CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS
“Back to Life: Bay Area Figurative Drawings”
October 10, 2015 through May 1, 2016
In 1953, the young painters David Park, Elmer Bischoff and Richard Diebenkorn began meeting weekly in a Berkeley studio to draw from live models. In works on paper, they imbued the human form with the charged emotion newly derived from the bold and swift marks of gestural Abstract Expressionism that emerged in their paintings of figures, still lifes, and landscapes. The expressive rendering of subject matter forged in Northern California became known as Bay Area Figuration, and for the first time, the vanguard of American painting was here, rather than New York. The drawing sessions begun by this circle of intimates continued throughout the 1950s and 1960s, widening to include artists such as James Weeks, William Theophilius Brown, Paul Wonner, and later, Frank Lobdell, Nathan Oliveira, and Manuel Neri. The primacy each placed on the study of the human figure is evident in this selection of more than 30 drawings, including major gifts from the estate of John S. Knudsen. Additional works by Joan Brown and Wayne Thiebaud highlight the growing influence of Californian artists in these decades.
“Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads”
January 24 through May 1, 2016
Internationally acclaimed Chinese artist Ai Weiwei’s monumental zodiac animal heads reinterpret those that once adorned the famed 18th-century fountain-clock of the Yuanming Yuan (Old Summer Palace), an imperial retreat outside Beijing. In 1860, the Yuanming Yuan was ransacked by French and British troops, and the heads were pillaged. In creating contemporary versions of these 12 Chinese zodiac animals on an oversized scale, Ai Weiwei focuses attention on issues of the repatriation while extending his ongoing exploration of what constitutes Chinese art and identity. His first major public sculpture project, “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads” is accompanied by supplemental historical material concerning the emperor’s fountain, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the bronzes. “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads”is a collaborative project of the artist, his studio, and AW Asia in New York.
OPENING EXHIBITION
“Andy Warhol: Portraits”
March 13 through June 19, 2016
Andy Warhol’s lifelong fascination with celebrity and the art of portraiture is examined in this exhibition featuring 160 paintings, drawings and fashion sketches, photo-booth film strips, Polaroids, photographs, and personal memorabilia. From early fashion sketches to Warhol’s revolutionary use of media images, the power of the Warhol portrait is traced, revealing how the artist transformed this genre into the status symbol of an era.
”Andy Warhol: Portraits” includes examples of Warhol’s self-portraits, in addition to a broad sampling of the 20th-century luminaries who eagerly sat for him. Among the diversity featured here are the fashion scion Yves Saint Laurent, playwright Tennessee Williams, Pulitzer-prize winner Truman Capote, artists Keith Haring, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Jean-Michel Basquiat, and actors Judy Garland, Jane Fonda, and Sylvester Stallone. Evoking the experience of Warhol’s Factory, visitors have the interactive opportunity to make their own “Screen Test,” bringing to life and making personal a related aspect of Warhol’s portraiture.
“Andy Warhol: Portraits” is organized by The Andy Warhol Museum, one of the four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh.
STUDENT & COMMUNITY EXHIBITION
“Youth Art Month”
March 3 through April 3, 2106
A state-wide program presented by the California Art Education Association, Youth Art Month celebrates exceptional arts education programs in this exhibition of student artwork. The Crocker Art Museum is proud to serve as an exhibition venue for Sacramento-area schools and art organizations.
CONCERTS, FILMS, & SPECIAL EVENTS
ASG Evaluation Day
Tuesday, March 8, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
The Art Service Group (ASG) sponsors art and antique evaluation days focusing on a variety of collecting areas. Informal appraisals (verbal approximation of value) are $12 per item, or $55 for five items. Appointments are required. For information regarding featured collecting areas and appointments, call or visit crockerartmuseum.org.
Art Mix | Vaudeville
Thursday, March 10, 5 – 9 p.m.
Ladies, gentlemen, and lovelies, step right up for the Art Mix of all Art Mixes. Do you fancy burlesque? How about a bag of laughs? Perhaps a trick up your sleeve? Join the fun, or just come to marvel at the spectacles to be seen. Peter Petty and his Terpsichoreans will bring the party with music certain to razzle dazzle, and “TUBE.Magazine’s” world of freaky friends will make it a magical night. This event for guests 21+ is free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Enjoy food and drink discounts during happy hour from 5 – 6 PM and $5 drink specials all night. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling . Art Mix takes place every second Thursday of the month.
Classical Concert: Jason Sia, piano
Sunday, March 13, 3 p.m.
In honor of the opening day of the exhibition “Andy Warhol: Portraits,” concert pianist Jason Sia will perform renowned American pianist/composer, and Warhol contemporary, Earl Wild’s piano transcriptions of George Gershwin’s popular songs, such as “Embraceable You,” “Summertime,” and “The Man I Love.”The program will also include world-favorite works by Chopin, Liszt, Debussy, Rachmaninoff, and others. Space is limited. $6 Museum members, $10 student/youth/Capital Public Radio members, $12 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling . This concert is part of the Crocker’s monthly Classical Concert series with Prelude Tours preceding the concert at 1 & 2 p.m.
Dinner with Andy:
Farm-to-Fork Dinner by Supper Club and Tour of “Andy Warhol: Portraits”
Thursday, March 17
Tour at 5:30 p.m., dinner at 6:45
OR
Tour at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 7:15 p.m.
It’s Andy Warhol’s dinner party, and you’re invited! Enjoy an exhibition tour that is every bit as fun and different as Warhol himself, then revel in a four-course farm-to-fork dinner with locally sourced wine and beer pairings. Tour and dinner with wine pairings: $90 Museum members, $100 nonmembers; Tour and dinner without wine pairings: $77 Museum members, $87 nonmembers Advance registration required. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling . Members receive 10% off price of dinner if reservations are made at least 7 days in advance.
The Twisted Sacratomato Salon: Warhol Edition
Thursday, March 24, 6 – 9 p.m.
In honor of the exhibition, “Andy Warhol: Portraits,” join us for a swinging evening of drop-in Twister, Warhol-inspired pub trivia, and games of all kinds. Enjoy docent-guided tours of the exhibition and Factory-inspired cocktails from our no-host bar. Enjoy your 15 minutes of fame, but stay the whole night! Free for Museum members, $10 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling .
TOURS & TALKS
Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, March 1, 12 p.m.
Join an in-depth examination of “Portrait of Anne Vallayer-Coster” by Alexandre Roslin. Free for Museum members, and free with general admission for nonmembers. Before or after the 30-minute gallery conversation, take time to enjoy lunch at the Crocker Cafe by Supper Club. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org.
New on View Tour
Thursdays, March 3 & 24, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 12, 3 p.m.
Never the same tour twice, the New on View Tour dives into the Crocker’s latest special exhibitions and newest works of art. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org.
VISIONARY: James Workman and the “Heart of Dryness”
Thursday, March 3, 6:00 p.m. (check-in at 5:30 p.m.)
“We don’t govern water. Water governs us,” writes award-winning journalist and drought expert James Workman. Hear from Workman, author of “Heart of Dryness,” as he discusses how lessons learned from the Bushmen of Africa’s Kalahari desert can apply to California’s current and historic drought. His illuminating talk will explore the larger story of what many feel is becoming the primary resource battleground of the 21st century: water. VISIONARY talks aim to inspire, open awareness, raise consciousness, and push our world toward positive transformations. It is a collaboratively promoted event by the U.S. Green Building Council Capital Branch, AIA Central Valley, Living Future Collaborative and the Crocker Art Museum that brings leading-edge thinkers and innovators to our region to share ideas. $20 Crocker, AIA, and USGBC members, free for college students with valid ID, $25 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling .
Highlight Tour
Saturdays, March 5, 19, 26; 11 a.m., 12, 1 & 2 p.m.
Sundays, March 6, 13, 20, 27; 11 a.m., 12, 1 & 2 p.m.
Discover the essence of the Crocker’s permanent collection in this introductory tour of the Museum. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org.
Artist to Artist: Chester Arnold on Diebenkorn’s Body of Work
Saturday, March 5, 2 – 3 p.m.
In honor of the exhibition “Back to Life: Bay Area Figurative Drawings,” join award-winning artist Chester Arnold for a unique perspective on the work and process of one of California’s most important artists, Richard Diebenkorn. Through poetic explorations into Diebenkorn’s artistic course and methods, Arnold will enhance viewers’ understanding and appreciation of this pivotal Bay Area Figurative artist. $10 Museum members, $13 student/youth, $15 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling .
Art Rx
Saturday, March 12, 11 a.m.
Free for Everyone
Individuals with chronic pain along with family/caregivers are invited to enjoy facilitated group conversations about select pieces of art with a trained docent. The goal of Art Rx is to encourage positive experiences that reduce the burden of chronic pain. No prior art knowledge is necessary. Advanced registration is required and is available at crockerartmuseum.org. Call , or email education@crockerartmuseum.org with questions. Art Rx is presented in collaboration with the Center for Pain Medicine’s Integrative Pain Management Program, part of the UC Davis Health System.
Prelude Tour
Sunday, March 13, 1 & 2 p.m.
Before pianist Jason Sia’s performance at 3 p.m., enjoy a docent-led tour of the exhibition “Andy Warhol: Portraits” to help put the music in context with the art. Prelude Tours are open to all visitors and are free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org.
Meet Me at the Museum
Tuesday, March15, 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. Free for everyone. Advance registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Tiffany Paige at or Paige@artzalz.org. This tour takes place every third Tuesday of the month.
Gallery Bites
Tuesday, March 15, 12 p.m.
Take an in-depth look at the Crocker’s international ceramics collection featuring the Sidney Swidler Collection during this 30-minute tour. Learn fascinating details about a different gallery each month. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org. This tour takes place every third Tuesday of the month.
Kingsley Art Club Lecture Series: Kurt Fishback,
My Life in Art: Portraits of Artists in their own Space
Wednesday, March 16, 1:15 p.m.
Practicing and teaching as a fine artist and photographer for more than 20 years, Kurt Fishback began making environmental portraits of fellow artists in their personal space, recently focusing on female artists in order to bring gender parity to his archive. $5 college students, $8 Museum members, $12 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling .
One-Day Art Projects Marathon
Saturday, March 19, 10 a.m – 4 p.m.
This mini conference will focus on low-cost, one-day art projects. Local artists and teachers will present a rapid-fire showcase of lesson ideas then facilitate three rounds of art-making workshops, which include hands-on time in the studio and galleries. Participants will leave with 20 ready-to-go lesson plans. Lunch is included. $60 Crocker and CAEA members, $80 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling .
Crocker History Tour
Sunday, March 20, 12 – 1 p.m.
Learn about the Crocker family and the era during which they lived as you journey back in time on this history-infused gallery tour. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org. The Crocker History Tour runs December through May.
YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Artful Tot
Tuesday, March 1, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Every month, toddlers explore art-making with different materials in new ways, from printmaking and color mixing to clay and fabric. Adults learn how to encourage experimentation and self-expression while nurturing their child’s creativity. Families are welcome to arrive anytime during this drop-in program. Please dress for mess. This program is for children from 19 to 36 months old and their caregivers. $7 Museum members, $10 nonmembers (includes one child and one adult), $5 per additional person. Fees include Museum admission. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling . This program takes place every first Tuesday of the month.
Wee Wednesday
Wednesdays, March 2, 9, 16, 23, 30, 10:30 & 11 a.m.
Bring your little one and yourself to this gallery-based art experience for children ages 3 to 5. The adventure begins in Tot Land with groups leaving at 10:30 and 11 a.m. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org. This program takes place every Wednesday of the month.
Kids & Company Gallery Adventure
Sundays, March 6 & 20, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Amusing and educational, this tour is the perfect way to introduce art to children ages 5 and older (and the adults who tag along with them) in a fun and playful manner. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org. This program takes place every first and third Sunday of the month.
Baby Loves Art
Tuesday, March 15, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Baby Loves Art engages babies (up to 18 months old) in a visually stimulating gallery walk and gives parents and caregivers a fun opportunity to connect with their babies and each other. All baby noises are expected and welcome. For the best art view, front carriers are recommended. Strollers are allowed, but please no backpacks. Meet at the Admission Desk; no advance registration required. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org. This program takes place every third Tuesday of the month.
Wonder Lab
Sunday, March 20, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Free for Everyone
This drop-in art-making program, open to all, is designed to spark creativity! Children with learning and developmental disabilities and their families are especially invited. Wonder Lab is presented in collaboration with Short Center South, the Shalom School and Crocker Art Museum’s Art Access Committee.
Crocker Art Cart, Gallery Interactive for All Ages
Tuesday – Friday, March 22 – 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
A fun way to bring artwork to life, the Crocker Art Museum’s Art Cart provides hands-on learning opportunities for everyone. The Art Cart is loaded with activities and gallery games that allow visitors to interpret and experience the art on view in an interactive and physical way. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org.
Story Trail II
Tuesday – Friday, March 22 – 25, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
We are excited to introduce a new story to be featured as part of our Story Trail program. Story Trail provides an engaging way for families with young children to talk about art while visiting the Museum. Pick up our special storybook at the Admission Desk and take it on a gallery adventure. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org.
Sketch It
Sunday, March 27, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Visitors ages 5 and older can sketch at their own pace while receiving drawing instruction. This drop-in program meets in a different gallery each month. No experience necessary, and all supplies are provided. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org. This program takes place every fourth Sunday of the month.
The Crocker Art Museum was the first public art museum in the Western U.S. and is one of the leading art museums in California today. The Museum offers a diverse spectrum of special exhibitions, events, and programs to augment its collections of Californian, European, Asian, African and Oceanic artworks, and international ceramics. 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 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.
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