Hello Richmondside readers, Here are some highlights of things to do and know this coming week. You can attend the main library’s 75th birthday party, visit the studios of dozens of local artists and learn how to turn rocks into colorful displays of art.
For additional events, check our calendar and be sure to add your own listings as well.
Richmond Open Studios showcases art citywide
The Richmond Open Studios event puts the work of dozens of local artists on display at 21 different venues citywide Saturday and Sunday.
The event is being organized by Visual Artists of Richmond, an all-volunteer organization. Their map will guide you on your art adventure.
One stop of the self-guided tour exhibits the works of nine local artists at the Richmond Art Center, 2540 Barrett Ave., from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. And there will be four artists at Artifact Gallery, 109 West Richmond Ave.
The NIAD Art Center is opening up its courtyard on Saturday to display the works of six local artists. The displays will be on view from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the art center, 551 23rd St.
The center will also sponsor a public art workshop from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, with submissions to be included in the upcoming 23rd Street facade design being overseen by NIAD, which stands for Nurturing Independence Through Artistic Development.
In addition, the art center will host an opening reception for “The Way We Are, Now: NIAD Fashion Illustrations.” The event will be a preview of a fashion exhibit scheduled to be unveiled on Sept. 14.
Tonight: Richmond main library’s 75th birthday party and renovation plans
The community is invited to discuss the renovation of the city’s main library and then help celebrate its 75th year.
The renovation meeting is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. tonight in the library community room, and the celebration follows, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The library, which opened in 1949, is at 325 Civic Center Plaza.
There will be live music from Cello Joe as well as an historic overview by experts from the Richmond Museum of History & Culture.
“Richmond’s historic Main Library is going to have an exciting future,” Kate Eppler, the library’s deputy director of community services, told Richmondside. “In addition to structural and safety upgrades, the latest renovation plans include many improvements requested by our community, like private study rooms, a teen space, and more room for children’s materials and programs. I hope everyone can join us to see the latest plans and provide further input.”
NIAD gallery represented in county art show
Art Passages, an exhibit at the County Administration Building, 1025 Escobar St., in Martinez, was organized by Arts Contra Costa County (Arts CCC) and features art from all five districts of the county. The works include pieces from the NIAD Art Center, a nonprofit studio and gallery in Richmond. The west county artists include Janay Futch and Brandon Harris.
The Art Passages exhibit will be on display at the county administration building through Oct. 7. The gallery is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
“Art Passages brings together five exceptional art organizations from each supervisorial district, each recognized for their steadfast commitment to fostering artistic expression within their communities. This program highlights the diverse and rich cultural tapestry that defines our county,” Esther Rojas Soto, the communications outreach director for Arts CCC, told Richmondside.
Saturday Flower talk: How to grow dahlias
Get some free advice this weekend on how to grow beautiful dahlias.
The discussion will be from 11 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Annie’s Annuals and Perennials Nursery, 740 Market Ave. The session will cover everything from planting the flowers to initial care to end-of-the-season maintenance.
The talk will be led by Jill Sowards of Violetear Studio.
Rock painting at the Bayview library on Monday
A rock painting program will be presented from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday at the Bayview Branch Library, 5100 Hartnett Ave. All ages are invited for this afternoon of creativity. Library officials say you can meet fellow art enthusiasts as well as spread kindness through painted rocks.
Three days of live music at the Sailing Goat
Credit: Courtesy of Sailing Goat
Three days of live music are on tap at the Sailing Goat restaurant, 1900 Stenmark Drive.
On Friday, the East Bay cover band Groove Portal will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. On Saturday, the funk, soul and jazz improv group Afroholix will be on stage from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. And on Sunday afternoon, there will be a Summertime Music Showcase presented by SF Bay Area Live Music from noon to 4 p.m. The second annual showcase features local musicians, including David Byrd and Byrds of a Feather, as well as Rev Rabia, Aprylle Dawn, David El and Kari & The Sweetspots.
On Sunday evening, the rhythm and blues, soul and funk band The 408 Collective will perform from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Golden Gate Bistro hosts musician Sunday
Live music will accompany Sunday brunch at the Golden Gate Bistro.
Scott Guberman is scheduled to perform at 11 a.m. at the restaurant at 803 Wright Ave. in Richmond.
The bistro is open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a variety of breakfast and brunch options.
Farmers markets and other ongoing events, news and government meetings
Every week, local agencies and organizations host a variety of recurring events. See our calendar for more and also add your local events there for free.
- The summer graduation for WCCUSD students is at 6 p.m. tonight at Richmond High School, 1250 23rd St., Richmond.
- The Richmond Public Library hosts a bi-weekly Thursday Night Adult Arts and Crafts Program through August. For its last workshop tonight attendees can look forward to a paint party. Sessions are 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Madeline F. Whittlesey Community Room, 325 Civic Center Plaza.
- Two farmers markets are held weekly in Richmond. The Civic Center Farmers Market runs from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Friday in front of the main library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. The Marina Bay Farmers Market is held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Sunday at Marina Bay Park in the parking lot near Regatta Boulevard and Melville Square.
- A farmers market is also held weekly in El Sobrante. The market, organized by Planting Justice, is held on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5166 Sobrante Ave.
- Visit a museum, get a free transit ride. The Contra Costa Library is offering free $20 Clipper cards to residents when they make a reservation to visit a museum. There are nearly 30 museums in the Bay Area that qualify under the program. Offer is limited to two Clipper cards per household. The program runs through the end of December.
- For seniors, every Thursday the Seniors Network Activity Program hosts free Tai Chi from 11 a.m to noon at Lifelong William Jenkins Wellness Center, 150 Harbour Way. Attendees are advised to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Sessions are open to both seated and standing participants. For more information call (510) 684-9266.
- Saturdays at the Richmond Recreation Complex, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., 3230 Macdonald Ave. Enjoy instructional activities such as Zumba, soccer, basketball, and chess Visit the website to register. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult.
- Infant & Toddler Music and Movement Storytime, 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Mondays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Children’s Room program includes songs, fingerplays and books that are designed for families with babies and toddlers, but all ages of children are welcome.
- Family Storytime, 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesdays, Richmond Main Library, 325 Civic Center Plaza. This Richmond Public Library Childrens Room program is geared toward families with toddlers. The event is a storytime session with a Richmond librarian.
- The Richmond City Council usually meets on the first, third and fourth Tuesday of every month. The meetings are held at City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza. Its summer break ends with its next regularly scheduled meeting on Sept. 10.
- The Richmond Planning Commission usually meets on the first Thursday of every month. The meetings are at City Hall, 440 Civic Center Plaza.
- The West Contra Costa Unified School District board usually meets twice a month, on Wednesday nights, in the multipurpose room of Lovonya DeJean Middle School, 3400 Macdonald Ave., Richmond. Visit the WCCUSD calendar for the most current meeting information and agendas.
Be sure to add your Richmond events to our calendar. If you know of an event that you think we should highlight in What’s Up, please email hello@richmondside.org.
