Art

Lamorinda Weekly photographer Jeff Heyman's series of photographs of oak trees, "Oak Scars No. 3," was selected to hang in The de Young Open 2023, an exhibit showcasing Bay Area artists at the de Young Museum in San Francisco. The exhibit runs to Jan. 7, 2024.  www.famsf.org/exhibitions/

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Valley Art Gallery announces their 58th annual Holiday Collection for Artful Giving from Nov. 18 - Dec. 30. Special holiday gift Trunk Shows on Dec. 7, 8, and 9 featuring glass and silver Jewelry and on Dec. 15,16, and17 featuring mixed fiber art. 1661 Botelho Drive, Suite 110, Walnut Creek, www.valleyartgallery.org; (925) 935-4311

Fine Art meets fine beer in Moraga. Thursday, Dec. 14 from 6 - 8 p.m.; the public is invited to the first annual "Shopping and Craft Beer Night" at the Moraga Art Gallery at 432 Center Street in the Rheem Shopping Center. Co-sponsored by Moraga's Canyon Club Brewery, the event will treat patrons visually with a vast array of art by more than a score of member- and guest-artists, and gustatorily by a variety of brews including Kolsches, Porters, IPAs, and a Moraga original--"Roads of Pearpetual Construction"--along with interesting non-alcoholic beers, snacks, and music. Until Christmas ,the gallery will be open daily from noon to 5 p.m.; afterwards, the same hours, but closed Monday and Tuesday. For more information, visit moragaartgallery.com or call (925) 367-5407.

Orinda Books Artist of the Month for December is Paul Kratter. His popular plein air paintings embody the light, atmosphere, and emotion that only an accomplished artist can convey. Paul's illustration background instills strong drawing and design skills and a robust belief in graphic shapes and storytelling, and he finishes paintings on location to keep a fresh, spontaneous feel. For a preview, visit https://www.orindabooks.com

Music

California Academy of Performing Arts (CAPA) in Moraga presents the Nutcracker Ballet & Concerto at Campolindo HS Performing Arts Center from Dec. 7 - 11. A fun and traditional outing for many Bay Area families, and just in time for the Holidays! The Nutcracker is a narrated ballet in two acts, and several shows will also have a Holiday Concerto right after the Nutcracker. Tickets on sale now. Visit www.capadance.net/nutcracker for show schedule & link to purchase tickets.

Berkeley Chamber Performances is excited to present the Black Oak Ensemble on Saturday, Jan. 27 at 7:30 p.m at the Lafayette Library. Praised for its "insightful, committed and masterful performances" (Classics Today 10/10) and "fierce eloquence" (London Times), the Black Oak Ensemble is one of the most innovative and exciting chamber ensembles on the international stage. This concert will feature works from Black Oak's record "Silenced Voices" (Cedille Records), dedicated to Jewish composers, most of whom lost their lives during the Holocaust. Tickets at: https://www.tickettailor.com/

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Solstice Celebration on Thursday, Dec. 21 at 4:30 and 6 p.m. at Creekside Commons of Lafayette, 1035 Carol Lane. Live fire arts performer, winter hors d'oeuvres, spike your cider bar for adults, hot cocoa for all ages, poetry, candlelight labyrinth walk, and original sonic rhythms provided by The House of Willow. It's a moment for the whole family to pause and honor the longest night of the year. The celebration is followed by a meditative "Sonic Solstice" that immerses you in the sounds of the Handpan, Didgeridoo, Hand Drums, Native American Flutes, and more. Start your winter with a solstice moment that invites you into the nurturing stillness of the season. Tickets sold online or at the door. Visit Creeksidecommons.org for more info.

Literature

Stories Live On Forever: How to be the hero in your own story and inspire others for generations to come. A storytelling & writing workshop with Sharon K. Sobotta

Dec. 9, 10 a.m.- noon at Reasonable Books, 3645 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Stories are the part of us that can live on for generations to come. In this storytelling and writing workshop, Sharon will guide us through a series of fun exercises to engage us in the age-old tradition of storytelling.

Other

The Acalanes Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and VFW Post 8063 will host a ceremony at the historic Lafayette Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 16 at noon. Following the ceremony, wreaths will be placed at the graves of nearly 300 veterans who lie at rest in the historic 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.

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All are cordially invited to attend St. Mary's College Guild's Christmas Luncheon held at SMC's Soda Center, Moraga, on Dec. 12, featuring pianist Sharon Lee Kim and the Award Winning St. Mary's College Choir. Social Hour is at 11 a.m. There will be a Holiday Bake Sale and a Raffle for a Money Tree. All proceeds benefit SMC Scholarship Fund for needy students of St. Mary's College. Cost $50 per person. Menu: Salmon Picatta or Chicken a la King. Send your order with your check, (payable to: St. Mary's College Guilt) and reservations to: Marybeth Dyer - 6410 Valley Oak Plaza, Martinez, CA. 94553. For Questions Call: Marybeth Dyer: (925) 387-5283 Please RSVP by Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Winter Workshop for Kids will be held at the Lafayette Plaza on Saturday, Dec. 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Children can craft a gift for someone special. All materials and assistance will be provided, and parents/guardians can help with assembly too. Plus, there will be loads of outdoor games. Bring the whole family, from the very young to the young at heart! Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary hosts this event in partnership with Lafayette Parks and Recreation. More information: https://lamorindasunrise.org/

All are invited to see the Christmas story come to life at the 18th annual viewing of the Live Nativity at Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church (MVPC). Come by anytime from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 9, when the MVPC Courtyard will be transformed into a Bethlehem village. This heartwarming community event recreates the story of the birth of Jesus with live actors and animals. Visitors will be transported back in time 2000 years to Bethlehem as Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, angels, shepherds, and animals bring the Christmas story to life. This event will be held entirely outdoors, but protected from the elements, and there is no cost to attend. Moraga Valley Presbyterian Church is located in Moraga at 10 Moraga Valley Lane. https://www.lamorindanativity.com/ or call (925) 376-4800.