Photos

U.S. Rep. Jerry McNerney and state Sen. Mark DeSaulnier were in attendance but more people were vying to pose for photos with Snoopy at the grand opening of the renovated Village Theatre Art Gallery on Saturday.

Danville Mayor Newell Arnerich yielded giant scissors to cut the ribbon to officially launch the newly renovated theater, with its added lobby art gallery in an attractive open space with a new ticket window and enlarged restrooms.

The first exhibit is "Peanuts at Bat," which showcases some of Charles M. Schulz's most memorable baseball-themed comic strips. Forty-three digital prints from the original Schulz drawings are on display, taking the visitor through five decades of the Peanuts Gang engaged in America's pastime.

"The Town's Village Theatre Art Gallery creates an exciting new destination where both the visual and performing arts can be enjoyed," said Marcia Somers, assistant town manager. "When attending ... performances, you can now also view the lobby gallery exhibits before the show starts or during intermission."

The theater is a historic building in Danville. The second floor, which now houses the Recreation Services Department, was originally the Grange Hall, and dates to 1874, according to historian Beverly Lane.

The original building became the second floor in 1913 for the new Social and Fraternal hall for the Grange, International Order of Odd Fellows No. 378 and Rebekahs. It became the site of high school graduations, parties, meetings, plays, musicals and dances.

Since then it has served a social hall, movie theater and church. In 1987, the Town of Danville purchased the building and renovated it for public use. The Village Theatre Gallery, run by the Danville Area Cultural Alliance, opened on the second floor with changing art exhibits.

In 1991, the Role Players Ensemble Theatre began to partner with the Town to present plays. Role Players is currently showing "The House of Blue Leaves," through Nov. 21.

On Saturday, the crowd roamed the enlarged colorfully painted lobby to enjoy the artifacts, visiting and munching on Cracker Jacks.

The Monte Vista High School Beauty Shop Double Quartet performed as did the East Bay Banjo Club, as well at the Jazz Vocal Ensemble from San Ramon Valley High School, Kylie Rothfield of SRVHS, and United We Sing.

Hot dogs, sodas and cookies were free, along with colorful balloons and Peanuts videos continually screened inside the theater.

Peanuts at Bat is organized and toured by the Charles M. Schulz Museum and Research Center in Santa Rosa. It is sponsored locally by the Town of Danville Recreation Services Department.

"With the opening of the Village Theatre Art Gallery this is a unique time for the town," said Michelle Lacy, Recreation Services Manager.

The Peanuts exhibit runs through Dec. 20. The second exhibit will be "Light Fantastic," a contemporary Irish stained glass art show organized by the Crafts Council of Ireland, Kilkenny, from January to March. It will be followed in April and May by a show organized by the Mt. Diablo Museum curator featuring original work.

A Curatorial Committee with Recreation Services will choose future exhibits. Also docents are being trained to lead the public through the current display. To learn more about docent opportunities, contact Jane Laris at jlaris@ci.danville.ca.us or call 314-3465.

The Village Theatre Art Gallery is located at 233 Front St. in Danville. Gallery hours are 2-8 Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday.

Are you receiving Express, our free daily e-mail edition? See a sample and sign-up for Express.