Alameda Art Scene

The Experience, Alameda: Frank Bette Center for the Arts Plein Air Art Exhibit

The Experience:

Artists Painted Alameda With Vigor!

The Frank Bette Plein Air art exhibit painted a lively picture of Alameda throughout the plaza at South Shore Center last Saturday. Some scenes were serene and others quite vibrant, capturing Victorian houses, produce markets, boats on the water, yacht clubs, scenic gardens, iconic storefronts, and even city hall. En Plein Air means ‘in the open air’ and refers to  painting outdoors with your subject in full view, capturing it in that moment of time.

Artists came to Alameda from all over the U.S. to participate in this annual event. Marie Massey came from Colorado for the week-long paintout. “Painting in Alameda is a homecoming for me,” says Massey. ” I grew up in Alameda and walked to and from my home on Mozart Street through the Gold Coast to Franklin Elementary, Will C. Wood Middle School, and then Encinal High School.  I remember when I was 8, the first time we turned onto Mozart Street and how magical it seemed: a one block, tree lined street with colorful Victorians.  It was so fun to return and paint with the Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout.”    Her painting ‘The Red Umbrella’ is featured here and is the winner of the PAPO Award, which means is will be featured for the 2022 Frank Bette Plein Air Exhibit.

Marie uses a Painting in Layers method, developed by Artist, Barbara Marquardt, that combines the Renaissance artists’ concepts of Chiarscuro with color ideas from the Impressionist painters.  Marie’s work has been described as American Impressionism, distinguished by exciting use of brilliant color, unique composition, and elements of expressionism.

Paintings from the 2021 Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout will be on view August 13 – September 25 in the Main Gallery, with the Opening Reception on Friday, August 13 from 7-9pm.. The Frank Bette Center for the Arts is open Fri – Sun, 11am-5pm.

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.

Where:

1601 Paru St.
Alameda

https://www.frankbettecenter.org/

The Little Prints at Inkblot Gallery in Alameda

Inkblot Gallery at 933 Central Avenue in Alameda is a great place to meet with friends to discover art! There is always something new and exciting to see.

The folks at Inkblot inspire community and support for the arts. They present local artists with carefully curated works and creative displays, and make it easy to engage in conversation and learn about the artists and their work.

The Little Prints collection by Christina Appleberry opened Friday, December 13th 2019. Christina’s delightful 3×4″ block prints are fun and cheerful. They can be matted and framed, displayed in a grid, or hung on string.

Stop by Saturdays in December to view the prints, pick up  last minute holiday gifts, and talk to the wonderful Inkblot folks.

ABOUT CHRISTINA APPLEBERRY

Christina Appleberry is a librarian who enjoys making stuff in her free time. She has been printmaking since summer 2019.

“I was inspired to try block carving because I like crafts where my patience and steady hand can compensate for my artistic shortcomings. I enjoy book making, embroidery, and collage for the same reason. This past July, I attended Jen Hewett’s excellent Block Printing on Fabric workshop. Although I haven’t done any fabric printing yet, I continued to carve and make prints at home. I focus on simple designs, partly because that’s about all the skill I have, but also because I think they work well for multi-color prints which are very fun to make. I also really like mixing my own colors and I’ve just started to experiment with split fountain inking.”

Follow her at

ABOUT INKBLOT GALLERY

Inkblot Gallery is owned and operated by resident artists Jean Chen, Christina Spiegel, and Jo Anne Yada. They have monthly art shows featuring local and nationally acclaimed artists. Openings are on 2nd Fridays. Visit them at https://www.inkblotgallery.com and https://www.instagram.com/inkblotgallery

By |2019-12-19T11:22:13-08:00December 18th, 2019|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments

Get in the Craft Spirit at the Spirits Stroll in Downtown Alameda Tonight!

WHEN: Friday, November 2 – 6pm to 9pm.

WHERE: Historic Downtown Alameda Park St. District

WHAT:

  • Taste a variety of artisanal hand crafted spirits – Gin, Vodka, Whiskey & Rye – from Bay Area distilleries paired with small bites at ten different locations in Downtown Alameda
  • Enjoy the sights and sounds of art installations and live music brought to you by Rhythmix Cultural Works – Alameda monthly Love Our Island Art Walk is happening at the same time
  • Find an After Stroll Restaurant offering specials and discounts
  • Admission includes a collector’s glass, tastings and treats at ten pouring stations, and a commemorative guide
  • Tickets are on sale now for $50 (must be 21 or older)
  • Proceeds benefit programs that are intended to keep Downtown Alameda clean, green and safe
  • Purchase your tickets here

Downtown Alameda Business Association invites you to an evening out where you can learn the subtleties of these hand-crafted spirits as you have fun strolling up and down Park St. “We are a grain-to-glass distillery,” says Earl Brown, co-founder, Wright & Brown Distilling Co. “ We make small batch whiskey and rum in Oakland and started production in 2015 as Oakland’s first distillery since before Prohibition!”

Wright & Brown Distilling Co. continues to participate in the stroll this year. “We are very excited to be participating in the Alameda Spirits Stroll again. It’s a great way to get out and meet local fans of Craft Spirits. We love building community around locally made spirits and the Spirits Stroll is just a great party!”

Plan your stroll – see who is hosting and pouring spirits.

About the distilleries

The “grain to glass” distilleries represented at the event come from different regions of the Bay Area including local Alameda distiller Hangar 1 Vodka, Wright & Brown Distilling Co. from Oakland and TreeCraft Distillery from Treasure Island. Other artisan distilleries are Seven Stills, Distillery No. 209, Raff Distillerie, Griffo Distillery, Spirit Works Distillery and Alley 6 Craft Distillery.

2017 Spirits Stroll at Auto Body Fine Art

Sponsors & Pouring Hosts

This event is sponsored by Common Networks and CRAFT Beer & Wine along with the ten downtown pouring host locations: RE/MAX Tribute; Tootsies Alameda; Honey Salon; PHOENIX; L.F. Cochrane & Associates; ATMs Unlimited; Beanery of Alameda; Natural Mystics/AirLoom; OMM, Inc. with Cerda Zein; and Project Burger.

About Downtown Alameda

Downtown Alameda is the commercial, cultural, and civic center of Alameda, California and is centrally located in the San Francisco Bay Area. Over 400 businesses are located in the historic shopping district, including a unique variety of locally owned restaurants, shops, professional and personal services, family entertainment venues, and the historic Alameda Theatre & Cineplex. Parking is available in the Civic Center Parking Garage located near the corner of Central Ave and Oak Street, and on nearby streets. Public transportation is available via AC Transit.

About the Downtown Alameda Business Association

The Downtown Alameda Business Association was formed in 1981 to serve as a support network for the 400+ businesses located within the Park Street Business Improvement Area. The Downtown Association’s goal is to develop a vibrant and economically prosperous business district through a united effort of its members.

About the Art Walk

On Friday, November 2nd from 6-9pm, Park Street will come alive with Radical Beauty Part 6 featuring art and music from all corners of the world…and the East Bay. Rhythmix Cultural Works, the California Arts Council, the City of Alameda and the Downtown Alameda Business Association partner to present the sixth Love Our Island Art Walk.

Swirling planets, a miniature Victorian building and looming charcoal figures will occupy vacant storefront windows while sounds of the Bay Area Music Project’s youth orchestra and choir fill the night air. Intentionally scheduled in tandem with Downtown Alameda’s Spirits Stroll, attendees wandering along upper Park Street to Lincoln Avenue will be enchanted by music from Appalachia to the Middle East, with Bluegrass, West Coast Americana plus Latin and Brazilian jazz.

By |2018-11-02T09:33:05-07:00November 2nd, 2018|Tags: , , , , |0 Comments

Art, Wine, Beer, Tribute Bands…Alameda’s Art & Wine Faire Packs Park St. This Weekend!

Art, wine, beer, Lockeford sausages, hand-dipped corn dogs, gyros, BBQ oysters, teriyaki chicken skewers, curly fries, mango sticks, three music stages. You don’t want to miss the 34th Annual Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire! Experience island fun for two days on Sat/ Sun, July 28/29, 10am to 6pm on Park St in Alameda. Admission is FREE!

Sip local craft beer (Alameda Island Brewing Co. ) and wine (Rock Wall Wine Co. ) and listen to live music as you explore Alameda’s historic downtown district. Two Faire sponsors will be sampling their brand new products. Try a sample of Coconut Cay SkyJuice at the corner of Park and Central right next to the Coconut Cay Local Alameda Stage or Dr. Hops Kombucha Beer by the carnival rides near Walgreens at Park Street and Buena Vista Ave.

Alameda Alley is a new addition. An expanded area on Central Avenue will be bursting at the seams with an enlarged outdoor dining area and local talent on the new third stage programmed by legendary Alameda musician Jim Parodi and sponsored by Coconut Cay SkyJuice. Also on tap (literally), will be East Bay MUD’s “Water on Wheels” trailer filled to the brim with cold, delicious water so you can stay hydrated for free. Just bring your own reusable water bottle and fill ‘er up! Don’t have a water bottle? With a donation you can pick one up across the way from the Alameda Police Department.

While enjoying the bands, take time to browse the plethora of arts and craft booths (over 250 vendors) that will be displaying and selling fanciful items. You’ll find ceramics, metal art, paintings, photography, woodcrafts, toys, handbags, clothing, jewelry, and more.

The Music Rocks! Now with three stages, each day offers continuous live music as Bay

Area favorites perform classic rock, bluegrass, funk, jazz and soul. Featured bands include some of the area’s most popular tribute bands: Swingtown (Steve Miller & Peter Frampton), Celebration Day (Led Zeppelin), Fog City Swampers (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Long Train Running (Doobie Brothers), Life in the Fast Lane (Eagles)and Zebop (Santana). Check out the full two-day line up of entertainment.

Kids’ Area. An interactive area for kids and their families has been created on Alameda Ave. with bounce houses, games, face painting, bungee jumpers and that wacky attraction – Waterballerz! Carnival rides will be set up – from Classic Teacup Spinners to Frog Hoppers.

Shop Downtown Alameda! You’ll find a unique variety of fabulous food and drink establishments, charming shops, friendly services, and fun things to do in the more than 400 businesses located here. Many of the shops will be offering special discounts.

Ride Your Bike to the Festival. Free, secure bike parking will be in the parking lot of Vietnam House, located at 1527 Park St, right across from Alameda Bicycle.

Presenter: Downtown Alameda Business Association

The Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire is presented by the Downtown Alameda Business Association.

Public Notice: Alameda is a smoke-free city. Smoking is prohibited in all public spaces within the commercial district.

www.DowntownAlameda.comas a fundraiser for the district. Proceeds help keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe.The Downtown Alameda Business Association was formed in 1981 to serve as a support network for the 400+ businesses located within the Park Street Business Improvement Area. The Downtown Association’s goal is to develop a vibrant and economically prosperous business district through a united effort of its members.

 

 

 

By |2018-11-19T00:48:58-08:00July 27th, 2018|0 Comments

Art, Wine, Beer, Bands…Alameda’s Art & Wine Faire Packs Park St This Weekend

Art, wine, beer, sausages, spun potatoes, gyros, roasted corn, BBQ oysters, Funnel cakes, three music stages. You don’t want to miss the 33rd Annual Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire! Experience island fun for two days on Sat/ Sun, July 29/30, 10am to 6pm on Park St in Alameda. Admission is FREE!

Sip local beer (Alameda Island Brewing Co. ) and wine (Rock Wall Wine Co. ) and rock to live music as you explore Alameda’s historic downtown district.

While enjoying the bands, take time to browse the plethora of arts and craft booths (over 250 vendors) that will be displaying and selling fanciful items.

 Alameda Island beer

You’ll find ceramics, metal art, paintings, photography, woodcrafts, toys, handbags, clothing, jewelry, and more. Look for these Alameda vendors:

Honour Brand creates quality vintage-inspired graphic apparel that pays homage to Alameda’s and California’s heritage – tees, hats, hoodies and kids’ wear.

Sweet Charlie provides awesome children’s clothing and frocks for everyday wear.

Nathan Klark of Sawn Custom Woodwork builds beautiful furniture and cabinetry from his workshop at Alameda Point Studios and will be showcasing tables.

The Dilly Dallies sing about life as parents and kids.

According to the owners of Honour Brand, this is their third year in the Art & Wine Faire and they will be featuring Bay Area Brewery tees and another set that celebrates the history of the Nisei baseball team called the Alameda Kono All-Stars. “We love meeting folks,” says co-owner Tara Eglin, “and telling them the stories behind our tees.We especially like the Alameda Art & Wine Faire because we have items that are specific to Alameda and it’s history which resonates with residents and fair goers.”

The Music Rocks! Now with three stages, each day offers continuous live music as Bay

Zepob – Santana

Area favorites perform classic rock, bluegrass, funk, jazz, and soul. Featured bands include some of the area’s most popular tribute bands: Joyride (The Cars), Fog City Swampers (Creedence Clearwater Revival), Natural Wonder (The Ultimate Stevie Wonder Experience), Long Train Running (Doobie Brothers), and Zebop (Santana). Check out the full two-day line up of entertainment.

New This Year. A Salsa Stage and Latin Block Party will be happening at the corner of Park Street & Webb Ave. Enjoy a mojito or margarita from Habanas Cuban Cuisine and get your groove on!

Kids’ Area. An interactive area for kids and their families has been created on Alameda Ave with bounce houses, games, face painting, children’s entertainment by The Dilly Dallies, and that wacky attraction – Waterballerz! Carnival rides will be set up on Park St, from Classic Teacup Spinners to Frog Hoppers.

Shop Downtown Alameda! You’ll find a unique variety of fabulous food and drink establishments, charming shops, friendly services, and fun things to do in the more than 400 businesses located here.

Ride Your Bike to the Festival. Free, secure bike parking will be in the parking lot of Vietnam House, located at 1527 Park St, right across from Alameda Bicycle.

Presenter: Downtown Alameda Business Associaiton

The Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire is presented by the Downtown Alameda Business Association www.DowntownAlameda.comas a fundraiser for the district. Proceeds help keep Downtown Alameda clean, green, and safe.The Downtown Alameda Business Association was formed in 1981 to serve as a support network for the 400+ businesses located within the Park Street Business Improvement Area. The Downtown Association’s goal is to develop a vibrant and economically prosperous business district through a united effort of its members.

 

 

 

By |2017-07-28T17:25:23-07:00July 28th, 2017|0 Comments
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