The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council encourages, supports and promotes the Arts in our Pleasanton schools and local community to reflect our cultural diversity and inspire all.
Keep the arts alive in Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley area by making a tax-deductible donation!
Cultural Celebration Series
The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, in partnership with the City of Pleasanton and Friends of the Pleasanton Library, is excited to present our Cultural Celebration Series. The series kicks off this month with the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on October 13. Read more about this and other events.
Importance of Arts in Education
Watch Rachel Zhao, 2024 YEA! Awards double winner, speak about the importance of the arts in education. She is the first place winner in Literary Arts with her piece entitled Your Pond and the second place winner in Visual Arts with her watercolor entitled Americana. We are pleased that Rachel is helping us share PCAC’s mission that the arts and arts education are essential to developing creative solutions and innovative ideas to address today’s problems.
Harrington Free Art Walks
PCAC is sponsoring free walking tours of the public art on display at the Firehouse Arts Center and the Museum on Main on July 10 and July 25 at 10:00 a.m. Come and enjoy the stories of the twelve artworks donated by Gary and Nancy Harrington that grace the inside and outside of the Firehouse Arts Center. Learn about the artists who created these enduring works. Each piece represents the generosity of the Harringtons and their unique contribution to the public memory of Pleasanton. These monuments form our collective memory. Then discover three more unique works of art outside of the Museum on Main. Tours are free but you must register at the Museum on Main by calling 925-462-2766. Find out more.
April is Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month
At the April 16th Pleasanton City Council Meeting, PCAC received a proclamation recognizing April as Arts, Culture and Creativity Month. Our president, Kelly Cousins and 2024 YEA! Awards winner, Rachel Zhou was present to share in the celebration. Rachel received First Place in Literary Arts for her work “Our Pond” and Second Place in Visual Arts for her watercolor, “Americana”. She spoke about what art means to her as a high school student preparing for college, and the importance and value of arts and creativity in a world that often prioritizes speed and efficiency. Watch the city proclamation and Rachel’s speech at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHGQkZ3DTMw (Proclamation begins at the 29:30 mark).
Thank you for supporting A Night in Paris: Fundraiser for the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council!
A Night in Paris was a spectacular evening with dancing, live music, French food and fabulous art! On April 13th at the Veterans Memorial Building in downtown Pleasanton, guests were treated to the enchanting ambiance of Paris, right here in Pleasanton! Read a special thank you from our president, Kelly Cousins.
2024 Youth Excellence in Arts (YEA!) Awards and Don Lewis “Say Yes to Music” Grant
PCAC is thrilled to announce the winners of the 2024 Youth Excellence in Arts (YEA!) Awards and the inaugural Don Lewis “Say Yes to Music” Grants. Hosted by the Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council, the awards ceremony took place on March 17 at Valley Community Church in Pleasanton. These awards stand as a testament to the remarkable artistic talents and achievements of high school students in Pleasanton, recognizing their brilliance in literary arts, music, and visual arts. While the YEA! Awards have been recognizing our talented youth since their establishment in 1997, this year marks the exciting inception of the Don Lewis “Say Yes to Music” Grants, furthering the celebration of creativity and innovation in the realm of music. Congratulations to all our winners for their dedication, passion, and outstanding contributions to the arts community. Visit our YEA! Awards page to learn more about our winners!
Conversation Banners Unveiling
The Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council and the City of Pleasanton hosted a presentation of the “Conversation Banners for Youth Engagement”. This event took place September 30, 2023 from 10:00 am – 11:30 am at the Firehouse Arts Center Patio.
Attendees were able to see the banners up close and learn more about the positive expression and collaboration involved in the process. Despite the rainy weather, the Estrella del Puebla Mariachi Orchestra performed at the event inside the Firehouse Theater. City Council member Valerie Arkin spoke at the event along with Thomasin Dewhurst, a local artist who was the creator and organizer of the banner project.
Conversation Banners for the Youth Engagement project was funded in part by the City of Pleasanton Community Grant Program, Civic Arts Category. Read more.
Pleasanton Public Art Murals
Pleasanton Cultural Arts Council celebrated the unveiling of two colorful murals on the side of the Cultural Arts Building – “Gentle Beauty” painted by Lynda Briggs and “Joy” painted by Vera Lowdermilk with the permission of Judith Kunzle. The murals are a product of PCAC securing a Civic Arts Commission community grant in 2021-22 entitled “Rebuilding Community Through Art”. The event was attended by PCAC board members; City Staff including Rachel Prater, Lia Bushong, and Director of Library and Recreation, Heidi Murphy; Pleasanton Civic Arts Commission members; Mayor Karla Brown and City Council members Julie Testa and Valeria Arkin; and members of the public including Nancy and Gary Harrington, long time supporters of public arts and the Harrington Art Gallery at the Firehouse Arts Center. Read more.