Events Around the Bay – Week of January 2, 2017
From San Francisco to London: The View on the Bridges The magnificent lights designed by artist Leo Villareal to illuminate the Bay Bridge are now an inspiration for a similar illumination of the London Bridge in England. Recently, the creative mind behind The Bay Bridge project, the world’s largest light sculpture, was awarded one of the United Kingdom’s […]
From San Francisco to London: The View on the Bridges
The magnificent lights designed by artist Leo Villareal to illuminate the Bay Bridge are now an inspiration for a similar illumination of the London Bridge in England. Recently, the creative mind behind The Bay Bridge project, the world’s largest light sculpture, was awarded one of the United Kingdom’s largest public art commissions. Villareal will work with a group of architects and urban planners to create a permanent light installation that encompasses 17 bridges crossing the Thames River in London, and more than six nautical miles. The Bay Lights became a permanent part of the San Francisco Bay skyline after Tad Taube, Chairman of Taube Philanthropies, offered to provide a $2 million matching grant toward the needed $4 million to keep the lights on. “How exciting that Londoners will soon have the opportunity to share in the brilliant creations of the masterful Leo Villareal,” Tad Taube added. Thanks Mr. Taube for lighting up our lives every night. As for us Bay Area residents, there’s no need to travel to London; just stroll along the Embarcadero promenade by the bay and see for yourself the artistically stunning lights on the Bay Bridge.
Photo courtesy of Drew Altizer
Fascination with Fauna in San Francisco
Now on view through February 26, Thursdays-Saturdays, from Noon to 4 p.m.
San Francisco’s Mexican Museum is presenting Fascination with Fauna: The Portrayal of Animals in Pre-Hispanic Art – a unique art show on display for the first time in the United States about the interpretation and portrayal of animals in pre-Hispanic art, focusing on the cultural importance of depictions of animals in nature, religion, society and art in Mexican, Central American and Peruvian civilizations. This is truly an educational and visually and mentally stimulating exhibition to see, learn and enjoy. San Francisco’s Mexican Art Museum, the Smithsonian Institution associate, is housing a unique art collection which voices the complexity and richness of the art and cultures of Mexico.
Tickets and Information
No charge for admission
415-202-9700
www.mexicanmuseum.org
The Mexican Museum is located at Ford Mason Center at Marina Boulevard and Buchanan Street
Photo courtesy of The Mexican Museum
Annie on Stage in San Jose
January 6 – 8, at 2 p.m. ad 8:00 p.m.
We never get tired of listening to “Tomorrow, tomorrow, I love you tomorrow” – the eternal anthem of optimism and the most unforgettable signature song from Annie, the world’s best-loved musical. Good news! “Annie” returns to the Center for the Performing Arts just in time to warm up our hearts and our ears in the Bay Area’s cooler weather. Directed by original lyricist and director Martin Charnin and choreographed by Liza Gennaro, this production of ANNIE will be a brand new incarnation of the iconic original based on the book and score by Tony Award winners Thomas Meehan, Charles Strouse and Martin Charnin. In addition to “Tomorrow,” Annie will also include such unforgettable songs as “It’s a Hard Knock Life,” “Easy Street” and “I Don’t Need Anything But You.” You are welcome to wear a red wig, but leave the singing to the professional actors.
Tickets and Information
Prices range from $40 to $130
For tickets call 800-982-2787
Center for the Performing Arts
255 Almaden Blvd. in San Jose
Photo courtesy of Annie
Raggedy Ann and Andy Visit Los Altos
On view now through February 26, on Thurs-Sun, Noon to 4:00 p.m.
The Los Altos History Museum is home for the holidays to the visiting Raggedy Ann and her equally spirited rag brother, Raggedy Andy, the world’s best-known and most adored rag dolls. Not sure the new high techies are familiar with these charming residents in the heart of Silicon Valley, but I definitely hope they will visit the museum and get to know Ann and Andy. The exhibit, which is located at the Smith Gallery in the J. Gilbert Smith House, showcases over 60 dolls, paintings, lithographs, and china, and represents the private collection of Diane Simmons. The J. Gilbert Smith History House is located in one of the last active apricot orchards in the Santa Clara Valley, which is adjacent to the Los Altos History Museum. This 1905 shingled farmhouse was built with many Craftsman-style features. It should be truly an enjoyable and educational visit for all.
Tickets and Information
No charge for admission
Plenty of free parking
650-948-9427
www.losaltoshistory.org
51 South San Antonio Rd. in Los Altos
Photo by Lina Broydo
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.
