ART

 

Valley Art Gallery continues New Exhibition “On a Summer’s Day.” A new selection of over 300 artworks, representing the best of the best of East Bay artists.  All the artists are juried into membership, and each work the new show was individually juried as well. All 2-D works are available for both sale or rent. Also available are a wide selection of individually-juried, high quality, hand-made crafts and jewelry. Valley Art Gallery: 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek, www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311.

 

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

 

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.

 

LITERATURE

 

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. Sept. 9 at 7 p.m.: JULIE LYTHCOTT-HAIMS will discuss her new book “Your Turn:  How to be an Adult.” This is a virtual event in cooperation with the Lafayette Library and Learning Center. To attend, visit their website and register at https://givebutter.com/

Lythcott-Haims

 

OTHER

 

Water wise: Drought realities and practicalities. This event is sponsored by the Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church and will take place on Zoom Thursday evening, Sept. 9 at 6:45 p.m. Everyone interested is welcome to join. The program will feature a representative from EBMUD who will discuss the current drought situation, dos and don’ts of water conservation, tracking personal water usage, EBMUD’s long-term planning, and a time for audience participation in Q&A. Additionally tips from a landscape designer on maintaining trees will be included. To sign up: go to MVPCToday.org.

 

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.

 

 

Caring for Elders: Ask the Experts - Interactive Q&A with Senior Care Specialists. Join Center for Elders’ Independence on Sept. 14, 4:30 to 6 p.m., for a lively discussion with senior care doctors, memory care experts, and a family caregiver. Learn how to deal with challenges and connect to local senior resources. Attend this free event and ask your questions on Zoom or in-person at the PACE Center in Concord. For event details, call (510) 433-1150, ext. 8860. Register at: https://bit.ly/3m7WZ2o

 

Diablo Ballet has announced its new Dance Laboratory created by long-time company member Felipe Leon. Diablo Ballet is looking for local and diverse talented choreographers based in the San Francisco Bay Area to participate in its first edition of Dance Laboratory, a space created to offer upcoming local choreographers the opportunity to create a new work and explore their craft.  This platform will offer new and experienced choreographers the opportunity to explore their creativity, gain experience and reach their full potential as choreographers and artists. Choreographers submit a video reel of their work, 5 minutes maximum, and resume to diablo@diabloballet.org. Last day for video submissions: is Sept. 10.

 

AARP Tax-Aide is looking for volunteers to become members of a team providing free tax preparation for individuals of all ages residing in Contra Costa County.  Tax-Aide volunteer positions include Tax Counselors who are trained by Tax-Aide and certified by IRS, and Client Facilitators, who schedule appointments and assist clients at tax sites. Orientation is in November 2021, classes for tax counselors start in January 2022.  Service is from February through April 15, 2022. If interested, apply online at www.aarp.org/taxvolunteer or call (925) 726-3199 for additional information.

 

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

 

GARDEN

 

The Lafayette Community Garden and Outdoor Learning Center is celebrating its 10th year with a COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE on Sunday, Sept. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event will focus on indigenous culture and feature two inspirational speakers - Jim `Doc’ Hale and Kanyon Sayers-Roods. As a Coastanoan Tribal Member, Kanyon’s understanding of Indigenous culture promises to captivate and enrich our lives. `Doc’ Hale’s background in ethnobiology will fascinate listeners as he shares his knowledge of the Saklan way of life.  See story on page B2 https://lafayettecommunitygarden.org/ 

 

The Walnut Creek Garden Club will hold its first monthly meeting on Monday, Sept. 13 at the Gardens at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Drive, in Walnut Creek.  Meetings are held the 2nd Monday of each month, Sept-June, at 9:30 a.m., followed by social time and an educational program.  Garden Manager Jere Peck will lead us on a tour of the GHF Propagation Nursery.  There will also be an opportunity to purchase plants.  We welcome the public to visit our meetings and to become a part of the Walnut Creek Garden club.  Attendees must be vaccinated.  For more information, please visit: www.walnutcreekgardenclub.org

 

Montelindo Garden Club, based in Orinda, is a group of friendly women and men from the East Bay who enjoy gardening, love nature, and listen to a variety of interesting programs on patio/deck gardening, landscaping in our Mediterranean climate, gardening with natives, climate change and the forest, backyard birds, and more. A book group meets bimonthly via Zoom, and a photography group takes field trips and has Zoom discussions with slide shows and online editing demonstrations. Trips to local garden-related points of interest are planned throughout the year. The September 17 program features John Taylor, Professor of Mycology, UC Berkeley, introducing The Fungal Kingdom, fungi and civilization, relationships between fungi and plants, and drought resistance. Join us and meet new friends! Meetings are on the third Friday of the month, normally at the Lafayette Library at 9:30 a.m. Because of COVID-19 the September meeting will be held via Zoom at 10 a.m. For Zoom link or further information, email montelindogarden@aol.com. Free and open to the public. Join us!