Photo: Gregory Kondos, Sacramento River with 32 Palms, 2001. Oil on canvas, 42 x 60 in. Melza and Ted Barr Collection. Courtesy Crocker Art Museum.
The Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento has a number of exhibitions, events and programs for patrons of all ages throughout March. Here’s a look at some of them!
For more information, call 916-808-7000 or visit www.crockerartmuseum.org.
CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS
“Approaching Infinity: The Richard Green Collection of Meticulous Abstraction”
Through May 5, 2013
By focusing on artists who have taken a meticulous approach to abstraction—many of whom explore notions of complexity, iteration, and time-based creation—local collector Richard Green has composed a history of and an introduction to art of the 21st century. Drawing from Green’s collection, “Approaching Infinity: The Richard Green Collection of Meticulous Abstraction” examines the abstraction of artists as wide-ranging as Yayoi Kusama, Stephen Antonakos, John Cage, and Bruce Conner as well as the artists they have inspired. This exhibition features 44 works on canvas and paper that introduce today’s unexpected and information-rich abstraction.
“A Touch of Blue: Landscapes by Gregory Kondos”
Through May 19, 2013
Over the course of a long career, Gregory Kondos has painted Greece, France, and the American Southwest, but continues to find his greatest and most enduring inspiration in the richly varied landscape of California. Kondos has moved between the polarities of abstraction and representation, yet his commitment to the landscape has never wavered. This exhibition features 70 paintings, which simultaneously celebrate the land’s inherent formal, abstract properties, as well as the beauty and possibilities of paint itself. Sponsored by U.S. Bank.
UPCOMING EXHIBITIONS
“Rebirth of a Nation: Travis Somerville’s 1963”
March 3 through May 5, 2013
This tightly focused exhibition features the newly acquired, mixed-media installation “1963” by San Francisco artist Travis Somerville. A three-dimensional construction which measures 7′ high and 12′ wide, “1963” is the study of a volatile and pivotal year in American history through sculpture, video, painting, and collage. Somerville, who regards himself as a history painter, has created a rich tapestry of social documents, political detail, and popular culture artifacts.
“Super Bowls: The Art of Turned Wood”
March 10 through July 7, 2013
The 32 exquisitely turned bowls and other objects in this exhibition combine the beauty of wood with designs that accentuate wood’s unique properties. Wood turning, like other craft media such as glass and clay, came into its own in the 1960’s and 1970’s as a rich form of creative expression. Using a lathe to carve these one-of-a-kind pieces, the turners showcased here seek to capture the splendor and richness of their medium, while also striking an aesthetic balance of color, form, and texture. More so, the artists seek to communicate through each work – and honor the tree it came from.
STUDENT & COMMUNITY EXHIBITION
“Youth Art Month”
March 10 through April 7, 2013
Reception: Sunday March 17, 1 – 3 PM
A state-wide program presented by the California Art Education Association, “Youth Art Month” celebrates successful art education programs in this invigorating and varied showcase of student artwork. An annual Crocker tradition, the Museum is proud to serve again as a venue for Sacramento-area schools and art organizations
CONCERTS, FILMS, & SPECIAL EVENTS
Movie: “The Mill and the Cross”
Thursday, March 7, 7:00 p.m.
(2011, 92 minutes, NR)
A one-of-a-kind marvel of art historical investigation that brings one of Pieter Brueghel the Elder’s epic paintings to life with meticulous period detail and digital effects. Curator William Breazeale will conduct a pre-screening discussion of “Peasant Wedding Dance,” a painting by Brueghel’s son that is part of the Crocker’s collection. Space is limited. $5 Museum members, $6 college students and youth 17 and under, $8 nonmembers. Purchase tickets at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.
ASG Evaluation Day
Tuesday, March 12, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Art Service Group (ASG) will sponsor an art and antique evaluation focusing on paintings, prints, lithographs, and antique maps with Charles Gray; and paintings, glass, pottery, sculpture, and costume jewelry with Sylvia Fitzgerald. Informal appraisals (verbal approximations of value) are $10 per item or $45 for five items. Appointments are required. For an appointment, call (916) 808-7752.
“Youth Art Month” Reception
Sunday, March 17, 1 – 3 p.m.
Celebrate successful art education programs and student artwork at this student exhibition reception. Free with Museum admissio
Classical Concert: St. Louis Symphony
Sunday, March 17, 3 p.m.
Prelude Tour, 1:30 p.m.
The nation’s second oldest symphony orchestra will combine masterful musicianship with a knack for making modern repertoire accessible. Appearing at the Crocker as part of a multi-day residency at the Mondavi Center, this concert features an ensemble of Symphony musicians. Space is limited. $6 Museum members, $10 college students and youth 17 and under, $12 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182. This performance is part of the Crocker’s monthly Classical Concert series.
Art Mix/It’s Complicated
Thursday, March 14, 5 – 9 p.m.
Visitors will geek out on all things abstract, algorithmic, and creatively complex with music by Musical Charis; enjoy an 8×8 choreography competition with the CORE Dance Collective, the Linda Bair Dance Company, and other local dance companies; join a curator-led tour of the exhibition “Approaching Infinity: The Richard Green Collection of Meticulous Abstraction;” view a one-night-only large-scale video installation of fractals; and create until late with this month’s Featured Artist. Free with Museum admission.
Concert: Wahid
Thursday, March 21, 7 p.m.
Visitors will be transported to the Greek landscapes of Gregory Kondos through an evening of Mediterranean-inspired jazz from duo Wahid. Three-time Grammy nominee Chris Wabich on bass frame drums and Dimitris Mahlis on oud (an ancestor of the guitar) add personal modern elements to their ancient instruments, creating a genredefying style of music that looks to Byzantium and the Levant for melodic inspiration. Space is limited. $6 Museum members, $10 college students and youth 17 and under, $12 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.
Performance: “Hatch”
Thursday, March 28, 6:30 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy an informal evening of contemporary dance in the intimate ambience of the Setzer Foundation Auditorium. Back for its second year, “Hatch” is curated by Lorelei Bayne and features new and in-progress works by noted choreographers. The audience is invited to give feedback in a post-performance conversation with the artists. Space is limited. Free with Museum admission.
TOURS & TALKS
Highlight Tours
Saturdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Sundays, March 3, 10, 17, 24, 31, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Visitors will discover the essence of the Crocker’s permanent collection in this general tour of the Museum. Free with Museum admission.
Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, March 5, 12 p.m.
An in-depth examination of Pieter Brueghel II’s “Peasant Wedding Dance” will be facilitated by a docent guide. Visitors are welcome to enjoy lunch at the Crocker Cafe by Supper Club before or after the 30-minute gallery talk. Free with Museum admissio
New on View Tours
Thursdays, March 7 & 28, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 9, 4 p.m.
Never the same tour twice, New on View dives into the latest special exhibitions and newest works of art. Free with Museum admission.
Meet Me at the Museum
Friday, March 15, 10:30 a.m.
Art observation and conversation serve as a gateway to memories and social interaction during this tour designed for visitors living with dementia and Alzheimer’s. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Tiffany Paige at (916) 792.3281 or via e-mail at Paige@ArtzAlz.org.
Prelude Tour
Sunday, March 17, 1:30 p.m.
Visitors will enjoy a docent-led tour of the Crocker’s permanent collection. Classical Concert ticketholders will have the added benefit of appreciating the 3 p.m. performance by the St. Louis Symphony in the context of the art on view. Prelude Tours are open to all visitors and free with Museum admission.
Crocker History Tour
Sunday, March 17, 12 p.m.
Visitors will get to know the Crocker Family and the era they lived in on these history-infused gallery tours. Free with Museum admission.
Icons in Conversation: Gregory Kondos
Saturday, March 23, 1 p.m.
Internationally renowned artist Gregory Kondos will discuss his career retrospective at the Crocker with Scott Shields, Associate Director and Chief Curator. American Sign Language interpretation will be provided. Space is limited. $10 Museum members, $13 college students and youth 17 and under, $15 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.
YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Kids & Company Gallery Adventure
Sundays, March 3 & 17, 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Wildly amusing and surprisingly educational, this tour is the perfect way to introduce art to children ages five and older (and the adults that tag along with them) in a fun and playful manner. Free with Museum admission. This program takes place every first and third Sunday of the month.
Baby Loves Art
Tuesday, March 5, 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Children sing, move, groove, touch, and play while building key cognitive and motor skills. This program is for children from 19 to 36 months old and their caregivers. $10 Museum members (per pair; $5 per additional person), $15 nonmembers (per pair; $5 per additional person). Fees include Museum admission. Advance registration is recommended; register by logging onto crockerartmuseum.org, calling (916) 808-1182, or visiting the Museum Admission Desk. This program takes place every first Tuesday of the month.
Wee Wednesday
Wednesdays, March 6, 13, 20, 27, 10:30 & 11 a.m.
Children ages three to five and their grownups are invited to this gallery-based art experience. The adventure begins in Tot Land with groups leaving at 10:30 and 11 a.m. This program takes place every Wednesday. Wee Wednesdays are free with Museum admission.
Drop, Yak, Splat! Museum Fun for Families
Saturday, March 9, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Each month a different work of art provides the inspiration for a memorable art-making activity. This drop-in program is for families with children ages five to 12. This program takes place the second Saturday of each month. Free with Museum admission.
Homeschool Day: Creative Cravings
Tuesday, March 12, 12 – 2 p.m.
From delicious “treats” in the galleries to the exquisite bowls on view in the exhibition “Super Bowls: The Art of Turned Wood,” students ages four and older will enjoy a culinary perspective on art. Homeschool Days are presented for small groups and individual families every second Tuesday of the month through June 2013. $2 per student in advance (advance registration is required by 5 p.m., March 11), $4 at the door. One chaperone is required for every five students and receives complimentary admission. Additional chaperones are $4 per person. Fees include Museum admission. Register at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.
Sunday Crafternoon
Sunday, March 17, 1 – 3 p.m.
Make simple crafts that celebrate the season while enjoying warm drinks and sweet treats at this gathering for all ages. Free for children ages two and under, $5 for children ages 3-17, $7 for adult Museum members, $10 for adult nonmembers. Fees include Museum admission. Register in advance by logging onto crockerartmuseum.org, calling (916) 808-1182, or visiting the Museum Admission Desk. This class takes place every third Sunday of the month.
Baby Loves Art
Tuesday, March 19, 10:30 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Children sing, move, groove, touch, and play while building key cognitive and motor skills. This program is for children from infancy to 18 months old and their caregivers. $10 Museum members (per pair; $5 per additional person), $15 nonmembers (per pair; $5 per additional person). Fees include Museum admission. Advance registration is recommended; register by logging onto crockerartmuseum.org, calling (916) 808-1182, or visiting the Museum Admission Desk. This program takes place every third Tuesday of the month.
Sketch It
Sunday, March 24, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Visitors ages five and older can sketch at their own pace while receiving drawing instruction. This drop-in program meets in a different gallery on the fourth Sunday of each month and all supplies are provided. No experience is necessary. Free with Museum admission. This program takes place every fourth Sunday of the month.
