between "A" and Lootens
San Rafael, California

Artisans Art Gallery (Artisans) and Art Works Downtown (AWD) announced plans for the launch of San Rafael A La Carte, a sophisticated evening of art, wine, and cuisine along vibrant Fourth Street, the cultural heart of downtown San Rafael.

San Rafael A La Carte has been designed as a strolling affair on (and near) Fourth Street, offering the public opportunities to sample “signature dishes” from many area restaurants, enjoy wines from the Bay Area’s wineries, and view contemporary artwork by acclaimed regional artists on exhibition in the downtown galleries and retailers. Restaurants, boutique retailers, and art galleries will post a flag outside their establishment indicating their participation.

Individuals will be provided wristbands, a program guide/map to participating businesses, and a wine glass when they check in at AWD, Artisans or the Court Street Plaza.

San Rafael A La Carte is sponsored in part by San Rafael Downtown Business Improvement District, and is produced by Steven Restivo Event Services, a leading producer of Bay Area art and music festivals.

This public event will launch and help fund a further new initiative, Second Fridays A La Carte, an art walk of Fourth Street (and surrounding area) to be scheduled on the second Friday of each month beginning Nov. 9, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Artisans and AWD will serve as the anchor venues, and will schedule their monthly artist receptions and open studios at this time. Participating retailers with rotating art exhibits will offer light refreshments, and restaurants will be offering art-themed menu specials. Second Fridays A La Carte is presented free of charge.

“We are very pleased to present these two new initiatives, San Rafael A La Carte and Second Fridays A La Carte as a way to attract folks to downtown,” stated Artisans’ Board President Garry Lion. “With the many changes currently underway in San Rafael, we are very enthused about bringing the art, restaurant, merchant and resident community together. We believe this will be a great fit and anticipate a nice community response.”

Official Website: http://www.sresproductions.com/san_rafael_alacARTe

Added by SarahTipple on January 18, 2008