News
Community Arts News
September 2026
This month we are shifting to the fall - cooler weather, shorter days, and of course, more classes! We're excited to welcome you back into our studio to continue where you left off - or jump into something new! Read on below to see our highlighted classes and teaching artist. Take a look at all of our classes online in our Fall Guide or browse our classes online.
Homeschool art classes are back! Our Artist Studio classes are designed with our homeschool families in mind. Got a Visions voucher? Reach out and we'll get you set up! Learn more here.
Join us for our upcoming Preschool Art Pop-Up on Saturday, September 19! This free, family event is perfect for families with young children. Enjoy a morning of art making, sensory play, and more! Learn more here.
Book your next party with us! We are excited to offer youth art parties on Saturdays at our Shadelands and Civic Park locations. Art parties are great for birthdays, graduations, team parties, and more! Learn more.
Trunk-or-Treat is just around the corner and we're looking for a few more trunk vendors to join us! Be a part of Walnut Creek's biggest Halloween event with Arts & Rec! Learn more here.
View our upcoming classes and programs here for participants of all ages. Questions about our upcoming events and classes? Reach out to us at artsrec@walnut-creek.org or by calling (925) 295-1490.
Meet Community Arts Teaching Artist, Ann Ledo-Lane
Ann Ledo‑Lane is a Bay Area–born interdisciplinary artist, educator, and joycrafter. Living among the redwoods in Marin, she cultivates joy through daily creative practices rooted in nature, memory, and everyday life. A longtime educator in arts‑focused public schools and community programs, Ann brings playful, accessible creative experiences to people of all ages, championing the arts as a tool for equity, wellness, and connection. Ann's advice to students looking to expand their art practice is to "look for little joys and tiny adventures in your everyday life, and actively use those moments to fuel your creative work." She shares her love of making and outdoor adventuring with her family. Ann will be teaching Adaptive Art - Painting and Drawing / Adaptive Art - Painting and Drawing (RCEB) this fall quarter.
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Pop‑in Playdates (Parent-Child) NEW! Intro to String Ensemble - BEG (Youth) Drawing & Painting - BEG/INT (Youth) Jazz Ballet Tap - BEG (Youth) Dungeons and Dragons - BEG (Youth) Theater Arts 1 - BEG (Youth) Ukulele for Kids! - BEG (Youth) Ecoprinting and California Native Botanical Dyes – ALL LEVELS (Adult) Intro to Singing – BEG (Adult) Low Fire Handbuilt Ceramics at Shadelands - BEG (Adult) Mixed Media Collage - ALL LEVELS (Adult) Choir - ALL LEVELS (Adult) Rigid Heddle Loom Weaving Workshop – BEG (Adult) Shibori & Indigo Dyeing – ALL LEVELS (Adult) |
NEW! Artist Studio for Homeschool Families
Mondays, September 14 - November 9 (10:00 - 11:30 am)
Community Arts offers inspiring, hands-on art classes created just for our homeschool community! Students explore visual and performing arts while building creativity, confidence, problem‑solving skills, and critical thinking. Join us for a fun and enriching arts experience! Visions vouchers are accepted for classes.
Join Us for a Morning of Creativity!
Saturday, September 19 (9:30 - 11:30 am)
Drop by Shadelands Art Center for our preschool-age art pop-up event! This is a free, family-friendly event that is designed for our youngest learners (children ages 0-5) and their families. Explore hands-on art and sensory activities with Center for Community Arts and community partners.
Sign Up for a Preschool Tour!
Families interested in learning more about our preschool classes for the upcoming School Year 2026-27 can join us for a virtual and in-person tour. Space is available in our preschool classes for students ages 2-4 years. Classes begin in mid August with rolling registration as space is available.
Celebrate Your Next Party With Us!
We are excited to share that Center for Community Arts is now available for art parties! Our art parties are perfect for any occasion - birthdays, graduations, team parties, and more! We offer three creative art party packages for you to choose from. Each party includes supplies, hands-on activities, set-up, clean-up, and a Party Captain to assist you and your guests throughout your event.
Apply to be a Trunk or Park Vendor at Trunk or Treat!
Calling all sponsors and community partners ready for a fun spooktacular time! Trunk or Treat will be returning to Civic Park on Friday, October 23, 2026. Want to be part of the magic? Bring your creativity, decorations, and Halloween spirit to this beloved community event!
On View at the Bedford Gallery: CALeidoscope
Through September 13
Bedford's annual juried exhibition returns with CALeidoscope: Evolving Reflections of California, a vibrant celebration of our Golden State. From the Mexican border to Oregon, California stretches nearly 900 miles along the Pacific Ocean and is home to sundrenched beaches, verdant farmlands, majestic mountains, dramatic deserts, and monumental redwood forests. With all this natural beauty, it’s no wonder California serves as a source of inspiration and promise for dreamers, makers, and visionaries across the US. CALeidoscope honors the breathtaking geography of our great state and reflects its esteemed position as a cultural leader and hotbed for creativity and innovation.
Coming Up at CenterREP: The Glass Menagerie
September 6 - 27
This American classic opens Center REP’s 26–27 season with Tennessee Williams’ powerful look at family, memory, and longing. Tom revisits the choices that led him to leave his mother and sister in 1930s St. Louis, uncovering truths about freedom, guilt, and love. Directed by Artistic Director Matt M. Morrow, this new Legacy Revival brings fresh insight to a timeless masterpiece.
Host Your Next Event at Center for Community Arts!
Whether you're hosting a meeting, celebration, or community gathering, Walnut Creek has beautiful indoor and outdoor venues ready to reserve. Plan your next events with us!
Arts and Rec Class Withdrawals/Refunds/Transfers
If you wish to withdraw or transfer, request this at least fourteen (14) calendar days before the start date for a credit or refund. A $12 fee per person, per program will be charged. No refunds or credits after this time. Refunds are processed within three (3) weeks. No refunds for non-attendance or lack of student participation. Withdrawals may be done online. Transfers must be done in person or over the phone.