Inflatable rabbits, Windrider film forum, Cantor Art Museum, Free National Parks Weekend, Leaders Wanted

Yes, it’s that day many dread, Tax day!  Perhaps you had to pay our government a pretty penny. If so, here are some free and inexpensive ideas for this weekend.

Now thru April 25. Inflatable Bunnies

Easter has come and gone, however five 23-foot-tall rabbits can be found as part of a playful new art exhibit in Civic Center Plaza. The installation is Intrude, by Australian artist Amanda Parer. More than just a photo op, these floppy-eared nylon sculptures that stand alert at the foot of City Hall, represent the perils of ecological collapse.

As families and tourists take the requisite photos and enjoy the bounty from the off the grid food trucks, Parer hopes they will take time to learn more about why she created this specific installation. These bunnies are a delight to see, especially at night-time when they are illuminated from within. Get more details.

Windrider Film Forum

If you weren’t able to attend the Sundance Film Festival (a dream of mine!) or any other out of state independent film screenings, now is your chance to see several acclaimed and award nominated independent films. In its seventh season in the area, The Windrider Film Forum hosts feature-length films as well as three award-winning short films this weekend.

The programs all end with discussions with folks who were involved with the films. The short films showing tonight seem particularly intriguing, including “Day One”. Inspired by a true story, the movie depicts a woman’s first day on the job as a translator working with an army unit, searching for a terrorist. Well worth the $15 price. Entertaining and educational. Menlo-Atherton Performing Arts Center/555 Middlefield Rd./Atherton.   Get more details:  www.windriderbayarea.org

Cantor Art Museum

If you have not made your way to the Cantor Art Museum on the Stanford Campus, you are missing a truly outstanding collection of art and exhibits. Can’t get to Paris this season? Bring a baguette and admire the permanent Rodin Sculpture Garden. Free admission 6 days a week and famed Chef Jesse Cool’s café make this a destination day out. (After you tour you can always head to the ever-expanding Stanford Shopping Center if you want to spend a tax refund!)

Current exhibits that I found particularly enjoyable are Richard Diebenkorn: The Sketchbooks Revealed. He was Stanford’s most accomplished and recognized graduate in art. Blood in the Sugar Bowl is an exhibition that focuses on sugar plantation slavery during the peak of the sugar trade. An interestingly curated event, by a Stanford PHD candidate, featuring Sugar bowls, illustrations, books, and audio excerpts.

Stanford University/328 Lomita Dr./Stanford.  Get more details.

 Free National Parks Weekend

This is so great to know all you tomatoes and families! In 2016, The National Park Service turns 100 years old and on 16 days in ’16, all National Park Service sites that charge an entrance fee will offer free admission to everyone. This coming week is National Park Week with a variety of educational and exploration events at all parks.

Sometimes you just need to escape the busyness of life, and head to the hills. We are so fortunate to have the ability to take a day trip to some of the most glorious national parks. Muir Woods has free entry and free parking this weekend and Yosemite waves their usual $20 per car fee. Grab your hat and trek away! Get the details.

April 20-21. Calling Women Leaders and Trainers: Become a Leadership Ambassador with Take the Lead (Deadline April 18).

Here’s a great opportunity to become a certified Take the Lead trainer and leader and help women achieve gender parity in leadership across all sectors by 2025. That’s 70 years sooner than the current pace!   Join a diverse, intergeneration group of women leaders and trainers on April 20-21 in Santa Barbara.  Over the course of two days, you’ll become certified to each Take The Lead’s core curriculum and enjoy marketing and support from a growing national Take The Lead community.

Learn to redefine power and teach powerful leadership skills to help women achieve their career goals while changing systems. Scholarships available. Application deadline April 18th!  Learn more.