Women’s History Month, St. Patrick’s Day, and plenty of art!
Lots of local Alameda charm is on the menu in the upcoming days and weeks. March is Women’s History Month, and the Alameda Free Library is celebrating with lots of special storytimes and activities for both kids and adults. On Friday, March 13, Rhythmix Cultural Works welcomes the community to a reception of their latest gallery celebrating local birds, Flight Patterns. Make it an art gallery double feature this weekend with the latest Frank Bette Center for the Arts gallery, Different Dimensions, on Saturday, March 14. The same day, frustrated creatives are invited to join local art teacher Ms. Y and Alameda Gallery & Collective for Cussing Crafts: DIY Rage Crafting Workshop. And don’t forget St. Patrick’s Day—Faction Brewing is ready to help you celebrate on Tuesday, March 17, in a Lucky Leaves class with Pints & Plants.
Women’s History Month at the Alameda Free Library
Events throughout March
March is Women’s History Month, and the Alameda Free Library is celebrating with several special events. If you haven’t already joined the fun with the Women in Weaving Workshop and the Firefighter Storytime, check out the month’s remaining get-togethers:
- Alameda Police Department Storytime | Tuesday, March 17 at 10:30 a.m. – Head over to the West End Library, 788 Santa Clara Avenue for a kid-friendly storytime with APD. This event is a special session of the library’s regularly scheduled Toddler Storytime.
- Storytime and Craft with Mayor Ashcraft | Thursday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. – The West End Library is hosting Alameda’s mayor, Marilyn Ezzy Ashcraft, for a family-friendly craft, storytime, and photo op.
- Storytime with Mayor Ashcraft | Tuesday, March 25 at 10:30 a.m. – Mayor Ashcraft returns to the West End Library to read one or two of her favorite stories. This event is a special session of the library’s regularly scheduled Toddler Storytime.
- Poetry and Film with Tae Poetically Divine | Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m. – Local poet and filmmaker Shanti Lair-Croom aka Tae Poetically Divine, is headed to the Main Library, 1550 Oak Street, to screen her short films, read her poetry, and share a cup of tea. Registration is recommended.
- Storytime with Naturalist Susan | Monday, March 23 at 10:30 a.m. – Some young explorers may recognize this special guest from Crab Cove. East Bay Regional Park District Naturalist Susan is making an appearance at the Bay Farm Island Library, 3221 Mecartney Road, for a family storytime. The story will be snake themed, and there will be a craft and photo op after the story.
Flight Patterns Exhibit Opening Reception
Friday, March 13
Rhythmix Cultural Works, 2513 Blanding Avenue, welcomes the community to the opening reception of their latest exhibit on Friday, March 13, from 6 until 8 p.m. Flight Patterns celebrates Alameda’s abundant local birds with photography, painting, ceramic, print, and mixed media.
The exhibit, which will run from March 6 through April 24, is curated by local birder, musician, and writer Deborah Crooks, and will feature works by Brice Binder, Laura (Tex) Buss, Jean Chen, Flavia Krasilchik, Rick Lewis, Mary Malec, Christopher Reiger, and Dana Zed. Get to know the artists.
Please RSVP online to this free event. Flight Patterns will be on display until April 24. Please email Marisol at [email protected] to arrange a time to view the exhibit.
Different Dimensions Opening Reception
Saturday, March 14
Alameda is fortunate to have two receptions for art exhibits this weekend. Stop by Frank Bette Center for the Arts, 1601 Paru Street, for a celebration of their exhibit, Different Dimensions on Saturday, March 14. The reception is scheduled from 3 until 5 p.m.
Different Dimensions will showcase the work of two talented artists residing in Alameda. Beth Bourland works primarily in watercolor inspired by scenes from her travels. Barbara Buhrz creates pieces in both fired ceramics and watercolor or illustrations. Her works include two pieces that depict the same topic, allowing viewers to observe both 3D and 2D artworks on the same theme.
No RSVP is required for the drop-in reception. Different Dimensions will be on display through March 28. Frank Bette Center for the Arts is open to the public on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Cussing Crafts: Felt Pennant
Saturday, March 14
Work out your frustrations while making a memorable souvenir at Cussing Crafts: DIY Rage Crafting Workshop on Saturday, March 14, at 6 p.m. This event is presented by Alameda Gallery & Collective, but it will be hosted by their next door neighbor, Fireside Lounge, at 1453 Webster Street.
“We’re all pissed,” starts the event description. “Channel that anger into a meaningful craft project with a group of also-pissed people.” Attendees will decorate a full-sized felt pennant with their favorite cuss word. Take the cathartic craft home afterwards and find a place to proudly display it.
Reserve a spot in advance online. Tickets are $30 per person, plus a small processing fee. This special craft night will be hosted by local art teacher Ms. Y.
St. Patrick’s Day at Faction Brewing
Tuesday, March 17
Faction Brewing is usually closed on Tuesdays, but they simply couldn’t resist opening their doors for St. Patrick’ s Day on Tuesday, March 17. The brewery will be open from 2 until 8 p.m. at 2501 Monarch Street.
If you’d like to add some extra green to your day, check out Lucky Leaves classes at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. Pints & Plants will be leading two workshops for potted plants. All materials are included, and participants will go home with their freshly-potted, live plant.
Reservations are required. Tickets are $40 per person. One beer will be included in the price of your ticket.
What else is going on in Alameda?
All these events and more, in Alameda and beyond, are always posted on our online Events Calendar. Post yours, too, for free!
Amanda Laird is the Content Manager and Events Editor of the Alameda Post. Her writing is collected at AlamedaPost.com/Amanda-Laird. Reach her at [email protected].
