Events Calendar

BirdHaus Art Installation Unveiling — Fourth of July
BirdHaus --presented by the Orinda Arts Council to benefit community and school-based arts education programs as well as Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity initiatives-- is an art installation and benefit auction featuring birdhouses created by artists, designers, architects, builders and community groups. BirdHaus will be "unveiled" at the Orinda 4th of July parade where the BirdHaus parade float will feature select birdhouses and sculpture from the BirdHaus installation; project information will be available at the BirdHaus booth following the parade.

BirdHaus Art Installation Display — July 4-September 8
A creative and original collection, the BirdHaus public art installation features birdhouses made from sustainable materials including car parts, wine corks and crates, and film tins, and others constructed from glass beads, drift wood, wire, antique metal, copper, feather, and clay. BirdHaus will be on display throughout Orinda summer 2006 in 15 different Orinda locations – click here for a location map. On September 1st, the birdhouses will be relocated to the Orinda Community Center for a collective viewing through September 8th. Throughout the summer, area merchants and businesses including Pacific Union GMAC Real Estate, Aesthetics Art Gallery, the Orinda-Moraga Fire Station, art-scape Sculpture Garden and Gallery in Walnut Creek, Bank of America, Lamorinda Cyclery and the Orinda Public Library will provide water bottles and tour maps for BirdHaus visitors.

BirdHaus poetry at the Orinda Library featuring Elizabeth Rosner — Month of July
The Orinda Public Library is hosting a full month of activities and prizes celebrating BirdHaus during the month of July, including a month-long poetry writing showcase and publishing project for teens and adults. The week of July 4th features BirdHaus games. BirdHaus Poetry week will take place July 10th through 15th and features two workshops with author Elizabeth Rosner on July 11th for teens and adults; Elizabeth Rosner is the celebrated author of the recently published Blue Nude (see www.elizabethrosner.com); visit the Orinda Public Library at 24 Orinda Way or call 925.254.2184 to register. The fun continues with BirdHaus crafts the week of July 17th and BirdHaus literary scavenger hunts for youth and young adults the week of July 29th.

BirdHaus "Behind the Scenes" exhibit at the Orinda Library Gallery — August 18-September 15
On August 18th, the special BirdHaus "Behind the Scenes" exhibit opens at the Orinda Library Gallery. This presentation provides a creative, in-depth look at BirdHaus artists and their development process including concept sketches, mood boards, design models and more. Runs through September 15th.

BirdHaus Walks with Heidi Donner of Saint Mary's Hearst Art Gallery — August 24 & September 7
In late August and early September, free BirdHaus Walks with Heidi Donner of Saint Mary's Hearst Art Gallery will take place. An arts educator and enthusiast as well as an avid birder, Heidi will lead twilight walking tours of the BirdHaus installation, spotlighting the BirdHaus artists and their inventive creations. A reception will follow each BirdHaus walk. Contact 510.928.8986 for more information and to reserve a space.

BirdHaus Artist Reception — September 8
On Friday evening, September 8th, participating BirdHaus artists will be honored for their contributions at an invitation-only wine and appetizer reception at the Orinda Library Gallery.

BirdHaus Benefit Party — September 9
On September 9th the BirdHaus benefit auction party will take place at the Orinda Community Center's Sculpture Garden. An evening of entertainment, cocktails and dinner will include the auction of the BirdHaus art installation birdhouses and other creative and artistic items to benefit the Orinda Arts Council's schools and community fund and Mt. Diablo Habitat for Humanity. The evening will feature a vocal performance by area youth and live music by Bob Kliger's "Soft Jazz Trio." Tickets cost $120 each; 6:30 pm to 10:30 pm; contact Sue Farmer at 925.254.8508 or email oac@bluestar.com for reservations.

Orinda Arts Council Youth & Family Events at Theater Square in Orinda — September 10
Orinda Idol Performing Arts Showcase and Family Arts Festival
Talent from local elementary and high schools will participate in the finals of Orinda Idol, the Orinda Arts Council's annual youth performing arts showcase hosted at the landmark Orinda Theater on September 10th , beginning at 11:30 am with progressively older age groups performing through the afternoon. The day begins at 11:00 am with a festival of arts activities, multimedia and photography exhibits, entertainment and refreshments throughout Theater Square plaza for families and creative people of all ages and interests; festival concludes at 5:00 pm with the announcement of the Orinda Idol winners.