San Francisco Ballet’s Virtual Interactive Nutcracker
Now through December 31

The annual holiday tradition lives on but not in the traditional way. The San Francisco Ballet presents Nutcracker Online, a virtual showing of the company’s holiday classic, with an exploration via a virtual reality-style tour of the Opera House, and a chance to browse the SF Ballet Gift Shop. Treat yourself to wintry goodies (hats and gloves) or buy the perfect holiday giftable jewelry and classic nutcrackers. Enjoy interactive activities along the way–a photo-booth where you can download Nutcracker-themed images, an opportunity to learn some of Nutcracker’s choreography, a special Nutcracker-themed podcast, an activity book packed with puzzles and games for the little kids–while never leaving your comfy couch at home. No guarantee the Nutcracker will turn into a handsome prince and take you on an exotic trip around the world, but we can all enjoy the warm Christmas-y feeling, a cup of delicious hot chocolate and hope that some dreams will come true.

Information
For tickets and the access to the gift shop visit sfballet.org or call 415-865-2000

Photo courtesy of Erik Tomasson, SF Ballet

22 Hearts in San Francisco are Unveiled

San Francisco General Hospital Foundation revealed the complete 2021 Hearts in San Francisco series. Selected Hearts will be auctioned at the Foundation’s Hearts in SF virtual fundraiser on Thursday, February 11, 2021 from 6 p.m. – 7 p.m., with all proceeds benefiting essential life-enhancing programs and initiatives at Priscilla Chan and Mark Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and Trauma Center. Hearts in San Francisco artworks, combined with Hearts events proceeds from 2004 to 2020, have raised more than $32 million as well as worldwide awareness. The 22 new Heart sculptures in the iconic art series were designed by 23 Bay Area-based artists, both established and up-and-coming.

Information
The 2021 Hearts in San Francisco series will be publicly displayed in the windows of the Flood Building (870 Market Street, San Francisco) from February 1- 14, 2021.
To register, visit heartsinsf.org

Photo courtesy of Hearts in San Francisco

The Bells are Ringing at the Asian Art Museum
December 31 at 10 a.m.

The 35th annual bell-ringing of the 16th century bronze temple bell will continue, virtually this year, ass the Asian Art Museum’s well-established tradition of announcing the arrival of the Japanese New Year. Partnering with Rev. Akiba of the Oakland Zen temple, Kojin-an, for blessings, chanting of the heart-sutra, and the ritual 108 strikes of their temple bell to cleanse us of our 108 mortal desires.

You may wish to join this online ceremony and listen to each ring of the bell while imagining leaving behind the unfortunate experiences, regrettable deeds, and certainly the bad luck of 2020’s Covid-19 pandemic. Typically bringing thousands of families together to ring in the New Year, the museum wishes to ensure that the spirit of the season is accessible to all in the Bay Area community by keeping some holiday traditions alive. The Asian Art Museum is temporary closed but open 24/7 online. Explore their collection, uncover activities for all ages and find inspiration in artworks past and present – all from the comfort of your home.

Information
asianart.org
Visit #MuseumFromHome to engage with art at a distance

Photo courtesy of the Asian Art Museum

2020 Artisan Showcase at FabMo
Now Through December 31

Chic meets sustainable when over 60 artisans participate in the 2020 Online Artisan Showcase at FabMo. Each of these artisans have created items with at least 30% of the materials used sourced from FabMo. These eco-friendly creations are a testament to the joys of creativity and practical repurposing. The artisans represented here come to the monthly selection events and sales and create unique clothing, fine art, fashion accessories, jewelry, home decor items, gifts, toys, dolls and holiday items, all crafted at least in part from FabMo’s stock of discontinued designer samples that have been rescued and repurposed. Enjoy the featured items in the Showcase, visit the vendor pages, and contact them by email or visit their website to learn more about their work and how to purchase their products.

Information
fabmo.org/artisan-showcase

Photo courtesy of FabMo

Lina Broydo immigrated from Russia, then the Soviet Union, to Israel where she was educated and got married. After working at the University in Birmingham, England, she and her husband immigrated to the United States. She lives in Los Altos Hills, CA and writes about travel, art, style, entertainment, and sports. She hardly cooks or bakes, with no borsch or piroshky on her home cooking menu. Therefore, she makes reservations and enjoys dining out, mostly sushi.