Art & Music

Every third Tuesday of the month, come up to the Central Library 5th Floor for this old-time tune jam hosted by the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention!

We'll play traditional instrumental tunes from the American old-time repertoire on fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and all reasonably compatible instruments. Everyone, at all levels is welcome, including listeners — but note that it's a jam session, playing tune after tune, not a class or workshop or instructed experience.

Mary Cassatt (1844–1926) was the most celebrated woman artist of her era and the only American to join the French Impressionist movement. Too often dismissed as a sentimental painter of mothers and children, Cassatt was in fact a bold modernist pioneer and an aesthetically radical painter, pastelist, and printmaker. Her work in every medium is characterized by ceaseless experimentation and change. Smuggling a radical aesthetic program under cover of acceptably “feminine” subject matter, Cassatt produced images of “women’s work” that also testify to the work of the woman who made them.

Picture it! Berkeley, 2024!
A Screening of your favorite Golden Girls episodes, with snacks, crafts and trivia!

Come enjoy the golden girls with us at THP South while making fun, themed, crafts like ornaments and cake shaped gift boxes! We've got a few options, but you know the girls would choose cheesecake!

We will have trivia hosted by Phoebe Cakes! They return to graciously host another fabulous trivia night here at THP South.

Come in your best golden girls costume and win a prize!

‘Ocho Kandalikas (8 little candles)—a  Hannukah dance celebration. 

Join us at THP South branch for a vibrant and joyful Hanukkah celebration featuring the rich traditions of Jewish music and dance from around the world, led by Jewish dance master Bruce Bierman. We will learn about the histories and cultural significance of these dances, watch captivating demonstrations, and most importantly, participate in the joyous dancing yourself. 

What kind of music helps you brave the chilly weather?

Join us for an afternoon of short films highlighting Black cowboys, country music, and local lore! We'll be screening several shorts and music videos and discussing the rich history of Black western culture on the Bay Area and that history's impact on California and the world. Expect a light refreshments, beautiful visuals on screen, and a toe-tapping good time!

Westward Bound explores the history of Black cowboys in the United States and celebrates African-American musicians in country music. 

Join us for a Beyoncé inspired craft on Saturday November 16th from 4-5pm. We will be bedazzling cowboy hats with fabric gems, textile paint, disco pieces and more! The event is led by Chanel London, founder of Hella Artsy. 

Bring your cowboy boots and get ready to sparkle! 

Westward Bound explores the history of Black cowboys in the United States and celebrates African-American musicians in country music.     Join us for a live Banjo performance with musician Hannah Mayree  .    Hannah Mayree is a Sacramento, CA born singer, songwriter and music educator. Composed while criss-crossing America communing with people and plants, her songs incorporate African rhythms and diverse European and American folk traditions to express the profound mystery contained within all beings.

Free film screening about Ann Arnold, a local fine artist reveals beauty and inspiration as she faces a life-threatening crisis. 

See related Daily Californian article here

Join us for a virtual conversation with curator, Vania Kinard, who discusses the art, objects, and ephemera of the Westward Bound: African-American Country Music History & Cowboy Lore exhibit. The exhibit is on display at the Central Library from October 7-December 14, 2024. Local art worker and festival project manager, Laili Gohartaj, will facilitate the discussion.