New exhibit at the Bedford Gallery: “Altered States”

As many of you may know, I really enjoy checking out local art in Walnut Creek. The Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center is one of the best galleries in the area and always produces interesting, exciting exhibits. I went to check out their newest one, and wasn’t disappointed!”Altered States” is guest curated by Heather Marx, and features artists across generations living and working along the California coast. These artists use natural elements or the environment to create their artwork. I loved the entire exhibit, but my favorite was the circles made in the snow by footprints; it doesn’t look real, but on closer inspection it is! Maybe it is my love of skiing and the mountains why the piece resonates with me.

It was a pretty stunning display of artwork in there when I visited. I’d highly recommend checking it out soon! The artists here apparently use a wide range of media and want to create art using process and reclamation techniques. There was a docent talking about the artwork on the day we visited and it always gives you a better perspective of the work.

According to the Bedford Gallery website, the “Altered States” exhibition highlights the natural cycles of our complex environment and offers patrons an opportunity to slow down and reflect on how we are all interconnected by the sun, mood, air and tides. Very interesting!

You can check out the Bedford Gallery Tuesday-Sunday from 12-5 p.m. And don’t forget the first Tuesday of every month is free to the public.

Event Round-Up: April 21

We’re adding a new blog to the Saturday cycle, along with Art Town, Road Trips and Inspiration Saturday. Behold, our first version of Event Round-Up! Here, we’ll give you five of the best events around the Bay Area each month for the upcoming few weeks. If you go to any of them, let us know how you like the experience!

Grand Parade
Credit: https://sfcherryblossom.org/grand-parade/

Cherry Blossom Festival (San Francisco)

The annual San Francisco Cherry Blossom Festival in Japantown in San Francisco is already in full swing, but the biggest event – the Grand Parade on April 22 – is still to come tomorrow. It starts at Civic Center at 1 p.m. and ends in Japantown. It’s truly a can’t-miss event. And Kristi Yamaguchi is the Grand Marshal!

Memories That Make Us (Redwood City)

Through May 6, The Main Gallery in Redwood City is hosting “Memories That Make Us.” This art show is based on memories, which shape who we are in so many ways. The featured artists will touch on both the transient, fleeting moments of their lives and on the archetypes that permeate our culture. Check it out!

Image result for lyrid meteor shower

Lyrid Meteor Shower (Everywhere)

The peak of the Lyrid Meteor Shower is supposed to occur with clear skies tonight, but will also be fully visible on April 22 from anywhere you can get a good vantage point. This shower dates back to 687 B.C., more than 2,700 years ago! This is a spectacle you simply can’t miss.
The Bubble Lady (Walnut Creek)
Next Saturday, April 28 from 3-4 p.m., The Bubble Lady will come to Walnut Creek and give you a perfect event to bring the kids to. Her interactive, bubble-filled adventure will be accompanied by music, laughter and artistry. For more information, you can check this link.
Guided Walking Tour (Walnut Creek)

Did you know that the Walnut Creek Historical Society leads a 90-minute guided walking tour downtown every 2nd Saturday from March through October? Now you know! It reveals early life in Walnut Creek and hidden parts of our town’s history. Tours are free and depart at 9:30 a.m. from the fountain at Liberty Bell Plaza (Broadway & Mt. Diablo). The next one is scheduled for May 12.