The Saratoga Arts Commission is presenting "Orchard Art" as part of the new Saratoga Library's grand reopening, which kicked off June 21. The commission sent out the word for artistic contributions several months prior to the reopening, resulting in a host of orchard scenes set in oils, watercolors and acrylics that cover an entire wall of the library.

Visit the collection during regular library hours. The library is located at 13650 Saratoga Ave. and is open Monday and Tuesday from 1 to 9 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m.


Art groups are awarded grants

Saratoga is a breeding ground for artists, producing a multitude of stately, diverse work. And residents aren't the only ones to recognize this, as the Arts Council of Silicon Valley recently awarded several grants to Saratoga organizations to keep the arts thriving.

The grants were given as part of a program through the Organizational Enhancement Fund, which provides general operating support for administrative and artistic development for local professional and semiprofessional groups. Out of 45 organizations selected to receive money, Saratoga recipients included the CAF: Olympiad of the Arts, which received $1,854, and the Alliance of Visual Artists, which was given $1,742.


Gallery Saratoga to host 'familiar' art

Gallery Saratoga will present its new show on July 1, titled "Look Familiar?" by Shelly Montfort. The show features manipulated Polaroid photographs, which are created by handling the photos as they develop, resulting in an image similar to Impressionistic painting. The show will be open to the public until July 31, with a reception for the artist on July 12 from 1 to 4 p.m. Gallery Saratoga is located at 14435-A Big Basin Way and is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 408.867.0458 or visit http://www.gallerysaratoga.com.