SkyScapes Opening Reception
Thursday, May 10, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Annenberg Community Beach House
Artists Lita Albuquerque, Bruria Finkel, and Chris Garland celebrate the open spaces and changeable vistas of the sky. Lita Albuquerque says: “In an urban environment, the place where you can get in touch with the awesome aspect of the sky is in open spaces such as the desert or the space over the ocean. It is easy to raise one’s head and look up at the sky, but we seldom do this. The sky, at its best on a clear day, is just blue or gray. It becomes an exciting environment when clouds create interesting configurations and change their color in the morning dawn—or sunset skies where the color appears. During the day the clouds create an amazing environment that is constantly changing with the force of the wind.” Runs through Aug. 12. No reservations required. Gallery open daily 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during exhibit. annenbergbeachhouse.com, 310.458.4904
Samohi Architectural Home and Garden Tour
Sunday, May 6, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
705 San Vicente Boulevard
The inaugural Samohi Architectural Home and Garden Tour is on May 6 with a behind-the-scenes look at distinctive residences in Santa Monica. The self-guided tour represents a rare opportunity for visitors to meet with homeowners, architects and landscape designers, and gain an insider’s perspective on unique designs for living and working. The tour is a fundraising event for the award-winning Santa Monica High School Orchestras program. Four homes are featured on the tour. The event is one day after the Venice Garden and Home Tour. Pre-order tickets by 5 p.m. May 5. $30. Contact Steve Nemzer at 310.739.3907, www.brownpapertickets.com/event/239727.