Lamorinda Arts Council

Handel’s "Messiah" | Pacific Chamber Orchestra in Lafayette
2024-11-30 19:30 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
Pacific Chamber Orchestra presents Handel’s “Messiah” 2024
Universal, Uplifting, and Soulful!
Music Director Lawrence Kohl of the Pacific Chamber Orchestra invites you to welcome the holiday season by attending a concert performance of Handel’s “Messiah” where you are lifted up by a cloud of harmonious voices. You will leave singing the famed “Hallelujah Chorus.”
November 30th in Lafayette at 7:30 pm
Tickets here: pacificchamberorchestra.org/tickets/

Maker, Mentor, Muse | Maw Shein Win: Percussing the Thinking Jar
2024-11-24 16:00 - 17:00 | CA
On November 24th at 4:00 pm, Alta Mesa Center for the Arts and Maker, Mentor, Muse welcomes award-winning poet Maw Shein Win as she launches her new poetry book: Percussing the Thinking Jar.
The event will feature special guests: Rae Diamond, Thea Matthews, Jenny Qi, and Candy Shue
Register for this free online event HERE.

"Streams of Consciousness" St. Mary's College Dance Concert
2024-11-23 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-11-23 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-22 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-11-21 20:00 - 22:00 | St. Mary’s College, 1928 St Marys Rd, Moraga, 94556, United States
Saint Mary’s College Dance Company proudly presents “Streams of Consciousness,” a shared evening of dance works presented by eight seniors from the Class of 2025. This fall production shares in the individuality of each artist while highlighting their collective experience with a range of dance styles from Contemporary, Modern, Ballet Folklorico, Hip-Hop, and Dance Theatre. Students are exploring ideas of culture and identity, connection, resistance, nostalgia, societal pressure, and how the study of the natural world can translate to more understanding of human relationships. Celebrate these incredible emerging choreographers and their new work!
PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE or IN-PERSON.

St. Mary's College Museum of Art (SMCMoA) | Ensemble Assemblage: Music & Dance in the Galleries
2024-11-22 15:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-03 11:00 - 12:00 | Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art, 1928 St. Marys Road, Moraga, CA, 94575
Ensemble Assemblage brings forward Desiree Sturrock’s (SMCMoA student assistant) senior music capstone project. Saint Mary’s artists—musicians Adanna Ogu (voice + guitar), Reeya Dharmadhikari (voice), and Sara Karkal (violin), alongside dancers Cadence Godwin, Lu Price, and Erica Hardy—will collaborate and perform through music and movement to respond to work from the exhibition Isole: A Voyage Among My Dreams.
The ensemble will select a painting and a related poem for inspiration and lyrics for each performance. The composition will take shape around those elements as the artists explores the relationship between creativity and its ability to channel through instruments (physical, vocal, or our bodies). Through this work, Ensemble Assemblage seeks to de-stigmatize artistry through multidisciplinary, improvisatory performance.

Live At the Orinda! Concert Series | Sam Harris
2024-11-17 17:00 - 19:00 | Orinda Theatre, 2 Orinda Theater Square, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Tony-nominated Broadway star (The Life, Grease), multi-platinum-selling recording artist, and the very first winner of TV’s Star Search, Sam Harris makes a triumphant return to singing and the concert stage after having to take several years off due to vocal surgery. Collaborating with American Idol music director Michael Orland, Sam bares his heart and soul in his brand new show, Beyond the Rainbow, a nod to his legendary version of “Over the Rainbow,” which put him on the map at age 22, dazzling 25 million viewers a week for the entire premiere season of Star Search, the ground-breaking show that preceded American Idol and The Voice. The show launched an astounding career that spans Broadway, television, records, and concert stages around the globe. Beyond the Rainbow features Harris’s singular, definitive interpretations of Broadway, pop, and standards, along with his hilarious, self-effacing, and topical wit. www.samharris.com
“Sam Harris is a phenomenon! The theatre becomes electric with the force of his performance!” – The New York Times
“Awe-inspiring! The sheer force of his charisma is mesmerizing; rousing one moment and heartbreaking the next.” – Chicago Tribune
“Unbelievable! What a gift! Sam could make Jesus walk through the door!” – Oprah Winfrey

A Walnut Creek Walking Tour of Art w/Lamorinda Arts Alliance
2024-11-16 10:00 - 11:30 | Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, CA
Join LAA members for a delightful and informative walking tour of public art in downtown Walnut Creek. The tour begins at the Bedford Gallery, 1601 Civic Drive, Walnut Creek, and focuses on the public art collection along Main St. and the Public Library.
The tour will be led by a trained public art specialist who will be able to offer information on the very art you may have meandered by in the past and were curious about.
The cost is $5 for adults; under 18y free. You must pay in person (cash only), and your ticket includes admission to Bedford Gallery. Please assemble in front of the Bedford Galley before the tour begins. Parking is available in the public garage next to the Bedford Gallery.
More information will follow as we get closer to the date.
More information will follow as we get closer to the date. But please email Sharon Tama (twotamas@gmail.com) using the subject “LAA Art Tour” so we can estimate the number of attendees.

Winter | An LAA Exhibit at Papillon Gourmet Coffee & Tea
2024-11-14 - 2025-01-14 | Papillon Gourmet Coffee & Tea, 67 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, CA, 94549
The magic of Winter. There’s a chill in the air, the warmth of getting together with family and friends, children filled with wonder and excitement, and a watchful eye on the power of nature. It’s a great time to savor a warm beverage while enjoying the paintings of your artist neighbors and welcome a new season and a new year.
Lamorinda Arts Alliance is a diverse group of artists, each on a unique artistic journey, whose work reflects their experiences, dreams, passions, and heritage. The exhibit was curated by LAA member Karen Baden Thapa. We thank her for her commitment to bringing local art to the community.
For more information on Lamorinda Arts Alliance and to see more work by the member artists, please visit LAA4Art.org.
The exhibit runs from November 14th to January 14th. Papillon Gourmet Coffee and Tea is in La Fiesta Square, at 67 Lafayette Circle. There is metered parking at La Fiesta Square.

"The Excavation of Mary Anning" St. Mary's College Fall '24 Theatre Production
2024-11-10 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-09 20:00 - 22:00, 2024-11-08 16:00 - 18:00, 2024-11-03 14:00 - 16:00, 2024-11-02 20:00 - 22:00 | St. Mary’s College, 1928 St Marys Rd, Moraga, 94556, United States
Saint Mary’s Theatre Program presents “The Excavation of Mary Anning” by Ian August, directed by Shannon R Davis.
Amidst the weather-beaten cliffs of southern England, Mary Anning hunts for fossils. With her determination, lucky hammer, and dog, Tray, Mary uncovers secrets that redefine science, religion, and philosophy. But Mary’s discoveries are buried beneath the rubble while the stars of her male counterparts grow ever brighter. The Excavation of Mary Anning is a historical fantasia following one woman’s quest to reclaim her legacy in a society that refuses to acknowledge her worth.
Parking is 50 cents per hour via texting the app publicized at the guest parking lots.

Artist Reception, November 2024 | Art Gallery at the Orinda Library
2024-11-09 14:30 - 16:30 | Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
November 2024 Exhibit | Tapestries by Aiko Kobayashi Gray and Artisan Jewelry by Lisa Marie Del Gavio
Join us for a special Artist Reception where you can view the November exhibit, meet Aiko and Lisa, and enjoy light refreshments.
Saturday, November 9, 2:30 – 4:30 pm on the Library Terrace
All the details here.

St. Mary's College Faculty Piano Recital | Lino Rivera
2024-11-08 13:30 - 14:30 | St. Mary’s College, 1928 St Marys Rd, Moraga, 94556, United States
Join Professor Lino Rivera in the SMC Chapel, performing a selection of Beethoven, Brahms, Schubert, Chopin, and Liszt and performing a piece by composer Richard Cicone on the piano. This piece will have its world premiere the weekend before at the Festival of New American Music. If you haven’t heard Prof. Rivera play the piano before, this is not to be missed. If you have heard him play before, you’ll want to see these latest pieces he’s been working on as part of his recent sabbatical.
For visitors, please park in the Visitor’s Lot to the left of the entrance gate. Parking is $0.50/hour, paid by credit card at the visitors’ lot.

Artist Reception, November 2024 | Art Gallery at Wilder
2024-11-03 14:00 - 16:30 | Art Gallery at Wilder, 20 Orinda Fields Lane, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Please join us at the Wilder Art & Garden Center for this month’s Artist Reception in honor of artist Denise Nomura presenting her solo exhibit “Abstract Serenity – A Reflection of Nature’s Beauty”!
Nomura’s artwork has evolved from meticulous representational portrayals of nature to currently expressing herself in an abstract format. “I have finally found my stride and comfort zone in abstract Impressionism,” she said.
Meet Denise, view the art, and enjoy light refreshments…
Artist Reception
Sunday, November 3, 2:00- 4:30 pm
Wilder Art & Garden Center
20 Orinda Fields Lane
*Parking is available in the parking lots next to Field 3. Accessible parking spaces are available near an adjacent Accessible ramp leading up to the Art & Garden Center. Look for our Wilder Gallery signage to direct you.
All the details, including driving directions to the gallery, are available on our website. You may also view and purchase art from this exhibit in our Wilder Online Gallery.

"The Excavation of Mary Anning" St. Mary's College Fall '24 Theatre Production
2024-11-01 20:00 - 22:00 | St. Mary’s College, 1928 St Marys Rd, Moraga, 94556, United States
Saint Mary’s Theatre Program presents “The Excavation of Mary Anning” by Ian August, directed by Shannon R Davis.
Amidst the weather beaten cliffs of southern England, Mary Anning hunts for fossils. Armed with her determination, her lucky hammer, and her dog, Tray, Mary uncovers secrets that redefine science, religion, and philosophy. But Mary’s discoveries are buried beneath the rubble while the stars of her male counterparts grow ever brighter. The Excavation of Mary Anning is a historical fantasia following one woman’s quest to reclaim her legacy in a society that refuses to acknowledge her worth.
PURCHASE TICKETS ON OUR WEBSITE.
Parking is 50 cents per hour via texting the app publicized at the guest parking lots.

Mocktails & Cocktails {Last Chance}
2024-10-27 16:00 - 18:00 | Tutu’s Food & Drink, 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
Hello Lovers of all Things Creative, and Goodbye too!
Join friends of the Lamorinda Arts Council for one last artsy talk about the creative life. We do want to hear about what you are working on – writing, music, dance, photography, ceramics – you name it. Literally. We want to know what is stirring up (or blocking) your creative juices.
Find us by looking for our poster of surrealist Dora Maar (pictured). No RSVP is required, just show up.
We have shown up for Mocktails & Cocktails every last Sunday monthly since 2022 (except in December).
The time has come to fold up this particular creative tent. We will keep creating and making all kinds of things and hope you do as well. We thank the Lafayette creative community for the inspiration, ideas, and especially the laughter. Keep Creating!
“Ars Longa, Vita Brevis” – art lives forever, life is short.
Mocktails & Cocktails
Sunday, October 27th, 4 – 6pm
Tutu’s Food & Drink
53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
No host bar.

Art Embraces Words | Halloween Costume Event
2024-10-26 14:00 - 15:30 | Lafayette Library & Learning Center, 3941 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
Get ready to embrace the spirit of Halloween! Join us in costume for October’s extra-special Art Embraces Words in Lafayette…

Join us for a fantastic afternoon featuring special guests, including acclaimed sci-fi writer Marlene Dotterer, College Prep student artist Olivia Falk, young adult writer, Cheryl Spanos, AI artist Gini Graham Scottand paranormal author Jill Hedgecock.
We invite everyone to dress up as their favorite literary or artistic character for a chance to win exciting prizes.
Don’t miss out on the fun!

Art of Mixology 2024 | Our Annual FUNdraising Event, a celebration of craft cocktails (and a couple of mocktails, too)
2024-10-19 16:30 - 19:00 | Orinda Theatre Square, 2 Theatre Square, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Raise a glass and toast the Arts in Lamorinda! Art of Mixology is Lamorinda Arts Council’s annual fundraising event that celebrates craft cocktails + mock-tails…

Gather your friends for the 11th Annual Art of Mixology event that hosts up to 20 bartenders creating luscious craft cocktails and mocktails to compete for the Mixologist of the Year, Top Amateur, Audience Favorite, and the Art of Staging Awards.
Friends, food, music, dancing, FUN! What could be better?
Art of Mixology is Lamorinda Arts Council’s premier fundraising event of the year, providing crucial support for our programming. We can’t wait to see you there!
Tickets are on sale now through October 16th!

$85 Standard Tickets
$135 Patron Tickets (includes a $50 tax-deductible donation to Lamorinda Arts Council supporting our local arts programming for all ages)

Click here to purchase.

Artist Reception, October 2024 | Art Gallery at Wilder | Marianne McCraney "Presence: Portraits of Seniors"
2024-10-06 14:30 - 16:30 | Art Gallery at Wilder, 20 Orinda Fields Lane, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Please join us at the Wilder Art & Garden Center for this month’s Artist Reception!
The Art Gallery at Wilder | October 2024 Exhibit

Lamorinda Arts Council is proud to present …

Marianne McCraney | “Presence: Portraits of Seniors”
October 7 – November 1, 2024 | Mondays – Fridays, 3:00 – 5:00 pm
You’re invited to this solo show featuring artist Marianne McCraney whose oil and watercolor paintings “strive to elevate the ordinary elements of our world”. The expressive portraits in this show reveal seniors doing things they love – reading, walking, working in the tool shed, visiting a friend, and more. It’s a wonderful celebration of older adults in their element. Come see it!

Meet Marianne at the Artist Reception where you may view the art and enjoy light refreshments…
Artist Reception | Marianne McCraney
Sunday, October 6, 2:30- 4:30 pm
Wilder Art & Garden Center
20 Orinda Fields Lane
*Parking is available in the parking lots next to Field 3. Accessible parking spaces are available near an adjacent Accessible ramp leading up to the Art & Garden Center. Look for our Wilder Gallery signage to direct you.
All the details, including driving directions to the gallery, are available on our website. You may also view and purchase art from this exhibit in our Wilder Online Gallery.

Artist Reception, October 2024 | Art Gallery at the Orinda Library | "Stories We Tell" Exhibit
2024-10-05 14:00 - 16:00 | Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
STORIES WE TELL features a dynamic array of artwork by local artists:
Gina Barretta, John Brown, Joy Chew, Suellen Cox, Nancy Daniels, Elaine Drew, Jennifer Granat, Karina Hou, Georgianna Krieger, Lori J. Larks, Mary Leigh Miller, Connie Vaccaro Millholland, Denise Nomura, Jenny Rosen, Michiko Sakai, Gini Graham Scott, Susanne Simas, Ruth Stanton, Betsy Streeter, Sharon Tama, and Nancy Vachani.
Join us for a special Artist Reception where you can view the Stories We Tell Exhibit, meet all the artists, and enjoy light refreshments. Saturday, October 5, 2:00 – 4:00 pm on the Library Terrace.

Mocktails & Cocktails
2024-09-29 16:00 - 18:00 | Tutu’s Food & Drink, 53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
At this free monthly community event, we gather with those who love Art, Literature, Music, and all things creative to talk about anything and everything related to living a creative life. Please join us!
Mocktails & Cocktails
Sunday, September 29th, 4 – 6pm
Tutu’s Food & Drink
53 Lafayette Circle, Lafayette
Find us by looking for our poster of surrealist Dora Maar (pictured). No RSVP is required, just show up. No host bar.

Kids Art Table at the Lafayette Arts & Wine Festival - Call for Volunteers!
2024-09-21 - 2024-09-22 | Lafayette Plaza, 3530 Plaza Way, Lafayette, CA, 94549
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS
We need face painting volunteers between 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, September 21 + 22 in Booth #924, in Local Artists Alley. No experience necessary – we provide safe materials and a binder of stencil templates for kids to choose from. Put some smiles on their faces – it’s fun!
Sign up here: lamorindaarts.org/volunteer/.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra Classics I - Denis Pascal
2024-09-15 15:00 - 17:00 | Bankhead Theater, Livermore, 2400 First St, Livermore, CA, 94550
Maestro Lawrence Kohl offers Brahms’s deeply liberating Third Symphony alongside Ravel’s exuberant Piano Concerto in G with Denis Pascal who is flying in from Paris.
The emotions Brahms employs in his 3rd Symphony combine the serious and the playful, creating a work of gripping and emotional drama that moves the soul.

For the Ravel Piano Concerto, “Denis Pascal’s individual style when playing the great repertoire places him among the finest French pianists of his generation,” (Sung-Won Yang, Artistic Director of the Beethoven Festival, Beaune, France). Pascal brings out the full exuberance of Ravel’s work.
Visit PacificChamberOrchestra.org/tickets/ for more information.

Artist Reception, September 2024 | Art Gallery at Wilder | Joy Chew
2024-09-15 14:30 - 16:30 | Art Gallery at Wilder, 20 Orinda Fields Lane, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Please join us at the Wilder Art & Garden Center for this month’s Artist Reception!
Meet the Artist, Joy Chew, view the art, and enjoy light refreshments…
Joy Chew | “Whiskers and Zen”
Artist Reception
Sunday, September 15, 2:30- 4:30 pm
Wilder Art & Garden Center
20 Orinda Fields Lane
*Parking is available in the parking lots next to Field 3. Accessible parking spaces are available near an adjacent Accessible ramp leading up to the Art & Garden Center. Look for our Wilder Gallery signage to direct you.
All the details, including driving directions to the gallery, are available on our website. You may also view and purchase art from this exhibit in our Wilder Online Gallery.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra Classics I - Denis Pascal
2024-09-14 19:30 - 21:30 | Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Drive, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
