A First Look At Pacifica's Arts Scene

Pacifica is known as one of the most naturally beautiful parts of the Bay Area. What it's not known for, however, is the beauty that comes from the hands and minds of its community of artists; that's surprising, to say the least. 

This column is dedicated to Pacifica's artists--whether they're actors, pianists or painters. What follows is just a sampling of the major venues and organizations responsible for Pacifica's buzzing arts scene. 

A great starting point for someone interested in getting to know Pacifica's artistic side is the Pacifica Art Guild, housed in one of the best venues for the local arts community, the Sanchez Art Center.

A former grammar school transformed by local artists, it features a mural of native scenes that defines the eastern stretch of Linda Mar Boulevard. Mosaic covered walls lead the way to galleries that feature artists from all over the Bay Area, with a focus on Pacificans. Behind the doors that line the hallways, you'll find artist studios. The campus exudes a sense of community and hard work being done by many hands. 

The Art Center's summer show, 50/50 Exhibition, ended in August and featured 50 pieces each by 50 different artists, each work created one day at a time during a span of 50 days. Local photographer Daniele Derenzi's work, "Coastal Wanderings," was included in the exhibition. The Sanchez Art Center "encourages us, supports us and inspires us to push to the limits," said Daniele.

The Art Guild's current show is the 52nd Annual Members Exhibition, on display through October 17th. Check its website for gallery hours.

Also housed in the Sanchez Art Center building is the Mildred Owen Concert Hall, named after the famous patron of Pacifica arts. It's an intimate venue for a wide variety of musical acts. October shows include jazz, blues, bluegrass, Brazilian jazz and opera. Parking is always free and the art galleries are open during intermissions.  

Perhaps one of the more famous aspects of the arts in our community is the Pacifica Spindrift Players theatre troupe. They've been putting on shows since the 1950s. The troupe recently finished an interpretation of the 1960s musical Bye Bye Birdie. Next up is The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge, directed by David Acevedo, in which Ebenezer has a second change of heart and decides to sue the ghosts who showed him the error of his ways.

Pacifica Spindrift Players is connected to the Spindrift School of Performing Arts, where locals of all ages are instructed – via group or private lessons – in a wide variety of disciplines including acting, dance, art, voice, musical instruments and more. The School also offers summer, winter and spring camps.

The Art Guild and the Spindrift Players are probably Pacifica's most prominent examples of local arts but the Department of Parks, Beaches and Recreation--which seems to have its hands in many things around Pacifica--also offers classes and entertainment for all ages, including dances. They work in tandem with Senior Services and are sponsoring a holiday decorating contest in December. 

Pacifica schools benefit from the generosity of "local boy" Rob Schneider's Music Foundation (RSMF). Rob grew up in Pacifica and his mother, Pilar, has long been a prominent part of the school system, teaching and serving on the board. RSMF essentially kept instrumental instruction alive for middle school students When budget cuts spelled doom for the Pacifica School District's music program.

Local small venues are a great place to catch exciting and emerging talent, oftentimes for free. The Chit-Chat Café on Manor Drive features bluegrass bands nearly every week and local author Lynn Ruth Miller hosts an Open Mike Night there the first Saturday of every month, October through December. The next date is Saturday, November 6th from 7:30-9:00pm (sign-ups begin at 7pm). Next door to the Chit Chat is Generations, a children's toy and clothing store that also features weekly music as well as art classes for the whole family.

Pacificans love their local bars, that's no secret. One reason is the constant stream of eclectic live music and shows. Stop by the Octopus Lounge, Cheers or Winters Tavern on a weekend night and you're apt to see local surf punk bands, drag shows, classic rock cover bands, country bands, bluegrass, burlesque and charity fundraisers.

Stay connected to the Pacifica arts scene by checking my weekly column and please send me information about local artists and events!