Where & When

OUT OF THE BOX: The Rise of Sneaker Culture

Sneakers are a fashion staple and status symbol. They are worn by millions, regardless of age or income. In the first exhibition of its kind, Out of the Box, The Rise of Sneaker Culture, showcases more than 100 pairs of iconic sneakers, including rare collectibles from Adidas, Nike, and Reebok, and renowned collectors like hip-hop legend Run DMC, sneaker guru Bobbito Garcia, and Dee Wells of Obsessive Sneaker Disorder. Film, photographs, drawings, and interactive media depict the history, technology, fashion trends, and marketing campaigns behind the shoe’s cultural evolution. Through April 2, Oakland Museum of California, museumca.org.

CARRIE LEIBOWITZ: Museum Show

New York-based Leibowitz creates unmistakable artwork with a bold cartoon-like quality exposing raw truths about contemporary society. The Museum Show exhibition features nearly 350 of his original artworks from 1987 to the present: paintings, fabric works, installations, documentation, photography, and ephemera. January 26–June 25, Contemporary Jewish Museum, thecjm.org.

 

CHINESE NEW YEAR PARADE: San Francisco

Celebrate the Year of the Rooster in San Francisco—the largest salute to Asian culture in the world, outside of Asia. A tradition since 1958, the Chinese New Year parade entertains thousands each year with gorgeous floats, elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, exploding firecrackers, and the spectacular 268-foot Golden Dragon.  February 11, for parade route, go to chineseparade.com.

 

Spring for Symphony

Celebrate classical music and raise funds for California Symphony’s education and outreach programs at this gourmet luncheon. An annual tradition, the event helps bring music to every child. February 25, Crow Canyon Country Club, for tickets go to californiasymphony.org.

MATISSE/DIEBENKORN: SFMOMA

Presenting two of the twentieth century’s most extraordinary painters, Matisse/Diebenkorn is the first major exhibition to explore the profound inspiration Richard Diebenkorn (1922–1993) found in the work of Henri Matisse (1869–1954). The exhibition brings together 100 paintings and drawings from the two artists revealing connections in subject, style, color, and technique. March 11–May 29, SFMOMA, sfmoma.org.

 

UNLEASH YOUR POTENTIAL: East Bay Women’s Conference

This top-notch event features renowned speakers, inspiring workshops, and hundreds of women. In March, the Walnut Creek Chamber & Visitors Bureau’s East Bay Women’s Conference welcomes Actor & Humanitarian Ashley Judd, Former CIA Officer & Author Amaryllis Fox and Lean In Founder Debi Hemmeter as its keynote speakers. March 6, San Ramon Marriott, walnut-creek.com.

 

ALOE LOVE: Ruth Bancroft Garden

Travel on a tour through the magnificent collection of aloes at RBG and discover hybrids not found anywhere else in the world. These winter bloomers put on a stunning show with colorful, dramatic flower stalks. Stay for sweets and hot sips. February 8, 1552 Bancroft Rd., WC, ruthbancroftgarden.org.  

 

COLLEGE NOTES: An Acapella Performance

Performing pop, jazz, and contemporary songs, college students from Harvard, Yale, University of Michigan, Tufts, Claremont Colleges and University of Pennsylvania come to Walnut Creek for an evening of amazing sounds and inspiration. The performance benefits Diablo Regional Arts Association, Arts Access, Outreach Program which brings theater to underserved children. March 10, Lesher Center for the Arts, draa.org.

CALL FOR ENTRIES! Sweet N Low Show 

Unleash the roly-poly, saccharine-honeyed creatures on the earth and beyond! Bedford Gallery is looking for a team of talented artists to explore the genre of cute— everything from cuddly and precious to creepy and ironic; from kitsch to Margaret Keane’s Big Eyes; from Japanese anime to pop art by Takashi Murakami. Open to artists 18+, all media, submission deadline March 10, bedfordgallery.org. 

 

WINE AND WISHES: Make a Wish Greater Bay Area

Did you know the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish to a seriously ill child every 37 seconds? For the past 19 years, Make-A-Wish Greater Bay Area has helped make those dreams possible with its annual Wine & Wishes, a fundraising event that gathers local restaurants, wineries, brewers, and mixologists under one roof to celebrate the life-changing wishes that inspire hope, strength, and joy in children battling critical illnesses. February 4, San Francisco Design Center, wineandwishessf.com.

 

 

COME TOGETHER: The Beatles Concert Experience

Never before has there been a tribute to the Fab Four quite like this show. Through authentic costumes and soaring vocal harmonies, the West Coast Player’s performance of ‘Come Together' takes audiences on a musical journey through the Beatles' British Invasion to the 60's, 70's, and Sergeant Pepper era. February 18, Lesher Center for the Arts, lesherartscenter.org.