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Montclair Women’s Cultural Arts Club
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1650 Mountain Boulevard
Oakland, CA 94611
Contact: Barbara Price
Phone: 510/339-1832
mwcaclub@aol.com
www.MontclairArtsClub.com
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Why We Like This Place
Anyone familiar with the circa 1920 Mediterranean-style Montclair Woman’s Club will be delighted to learn of its new lease on life. After 70 years in existence, the Club has been purchased by music and cultural events producer Barbara Price, who is responsible for this jewel-of-a-building’s complete facelift. In three short months, with much volunteer help, she transformed the Club, giving it an entirely new look and purpose. Now, in addition to being a special event space, it houses a nonprofit women’s cultural arts center, hosting everything from art exhibits, concerts and theater productions to classes and workshops. It’s also home to the Montclair Women’s Big Band, a 17-piece all-women dance band that can play for your swing-era parties.
The interiors have been spruced up with deep, rich colors painted on the walls, new flooring (the same type used at the Louvre Museum), and recessed spot lights. The foyer, artistically updated in cranberry with contrasting trim in teal and gold, displays a hint of Old-World elegance. It can be used for small cocktail parties and receptions, and makes a dramatic setting for an intimate formal sit-down dinner. It also serves as a lush backdrop for buffet tables, while the adjoining ballroom is set up for a large sit-down dinner and dancing. Painted a pearly blue with teal ceiling and beams, the ballroom retains its original hardwood floors and comes complete with a stage, theatrical lighting and sound system. The grand piano was the very instrument on which conductor Antonia Brico (noted for being the first female conductor) practiced as a child. The ballroom’s four large double French doors open to the wooded courtyard, which is used for receptions, buffets and ceremonies.
The Fireside Salon, off the main entry hall, glows with a whimsical interpretation of the Garden of Eden painted on persimmon-red sponged walls. Trees laden with golden fruit and a mermaid disappearing into the sea are just some of the delightful details you’ll encounter here. Deep green moldings, a gleaming mahogany-topped bar and foot rail, a large Arts and Crafts ceramic tile fireplace, and an Oriental area rug all add warmth to the salon. Traditionally used as a spot for passed hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, business seminars and luncheons, we think this new incarnation also begs for a ladies’ tea, poetry reading or a 1920s theme party, where guests glide about in silk smoking jackets, knotted ascots and feather boas.
Much of the year, the private corner garden and lawn create a pleasant spot for a small outdoor ceremony or a natural backdrop for formal photographs. The Club’s other neat features—a real coat check room, a ticket booth, and a will-call window—add many creative use options to this spirited and newly inspired space.
Capacity
Ceremony |
Reception/Special Events |
Meetings |
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Max. Seated Indoors: 200 Max. Seated Outdoors: 200 |
Max. Seated Indoors: 160 Max. Seated Outdoors: 200 Max. Standing Indoors: 250 Max. Standing Outdoors: 250 |
Max. Seated: 200 | ||||||||||||
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EVENT/RECEPTION & MEETING CAPACITY: The Ballroom holds 200 theater-style or 160 seated for dinner. The Gallery holds 24 seated or 50 standing guests; the Salon accommodates 24 seated or 50 standing, and the Courtyard holds 225 seated for dinner. |
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Fees & Deposits
To reserve your date, a refundable $500 security/cleaning deposit and half of the rental fee (as a nonrefundable deposit) are required. The rental balance is payable 60 days prior to the event. Facility rentals on weekends and holidays have an 8-hour minimum, which includes 2 hours of setup and 1 hour of cleanup time. The weekend rental fee starts at $3,500, with an extra $350 for each additional hour. Monday through Thursday, the rental fee is $250/hour.
Availability
Year-round, daily until 11pm weekdays, and until midnight on weekends
CateringChoose From ListAlcoholBYOSites UsesCeremoniesWedding Receptions Special Events, Parties Business Functions/Meetings Rehearsal Dinners Services/AmenitiesCatering: select from preferred listKitchen Facilities: fully equipped Tables & Chairs: CBA, extra fee Linens, Silver, etc.: BYO or CBA, extra fee Restrooms: wheelchair accessible Dance Floor: in Ballroom Bride's Dressing Area: yes Meeting Equipment: CBA, extra fee Parking: street parking Accommodations: no guestrooms Telephone: limited use Outdoor Night Lighting: yes Outdoor Cooking Facilities: BYO Cleanup: caterer or renter View: wooded landscape Other: grand piano and console piano, coordination/entertainment services |
Amplified MusicIndoorsw/ Restrictions Wheelchair AccessWheelchair AccessibleSite ViewsForest/Wooded AreaGarden Garden Patio/Courtyard Landscaped Grounds Site TypePrivate ClubHistoric/Landmark Building Ballroom Banquet/Events Facility Garden RestrictionsAlcohol: BYO; controlled bar requiredSmoking: outside only Music: amplified OK indoors until 11pm Wheelchair Access: yes Insurance: may be required Other: no tape or thumbtacks |
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