Lamorinda Arts Council

A Walnut Creek Walking Tour of Art w/Lamorinda Arts Alliance
2024-11-16 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | 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.

St. Mary's College Museum of Art (SMCMoA) | Ensemble Assemblage: Music & Dance in the Galleries
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.

"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!

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

First Fridays Makers Market at Orinda Theatre Square
2024-09-06 17:30 - 20:30 | Orinda Theatre Square, 2 Theatre Square, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Join us at this month’s First Fridays Makers Market on September 6th from 5:30 to 8:30 PM in Orinda Theatre Square!
We’ll offer complimentary sweet treats and share details about our fundraising event, Art of Mixology.
This community event, organized by the City of Orinda and Bay Area Makers Market, features a range of handcrafted items from local vendors. It’s a great opportunity to support local makers and enjoy a vibrant community gathering.
Open to all. Stop by and say Hello!

Mocktails & Cocktails
2024-08-25 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, August 25th, 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.

Art Embraces Words
2024-08-24 14:00 - 15:30 | Lafayette Library & Learning Center, 3941 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
Lovers of the spoken word and art are invited to join us…
Saturday, August 24 | 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Lamorinda Arts Council invites you to listen to writer Lucinda Jackson read from her “Project Escape” memoir, award-winning poet Emma Wong and writer Jane Blomstrand read from their current work, and artist Katherine Billeci who speaks about and exhibits her original artwork on display. Co-Chair and Emcee Linda Hartmann introduces each presenter and fields a short Q&A.

After the readings and art presentations, join us in the Courtyard for a Reception from 3:30 – 4:45 pm. The free Library parking lot closes at 5:00 p.m. This free program is generously funded by the Community Foundation of Lafayette.

Lafayette Library Arts & Science Room, 3941 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette
Art Embraces Words is made possible by a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Lafayette.

Lamorinda Idol 2024 | Finals & Awards
2024-08-18 11:00 - 19:30 | Orinda Theatre, 2 Orinda Theater Square, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
Join us at the historic Orinda Theatre for the Lamorinda Idol 2024 Finals and Awards
Sunday, August 18th Performance Schedule…Come for one session or stay all day!

11:00 am – 12:30 pm: Solo K – 2 and Solo 3 – 5
1:00 – 2:30 pm: Groups K – 5, Groups 6 – 8, and Groups 9 – 12
3:15 – 4:30 pm: Solo 6 – 8
5:00 – 6:15 pm: Solo 9 – 12
7:00 – 7:30 pm: K – 12 Awards!

Artist Reception, August 2024 | Art Gallery at Wilder
2024-08-04 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!
Artist: Lois Reynolds MeadTitle: Two Pears
Meet the Artist, Lois Reynolds Mead, view her vibrant acrylic collage artwork, and enjoy light refreshments…
Artist Reception
Sunday, August 4, 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, August 2024 | Art Gallery at the Orinda Library
2024-08-03 14:30 - 16:30 | Art Gallery at the Orinda Library, 26 Orinda Way, Orinda, CA, 94563, United States
August 2024 Exhibit | June 29 – July 26, 2024
Artist: Thuy Linh KangTitle: “Pink Lotus”

Featured Artists:

Soul Box Project
Thuy Linh Bennett Kang, Mixed Media
Karen Hildebrand, Ceramics
Andy Toro’s 1960s Olympic Memorabilia

Artist Reception: Saturday, August 3rd, 2:30 – 4:30 pm, Library Terrance
Meet the Artists and enjoy light refreshments. All are welcome!
All the details are here.

Lamorinda Idol Summer Concert, Moraga
2024-07-31 18:30 - 20:30 | Moraga Commons Park, 1425 St Marys Rd, Moraga, CA, 94556, United States
Please join us for the Summer Concert Series in Moraga! These community gatherings are fantastic for all ages and a fun way to spend an evening…
Wednesday, July 31, 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Summer Concert Series
Moraga Commons Park
These kid singers work so hard and share their incredible passion! Don’t miss hearing them sing their hearts out…

Mocktails & Cocktails
2024-07-28 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, July 28th, 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.

Art Embraces Poetry
2024-07-20 13:30 - 15:30 | Town Hall Theatre, 3535 School Street, Lafayette, CA, 94549, United States
Enjoy poetry readings by Gail Rudd Entrekin, Jim Guninshan, and Linda Riebel, admire artwork by Emily Jingzhu Bennett from Acalanes High School, and join us for an exciting Open Mic Hour*.
ART EMBRACES POETRY
Saturday, July 20, 1:30 – 3:30 pm
Town Hall Theatre, Lafayette
An Artist & Poet Reception follows in the lobby with a no-host bar. All are welcome!
*Pre-register for a 3-minute Open Mic timeslot at Literary@LamorindaArts.org; otherwise spots will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Thank you.
Art Embraces Poetry is made possible by a generous grant from the Community Foundation of Lafayette.
