Norman Rockwell, Triple Self-Portrait, 1959. Oil on canvas, 44 1/2 x 34 1/3 in. Cover illustration for The Saturday Evening Post, February 13, 1960. ©1960 SEPS: Licensed by Curtis Publishing, Indianapolis, IN. From the permanent collection of the Norman Rockwell Museum.
If you haven’t been to The Crocker Art Museum in Sacrament in a while, November is a great time to go as the museum has a number of exhibitions and events for everyone in the family. Here’s a sneak peek at just a few of them!
Upcoming Exhibitions
“American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell”
November 10, 2012 – February 3, 2013
This exhibition celebrates the full range of Norman Rockwell’s artwork, including rarely circulated works from the collection of the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts. This presentation features 50 original oil paintings of some of his most famous illustrations, drawings, and war bond posters, and more than 300 covers that Rockwell created for “The Saturday Evening Post” over nearly five decades. In addition to the art on view, personal correspondence and archival photographs offer insight into the life of one of the country’s most beloved illustrators.
Continuing Exhibitions
“The Artist’s View: Landscape Drawings from the Crocker Art Museum”
Through January 6, 2013
From the 16th-century onwards, artists turned to nature and its variety for inspiration. Among the drawings at the Crocker are a wealth of landscapes, especially those of Northern and Central Europe, where close observation of nature was prized. Featuring works by artists as diverse as Herman van Swanevelt and Camille Corot, this exhibition celebrates four centuries of the beauty of landscape drawings from the major European schools.
“Celestial Realms: The Art of Nepal from California Collections”
October 20, 2012 – February 10, 2013
The Newar people, who have inhabited Nepal’s Kathmandu Valley for centuries, are renowned for their skill as artisans. While Indian art inspired early Newari art, these artists developed a unique style that influenced both Tibetan and Chinese artists. This exhibition explores Newari art through 40 diverse works that include paintings, ritual objects, and stone, wood, and bronze sculptures drawn from private California collections and the collection of the Crocker Art Museum.
Student & Community Exhibitions
American River College Fine Arts Club Annual Art Exhibit
November 1 – December 16, 2012
This student exhibition celebrates artworks created by members of the American River College Fine Arts Club. The Fine Arts Club was established in 2007 with the primary mission to create an atmosphere of artistic community on the ARC campus and to provide alternate public venues to showcase student artwork.
Concerts, Films & Special Events
Thursday, November 1, 7 p.m. — Movie: “Meet John Doe”
(1941, 122 minutes, NR)
This Academy Award-nominated classic political comedy, starring Gary Cooper and Barbara Stanwyck, is about a grassroots movement unwittingly created by a newspaper columnist. Ticket holders will learn about what makes Sacramento voters special and hear voting myths debunked during the film’s introduction, presented by the League of Women Voters of Sacramento County. 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. Film screenings are part of the Crocker’s weekly program series Thursdays ‘til 9.
Thursday, November 8, 5 – 9 p.m. — Art Mix
This month’s artfully mindful Art Mix will feature the positive tunes of local reggae-folk-pop-rock group Element of Soul. There will be unique yoga-inspired tours of the exhibition “Celestial Realms: The Art of Nepal from California Collections” and the Crocker’s Asian art collection, getting the Mt. Everest experience and a crash course in mountaineering from local climbing experts, chanting with the Journey to Awaken kirtan group, and collaborative art-making opportunities. Free with Museum admission. Art Mix occurs every second Thursday and is part of the program series Thursdays ‘til 9.
Sunday, November 11, 3 p.m. — Classical Concert: Eliane Lust, piano
Acclaimed concert pianist Eliane Lust will perform solo works inspired by the exhibition “American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell.” Her concert will include compositions by Scott Joplin, Samuel Barber, and George Gershwin, as well as the U.S. premieres of new pieces by Bay Area composers Ron McFarland and Robert Elkjer written for Lust this year. 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 concert is part of the Crocker’s monthly Classical Concert series.
Tuesday, November 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. — ASG Evaluation Day
The Art Service Group (ASG) will sponsor an art and antique evaluation session focusing on pottery, porcelain, china, glass, bronzes, costume jewelry, paintings and silver with Sylvia Fitzgerald; and paintings, prints, lithographs and antique maps with Charles Gray. 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.
Thursday, November 15, 7 p.m. — Concert: Joe Gilman
This concert is one in a series celebrating the exhibition “American Chronicles: The Art of Norman Rockwell” through musical storytelling. Acclaimed jazz pianist Joe Gilman accompanied by musicians from the Brubeck Institute, will perform a composition inspired by Rockwell’s paintings along with other art-inspired selections. Gilman is the music director of the Brubeck Institute’s Fellowship and was the music director of the Capital Jazz Project for 14 years. 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 weekly program series Thursdays ‘til 9.
Friday, November 23, 12 p.m. – 6 p.m.
Saturday, November 24, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, November 25, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Holiday Art & Craft Festival
Scottish Rite Center, 6151 H Street Sacramento
Attendees can impress friends and family with local handmade gifts while supporting local artisans and the Crocker Art Museum’s exhibitions and education programs. The Crocker’s annual Holiday Art & Craft Festival will offer unique creations by nearly 100 artists and craftspeople. Attendees can also enjoy delicious treats by Ambrosia Cafe. For those who want to capture the holiday spirit, there will be a Victorian Santa Claus available for a vintage photo opportunity. Presented in collaboration with the Creative Arts League of Sacramento. Free to Museum members, $6 nonmembers, $3 students and seniors. Free parking.
Thursday, November 29, 6:30 p.m. — Panel Discussion on “Big Dreams, Small Shoulders”
Crocker artist-in-residence and musician Deborah Pittman composed and collaborated with other artists to create an original performance piece based on Norman Rockwell’s iconic “The Problem We All Live With,” a painting recently displayed at the White House. “Big Dreams, Small Shoulders” is a unique combination of music, dance, puppetry, narration, and projected imagery. In this interactive panel discussion and performance preview, Pittman and her collaborators will share their creative process and challenges, present scenes from the upcoming debut, and answer audience questions. Pittman is Professor of Clarinet, specializing in American Musical Theatre, at Sacramento State. Space is limited. Free with Museum admission. This presentation is part of the Crocker’s weekly program series Thursdays ‘til 9.
Tours & Talks
Thursday, November 1, 6:30 p.m. & Saturday, November 10, 4 p.m. — Crocker Currents Tours
Never the same tour twice, Crocker Currents dives into the latest special exhibitions and newest works of art. Free with Museum admission.
Saturdays, November 3, 10, 17, 24, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Sundays, November 4, 11, 18, 25, 11 a.m. & 1 p.m.
Highlight Tours
Visitors will discover the essence of the Crocker’s permanent collection in this general tour of the Museum. Free with Museum admission.
Tuesday, November 6, 12 p.m. — Lunch & Learn
An in-depth examination of Jacob Lawrence’s “The 1920’s…The Migrants Cast Their Ballots” will be facilitated by Stacey Shelnut-Hendrick, Director of Education at the Crocker. This presentation is part of the UC Davis campus-wide One Book project. Free with Museum admission. Visitors are welcome to enjoy lunch at the Crocker Cafe by Supper Club before or after the 30-minute gallery talk.
Youth & Family Programs
Wednesdays, November 7, 14, 21, 28, 10:30 & 11 a.m. — Wee Wednesday
This gallery-based art experience is a program for children ages three to five. 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.
Sundays, November 4 & 18, 11:30 a.m. — Kids & Company Gallery Adventure
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.
Saturday, November 10, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Drop, Yak, Splat! Museum Fun for Families
Each month a different work of art provides the inspiration for a memorable art-making activity for families with children ages five to 12. Families are welcome to drop in anytime during the program. This program takes place the second Saturday of each month. Free with Museum admission.
Tuesday, November 13, 12 & 1 p.m. — Homeschool Day: Tour + Performance: Asian Art, Music, and Dance
Students in second grade and higher will enjoy a live performance of Indian percussive music and Nepalese classical dance, complemented by a tour of the exhibition “Celestial Realms: The Art of Nepal from California Collections” and the Crocker’s Asian art collection. $8 per student in advance (advance registration is required by 5 p.m., November 12). Museum admission is included in student fees. One chaperone is required for every five students and receives complimentary admission. Additional chaperones are $4 per person. Register at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.
Sunday, November 25, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Sketch It
Visitors ages five and older can sketch at their own pace, while receiving drawing instruction. This drop-in program meets on the fourth Sunday in a different gallery each month. Free with Museum admission.
Visiting the Museum
The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays. Every third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Western Health Advantage.
For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.
