ARTS & CULTURE IN ALAMEDA

Art and cultural events and opportunities are abundant in Alameda. You don’t have to take a trip to San Francisco to get your fix of creativity and entertainment. (Though, of course, San Francisco is a 20 minute ferry ride away, and offers world-class art galleries, plays, musicals, and more.) Here are just a few of the great organizations and locations where you can get your art fix in Alameda.

Altarena Playhouse

“Since 1938, Alameda Little Theatre Inc. has been presenting live theater in Alameda. In 1957 the company acquired an abandoned grocery store on High Street and turned it into the Altarena Playhouse, where we have been presenting creative, intimate, and artistically ambitious stagings of plays, musicals and revues ever since.” (Altarena website)

Alameda has it’s very own playhouse! Dramas, comedies, and musicals, there’s something for everyone at the Altarena Playhouse - which happens to be the longest continuously operating community theater in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Rhythmix Cultural Works (RCW)

“Rhythmix Cultural Works brings people of all ages together to experience and explore music, dance, visual art and educational opportunities. The organization seeks to build community by inspiring engagement in the arts as a way to learn about each other and the world.” (RCW website)

Rhythmix Cultural Works produces and hosts events, classes, and workshops, working with artists from all over the world. Performances have included music (of all genres); dance; comedy, family programming, and community events - such as themed bingo nights. The K Gallery presents visual art exhibitions, workshops and a weekly Art Jam. Interactive workshops are taught by presenting artists in partnership with the Alameda Boys & Girls Club, the Alameda Music Project and Girl’s Inc. of the Island City. Learn more about their wide array of arts programming on their website.

Frank Bette Center for the Arts

“The non-profit, volunteer run Frank Bette Center for the Arts is housed in the lovely yellow turn-of-the-century Victorian at 1601 Paru Street at Lincoln Avenue in Alameda, California. Benefactor Frank Bette was a master antique furniture restorer. Upon his death in 1999 at the age of 99, he bequeathed the house as ‘a place for meetings, readings, showings, and other creative doings.’” (Frank Bette Center website)

Classes, programs, speakers and events - the Center offers a variety of creative opportunities around art, music, poetry, and storytelling. In the spring, the Alameda On Camera event has 40+ jury-selected photographers converging for 48 hours in appointed areas in Alameda, and then displaying their work in the Main Gallery. You can plan on creative holiday shopping choices at the annual Holiday Boutique. There is even an iphone photography class and a cartooning workshop available. Check out their website to see all of their classes and events.

Downtown Alameda Art & Wine Faire

“Weekend activities include 300+ arts, crafts, and food vendors; craft beer and wine; the Bay Area's best tribute bands on two stages; plus a special kids’ area.” (Eventbrite page)

Free and open to the public, this popular yearly event takes place in July (July 27 & 28, 2019). Food, wine, arts and crafts vendors, live entertainment, and fun for the kids - this street party celebrates community, art, wine, and summer fun. Whether you are looking for that special art piece or just want to stroll and soak in the music and art, you’ll have a great time at this Faire that takes place on Park St. in downtown Alameda.

Pinot’s Palette

“Alameda wine and painting parties are fun for all occasions, from bachelorette parties to anniversaries to corporate team building events.” (Pinot’s Palette website)

Try on your own art skills, as you join a Pinot’s Palette guided group art class. It really is a lot of fun to see what you, and others, can do with a little help from an art guide! Some of the events are self-guided. Check their calendar to see what events are coming up.

Tomorrow Youth Repertory

“Tomorrow Youth Repertory was started in the summer of 2011 when Jordan Best, Amy Marie Haven, and Tyler Null met to discuss joining forces to offer weekly youth theater classes and productions. Operating for the first year as a sub-program of Alameda Children’s Musical Theater, and then becoming an independent non-profit in 2012.” (Tomorrow Youth Rep website)

This educational theater program offers after-school classes and camps for youths of all ages and experience levels. From learning about the technicalities of backstage to performing Shakespeare - kids can gain experience about all aspects of theater. I love this organization! Check out their website for more information.

Bay Area Children’s Theater

“Founded in 2004 by five arts educators with a dream, BACT has grown to become a major creative force in the Bay Area reaching over 125,000 children and adults each year. Our vision is for all Bay Area children to have the opportunity to experience live theatre before they finish elementary school.” (BAC Theatre website)

Kids aged 5 and up have a great time learning the arts and craft of theater, while little ones (6 mos to 3 years) are provided with creative opportunities to sing, play, and act out stories. Performances in Alameda are held at Rhythmix Cultural Works. Read more about the Next Stage Performers Alameda class.

Art for kids - Ginny Parsons

Ginny Parsons, a local Alameda artist, hosts an art camp for kids to help inspire the next generation of Alameda artists. Inspired by nature, Ginny paints with anything from laundry detergent to peanut butter or bacon grease.

(photo credit: Rhythmix Cultural Works)