Elaine Drew’s love affair with the Middle Ages began when she worked at the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art. She enjoyed wandering the galleries looking at the luminescent color and gold of Medieval painting. “After I married I lived in England for four years, surrounded by history. Our small village was within walking distance of Winchester, the royal seat of the early English kingdom of Wessex.” Learn more at https://elainedrew.com/

Meet a bevy of colorful characters in Drew’s historical fiction graphic novel, “A Knight’s Bad Day.” Knight Egbert, the main character, wishes to join the court of King Beorhtric. First he must prove himself. You’ll meet a Seer who advises him not to proceed, warriors he must best, a beautiful lady and her ladies-in-waiting, visit a haunted forest and enter an enchanted castle.

Her humorous graphic novel is set in Wessex, England in the year 800, Drew’s favorite time period. To view these images visit https://lamorindaarts.org/online-galleries..

In addition to curating two galleries in Orinda with original artwork every month (Art Gallery at the Orinda Gallery & Art Gallery at Wilder), here is a sample of other programs we offer: Arts Ambassadors (K-8 youth), Lamorinda Idol, High School Visual Arts Competition, Art Embraces Words, Art Embraces Music (2022), Art Embraces Poetry (new in 2023), Artify Orinda, and Lamorinda Super Shorts. If you are interested in exhibiting artwork in one of our galleries please apply online HERE.

The mission of the Council is to ignite and sustain artistic expression and appreciation for all ages throughout Lamorinda. If you are interested in visual, performing or literary arts, please join us in keeping the arts alive. We are an engaged group of volunteers and donors who develop and produce events, partner with professional organizations and artists, give financial support and awards, and advocate for a vibrant, local culture of visual, performing, and literary arts. To donate to the Council go HERE.