ART

“Intention” Exhibit of new work by Dee Tivenan, Jennifer Perlmutter, Victoria Huckins, Merl Ross and others runs through Jan. 27 at the Jennifer Perlmutter Gallery, 3620 Mt. Diablo Blvd. You are invited to stop in this month and see the artists chosen, read the titles they give their work and ponder the metaphor, subjects, colors and stories they bring to their work. Check the website for details: www.jenniferperlmuttergallery.com.

Valley Art Gallery presents “Wintermission” – the show between shows, features selected works by Gallery artists designed to brighten and warm even the longest winter days. This offering of over 300 original paintings, photography and other wall art on unique sliding panels runs through Feb 10. Demonstrating a wide range of motifs, styles, media and prices, and representing the best of the best from more than 100 East Bay artists, the exhibition is a must-see show for residents of the Diablo Valley.

“Darker Shades of Red” provides a rare opportunity to revisit the Cold War Era through the exploration of the Soviet Union’s official imagery Feb. 7 – May 20 at the Saint Mary’s College Museum of Art. The collection of 55 posters reveals the economic, social and political ideology of the Soviet Union during the Cold War. The Museum is open Wednesday through Sunday,10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is free. www.stmarys-ca.edu/museum

Two Ukrainian Egg Decorating Workshops (Pysanky), a wax and dye technique taught by Folk Artist Evie Michon, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon and then from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 17 at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda. Each Workshop is $25, limited to 20 people and includes all materials. Ages: third grade-adult. RSVP to Sharon at (925) 284-4199.

MUSIC

Ensemble ARI, a group of Korean American musicians in the Bay Area dedicated to classical music that connects to the community, will be collaborating with Calextone, an early music ensemble that specializes in the music of Western Europe from the 13th through the 15th centuries, for a performance at 8 p.m. Jan. 26 in the Saint Mary’s College Chapel. The free concert will feature music by Brahms, Gordon, and 15th century German composers.

Gold Coast Chamber Players concert, Fantezie at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 3 in the Lafayette Library Community Hall. Tickets: $45 General, $40 Senior, $15 Student. Purchase online at www.gcplayers.org or by phone at (925) 283-3728.

Live at the Orinda Theatre Concert Series opens at 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 1 with Tony Award winner John Lloyd Young. The stunning venue will be a place where audiences will experience exceptional performers at close range in an exceedingly elegant setting. Tickets start at $50 and are available at the Orinda Theatre box-office and online at www.lamorindatheatres.com.

Exciting, impish, and gorgeous original music with occasional reference to Broadway, Prokofiev, and New Orleans — all this imaginatively performed on stage by composer pianists themselves at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 2 at Grace Presbyterian Church 2100 Tice Valley Blvd near Rossmoor in Walnut Creek. This free event is sponsored by the Contra Costa Performing Arts Society (www.ccpas.org) with donations supporting its student scholarship program.

Pacific Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Maestro Lawrence Kohl, presents “Golden Strings” including Samuel Barber’s heartfelt Adagio for Strings, Edward Elgar’s gorgeous Serenade for Strings, Richard Strauss’ Symphony for Strings Op. 2 and Mendelssohn’s exuberant String Symphony No. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17 in the Community Hall of the Lafayette Library and Learning Center, 3491 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Tickets are $10 - $59 and are available at the door or www.PacificChamberOrchestra.org. Children are free with adult.

THEATER

SMC Jan Term Theatre Performance: “Puss n’ Boots,” from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 at the LeFevre Theatre, 1928 Saint Mary’s Road, Moraga, follows a sassy cat, dressed in her trademark red leather boots, who promises to solve the problems of a poor miller’s son. In this comedy, Puss charms the Queen, befuddles the Prime Minister, defeats the powerful wizard Kazaam, and helps her shy master and Princess Sweetiepie fall madly in love. Tickets: $8 morning performances; $12 evening. Visit https://www.stmarys-ca.edu/pussnboots for tickets and times.

Diablo Ballet celebrates the New Year with the second program of its 2017-18 Season, “Harmonious Beauty,” at 8 p.m. Feb. 2 and at 2 and 8 p.m. on Feb. 3 at the Del Valle Theatre in Walnut Creek. The program is composed of four unique ballets and one short film, including a World Premiere by Danielle Rowe. Immediately following each performance, ticket holders are invited to stay for a post-performance Q&A with dancers, choreographers and musicians followed by a dessert and coffee reception where you can meet and mingle with the dancers. Tickets are $25-47. For tickets, call (925) 943-SHOW (7469) or visit www.lesherartscenter.org or www.diabloballet.org.

KIDS, PARENTS & TEENS

Seventh and eighth-graders from all three Lamorinda Middle Schools are invited to the LYC’s first Tri-City Dance of the year from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 the Lafayette Community Center. Tickets are $5 and must be purchased prior to the dance. To purchase tickets or for more info, visit www.lafayetterec.org or call (925) 284-2232.

Mindful Littles Care Kits and Crafts for Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford from 3:30 to 3:45 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 28 at Holy Shepherd Lutheran Church, 433 Moraga Way, Orinda. Learn about the Children’s Hospital and the patients and families Mindful Littles is helping, practice mindful movements and compassion together, assemble care kits for patients and babies, and put together Kindness Crafts to take home. Reccomended for children 3-12. Tickets $45 at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/care-kits-crafts-for-lucile-packard-childrens-hospital-stanford-tickets-42100571944.

Miramonte High School Boosters Club Celebrates its 36th Year Supporting Student Athletes with a Mardi Gras Madness Celebration from 5:30 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 28 at the Moraga Country Club. The Mardis Gras Madness Celebration will be an important fundraising opportunity for the club, as it kicks off its “Buy a Bleacher” program, which will support enhancements to the gym and other funding needs. Further details about Mardi Gras Madness, the Boosters Club and donation opportunities can be found on at www.miramonteboostersclub.com. Donations can also be sent to Miramonte Boosters Club, P.O. Box 1961, Orinda, CA 94563.

Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center is organizing its seventh annual conference, “Creating A Peaceful School.” The year’s conference topic, “Addressing Racism,” provides a daylong opportunity to explore how we can use the school and classroom practices to identify and address subtle and overt elements of racism. Breakout sessions on a variety of topics will focus on sharing learning strategies and skills and will be relevant to elementary and secondary educators, school personnel and students. It will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Mt. Diablo Peace and Justice Center at 1035 Carol Lane in Lafayette. Registration fee is $50 (or $10 for high school and undergraduate college students). Morning refreshments and a catered lunch are included. Full descriptions and register at http://creatingpeacefulschools.weebly.com.

Diablo Ballet’s Prima Ballerina kids club invites children of all ages to a special, free story time at 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at Nordstrom Walnut Creek Kidswear Department (1200 Broadway Plaza). Costumed performers will read an interactive version of the classic children’s story “Angelina Ballerina.” When a young mouse wants to become a dancer, she studies and trains in hopes of becoming a famous “prima ballerina.” Free. For more information, call Diablo Ballet at (925) 943-1775 or visit DiabloBallet.org.

OTHER

Introduction to Chair Yoga at 1 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Students will be led through a 30-minute class that combines poses, breath work, and body awareness during this introduction to chair yoga presented by Atma Yoga Studio.

Contra Costa Tale Spinners at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 25 in the Orinda Library Garden Room. Join us for a story swap with featured teller, Ben Tucker, who will tell a few stories from his memoir, “A Good Run.” Share, listen, expand your universe.

SEED is hosting a screening of an award-winning documentary called “Swim Team” about a New Jersey swim team that is comprised of athletes on the autism spectrum, followed by a discussion moderated by Lafayette School District Psychologist Jenna Krook at 6 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church, 49 Knox Dr., Lafayette. For info, visit http://www.seedlafayette.org/event-2764484.

Pride Sunday Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church, 1035 Carol Lane, Lafayette. Guest musicians are the Oakland-East Bay Gay Men’s Chorus, guest speaker Dr. Shauna Hannan, associate professor of homiletics at Pacific Lutheran Theological Seminary. Come help celebrate a welcome for all of God’s children!

Third Annual Mega Challah Bake – Join dozens of Jewish women and girls ages 12 and up from Lafayette, Moraga and Orinda for an evening of Jewish pride, unity and inspiration at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 7 at the Lafayette Library Community Hall. Unite women and girls of all ages and sections of the Jewish community and learn how to make easy, delicious Challah and the meaning of the mitzvah. Create two delectable loaves to bring home for Shabbat. Already mastered the art of Challah baking? Come and help guide others. Couvert: $20 before Jan 31. Mother and Daughter $36 Pre-paid registration required. Register at ChabadofLamorinda.com/Challah.

Lamorinda Education Forum from 6:30 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at Stanley Middle School Multi-Use Room, 3455 School Street, Lafayette. Get the latest on education funding and Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed 2018-19 Education budget and its impact on our local schools. Speakers include Gerry Shelton, a respected school finance expert, and our state representatives, Sen. Steve Glazer and Assemblywoman Catharine Baker. Don’t miss this opportunity to get the facts and ask questions. This event is hosted by the Lafayette School District. For more information, contact (925) 927-3502 or go to www.lafsd.org.

Bridge and Bunco game day and luncheon event 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at Saint Mary’s College Soda Center. Bring your luckiest cards – all are welcome. Proceeds given to students seeking financial aid through SMC Guild Scholarship Fund. For info, call Shirley Holloway at (925) 376-6588. Cost: $36 per person, make checks payable to St. Mary’s College Guild and mail to Mail to: Dolores McGonigle, 828 Crossbrook Ct., Moraga, CA 94556.

Discovering Opera: Wagner’s The Flying Dutchman from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Lafayette Library, Arts and Science Room. Take a Dutch sea captain who is condemned to sail the seven seas for eternity, and who has become the stuff of legend. Add a young woman who believes that she is the one who can release him from this curse by being true to him, even unto death; her father, mesmerized by the treasure on the Dutchman’s ship; and her nominal lover, who lacks the Dutchman’s charisma. Lecturer Bradford Wade will give a guided tour of The Flying Dutchman, with a description of the plot interspersed with musical examples. This lecture is given in conjunction with Opera San José’s production of “The Flying Dutchman,” Feb. 10-25. Members free, non-members $10.

A Historic Evening with Anne Frank’s Step Sister at 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15 at the Lesher Center, 1601 Civic Dr., Walnut Creek. Enter the world of Anne Frank as told by her stepsister and childhood friend. Like her step-sister, Eva went into hiding in Holland, was betrayed, captured and sent to Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp. Listen to a first hand account of the life of Anne Frank and the discovery and printing of her famed diary. Tickets are $25 to $35. For info, visit www.JewishContraCosta.com.

GARDEN

Winter Rose Pruning Workshop at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27 at McDonnell Nursery, 193 Moraga Way, Orinda. To reserve a space please call (925) 254-3713 or email info@mcdonnellnursery.com.

Lafayette Garden Club General Meeting from 9:45 to noon Thursday, Feb. 8 at the Lafayette Veteran’s Building located at 3780 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette. Program: “WELO, the Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance and How it Effects California Gardeners and Homeowners.” Lafayette Garden Club is pleased to present Lori Palmquist, Irrigation Designer and Consultant, who will discuss how everyday gardeners can deal with the challenges of water conservation and be part of the solution. Visitors are welcome. For info, email Carolyn Poetzsch cpoetzsch@gmail.com.

The Walnut Creek Garden Club meeting beginning at 9:45 a.m. on Feb 12 is: “Why are Millions of Trees Dying in the Sierras (and what are we doing about it)?” by Brenda Kendrix, US Forest Service: 9:45 a.m. Business Meeting; 10:30 a.m. Social; 11 a.m. Program. The club meets at Heather Farm, 1540 Marchbanks Road, Walnut Creek. For info, email mslittle44@gmail.com.

The Montelindo Garden Club of Orinda is pleased to host a free presentation by Leslie Buck, a Berkeley-based gardener and author beginning at 9 a.m. Friday, Feb. 16 at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 66 St. Stephens Drive, Orinda. Buck has recently published a New York Times-reviewed memoir currently in bookstores called “Cutting Back: My Apprenticeship in the Gardens of Kyoto.” For info, visit www.montelindogarden.com.