Benefits for Haiti, art, food, shopping, parties — the weather isn’t getting in the way of a busy Oaktown weekend.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 22
Shangri La
Narangar Glover, a talented artist and the co-owner of the popular Oakland art gallery Rowan Morrison, is sharing some of her childhood memories through an installation at MG gallery. Join her at the reception this Friday to learn more about her panoramic drawing installation based on the Shangri-La Girls School in India. The installation will be up until January 30th.
Friday, January 22, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
MG Gallery, 5532 Shattuck Avenue
Free
KID-FRIENDLY: Star Children’s Art School – Pictures from Guizhou
The Museum of Children’s Art presents the artwork of the young children of the celebrated Star Children’s Art School in China’s Guizhou Province. “The works combine brilliant colors, bold lines and modern abstraction to create superb painterly images.” The exhibition ends Sunday, so if your kid enjoys art, get over to Old Oakland this weekend.
Through January 24, noon to 4 p.m.
Museum of Children’s Art, 538 Ninth St., 510-465-8770,mocha.org
Free
Oakland East Bay Symphony: NOTES FROM ARMENIA
The rhythms and instrumentation of music from Armenia are represented by works from Mozart’s Prague Symphony and Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto. Also on the program is Edvard Mirzoyan’s exciting Symphony for Timpani and String Orchestra, and Lazar Saryan’s Panel Armenia, which was inspired by the paintings of the composer’s father, the great Armenian painter Martiros Saryan. Michael Morgan conducts.
Friday, January 22, 8 p.m.
Doors open 60 minutes before show time.
$20 – $65
http://www.oebs.org/page/january22.htm
SATURDAY, JANUARY 23
Bakesale for Haiti
If Haiti’s on your mind, here’s another way to help out: attend a local bake sale. Local food blogger Samin Nosrat has organized, with a little help from friends, bake sales in San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland. All the proceeds will go to Partners in Health. Six hours, three locations and a goal of $7,500. Do-able. If you’d like to be involved by donating baked goods or volunteering your time, write to saminnosrat@yahoo.com
Saturday, January 23, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
PIZZAIOLO: 5008 Telegraph Ave. (Oakland) GIOIA: 1586 Hopkins St. (Berkeley) BI-RITE:3639 18th St. (SF-Mission)
“Departures” art show reception
Three artists interpret their travels – and all that a photo can’t convey — through their art. Anna W. Edwards, Nanci Price Scoular, and the gifted Martin Webb show their work at Float this month through February 13.
There’s a party Saturday evening to celebrate the art and the artists. Live music by didjeridu artist Outlaw Dervish/aka Travis Wernet.
Saturday, January 23, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Float gallery, Cotton Mill Studios, 1091 Calcott Place
Soja at Second – Grand Opening Party
Oakland must really love martial arts. SOJA, the martial arts studio in Uptown Oakland, is opening up a second location near Jack London Square this weekend. And you’re invited to the grand opening party.
Saturday, January 23, 7 p.m. till late
550 Second Street@ Clay Street.
Free
SHOP: I’m Sure
The holidays may be over, but the shopping doesn’t have to end. This Saturday, head over to Blankspace gallery for the opening of the SHOP, where ten artists present specially commissioned charms that may or may not ward off evil, but will certainly look very charming. Made of paper, wood, plastic, and metal, these charms will be on sale for the next two months through March 14.
Saturday, 23 January, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Blankspace, 6608 San Pablo
O-Scene 