It’s almost time to celebrate moms and SF Camerawork has a portrait party that you just might want to attend. Coming up in a few weeks is the ever popular and oh so fun Maker Faire, super cool celebration of invention and creativity is almost upon us. Everyone knows someone touched by Alzheimer’s and three of our local Tomatoes have created a unique fundraising opportunity coming up in June. This month Oakland explodes with the arts – so take a weekend or two and revel in the creativity that abounds.

May 12. Portrait Party

A picture is worth a thousand words, so capture your image at SF Camerawork where they are hosting the popular portrait party Save the Date for the Saturday of Mother’s Day weekend, at San Francisco’s only non-profit gallery dedicated to photography. One of their talented photographers will make a memorable portrait of you, your friends, your family, or even your dog! What better creative, one-of-a-kind gift can you give for Mother’s Day while supporting this non-profit.

While there you can check out the exhibit at this special location that promotes photography as a fine art form. I love this gallery because they welcome experimental photography. Currently on display through the end of June is Focal Points, a project produced by CathcLight – a SF Bay area-based non-profit that annually recognizes three exceptional photographers who bring awareness to challenging social issues. http://www.sfcamerawork.org

June 10. Alzheimer’s Fundraiser.

Here’s an interesting fact for you tomato pals, every 65 seconds a new brain develops Alzheimer’s. Two out of three belong to women and no one knows why.  On June 10th you can join the ladies behind Rivet

Revolution, www.rivetrevolution.com at Equinox Sports Club in San Francisco for a morning of exercise, inspiration and information as we will learn how to keep our brains working at their best.  Move for Minds is the name of this enlightening fundraiser. It begins with a specially-designed brain-healthy workout and is followed by a panel discussion led by that fab tomato Maria Shriver. The panel features superstar experts in nutrition, fitness, sleep, brain science, meditation, and caregiving – all of whom will share their latest research and educate you on how you can keep your brain active and thriving with age. Space is limited so sign up early. You need to commit to raising or donating $250 in order to participate. Let’s pump  some iron to keep our brains engaged! SUNDAY JUNE 10th at 10AM at Equinox Sports Club 747 Market Street San Francisco  Register here.

And here is a short video from Maria:

May 18-20. Maker Faire

Maker Faire is the Greatest Show (and Tell) on Earth—a family-friendly festival of invention, creativity and resourcefulness, and a celebration of the Maker movement. A maker is just what you think of when you read that word. Simply – anyone who makes something. The event is part science fair, part county fair, and part something entirely new, Maker Faire is an all-ages gathering of tech enthusiasts, crafters, educators, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, authors, artists, students, and more. All of these “makers” come to Maker Faire to show what they have made and to share what they have learned.

Maker Faire is primarily designed to be forward-looking, showcasing makers who are exploring new forms and new technologies. But it’s not just for the novel in technical fields; Maker Faire features innovation and experimentation across the spectrum of science, engineering, art, performance and craft. More than a DIY showcase, it is intriguing, informative and entertaining. Well worth a visit! May 18 – 20th at the San Mateo County Event Center. For more info: www.makerfaire.com

May 12-19. Oakland Art Month

May is celebrate the arts month in the vibrant city of Oakland. Loyal readers know that I love heading to the East Bay for the variety of food and culture and this month, Oaklanders pull out all the stops.  Oakland has long been home to innovators, creatives, and artists that collectively form the soul of the town. Oakland Art Month is dedicated to promoting events, performances and shows that highlight the diversity of artists and work created in this East Bay city. You will find events celebrating all of the arts.

Check out the jamming street art at the art mural festival. The Oakland Art Murmur is offering a variety of walking tours led by local artists and gallery owners and the Oakland Symphony explores the role of the artist in society through the works of Bernstein and Tchaikovsky And,.those are just a few of the featured events. A strong dance community thrives in Oakland and their 7 dance companies have programs that will whisk you off of your feet. Noted also for their strong industrial arts programs, Oakland is home to glassblowers, jewelers, burning man creators and anything you can think of.

Most facilities offer classes for the curious novice, the humble expert, and everyone in between! Good time  to get your creative juices flowing. For more info on all the offerings this month: www.visitoakland.com