The Vagina Monologues Sunday Matinee

Presented by On Stage Vacaville

In 1994, a play called The Vagina Monologues, written by playwright and activist Eve Ensler, broke ground, offering to the world a piece of art like nothing it had seen before. Based on over 200 interviews Ensler conducted with women, the play addressed women's sexuality and the social stigma surrounding rape and abuse, creating a new conversation about and with women.

The Vagina Monologues is used as the centerpiece of V-Day: A Global Activist Movement to End Violence Against Women and Girls. It is based on real women's stories so it allows women who hear the stories to know that they are not alone in their own experience. It helps people who have experienced violence heal. It inspires people – women AND men - to get involved in V Day's efforts to stop violence. It removes the shame often associated with the word “vagina” and the vagina itself and instead celebrates the word, celebrates women.

Directed by

Barbara Norris

Featuring Performances By:

Amberley Palmer-Bailey

Gina Decker

Linda James

Stephanie Ruiz

Jennifer Ray

Tickets: https://jdt.onstagevacaville.org/the-vagina-monologues/

Artist Talk with Christina Kent

Saturday, January 20, 3 - 4:15 PM

(FREE, $10 donation suggested)

Join Christina Kent at the Pence Gallery as she talks about her career transition from economist to artist, including her focus on painting San Francisco cityscapes and figurative subjects. No registration required.

Her exhibit, Day to Night, is on display at the Pence from January 9 - February 29, 2024. Sponsored by Rosa Marquez & Yatish Mishra, as part of the Pence Emerging Artist Award.

Image: Christina Kent

Healing Arts One-Time Session

Tuesday, January 16, 2 PM - 3:30 PM

(Free, must register online)

Part of the Pence's Healing Arts Program and run by facilitator Amy Vidra, this one-time, 90-minute art workshop focuses more specifically on a theme related to depression, anxiety, or major life changes. Through the process of art making, participants will have opportunities for discussion, education, and connecting with peers in a safe and supportive space.

This is a free program, and all materials are provided. Participants must be 18 or older, and no art experience is necessary. Limited to the first 8 participants who register.

Register here: https://pencegallery.org/education/programs/workshops-and-classes/

This program is generously sponsored by Bob & Joanne Andresen.

Event Website: http://www.pencegallery.org

Christina Kent: Day to Night - Reception

Exhibit: January 9 - February 29, 2024

Reception: January 12, 6 - 9 PM

Christina Kent expands upon her observations of everyday life in the city in a new series of oil paintings titled Day to Night. As a resident of San Francisco, Kent is interested in going beyond celebrating well-known locations and views, to capture intimate scenes of daily life. In her paintings, restaurant workers prepare dishes, friends catch up on the street, and drivers navigate traffic down a steep hillside. She builds these compositions with an eye to the subtle nuances of light and shadow, using gestural brushwork to reveal the changes in the landscape from morning until night.

Artist Talk: Jan. 20, 3 - 4:15 PM

(Free, $10 donation suggested)

Join Christina Kent as she talks about her career transition from economist to artist, including her focus on painting San Francisco cityscapes and figurative subjects.

Sponsored by Rosa Marquez & Yatish Mishra, as part of the Pence Emerging Artist Award.

Image: Christina Kent, “Date Night In The Mission”

Event Website: http://www.pencegallery.org

Misuk Goltz: The World We Live In

Exhibit: January 5 - February 25

Reception: January 12, 6 - 9 PM

The watercolor paintings of Misuk Goltz convey a world seen through both her travels and daily life that is full of emotional resonance. As an artist who has used travel journals to record and expand upon her experiences around the world, she has a wealth of visual moments to share. The World We Live In largely centers on her vignettes from these travels, alongside rural scenes from our region. In her detailed naturalism, she reveals the shared humanity of her subjects she’s sketched.

Image: Misuk Goltz, “Cafe Bottega”

Event Website: http://www.pencegallery.org

Art in Action Family Art Workshops: Recycled Miniature Masterpieces

The Pence Gallery invites children and their families to participate in our monthly family art workshops! Art in Action engages kids in art projects that are fun, creative, and collaborative with their family members. This is a drop-in program for ages 5-12, with no pre-registration required. Projects are designed to introduce kids to making their own artwork by experimenting with creative ideas and materials. Our resident art teacher will introduce you to the wealth of possibilities in our upstairs classroom.

How it works:

When you arrive, sign in at the front desk to pay with cash or card. There is a fee per child of $4 for Pence Members or $8 for Non-Members. A parent or adult caregiver is required to stay, but only has to pay for the project if they are also doing art. Stay as long or as short as you like over the two hour period. (Become a Member starting at $65/year and save!)

Recycled Miniature Masterpieces | Sunday, January 7, 1 - 3 PM:

Turn recyclables into miniature works of art! Using your imagination and a variety of recyclable materials, including egg cartons, corks, bottles, fabric, and more, build your own unique sculptural creations.

Learn about more upcoming Art in Action workshops:

https://pencegallery.org/art-in-action/

This program is funded in part by the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs program.

Event Website: http://www.pencegallery.org

Joseph Bellacera: The Matter of Light

Exhibit: Dec. 8, 2023 - Feb. 2, 2024

Reception: Friday, Dec. 8, 6 - 9 PM

Grounded in the concept that everything in the universe is a manifestation of the energy of light, Joseph Bellacera has created several series of work that reflect his interest in changing light into matter, and matter into light. In large-scale mixed media works and digital print, the artist turns his observations of the natural world into intriguing configurations of color, pattern, and texture. Using materials as diverse as wood, concrete, hydrocal, and clay, Bellacera constructs forms that alter and build upon geometric solids, covering them in a heightened range of colors.

Artist Talk: Saturday, Dec. 16, 3 - 4 PM

(Free, $10 donation suggested)

Joseph Bellacera talks about his work on display in light of his interest in merging scientific theories about the nature of light with his art-making process.

Sponsored by Rosa Marquez & Yatish Mishra, and Tom Doyle & Kathy Joseph

Image: Bellacera, “Lightning Bird”

Event website: https://pencegallery.org

Joseph Bellacera: The Matter of Light

Exhibit: Dec. 8, 2023 - Feb. 2, 2024

Reception: Friday, Dec. 8, 6 - 9 PM

Grounded in the concept that everything in the universe is a manifestation of the energy of light, Joseph Bellacera has created several series of work that reflect his interest in changing light into matter, and matter into light. In large-scale mixed media works and digital print, the artist turns his observations of the natural world into intriguing configurations of color, pattern, and texture. Using materials as diverse as wood, concrete, hydrocal, and clay, Bellacera constructs forms that alter and build upon geometric solids, covering them in a heightened range of colors.

Artist Talk: Saturday, Dec. 16, 3 - 4 PM

(Free, $10 donation suggested)

Joseph Bellacera talks about his work on display in light of his interest in merging scientific theories about the nature of light with his art-making process.

Sponsored by Rosa Marquez & Yatish Mishra, and Tom Doyle & Kathy Joseph

Image: Bellacera, “Lightning Bird”

Event website: https://pencegallery.org

Arts Alliance Meeting

At this end-of-year meeting, we'll report on the ongoing archiving of our artistic community's accomplishments and make our Arts Alliance Resolutions for 2024!

Meetings are free and open to all. They are a great chance to connect with others involved in the arts in Davis and the greater region, share ideas, brainstorm, and make announcements. Hope to see you there!

Instructions for parking and finding meeting spot:

Paid hourly parking is available in the Gateway parking structure located across the street from the Mondavi Center on Hilgard Lane.

Enter through the Mondavi Center grand entrance on Mrak Hall Drive. Meeting will take place on the third floor in the Grand Tier lobby overlooking the stunning rooftop of the Shrem Museum.

More info: https://artsalliancedavis.org/

Painter's Choice

We love a good holiday or season themed paint session. Come get in the holiday spirit with us!

You pick the painting you want to paint and Cristie will guide you from start to finish!

All supplies for project are included and price. BRING A FRIEND and receive a $5 off per person! Be sure to register your group together to get the discount.

Event Website: http://www.joyfulartstudio.net

Ornament Bar & Dessert Night

Event Description:

Wednesday December 6th from 6:30-8:30pm.

Pick and choose 3 or 6 ornaments from a variety of designs from our Holiday Ornament Bar.

Bring a holiday dessert to share! Ornaments are $35 for 3 or $55 for 6. Ages 13+ welcome!

Event Website: http://www.joyfulartstudio.net

Art in Action: Family Art Workshop: Spectacular Silhouette Paintings

The Pence Gallery invites children and their families to participate in our monthly family art workshops! Art in Action engages kids in art projects that are fun, creative, and collaborative with their family members. This is a drop-in program for ages 5-12, with no pre-registration required. Projects are designed to introduce kids to making their own artwork by experimenting with creative ideas and materials. Our resident art teacher will introduce you to the wealth of possibilities in our upstairs classroom.

How it works:

When you arrive, sign in at the front desk to pay with cash or card. There is a fee per child of $4 for Pence Members or $8 for Non-Members. A parent or adult caregiver is required to stay, but only has to pay for the project if they are also doing art. Stay as long or as short as you like over the two hour period. (Become a Member starting at $65/year and save!)

Spectacular Silhouette Paintings | Sunday, December 3, 1 - 3 PM:

Let’s take painting to a whole new level! Create a one-of-a-kind landscape painting with a canvas, some acrylic paint, and a variety of fun silhouette stickers.

Learn about more upcoming Art in Action workshops:

https://pencegallery.org/art-in-action/

This program is funded in part by the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs program.

Event Website: http://www.pencegallery.org

Design & Color for an Expressive Still Life with Kristine Bybee

Event Description: Design & Color for an Expressive Still Life with Kristine Bybee

Saturdays, December 2 & 9, 12 - 4 PM

Location: Pence Gallery, 212 D. Street, Davis

$200 Members | $225 Non-Members (Materials not included)

In this two-day workshop with artist Kristine Bybee, learn to paint a still life with vitality and expression using acrylics. Complete a still life painting in only one session with three basic hues. In the second session, extend your knowledge of the color palette for more depth and color contrast.

Register here: https://pencegallery.org/education/programs/workshops-and-classes/

Any questions? Email pencegallery@gmail.com

Event Website: http://www.pencegallery.org

Ron George's Big Band Christmas

If you're a fan of Jazz music and enjoy the excitement of a Big Band, then this is a show you don't want to miss! Backed by a 17 piece orchestra, Ron George and his group will entertain you with some of the greatest holiday classics ever written. Joining Ron onstage will be Emily Jessen, along with Zach and Aaron George.

Tickets: https://vpat.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=38

Christmas in My Hometown at the Vacaville Performing Arts Theatre

This year marks the 18th anniversary of “Christmas in My Hometown”.

From its debut, it has become a truly wonderful holiday tradition.The variety show is fashioned after the holiday specials of TV’s early days, where stars were joined by their families in a cozy front room setting. “We are trying to recreate what we remember of the old Andy Williams Christmas programs, that feeling of being invited into their home for a warm and cheerful holiday gathering,” says Ron George, the show’s creator.

Tickets: https://vpat.showare.com/eventperformances.asp?evt=11

Art in Action: Family Art Workshop: Fabulous Paper Folds

The Pence Gallery invites children and their families to participate in our family art workshops! Art in Action engages kids in art projects that are fun, creative, and collaborative with their family members. This is a drop-in program for ages 5-12, with no pre-registration required. Projects are designed to introduce kids to making their own artwork by experimenting with creative ideas and materials. Our resident art teacher will introduce you to the wealth of possibilities in our upstairs classroom.

How it works:

When you arrive, sign in at the front desk to pay with cash or card. There is a fee per child of $4 for Pence Members or $8 for Non-Members. A parent or adult caregiver is required to stay, but only has to pay for the project if they are also doing art. Stay as long or as short as you like over the two hour period. (Become a Member starting at $65/year and save!)

Fabulous Paper Folds | Sunday, November 19, 1 - 3 PM:

It’s time to play with paper! Experiment with origami folding techniques and art materials to fashion your own paper crane mobile, a bouquet of flowers, and other unique paper creations.

Learn about more upcoming Art in Action workshops:

https://pencegallery.org/art-in-action/

This program is funded in part by the City of Davis Arts & Cultural Affairs program.

Event Website: http://www.pencegallery.org

Holiday Sip & Shop: Craft & Gift Fair

On Saturday, November 18 from 9AM - 3PM the Saturday Club of Vacaville will host a Holiday Sip and Shop Craft & Gift Fair. The event is the forth in the Sip and Shop series and is a fundraiser for the Club. It will take place at their clubhouse located at 125 W. Kendal Street in Vacaville.

The event will feature 30 local vendors selling handmade and custom items inside and outside the Clubhouse. The first 100 guests who are 21 and older can receive a complimentary cranberry mimosa at the door. (must show ID). Additional mimosas will be available for purchase. There will also be a drawing featuring items from the vendors at the event.

Admission to the Holiday Sip & Shop is FREE. Well-behaved dogs on leash are welcome in the outside portion of the event. Street parking will be available on the blocks surrounding the event. A FREE public parking lot is located two short blocks away on the corner of Main and Cernon Streets (in front of Maximum Fitness).

The event is currently accepting Arts & Crafts vendors with a preference for handmade items. For more info about selling at the Saturday Club’s Holiday Sip and Shop, visit http://SaturdayClubVacaville.com, email or call the club at 707-761-7108.

For more information on Saturday Club membership, to rent the clubhouse or to donate to The Saturday Club of Vacaville, call 707-761-7108.

# # #

The Saturday Club is a 113-year-old civic club dedicated to fostering cultural arts in Vacaville. Monthly lunch meetings take place at their Kendal Street clubhouse where the club’s 50+ members enjoy live performances from local performing arts ensembles and guest speakers. They also rent their clubhouse for private events (weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries etc). The Saturday Club Foundation awards annual scholarships to high school students who plan to study the arts at the collegiate level.

Music at the Museum: Thalea String Quartet

Thalea String Quartet (photo credit: Curtis Perry) Cristopher Whitley, violin Kumiko Sakamoto, violin, Lauren Spaulding, viola, Alex Cox, cello

Friday, November 17, 2023, 7pm, at the Vacaville Museum, in  collaboration with Chamber Music at Rancho Flaubert

Among the important young classical ensembles in North America today, the Thalea String Quartet brings vibrancy and emotional commitment to their dynamic performances. Fueled by the belief that chamber music is a powerful force for building community and human connection, Thalea’s program on November 17th will feature works written in the last decade that celebrate diverse musical traditions from around the world, alongside Beethoven’s great String Quartet Op.135, his final work, composed a year before his death.

The Thalea String Quartet has performed across North America, Europe, and China, including at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. They have shared the stage with luminaries of the chamber music world, as well as Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Caroline Shaw, acclaimed Canadian band BADBADNOTGOOD, and visionary R+B artist Charlotte Day Wilson. Thalea is currently the Doctoral Fellowship String Quartet at the University of Maryland. 

http://thaleastringquartet.com

For more information about Chamber Music at Rancho Flaubert, please visit 

Program:

Akshaya Avril Tucker – Radha in the Forest (2020) (soprano and string quartet)

Missy Mazzoli – Death Valley Junction (2010)

Caroline Shaw – Valencia (2012)

Ludwig van Beethoven – String Quartet in F major, op. 135 (1826)

Program notes:

Radha in the Forest is based on my adaptation of a Gita Govinda verse from 1100 CE,  and imagines Radha, the classical Sanskrit heroine, wandering in a lonely Massachusetts forest, in winter of 2020. The poem shows her strange delirium: completely taken by love of Krishna, imagining him here, but fully alone. The atmosphere is delirious joy floating above painful loneliness. — Akshaya Avril Tucker

Death Valley Junction is a sonic depiction of the town of the same name, a strange and isolated place on the border of California and Nevada, home to three people, a café, a hotel, and an opera house. The quartet is dedicated to Marta Becket, the woman who resurrected and repaired the crumbling opera house in the late 1960’s and performed there every week until her retirement at age 86. The piece begins with a sparse, edgy texture — the harsh desert landscape — and collapses into a wild and buoyant dance, a tribute to Marta’s exuberant energy and unstoppable optimism. —Missy Mazzoli

Valencia, 2021 “There is something exquisite about the construction of an ordinary orange: hundreds of brilliantly colored, impossibly delicate vesicles of juice, ready to explode. This piece is an untethered embrace of the architecture of the common Valencia orange, through billowing harmonics and somewhat viscous chords and melodies. It is also a kind of celebration of awareness of the natural, unadorned food that is still available to us.” —Caroline Shaw

Ludwig van Beethoven, String Quartet Op.135, 1826 The last string quartet from Beethoven, and the last major work he completed, a year before his death. The last movement is famous for its agonized introductory chords, above which Beethoven wrote the words “Muss es sein?” (Must it be?), which are answered later in the movement by a short theme with the words “Es muss sein!” (It must be!).

There is a discount for students but you must call the museum to inquire: 707-447-4513 or visit the museum during open hours.

Website: https://vacavillemuseum.org/event/music-at-the-museum-thalea-string-quartet/