I'm filled with pride and anticipation as we approach the Orinda Idol Finals on Sunday, Sept. 12. I'm proud of the 190 Lamorinda young people from 23 schools who auditioned in May - putting themselves on the line before a panel of judges.  I'm proud of the parents of the participants who have willingly stepped forward as volunteers and contributors. I'm proud of our business community, who supported us with sponsorships and gift certificates. I'm proud of the Orinda Arts Council for initiating Orinda Idol five years ago. And I'm particularly proud of the Orinda Idol Committee, for countless hours planning this year's activities. 
 
Already our young performers have delighted audiences performing at the Orinda July 4th festivities, Orinda Community Park Summer Concert and Orinda Farmers' Market. And we're anticipating packed houses with enthusiastic fans for each of the sessions at the Finals. What a joyful activity! To our young performers I say: congratulations; if you can do this, you can do anything!
 
Steve Harwood
Chairman, Orinda Idol 2010

The OAC Board wishes to thank Steve and the entire 2010 Orinda Idol Committee for all their hard work to ensure another wonderful and exciting event!

The Orinda Arts Council implemented its first elementary school outreach program by staffing tables at the back to school registration days at Orinda elementary schools. OAC school liaisons had samples of the materials supplied to the schools by OAC, such as the 3rd grade sketch books and the newly printed 1st and 2nd grade art workbooks. These new art books, designed by the Orinda elementary school art teachers and printed by OAC, contain progressive art lessons that provide the essential steppingstones to build artistic confidence, and are aligned to meet California standards of visual arts. We are excited to be partnering with the Orinda schools to bring art to these young students!

In addition to the wonderful work mentioned above, the OAC continues to create and sustain programs in our community to promote the arts. Orinda Idol, the High School Visual Art Competition, OIS Bulldog Theater, OUSD & Miramonte Spring Musicals, OUSD Art Ambassadors Program, the CAIFF Iron Filmmakers Contest, and participation in the Orinda's Art in Public Places Committee and the Educational Foundation of Orinda's Board, are just a few examples of the wide-reaching programs and events.

We could not, and can not, accomplish all this without the generous support of our volunteers, members and donors. The Orinda Arts Council is the only organization solely dedicated to the arts in our schools and community. Please take a moment to renew your membership, make a donation or volunteer however you can. All donations over $125 will receive a complimentary copy of our anniversary keepsake book OAC at 60! Your support is greatly appreciated.

Come see the Orinda Idol Finalists perform while benefiting EFO! Held at Orinda Motors, 63 Orinda Way. This year's show will also feature a once-in-a-lifetime exhibit of cars from the turn of the century until WWII, presented by Whitney Haiste, an Orinda resident and antique car expert. For more info, please visit www.orindacarshow.com.

NorCal Kids Triathlon
At Miramonte High School to benefit the Orinda Community Fund; youth events & programs. The City of Orinda is pleased to announce the second annual NorCal Kids Triathlon - Tri 4 Health. Registration is now OPEN. Follow the link to see the registration page with all the details.

To commemorate our 60th Anniversary, the OAC created OAC at 60, a beautiful, full-color, 48 page hard cover keepsake book with more than 200 photos and clippings. It covers the OAC's 60-year history here in Orinda and you'll probably recognize many of the programs featured and the people pictured (including maybe you!)

Order your copy today! The price is $45 for one and $15 for the second, third, fourth, or as many as you would like to buy after that! All excess proceeds go to The Orinda Arts Council, to help us continue to bring arts programs to our schools and community. Please email susangarell@comcast.net and send a check for your total order to OAC, P.O. Box 121, Orinda, CA, 94563.

Join Now

Not yet a member? Join or donate to OAC by emailing oac@bluestar.com or visiting www.OrindaArtsCouncil.org. The Orinda Arts Council is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting and advocating the visual and performing arts in our schools and community. We rely on the generous donations and volunteerism of our community to fulfill our mission and are deeply indebted to our many dedicated volunteers, contributors and donors.