Mary Lou Thiercof

The Experience, Alameda: Frank Bette Center for the Arts New Classes
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The Experience, Alameda: Frank Bette Center for the Arts New Classes

0A STORIES THE EXPERIENCE SEND, 0A STORIES THE EXPERIENCE SEND - NEW 040121, Alameda, Alameda Art Scene, Alameda Headlines, The Experience

The Experience, Alameda: Frank Bette Center for the Arts New Classes

The Experience:

Paint your way into spring!

Katie Connell will show you the way. She is teaching ‘Acrylic Painting Techniques’ in 6 Sessions – Sundays, May 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 and June 7, 10am – 12noon.

The medium is Acrylic and beginners are welcome as well as those who want to hone their skills. You’ll learn brush techniques and color theory in this fun and forgiving medium. Classes will focus on still life and landscapes while you find and refine your style and classes will culminate in a completed composition of your choosing.

Learn more and register here.

About the Instructor

Katie Connell has been leading fun, creative art classes for over ten years, and painting for even longer. She has been trained through formal art classes, and decades of practice. She primarily paints scenes from her home state of California and enjoys creating anything nostalgic or whimsical. She strongly believes anyone can and should paint!

About Frank Bette Center for the Arts

Frank Bette Center for the Arts is committed to three objectives: Support Personal Artistic Growth, Enrich the Art Experience of Everyone in Our Community, and Cultivate Appreciation for the Value of the Arts. Check out their full list of classes.

Where:

1601 Paru St.
Alameda

https://www.frankbettecenter.org/

By Mary Lou Thiercof|2026-04-16T07:43:12-07:00April 16th, 2026|Tags: Alameda, Art Exhibit, Frank Bette Center for the Arts, Plein Air Paintout|0 Comments

The Experience, Richmond: El Agave Azul Big News
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The Experience, Richmond: El Agave Azul Big News

0A STORIES THE EXPERIENCE SEND, 0A STORIES THE EXPERIENCE SEND - NEW 040121, Richmond, The Experience

The Experience, Richmond: El Agave Azul Big News

The Experience:

El Agave turns 7!

Join them for the fun and specials from Thurs, Apr 16 through Apr 19. They can’t wait to see you come in the door with high hopes for a fun time.

Help them celebrate 7, yes that is SEVEN, years and it will be a weekend full of vibes, tequila & surprises at El Agave Azul.

Pull up, bring your people, and celebrate with the crew – the Agave way! Specials. Tastings. Mariachi. Giveaways. Gift card raffles all weekend long.

As the say at El Agave, weekends taste better with your favorite drinks! From refreshing margaritas to sweet mangonadas and creamy piña coladas, your weekend will feel just right. Good vibes, great flavors, and the perfect excuse to unwind

And don’t forget the Asada Fries. Fans rave about them and you have to try them during Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from 3 – 6 pm.

When you step into this authentic Mexican Restaurant, Richmond just got a whole lot more flavorful. From bold margaritas to authentic Mexican dishes, your night is just beginning to brighten up. Especially since they are celebrating seven years – which means you have to bring your friends and family.

Agave Azul Hours: Mon – Thurs 11am-9pm; Fri 11am-10:30pm; Sat 10am-10:30pm; Sun 9am-9pm. 510-307-5749.

Where:

12955 San Pablo Ave
Richmond, CA 94804

https://agaveazulca.com/

By Mary Lou Thiercof|2026-04-08T22:50:46-07:00April 8th, 2026|Tags: El Agave Azul, Famoso Burrito, Indoor dining, Mexican food, outdoor dining, Tequila flights|0 Comments

The Experience, Oakland: Montclair Art Walk April 25-26
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The Experience, Oakland: Montclair Art Walk April 25-26

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The Experience, Oakland: Montclair Art Walk April 25-26

The Experience:

It’s an Outdoor Boutique. It’s Handcrafted. It’s an Art Alfresco Experience!

Join the villagers and artists on Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26 from 10am – 5pm. Plan your day around this sidewalk art show and have lunch in Montclair. Montclair Village Art Walk enters its 49th year and celebrates art in the outdoors when more than 50 artists from the Bay Area and beyond will be displaying their handcrafted artwork along the sidewalks and against the scenic backdrop of Montclair Village and the Oakland Hills.

Connect with the artists and find a unique treasure for gifting or adding to your personal collection.

Paintings, sculptures, home & office décor, artisan bags and clothing, unique hand-crafted jewelry and more. Presented by the Montclair Village Association, this free open air art gallery offers a chance to get to know the participating artists and learn the stories behind each piece they make.

Featured Artisans Includes:

Stephen Anderson of Spring Garden Cedar takes Western Red Cedar lumber and hand crafts it into unique outdoor furniture designs.

Megan Brown Ceramics namesake artist wheel throws and hand builds functional, modern ceramic tableware, home decor and jewelry using porcelain and stoneware.

Painter Jenna Hobbs’ artwork ranges from realistic to impressionistic to completely abstract. Jenna blends geometric abstraction with depiction in order to display an intersection between the two.

For a complete list of participating artists, click here.

Visit on Sunday and in addition to leaving with new art treasures, take home fresh produce and delectables from La Salle Avenue’s wonderful farmers’ market stalls from 9am-1pm.

The Art Walk takes place in the Montclair shopping district on Mountain Boulevard at LaSalle Avenue, off Highway 13, between Park Boulevard and Thornhill Drive.

Where:

Mountain Blvd @ La Salle Ave
Oakland

https://montclairvillage.com

By Mary Lou Thiercof|2026-04-08T22:01:55-07:00April 8th, 2026|Tags: bar, beer, Cafe Rack, cocktails, Ping Pong, Pool, Restaurant, Super Bowl, Valentine's, wine|0 Comments

The Experience, Alameda: The Local Ride
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The Experience, Alameda: The Local Ride

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The Experience, Alameda: The Local Ride

The Experience:

Fuel your ride with great coffee!

Join them! Do you like to cycle? Of course, The Local is the perfect place to gather for the Alameda cycling club. Outside with coffee after a brisk ride. “We’re so excited to partner with Team Alameda Cycling,” says Soco Munkhod, owner of The Local. “At The Local, we’re all about supporting our community and creating a space where people can connect, refuel, and feel at home. See you after the ride!”

About Team Alameda

They’re a group of enthusiastic bike riders – a club, not a racing team, although some members dabble in competition now and then. All ages, and most of them like coffee. They gather in downtown Alameda for weekend / holiday rides, and most Tuesday and Thursday mornings as well. And plan off-island rides. Learn more.

About The Local

A community gathering place in downtown Alameda, The Local is on the ground floor of the original Masonic Lodge building, one of the oldest buildings in Alameda that has been at the heart of the community for over 130 years. New owner Soco Munkhod reopened The Local after the pandemic to the delight of the community after it had shuttered in December of 2020. Fans hastily came back with their laptops sipping their Lattes and noshing on tasty pastries and sandwiches in this lovely historic building. It’s in one of the oldest buildings on Park Street, built in 1891 as the original Masonic Temple. The owners are continuing the tradition of ‘small-business coffee on Park Street’! Old fashioned furniture reminiscent of an old library, makes it the perfect ambiance for getting your work done. Hours: Mon – Fri 7:30am – 4pm; Sa/Su – 8:30am – 4pm.

Where:

1333 Park St
Alameda

https://www.facebook.com/thelocalalameda

By Mary Lou Thiercof|2026-04-08T20:58:30-07:00April 8th, 2026|Tags: Alameda, Beer & Wine, Coffee, Espresso, pastries, Photography exhibit, Salads, Sandwiches, The Local|0 Comments

The Experience, Richmond: Sailing Goat Restaurant New Menu & Hours
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The Experience, Richmond: Sailing Goat Restaurant New Menu & Hours

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The Experience, Richmond: Sailing Goat Restaurant New Menu & Hours

The Experience:

Spring has sprung down at the harbor!

If you have not ventured down to Sailing Goat bayside destination restaurant yet, you are missing out! Experience coastal cuisine, fine wine and local beer, sunset views and live music at Point San Pablo Harbor.

New hours – open until 8:30pm Friday, Saturday & Sunday, with Live music 4-7pm.

Their new Spring/Summer Menu reflects the coastal communities that inspire them, drawing from American, Italian, French and Spanish traditions. Seasonal ingredients, fresh seafood, and bold flavors designed to be enjoyed by the water.

Six Starters including a Chicory & Citrus Sald – blood orange, cara cara orange and fennel with a ginger citrus vinaigrette.

Brunch: Boichik Bagel Plate with smoked salmon, gem lettuce, red onion, capers. Frittata – with spring onion, oyster mushrooms, Yukon gold potatoes, Manchego cheese and a mixed green salad. SAAG Baked Eggs- spinach, kale, cumin, coriander, lemon, fehugreek, cream and toasted bread.

Entrees: Harbor Chowder, Little Gem Caesar, Quinoa Salad, Mac & Cheese, Turkey Torta, Peruvian Chicken, Fish & Chips, Seafood Stew Bouillabaisse and Pizza Romana – veggie or meat rotated weekly

Plus, Sweets, local wine & craft beer. Excellent service.

It’s peaceful looking out over the water and walking down through the marina checking out the vibrantly painted houseboats. By the time you leave, you feel like you have been in a different world, far away from your usual day

Weekend hours: Fri/Sat/Sun, 11am – 8:30pm

What to expect:

On the water at Pt San Pablo Harbor, a bayside escape to nourish the body and feed the soul awaits. Down at the harbor, you’ll relax with wonderful vistas and the gentle lapping of water. Items from the sea and land and gardens guide the menu. Pizza is baked outside in a wood-fired pizza oven. And, they are serving up regional small batch craft beer and wines.

There are pathways along the water and houseboats, hiking paths up the hill with fantastic views. So many options for you, your family and friends when you visit the Sailing Goat!