BERKELEY

A new open-air art experience is transforming the streets of North Berkeley into a vibrant, accessible gallery. The recently launched North Berkeley Outdoor Banner Art Gallery features a curated series of 36 large-scale banner installations highlighting the works of 13 artists from the local community.

Installed along key corridors and public spaces, the banners bring bold color, diverse perspectives and creative energy into everyday urban life. The project aims to make art more visible and inclusive, reaching residents and visitors outside traditional gallery walls.

The inaugural exhibition displays works spanning illustration, abstract design and mixed media. Each banner is featured on the North Shattuck Association’s website, accompanied by a short artist statement with links to more information about the artist and his or her portfolio. Participating artists represent a cross-section of Berkeley’s creative community, from emerging voices to established professionals.

Themes explored in the exhibition include identity, the natural environment, uniquely-Berkeley offerings and the East Bay’s evolving cultural fabric. The district will lead periodic artists walks that invite the community to engage directly with the creators behind the work. Walks will end at rotating destinations where attendees can mingle with artists.

The banner gallery is free and open to the public, available for viewing day and night, and a digital map helps visitors explore the full installation route. To view the gallery, artist info or further information online, visit northshattuck.org/outdoor-art-gallery.

— North Shattuck Association

Berkeley Humane’s Pints for Paws event set for Saturday

Berkeley Humane is throwing a double celebration this Saturday, and you’re invited! For one incredible day, the community can change a life (or two!) by adopting a pet and raising a glass at the award-winning Pints for Paws craft beer festival, all happening in one West Berkeley location.

This powerful combo is part of the third annual California Pet Adoption Day and the 12th Annual Pints for Paws, which has been voted Best Fundraising Event in the East Bay six years in a row.  The adoption event is family-friendly and free to attend, offering an unbeatable opportunity to meet adoptable animals and support lifesaving work.

“This day represents everything Berkeley Humane stands for, bringing people together to save lives, strengthen families, and create brighter futures for animals in need. Whether you adopt, foster or celebrate with us at Pints for Paws, you become part of that life-saving mission,” said Jeffrey Zerwekh, Berkeley Humane’s executive director. “Raise a pint. Save a life. Be part of something bigger.”

Pints for Paws, a 21+ ticketed event, takes over with tastings from dozens of local craft breweries, wineries, cideries and more. For tickets or more details, go online to berkeleyhumane.org/events/pints-for-paws.

— Berkeley Humane

RICHMOND
Enjoy free Thrive Thursdays through Aug. 6 at Nicholl Park

A new season of free, family-friendly fitness and health activities has kicked off at Richmond’s Nicholl Park  with the recent start of the annual “PASOS & Thrive Thursdays” that will continue every Thursday for 10 weeks (skipping July 2) through Aug. 6.

Organizers say the Thrive Thursdays will run from 5:45 to 7:30 p.m. and are open to families and other community members. The event is organized by Contra Costa County District 1 Supervisor John Gioia, Richmond Vice Mayor Doria Robinson, the group Rising Juntos and Contra Costa Health.

The kickoff event featured a free farm stand, rock climbing wall, zumba and salsa instruction, soccer, a backpack giveaway (a child must be present with a guardian) and a visit from Contra Costa Health Director Dr. Grant Colfax. District Coordinator Joanna Pulido Steen from Gioia’s Office said the weekly series is maintaining the same core focus that it has had in prior years.

“It has very much the same mission that it’s always had,” Steen says, describing Thrive Thursdays as “really about health equity … [and] bringing resources to the community.”

Steen says each Thursday is designed to mix movement with access to health information. The evening “starts off with a ‘Walk with a Doc,’ where people are encouraged to walk around the lawn space and talk with a doctor or … a health professional,” she said.

After that, she said, “we jump into the zumba/salsa class,” with tabling and resources available during the program; soccer continues for kids, and the night typically wraps up with “yoga or … some type of cool-down.”

Steen said the series is also intended to draw attention to improvements and renewed use of the park. She said Rising Juntos is “really focusing on … redesigning of Nicholl Park” and is “really looking to activate the space.” For details online, visit thrivethursdays.net.

— Thrive Thursdays

To submit an item for the Berkeley Voice and El Cerrito Journal’s “In brief” section, which is now usually published in print on each month’s first Friday, please email it, at least three days before print publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words and include a short headline along with the name of the group or individual to credit for it.