A Summer of Reading and Art

Danville celebrates books through art, activities and movies all over town.

Is your summer reading list ready? Gain some inspiration from art exhibits and reading-related activities around Danville this summer. Themes of fantasy, romance, adventure, mystery, and more will be explored through art, and the community is invited on a journey deep into our favorite stories.

The cornerstone of this reading journey is Bound for Books: An Artful Book Bench Project. Artists were invited to paint and embellish fiberglass benches in the shape of open books, drawing on themes and inspiration for their designs from their favorite books. After a public call for entries in December, 10 artists were selected to participate in this year’s Town public art project. The benches depict scenes from beloved children’s tales, classic novels, and even a cookbook.

The book benches will be on display in Downtown Danville until the week of September 25 when they will move back to the Village Theatre and Art Gallery patio for a closing reception and auction, with proceeds benefitting future public art projects. The closing reception is Thursday, September 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the gallery. Patrons can view the benches there through October 2, and participate in an online auction September 29–October 2. The entire community is invited to participate in the closing reception and auction, to help support public art in our community.

While the benches are on exhibit, there will be several ways to dive into the books behind the art. The Village Theatre will show a series of films based on the book bench inspirations, and the Danville Library will have displays featuring the books as well as other books by the same authors. At any Town facility, including the Gallery, Danville Community Center, and Senior Center, pick up a passport with information on each bench so you can visit them all. Library staff will also hold story times at some of the benches over the summer. Rounding out the summer of books and art is the 13th Annual Juried Art Exhibit at the Village Theatre Art Gallery. After a call for artists in the spring, 36 artists were selected to exhibit in The Art of the Story, featuring works inspired by books or created with pages from books. The opening reception for both the juried exhibit and Bound for Books was held June 9, and the gallery exhibit is open through August 11.

For more information on the summer art activities, or on the book bench auction, visit www.danville.ca.gov/boundforbooks.

Summer Art and Reading Events

Through September 25: Bound for Books Public Art Exhibit; Downtown Danville

Wednesdays: Family Story Hour; Danville Library

June 23–September 8: Monthly Bound for Books movie series; Village Theatre and Art Gallery

September 28: Bound for Books Closing Reception; Village Theatre Art Gallery

September 29–October 2: Bound for Books Online Auction and Display; Village Theatre Patio

More events to be announced soon — check www.danville.ca.gov/boundforbooks

Summer Sounds and Scenes

Our annual concert and movie series started in June, but there is more in store. Join us for these upcoming events.

All movies are shown on the Town Green at 8:15 p.m., with kids’ activities starting at 6:15 p.m.

Music In The Park

July 8: The Shania Twain Experience (Country); Oak Hill Park

July 22: Project 4 (R&B, Soul & Funk); Oak Hill Park

August 5: Unauthorized Rolling Stones (Classic Rock); Town Green

Moonlight Movies

July 14: The Emperor's New Groove (G)

July 28: The Karate Kid (1984) (PG)