|
HIGHLIGHTS, SITES, & BITES |
|
|
ROUTED WEST: 20TH-CENTURY AFRICAN AMERICAN QUILTS IN CALIFORNIA |
One of the most ambitious endeavors in the history of the museum, BAMPFA's new exhibition, Routed West: Twentieth-Century African American Quilts in California displays more than 100 quilts by some 80 artists. The groundbreaking exhibition traces the historical threads between quiltmaking traditions and the history of Black migration to California from the southern United States. The quiltmaking skills that many migrants brought with them—frequently learned from mothers, grandmothers, and other kin —spurred the creation of a new wave of African American quiltmaking in the later part of the twentieth century, extending its roots into the Western U.S. It is believed that BAMPFA's collection of quilts is the largest collection of its kind worldwide. "We're activating the extraordinary collection of African American quilts at BAMPFA to honor the stories of the individuals and communities whose vibrant artistic traditions are indispensable to -- but too often omitted from--the larger narrative of American art history," said BAMPFA's Dr. Elaine Yau, curator of Routed West. Also featured in the exhibition are nearly a dozen recent works by Black quilt artists in the Bay Area, including members of the African American Quilt Guild of Oakland. Routed West, on exhibit now through November 30 at the Berkeley Art Museum & Pacific Film Archive in Downtown Berkeley.
|
SUMMER IS COOL IN BERKELEY |
With summer heat waves rolling across the country, travelers are looking for a “chill” escape. Berkeley offers a prevailing Pacific breeze, fun, off-beat college town vibe, local libations to keep everyone “hydrated,” iconic dining, and awe-inspiring arts. The cool duality of Berkeley – attitude and altitude – makes this the perfect place to “basecamp” a chill Bay Area getaway. First, there’s the cool local “Attitude.” Flower power and free speech are Berkeley’s genome since the 60s, and today the city flashes as a celebrated place to dine, enjoy the arts, and enjoy easy outdoor parks and rec. Then’s there’s the second course, “Altitude.” Berkeley is right on San Francisco Bay with awesome weather year-round. From the city’s sea level setting to a soaring Pacific ridge just above, the microclimate is notably comfortable. Performing arts, legendary restaurants, urban wineries and craft brew houses, artisanal shopping and art museums, botanical gardens, and sunset-perfect bayfront coves – Berkeley’s range of things to discover and do is off the charts. Book your summer escape today and save up to 20% on hotel rates, available exclusively on VisitBerkeley.com.
|
CRAFTERNOONS ON DECK AT FERN'S GARDEN |
Upper Solano Avenue is a maker's paradise, with bespoke shops and authentic vibe. One of its hubs is Fern's Garden, an emporium of local and handcrafted finds. Fern's Garden is expanding with all-new workshop space and Upstairs at Fern's Garden, a series of hands-on programs. Kicking things off on Sun., June 22 is "Upcycle Your Old Greeting Cards." It's for everyone who has a stash of old greeting cards or images they want to repurpose into buttons, magnets, laminated bookmarks, and framed collages. The cost is $20 per person, save your spot and learn how to make cool stuff!
|
UNFILTERED TALKS, TASTES AT DONKEY & GOAT |
The Berkeley Wine Block features a number of wineries producing predominantly natural wines, all within a block radius in the Gilman District. The Wine Block's First Friday open-house events are celebrations of the winemakers' craft in a highly convivial setting. Another reason to visit the Berkeley Wine Block is coming up Sat., July 26 for Unfiltered: Conversations About Wine. The immersive one-day wine event at Donkey & Goat Winery gathers California small producers for tastings and conversation. Pouring will be 20 small wineries focusing on lesser-know varietals and low intervention winemaking. Included are two seminars mediated by wine industry professionals, discussing topics including the challenges of growing grapes in a changing climate and the risks and rewards of minimal intervention winemaking. The seminars are optional and included in the ticket price. Unfiltered will allow attendees to engage in thoughtful discussions with winemakers while enjoying delicious offerings from small wineries and celebrated Bay Area food pop-ups. Tastings take place from 1 pm to 4 pm with seminars slated for 1:30 and 2:30. Tickets are $55 and now available.
|
CHILL SUMMER VIBES ON SOLANO AVENUE |
Head for Solano Avenue on Saturday, June 14 for an evening celebration of live music, entertainment, activities, and specials offered by the Ave's shops and restaurants. Summer on Solano spans the one-mile stretch from The Alameda to San Pablo Avenue, encompassing both Berkeley and Albany. The event adds sidewalk shops offering carefully curated works from regional artisans, jewelers, and makers. Summer on Solano takes place from 5 pm to 9 pm, see more details here.
|
SUMMER IS FAIR IN ALAMEDA COUNTY
|
The 2025 Alameda County Fair returns to Pleasanton June 13–July 6 bigger, bolder, and tastier than ever! Indulge in outrageous fair food like cheeseburger egg rolls and watermelon tacos, rock out to live concerts from Tower of Power, Sugar Ray, and Too $hort, and feel the adrenaline in the all-new Action Sports Arena. With free nightly movies, kid-friendly days, cute farm animals and classic summer vibes, the Alameda County Fair is a midsummer tradition and can't miss good time.
|
|
|
| VISIT BERKELEY
2030 Addison St. #102
Berkeley, CA 94704 (510) 549-7040 |
|
|
To ensure you receive Visit Berkeley emails, please add VisitBerkeley.com to your address book.
If you prefer, view this message in your browser View it online. |
|
|
|
