A preview of fall arts and entertainment events, both online and in-person
VIRTUAL THEATER Roz Farotte performs in South Valley Civic Theatre’s
“Kalamazoo,” which aired on YouTube over one weekend. The theater group
has more virtual performances planned soon. Photo: Elizabeth Mandel
The typical events that make up fall have either been cancelled or will look different this year due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But there is still plenty to do in the South Valley and San Benito County for fans of the arts.
Virtual paint parties have exploded in popularity over the past six months. Theater has moved to the digital realm. And many can view fine art without ever leaving their home.
We’ve compiled a list of some of the region’s virtual and in-person happenings this fall. Due to the fluid nature of the pandemic response, events may be cancelled with short notice. Verify before attending.
Virtual Open Studios
The San Benito County 2020 Virtual Open Studios Tour & Arts Marketplace will take place online from Sept. 12-26. This year, due to Covid-19, the San Benito County Arts Council is working to create an online artist directory to showcase the work of more than 30 local artists and artisans with artworks in painting, photography, pottery and ceramics, stained-glass, jewelry and more. The Open Studios Happy Hour Celebration will take place Sept. 18 at 6pm. This is an opportunity to meet Open Studios artists on Zoom. For information, visit sanbenitoarts.org/open-studios.
‘Art in Quarantine’
Gallery 1202, 7363 Monterey St. in Gilroy, presents its 2020 Artist Takeover by Whitney Pintello, “Essential: Art in Quarantine,” through Sept. 18. Pintello, a Gilroy native, is exhibiting works produced solely during the shelter-in-place order during the Covid-19 pandemic. The works shown are largely from two bodies of art: vintage glass paintings and abstract paintings. The exhibit can be viewed in person or online at gallery1202.com.
‘2 Across’
South Valley Civic Theatre and Limelight present an online performance of “2 Across” Oct. 9-11. The production follows two strangers on board a San Francisco BART train at 4:30am. For 80 minutes, the two opposites are in an enclosed space, attacking each other’s values but also being swayed and intrigued by them. Directed by Jo Anna Evans, the performance stars Whitney Pintello and Charlie Gilmore. For information, visit svct.org/limelight_online.
‘Women (Un)Silenced’
Gallery 1202’s Fall 2020 program will be spearheaded by a group show, “Women (Un)Silenced: A Survey of Contemporary Black Artists.” The show will take place at 7363 Monterey St. in Gilroy, from Oct. 10 through Nov. 20. “Women (Un)Silenced” showcases six American artists who give voice to those who have been historically silenced. The opening reception will take place on Oct. 24 from 4-8pm, and the closing reception will be Nov. 20 from 6-9pm. Masks and timed entry required. For information, visit gallery1202.com.
Quarantine Cooking
The Neon Exchange presents weekly cooking shows with Chef Mark Segovia and a special guest. For information, visit facebook.com/neonexchange.
Paint Party
Nacho Moya, the owner of Moya Art Gallery and Studio in downtown Gilroy, has been hosting frequent live paint parties on his social media channels, showing viewers the step-by-step process on how to paint everything from water lilies, to unicorns and Star Wars characters. For information, visit facebook.com/moyaartgalleryandstudio
Paint’n With Friends
Tami Brown, owner of Paint’n With Friends Art Studio & Gallery at 7560 Monterey St., Suite 202 in Gilroy, hosts frequent paint parties. Each party is limited to eight painters, and participants will be seated six feet apart. No painting experience is necessary. For information, visit paintnwithfriends.com.
Fall art classes
The San Benito County Arts Council is now enrolling students in live, online Fall Session Art Classes. Participants will explore a variety of art techniques, mediums and materials. Each month’s curriculum will focus on new techniques and projects with the aim of encouraging students’ creativity and imagination, technical skills and artistic literacy. Registration for each class is $30 per month. For information, visit sanbenitoarts.org.
Quarantined Cabaret Live
Local singers perform live in a Facebook group. The group features Friday night cabarets and Saturday youth performances. For information, visit tinyurl.com/ybmf26v9.
- Passion for Pasta – August 9, 2021
- Finding Resilience – June 18, 2021
- Rising from the ashes – April 9, 2021