A Guide To Online Arts Experiences To Enjoy While We Shelter In Place
Yes, the museums are closed (again!), and Frida Kahlo, the Girl With the Pearl Earring, and the Mona Lisa are taking a well deserved break. While complying with the Shelter in Place order means staying at home, it doesn't mean you have to miss out on enjoying the arts!
You too can take a break and enjoy these FREE virtual art experiences collected by board members and friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council covering many genres of art.
Send your own suggestions for Art In Place to us at artinplace@lamorindaarts.org.
List updated: 12/11/2020
Scroll all the way down to see listings in our new Philanthropy Category!
| ORGANIZATION | DESCRIPTION |
| All Art Forms | |
| #CREATEATHOME | Virtual resources for creating at home curated by Create CA |
| CNN | Staff at the Sydmore Lodge Care Home in Edgeware, England, recreate famous album covers at English nursing home |
| CNN | CNN's art webpage full of link to opera, concerts, ballet and museums all over the world |
| JPG@TheBank | Gabriel Schama Art Reception with Gold Coast Chamber Players |
| KING TV | Paul (who has cerebral palsy) creates typewriter art |
| Dance and Movement | |
| American Ballet Theatre | World's top ballerinas unite for virtual performance |
| City of Orinda | Comprehensive list of nutritional, educational, and recreational activities and fun resources for all ages |
| Galen Hooks | Seven-minute "Purple Rain" Guided Movement Meditation |
| Got Talent Global | Check out this incredible ballet audition that made the judges cry and received the golden buzzer on World's Got Talent 2019! |
| Green Buddha | Shelter in Place with Green Buddha describes a daily yoga pose curated by yoga instructor Jeanne Dowell and sent to you via email; sign up at jeannedowell@yahoo.com |
| Joy In Motion | Joy in Motion is providing free curated DANCE resources to their friends, families, and neighbors during the shelter in place |
| Kate Hutchinson (via Kinetic Arts) | 10-minute Kitchen Ballet Barre class |
| Performing Academy | Virtual dance class series with Performing Academy teaching artists on YouTube; PA offers weekly virtual technqiue classes in singing, acting and dance for all ages as well as virtual productions. |
| Reneff-Olson Productions | Inspired by social distancing guidelines and “shelter-in-place” mandates in the era of COVID-19, SHELTER offers a glimpse of how 26 professional dancers across the globe are experiencing the pandemic, and captures artists' resilience in the face of unprecedented times. |
| Education | |
| A Kids Play About Racism | A groundbreaking online performance for families that explains what racism is, how to know it when you see and experience it, and ideas for what you can do about it. Available FREE on demand on Aug. 1-2 ONLY. |
| African American Art and Culture Complex | The African American Art & Culture Complex is a space for Black creatives and communities to learn, gather, and present, while being a place for all to experience the brilliance of Black art and culture. |
| Arts Council for Monterey County | Arts Council for Monterey County (Arts4MC) now provides at-home arts education lessons so youth everywhere can study with our professional teaching artists, build skills, and benefit from creative play. Check back weekly for new art lessons! |
| Artsy | plenty of enticing offerings when it comes to the visual arts |
| California Shakespeare Theatre | A series of panel discussions, interviews, podcasts and webinars offering industry and community support as well as behind-the-scenes insight. |
| California Shakespeare Theatre | Panel discussion on anti-racist practices and allyship moderated by Bay Area theatermaker and educator, Lauren Spencer |
| Camp Galileo Anywhere | Imagination-sparking activities for kids, updated weekly |
| Disney On Broadway Lion King Experience | Disney on Broadway has unlocked the curriculum for the Lion King Experience program for kids age 8-11 or 12-15 |
| EduHam at Home | Extension of the Hamilton Education Program, FREE to all families of K-12 students during Covid-19 outbreak |
| St. Mary's College | Resources for educators, including guide for River of Words, youth art and poetry inspired by the natural world |
| The Kennedy Center | All 15 episodes of Mo Willems popular Lunch Doodles series |
| Walt Disney Studios | Learn to draw with Disney and Pixar animators |
| Young Actors Theatre Camp | Follow @campYATC on Instagram for master classes and online performance opportunities for students |
| Film and Animation | |
| Classic Arts Showcase | Can be viewed on the Internet 24/7. CAS is a non-profit, non-commercial satellite channel broadcasting a mix of classic arts including classical music, opera, dance, jazz, theatre, solo vocal, choral and chamber music, animation and more. Free app available for Apple TV. |
| Greater Good Science Center, UC Berkeley | Article entitled: "Twelve films That Highlight the Best in Humanity" from the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley |
| KANOPY - Contra Costa County Library | Free streaming of films all you need is a Library card |
| Lamorinda Arts Council | View the 9 winning films from our first ever Lamorinda SuperShorts Two-Minute Movie Challenge |
| Spirituality & Practice | Variety of resources for multifaith and interspiritual journeys - arts, films, books, blogs, practices, explorations |
| TheCinemaholic | For those who really care about the world of arts, these documentaries open up a massive world of information and insight |
| Video of Animation Process | Video showing how animators create a video with a squirrel conducting classical music to a forest full of animals |
| Humor and Just For Fun | |
| DeMilked | Series of images of museum patrons who match the artwork they are viewing, by photographer, Stefan Draschan |
| Google Arts and Culture | Transform your photo in the style of an iconic artist |
| Les Mis family | Viral video of the Marsh family sharing their lockdown-themed coronavirus pandemic in the style of Les Misérables |
| Leslie Noel Studios | Stay at Tone Moms, a vocal group based in Lafayette, do a humorous take on Closer to Fine by the Indigo Girls |
| New York Times | In her new book “Men to Avoid in Art and Life,” Nicole Tersigni harnesses her skill with a Twitter meme to illuminate the experience of women harassed by concern trolls, “sexperts” and more. |
| Part of Your World parody | Musical parody of Part of Your World by Mina Lim, local 8th grader and daughter of LAC Board Member |
| Plowboy Records | Chuck Mead & His Grassy Knoll Boys take us through the isolated woes of the 2020 Quarantine to the tune of Hank Snow's 1962 classic, "'I've Been Everywhere". |
| Quarantine Through Art | Video depicting the highs and lows of shelter in place through famous works of art |
| San Francisco Chronicle | Comedy show by Quicksand Club, premiers on YouTube on Aug. 1 but available for viewing anytime after that date |
| Museums, Galleries, 2D/3D Artwork | |
| Art Space Blog | Blog post with ideas for visual games to do during shelter in place |
| ArtNet News | Editors' picks for virtual art experiences |
| ArtNet News | Visit 500 international museums from the comfort of your own home |
| Asian Art Museum | Visit website for details on museum closures and access to online programming |
| Avril Angevine | A short lecture by Avril Angevine on Bay Area Figurative painter David Park and his influence on the art world |
| Avril Angevine | Brief lecture on Bay Area painter Selden Connor Gile and the "Society of Six" by Avril Angevine |
| Bay Area Studio Artists | Virtual Inspired By exhibit on YouTube |
| BBC | Link to episodes of BBC's A History of the World in 100 Objects podcast |
| Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive | Join BAMPFA Director and Chief Curator Larry Rinder for a virtual tour of the exhibition of virtuoso quilt maker Rosie Lee Tompkins: A Retrospective, co-curated with Andrew Mellon Postdoctoral Curatorial Fellow Elaine Y. Yau. |
| Betsy Streeter | Follow Lafayette cartoonist and illustrator @betsystreeter on Instagram and visit her website to read Sloth and Manatee, a new cartoon about life, and friendship, and nature |
| Campolindo HS | Campo Virtual Art Show 2020 |
| de Young Museum | Visit website for details on museum closures and access to online programming |
| de Young Museum | Links to resources for the Virtual Bouquets to Art 2020 |
| Del Rey Art Gallery | Follow @delreyneighborhoodgallery on Instagram for ideas for kids and adults for art activities, tag your work with #delreyneighborhoodgallery |
| Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco | Virtual Bouquets to Art |
| Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco | Watch videos about art and art making from both the de Young Museum and Legion of Honor in San Francisco |
| Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco | Museums from Home Newsletter Archive: anchored by our permanent collection, each installment explores the intersection of art and issues of our time |
| Frida Kahlo Museum | La Casa Azul gives you an interactive tour of Frida Kahlo’s house; explore rooms, gallery, gardens and nearby streets. |
| Getty Center | Twitter thread showing people recreating famous works of art using objects they have at home |
| Getty Museum | Getty Artworks Recreated with Household Items by Creative Geniuses the World Over |
| Google Arts and Culture | 9 amazing street art murals in NYC |
| Google Arts and Culture | Explore panoramic views of famous sites in 360˚ Street View tours |
| HFR Chinese Street Artist | Chinese artist paints with spectacular techniques |
| Jim Van Der Zee Immersive | Vincent van Gogh immersive art experience exhibit, Art Alive Atelier des Lumieres, Paris |
| John Eagle, Laguna Painter | This Laguna Beach, California artisit shows how he goes from a tiny sketch on a Post-It to a painting. |
| Lamorinda Arts Council | Recap of our most recent Art Embraces Words event, which took place Jan 19, 2020 |
| Lamorinda Arts Council | Around the World at 80 video by Susan Garell of artwork, artist reception and awards ceremony in the Art Gallery at the Orinda Library on July 17, 2016; all artists are aged 80 or more |
| Legion of Honor | Visit website for details on museum closures and access to online programming |
| Moraga Art Gallery | Virtual tour of the Moraga Art Gallery |
| New York Times | The new must-have museum store accessory, a mask! |
| New York Times | Article about Japanese America artist, Ruth Asawa, who seven years after her death, is finally being recognized as an American master |
| Only Human | Akiane Kramarik is a child and teenage prodigy, she has become a self-made millionaire through selling her incredible paintings from the early age of 5. Akiane, paints from her visions of Jesus Christ which she claims speaks to her. |
| San Francisco Human Services Agency | San Francisco Museums for All (SF MFA), is a program that offers free or $3 admission to low-income residents. During COVID-19, SF MFA partners continue to serve all San Franciscans by offering Museums From Home, a program of free, online access to exhibits and activities. |
| San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) | Visit website for details on museum closures and access to online programming |
| SFMOMA | A look back at the pioneers of the '90s Mission Arts Scene |
| SFMOMA | Photographer Tomoko Sawada explains how self-portraits can reveal the relationship between our inner and outer worlds |
| St. Mary's College Museum of Art | Guide to wildflowers of California, including coloring pages of California wild flowers |
| Stephen Wiltshire | Stephen Wiltshire is an artist who was diagnosed with autism when he was 3 years old. Though he had difficulty verbally communicating, he loved to draw—and had a remarkable and powerful memory for what he saw. |
| The New York Times | The New York Times collection of 10 conversations about art via podcast |
| Unsplash | A place for photographers to upload photos which are used copyright free worldwide |
| Vatican Museum & Gardens | Video and virtual tours of the many individual Vatican Museums and gardens |
| Music and Singing | |
| ABC Radio Brisbane | 1000 Singers, 18 Countries |
| San Francisco Symphony | The San Francisco Symphony presents CURRENTS, a four-part video series and accompanying podcast series featuring music and conversation around the changing perspectives for symphony orchestras today; curated by Michael Morgan and musicians of the San Francisco Symphony, with further learning and exploration led by Daniel Bartholomew-Poyser. |
| American Folk Oratorio | "The Light of Hope Returning," Dec. 21, celebrating the Winter Solstice, an original full-length animated concert presented by WomenSing, Elektra Women's Choir, Soloist Allison Girvan and members of the San Francisco Opera Orchestra |
| Broadway By The Bay | Produced entirely during the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, this album was recorded by over 65 our artists from their homes, in locations spanning the globe! Over nearly 2,000 hours, these songs were recorded, mixed, and mastered with all of the same love and care found in our main stage productions and cabarets. |
| Amira Willighagen | Performance of O Mio Babbino Caro by Amira Willighagen, a Dutch soprano singer who won Holland's Got Talent in 2013 at the age of 9 |
| Berkeley Playhouse | BPH cast of cancelled musical In the Heights |
| Berkeley Playhouse | Four of the actors who played the role of Annie in BPH's 2011 and 2017 productions came together from their homes to record the beloved song "Tomorrow" for you all |
| Chase Center | Free to Spotify users: Chase Center has curated playlists that bring Chase Center artists to you! |
| Hands Across the Sea - SF PRIDE | Hands Across the Sea - SF Lesbian/Gay Freedom Band & Rose City Pride Bands w/SF Mayor London Breed |
| Lamorinda Idol | Full list of Lamorinda Idol 2020 Finalists, with links to view audition videos. Lamorinda Idol is a program of the Lamorinda Arts Council. |
| Leslie Noel Studios | Compilation of the inspiring Leslie Noel's vocal students singing You Will Be Found from Dear Even Hansen |
| Metropolitan Opera | Streaming free opera every night |
| NPR | Intimate musical video performances recorded live at the desk of All Songs Considered host Bob Bollen of NPR music |
| Pacific Chamber Orchestra | A behind the scenes loook at creating a new musical work: Mythos~Vikings to Shakers |
| PBS | Yo-Yo Ma's "Songs of Comfort" through PBS |
| Performing Academy | Performing Academy's Facebook Live Q&As and Live From the Living Room concerts, some featuring past Lamorinda Idol participants, are still available to watch on demand |
| Peter Pan Foundation | Hear Our Voices online benefit concert, directed by PPFer Kisakye Naiga, featuring passionate artists sharing their messages through singing, dancing, and spoken word. |
| Phoenix Chamber Choir of Canada | A Social Distance-Sing Project, original words and music by Billy Joel adapted lyrics by Nicholle Andrews and Zach Timson |
| Podcasts by Lawrence Kohl | Listen to Conductor Lawrence Kohl's interview exploring the role of Pacific Chamber Orchestra's Concertmaster, Igor Veligan, and the first in his new series on non-profits, featuring Susan Garell, past president of the (Lam)Orinda Arts Council |
| SF Symphony | An intimate glimpse into the lives of the San Francisco Symphony family as we shelter-in-place. |
| SF Symphony | Memorable concerts from the past, all recorded live at the Herbst Theatre from 2004–08 |
| SF Symphony | View the Jerusalem Quartet's Front Row concert which includes Mozart, Shostakovich, Brahms and Debussy |
| SF Symphony | Michael Tilson Thomas and San Francisco Symphony’s Keeping Score series |
| St. Mary's College Glee Club | Enjoy a beat as St. Mary's College Glee Club celebrates National Sing Out Day by performing "Rather Be," directed by Dr. Julie Ford. |
| Xfinity/Comcast | Subscribers can search for “Music Choice” – 50 categories of music to choose from included with all subscription levels at no extra cost |
| Nature and Travel | |
| East Bay Regional Park District | Tune in for this kid-friendly virtual campfire program featuring Naturalist Morgan Guenther singing songs and showing viewers how to search for animal signs while they “camp” at home. |
| Keukenhof | Virtual tour of tulips in full bloom at Keukenhof, the world's biggest flower garden, located in Lisse, Holland |
| Mirela Athanas | Tchaikovsky Waltz of Flowers - with dancing flowers - blooming time lapse |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium | Live web cams features sea otters, kelp forest, coral reef, aviary, jelly fish, moon jelly fish and penguins. |
| NatGeo@Home | To celebrate Earth Day, NatGeo@Home is "hosting" neighborhood safaris to inspire everyone to engage as a family to explore the planet through its amazing animals |
| National Geographic | Recommended photo books perfect for armchair travels |
| Oakland Zoo | Live webcams feature grizzly bears, sun bears, black bears, elephants and condors. |
| ShakeUp Music | Bird song opera; Listen to an audiovisual twitterstorm performed by some feathered fellows, 3.29 minutes |
| Theatrical Performances | |
| California Shakespeare Theatre | Cal Shakes programming including video lectures by Dramaturg, Philippa Kelly, and monologues by Bay Area actors |
| Globe Theatre | In times of solitude from their place of sanctuary, artists share some of the greatest words ever written |
| Moulin Rouge! the Musical | A look back at the journey to Broadway for Moulin Rouge! The Musical |
| PBS Great Performances | Check in frequently for new resources from PBS Great Performances |
| Theatre Bay Area | A guide to local live stream performances, recorded performances, and online classes |
| Town Hall Theatre | "A Christmas Carol": Actors from Lafayette's Town Hall Theatre in a costumed and filmed reading of "A Christmas Carol" -- New installment every Friday thru Christmas Day. |
| Philanthropy - NEW Category! | |
| ArtNet News | Here Are 20+ Organizations You Can Donate to That Support Emerging Black Artists, Thinkers, and Change-Makers |
| Bankrate | A resource for individuals who are looking for ways to support those in need during this holiday season. The article outlines everything readers need to know about supporting charitable causes including donating credit card rewards as well as other options for giving back. |
| Lamorinda Arts Council | The Lamorinda Arts Council's mission is to ignite and sustain artistic expression and appreciation for all ages throughout Lamorinda. Your support enables us to do that. |
| Peter Pan Foundation | The Peter Pan Foundation, based in Lafayette, is dedicated to inspiring children of all ages to reach their full potential by building confidence, character and creativity through music and theatre, while instilling the value of community outreach and philanthropy. |
| Theatre Bay Area | The COVID-19: Performing Arts Worker Relief Fund is a resource for performing arts workers who are facing a loss of income due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. Theatre Bay Area has launched this fund with the generous donations from individual donors, many of them fellow artists. |
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 28: A group of artists paint a mural of George Floyd on the wall outside of Cup Foods, where Floyd was killed in police custody, on May 28, 2020 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. People have gathered at the site since Floyd was killed earlier this week. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)
