Frank Bette Center for the Arts

06/11/2026

Channel your inner Tom Sawyer and join us for a fun community fence painting morning at the Frank Bette Center for the Arts.

It’s likely to be a hot day, so we’ll keep things early:
Sunday, June 14
9:00–10:00 AM – Prep and setup
10:00 AM–12:00 PM – Painting

All painting supplies will be provided—just bring gloves and wear old clothes you don’t mind getting paint on.

Come ready to pitch in, have fun, and help brighten up the space together!

To sign up or let us know you’re coming, please email Ros at [email protected]

06/03/2026

New show in the gallery!
Illusions: Distortions or misrepresentations of reality by the senses. Changes in perspective, color,contrast, shapes and placement of images within each other all create illusions. Nothing is as it seems. Opposites: realism, abstraction. 2-dimensional.
June 5–August 1
Reception: June 13, 3–5 pm 🍷

06/03/2026

Thank you to everyone who participated in our 20th annual Alameda on Camera event—and congratulations to our winners! 🏆

Missed the exhibit? You can still view the gallery digitally on our website: https://www.frankbettecenter.org/2026-alameda-on-camera-gallery

05/30/2026

Local businesses - Help us Paint Alameda!

Alameda is about to become one giant outdoor art studio.
This summer, artists from around the region will spend a week painting Alameda's historic homes, waterfronts, gardens, boats, and neighborhoods as part of the Frank Bette Plein Air Paintout (Last week in July).

We're looking for local businesses to help make it happen.

By sponsoring the event, you'll support local arts, community programming, youth artists, and one of Alameda's most beloved cultural traditions.

Interested in being part of it? Send us a message!

05/23/2026

🎨 Create atmosphere, light, and emotion in your plein air paintings with award-winning artist Lorraine Cote.

In this immersive 2-day workshop, Lorraine will guide students through exercises and painting sessions focused on value, color harmony, composition, and expressive brushwork—all designed to help you create paintings filled with mood and atmosphere. Day 1 includes studio-based studies and demos, while Day 2 takes the class outdoors for plein air painting with both group and individual instruction.

Lorraine’s impressionistic style is known for bold brushstrokes, dynamic compositions, and capturing the feeling of a moment. Recent honors include Best in Show at Oceanside Plein Air and the Genie Scott Award at the Frank Bette Invitational.

🖌️ Creating Atmosphere and Mood En Plein Air: 2 Day Workshop
📍 Instructor: Lorraine Cote
📅 August 3 & 4
⏰ 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

Register here:

Through a series of exercises, Marie Cote will teach how to make more of atmosphere and mood through value, color, and brushwork

05/21/2026

Join award-winning Bay Area artist Cleo Vilett for a 2-day plein air workshop focused on simplifying scenes for stronger, more impactful paintings. Working primarily in oils (all mediums welcome!), Cleo will guide students in designing powerful compositions, editing out visual clutter, and painting with intention.

With a background in marine biology and science illustration, Cleo brings a unique perspective to landscape painting — exploring the intersection of urban and wild spaces through light, atmosphere, and observation.

📅 July 17 & 18
🕘 Friday & Saturday, 9 am–4 pm

$250 Members | $300 Non-members

Register here: https://www.frankbettecenter.org/plein-air

Cleo Vilett will teach how to simplify and leave out clutter and design powerful compositions. Cleo uses oil but all mediums welcome.

05/18/2026

There’s always something happening around here — and plenty of ways to get involved, meet like-minded people, and support the arts in Alameda! Have a skill, talent, or a little spare time to share? Send us a message — we’d love to connect and find the right fit for you.

05/16/2026

Coming to the Signature Gallery
PEACH PIE AND PARALLELS 🍦
CAROL SQUICCI
June 5 – June 27, 2026
Reception: Saturday, June 13, 3–5 pm