Movie series related to public art program launches; Bound for Books benches on exhibit in Danville.
The Town of Danville continues its summer of art and reading with a movie series in support of “Bound for Books: An Artful Book Bench Project.” After opening June 9, the 10 benches depicting artists’ favorite books can now be seen around Danville. There will also be a movie series at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery, beginning June 23.
For this engaging public art project, artists were invited to paint and embellish fiberglass benches in the shape of open books, drawing inspiration for their designs from their favorite books. The benches depict scenes from beloved children’s tales, classic novels, and even a cookbook.
The "Bound for Books” monthly movie series highlights four of the 10 books depicted on the benches:
- June 23: “Gone with the Wind” (1939; PG)
- July 21: “Julie and Julia” (2009; PG-13)
- August 18: “Alice in Wonderland” (2010; PG)
- September 8: “Little Women” (2019; PG)
The movies will show at 5 p.m., and tickets are $5. Advance ticket purchase is highly encouraged, and tickets are available now at www.danville.ca.gov/vtshows. Additional summer activities will include art experiences at the Village Theatre Art Gallery and story time events with the Danville Library.
At the Village Theatre Art Gallery, explore interpretations of reading and books with “The Art of the Story.” This is the Town’s 13th annual juried art exhibit, and features works inspired by books or created with pages from books. The gallery exhibit is open through August 11.
The book benches will be on display in Downtown Danville until the week of September 25 when they will move back to the Village Theatre and Art Gallery patio for a closing reception September 28. Then, on September 29, a public online auction will open, with proceeds benefitting future public art projects. The auction and bench display at the Village Theatre and Art Gallery will continue through October 2.
Community organizations, businesses, and individuals were invited to sponsor a book bench for the duration of the exhibit. Some sponsorships are still available for $1,000 per bench. The Town of Danville thanks The ADDRESS Company, Beth Chaim Congregation, Jou Jou Chawla, FOR the Valley, Seng Lovan, Realmark, Inc., and Revel Kitchen & Bar for their sponsorship of “Bound for Books” benches.
A list of artists and bench locations is at www.danville.ca.gov/boundforbooks. The Village Theatre and Art Gallery is located at 233 Front Street. For more information on the "Bound for Books” movie series, visit www.danville.ca.gov/vtshows or contact Performing Arts Coordinator, John Dunn at jdunn@danville.ca.gov or 925-314-3418.