas, and cellos; and eight string basses. New sounds and energetic polyrhythms are created in the percussion section by six timpani (including a piccolo timpani) shared by two timpanists, a tam-tam, a bass drum, crash cymbals, antique cymbals, a tambourine, and a stroked washboard. The program also features a new commissioned work, “Many Hues of Green,” by San Francisco composer Jean Ahn and Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto in E Minor, featuring Starla Breshears, this season’s winner of the DSO’s Yen Liang Young Artist Competition. Breshears, age 16, is a precollege student at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, studying cello with Jean-Michel Fonteneau. She was the 2023 Stulberg International String Competition Bronze Medalist and has also won first prize in more than a dozen solo competitions, including Grand Prize in the Diablo Valley College/Holy Names University Young Artist Competition. Elgar’s meditative concerto achieved wide popularity after a recording by cellist Jacqueline du Pré became a classical best-seller in the 1960s. Composed in the aftermath of World War I, the concerto adds to the power of a program that highlights not only a new work but also two masterworks of the symphonic literature. The DSO hopes to see you at this and other concerts in the 2023-2024 season.

Looking ahead, Grammy Award-winning jazz violinist Mads Tolling brings his violin concerto Begejstring to the DSO's family concert on April 14. Strings players from local high schools will also come to the stage to perform fiddle tunes with Tolling and the DSO.  

Tickets are available at the Lesher Center for the Arts box office (925-943-7469; 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek) or online through the DSO’s website at www.diablosymphony.org. Discounts for youth and groups of 10+ seniors are available; children 12 and under are admitted free of charge to all concerts. Tickets will also be available at the door.

“Echo In The Canyon 2” is going to be at Wine Thieves on 3/16 from 1-7pm and feature live music, artist showcases, food and drink. The goal is to increase visibility of art and music in Lafayette and generally have a great time. 

Moraga Art Gallery

The Moraga Art Gallery's new exhibit, Stories on Canvas, which consists of hundreds of artworks in numerous genres by a score of members and guest-artists, including ceramicists, photographers, painters in many genres, jewelry makers, wood-workers and more.

The display at the Moraga Art Gallery, open Wednesday to Sunday from noon to 5:00 pm until March 17th, is at 432 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center. For more information, call 925-376-5407 or visit www.MoragaArtGallery.com.

Image: Painting by Kath Balamuth, "This is Not a Nest."

The Peter Pan Foundation

After a fun and successful summer camp last year The Peter Pan Foundation is so happy to be back at it with the mystery and magic of "Into the Woods Jr!"

Our camp runs June 3rd - June 22,

Monday - Friday from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM with performances on Friday June 21 and Saturday June 22. Join us for an immersive outdoor production full of summer fun

and theatre energy!



Registration opens March! https://peterpanfoundation.org

Our PPF Concert Series returns after a magical "Beauty and the Beast" Concert in December. You'll see Stars, you'll sense the performers Hearts Full of Love and At the End of the Day you'll want to hear more!



Join us for April 12 - 13 for two nights of incredible talent, gorgeous music and pure magic onstage. https://peterpanfoundation.org

Poetry for the Ages

Salon-Style Poetry Reading April 30 from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

Join other poetry lovers for an informal gathering to hear local emerging poets read original works and actors read well-loved verse. The doors open at 11:00 am when the Town Hall Theatre lobby transforms into a literary salon and cafe. Join others for casual conversation and complimentary coffee, tea and cookies; brown bag lunches welcome. The one-hour program starts at 12:00 pm. Admission is free, but space is limited. Please register by email: jrosen@lovelafayette.org. All registrants are entered into a raffle to win a gift certificate to a local bookstore!

Poetry for the Ages is a pilot poetry program offered through a collaboration between the City of Lafayette Public Art Committee, the Lamorinda Arts Council, the Town Hall Theatre and the California Writers Club.

Swan Lake

Contra Costa Ballet Foundation presents Swan Lake, May 10^th and 11^th, at The Lesher Center for the Arts in Walnut Creek. Get your ticket to “One of the greatest and most revered fairytale ballets of all time”. Contra Costa Ballet School is enrolling students for the spring semester. For more information see contracostaballet.org.

Summer Shakespeare Conservatory

Join Cal Shakes for an exciting and immersive theater experience! This camp is a must-attend for theater enthusiasts and aspiring actors alike. You'll have the opportunity to learn from seasoned professionals and hone your acting skills.

Cal Shakes has been running summer camp programs since the 1980s, and officially launched the Summer Shakespeare Conservatories in 2002. Over 4,000 young people have gone through the program. Final performances will take place on the last day of each session.

Summer Shakespeare Conservatory is a training camp for young actors (ages 11-18) that gives them the same rigorous training that our professional casts use to create award-winning performances on our Main Stage: stage combat, text analysis, acting and voice work. The Conservatory culminates in a public performance of an abridged Shakespeare play. https://calshakes.org/learn/conservatory

Learn more and register at lafsmw.org.

The Time Is Now - Join the Community-Wide Renovation Campaign to Light Up the Historic Park Theater!



October 6, 2023 Notes4Hope Benefit Concert Highlights Featuring Michael Franti & special guest LUCE!