CONTINUING EXHIBITIONS
“Rain Forest Visions: Amazonian Ceramics from Ecuador, The Melza and Ted Barr Collection”
September 19, 2015 through February 14, 2016
The Canelos Quichua-speaking people of eastern Ecuador make the finest traditional ceramics to be found in Amazonian South America, a practice deeply embedded in their history, culture, and contemporary lives. This exhibition, featuring 100 works from the Melza and Ted Barr Collection, is one of the first of its kind in an art museum. The bowls, vessels, and sculpture that make up this collection represent a geographic area ranging from the canopied Andean foothills through the Upper Amazonian regions. The Barrs acquired many of them while living in Quito, Ecuador, in the late 1980s, adding additional pieces on subsequent trips to the region in the early 1990s. Selected for their craftsmanship, subject matter, and creativity of design, the pieces elucidate a variety of Amazonian pottery-making practices and offer insight into cultural mythologies, suggesting the potters’ long-held – and rapidly changing – views of the world around them.
“Divine Ammunition: The Sculpture of Al Farrow”
October 10, 2015 through January 3, 2016
Using guns and ammunition, Al Farrow creates sculptures of reliquaries, cathedrals, synagogues, mosques, mausoleums, and other devotional objects. The surprising inventiveness and the technical tour-de-force of his craftsmanship are highlighted in this exhibition of works drawn from private and public collections. In these, the artist denigrates no one belief, being mindful, discriminating, and probing of all. His fanciful combinations of the elements of religious architecture are exactingly realized and perfectly scaled. Each work
gives new meaning to its materials. Gun barrel towers and domes built of bullets not only compel the viewer
to consider the present but also the history of conflict. The artist’s material choices may be jarring, but they also provoke awe and inspire meditation.
“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.
“The Age of Albrecht Dürer: German Drawings from the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris”
November 1, 2015 through February 14, 2016
This exhibition of German drawings is centered on Albrecht Dürer and his world, seen in a selection from the best drawings collection in France outside the Louvre. A central figure of Renaissance humanism, Dürer revolutionized the arts of drawing, painting, and printmaking in Germany and throughout Europe. The exhibition explores Dürer and his legacy, including Dürer and the German Renaissance; German Mannerism and the princely courts; and artists of the Imperial court under Rudolf II. The exhibition presents new research and new discoveries to create a better understanding of an iconic artist, his world, and his legacy.
OPENING EXHIBITION
“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.
STUDENT & COMMUNITY EXHIBITION
“Federal Junior Duck Stamp Program”
December 10, 2015 through February 28, 2016
This exhibition will showcase original student artwork from the Federal Junior Duck Stamp Conservation and Design Program. Since 1989, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service accepts over 27,000 entries annually from this dynamic art- and science-based program, which is designed to encourage students to explore their natural world and biology and wildlife management principals, while challenging them to express and share what they have learned.
CONCERTS, FILMS, & SPECIAL EVENTS
Film Series: Art on Film: “Trust,” Hal Hartley, Director – Selected by Jenny Stark
Thursday, January 7, 6 p.m.
(1990, 107 minutes, R)
The Crocker’s film series “Art on Film” showcases the best of film selected and introduced by diverse voices in the world of film appreciation. Celebrating movies as an art form unto itself, three film lovers have each chosen a movie they believe represents some of the best of art on film. Screenings take place the first Thursday of January, and February at 6 PM, and are enhanced by a lively and informative introduction before the film, and an engaging Q&A after, both conducted by the expert who selected the film.
A seminal film from American independent director Hal Hartley (“Henry Fool”), “Trust” helped define the 1990s era of indie film. A dark romantic comedy, “Trust” features brilliant and understated performances from Adrianne Shelly, Martin Donovan, and Edie Falco. When a teenage drop-out (Shelly) tells her family she’s pregnant, her father dies of a heart attack and her mother kicks her out of the house. While wandering around her town, she meets the moody Matthew (Donovan), and a unique relationship develops. Winner of the screenwriting award at the Sundance Film Festival, “Trust” exemplifies a pared-down sensibility that would go on to influence subsequent films of its era. “Trust” will be introduced by Jenny Stark, filmmaker and professor of communications and film at Sacramento State University. $10 members, $13 students/youth, $15 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling . February’s film is “La Belle et la Bête (Beauty and the Beast),” directed by Jean Cocteau.
Art Mix | Mystique
Thursday, January 14, 5 – 9 p.m.
Wanderlust and fairy dust. Let go, and groove to the exotic tones of San Kazakgascar and the Crocker’s DJ-in-Residence Larry Rodriguez. Belly dance your way into the starry night with UNMATA or discover your fortune by tarot, palm or tea leaf. Be wowed by an interactive photographic performance by Jesse Vasquez, and create a spirit mask with Beatnik Studios. Capture your night at the photobooth by Etsy sensation Sasha Soukup. 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: Amber Yui-Hsuan Liao, piano
Sunday, January 24, 3 p.m.
Artists often look to their cultural roots in search of artistic inspiration, and the work of Chinese artist and political activist Ai Weiwei provides a powerful example of this practice. On the opening day of the exhibition “Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads,”join pianist Amber Yui-Hsuan Liao as she explores Frédéric Chopin, who celebrated his Polish heritage in his Polonaises and Mazurkas, and Manuel de Falla, who honored the Spanish Folk tradition in his “Fantasía Baética.” Known for her outstanding technique and ability to bring out the color and richness of classical music’s folk elements, Yui-Hsuan Liao will provide a thoughtful and lively musical counterpart to Ai’s cultural and artistic explorations. $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.
TOURS & TALKS
Highlight Tour
Saturdays, January 2, 9, 16, 23, 30; 11 a.m., 12, 1 & 2 p.m.
Sundays, January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31; 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.
Lunch & Learn
Tuesday, January 5, 12 p.m.
Join an in-depth examination of “Peasant Couple Dancing” by Urs Graf. Before or after the 30-minute gallery conversation, take time to enjoy lunch at the Crocker Cafe by Supper Club. Free for Museum members, and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org.
New on View Tour
Thursdays, January 7 & 28, 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, January 9, 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.
Art Rx
Saturday, January 9, 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.
Crocker History Tour
Sunday, January 17, 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.
Meet Me at the Museum
Tuesday, January 19, 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, January 19, 12 p.m.
Take an in-depth look at the Crocker’s Meissen porcelain 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: Christopher Corey
Wednesday, January 20, 1:15 p.m.
Marguerite Wildenhain was a Bauhaus-trained master potter who fled Nazi Germany, settling in Guerneville in 1949. For the next 36 years she practiced her craft, gave workshops, and lectured world-wide on her art. Ms. Wildenhain’s works in clay are in museum collections throughout the world and her studio and home are now part of Armstrong Redwoods State Natural Reserve. Christopher Corey, archaeologist with California State Parks, Cultural Resources Division will share her story.
Panel Talk: Dürer’s Origin, Dürer’s Time, Dürer’s Legacy
Thursday, January 21, 6:30 – 8 p.m.
Albrecht Dürer (1471 – 1528), a key figure of the German Renaissance, had a profound influence on artists not only of his own time but for countless generations of artists after him. In celebration of Dürer and the exhibition “The Age of Albrecht Dürer: German Drawings from the École des Beaux-Arts, Paris,” join two experts in the German Renaissance – Jeffrey Chipps Smith, from the University of Texas at Austin, and Christiane Andersson from Bucknell University — along with the Crocker’s own curator for the exhibition, William Breazeale, for a lively and wide-ranging conversation about Dürer, his era and his influence. $10 Museum members, $13 student/youth, $15 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling .
Prelude Tour
Sunday, January 24, 1 & 2 p.m.
Before a Classical Concert at 3 p.m., enjoy a docent-led tour of the exhibition “Ai Weiwei: Circle of Animal/Zodiac Heads” that helps place the music in context of the art on view. 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.
Panel Talk: Satirical Cartooning and the Limits of Free Speech
Thursday, January 28, 6 p.m.
On January 7, 2015, two Islamic gunmen broke into the Parisian offices of the satirical magazine “Charlie Hebdo” and opened fire, killing 12 staff members, including 5 cartoonists. Since that attack, there has been no shortage of controversy over the rights of satirical artists versus respect for various religious beliefs. Are there limits to free artistic expression, or do we all simply have the right to be offended? In this panel talk, moderated by local cartoonist and teacher Eben Burgoon, we’ll hear from multiple perspectives, including Jack Ohman, political cartoonist for the Sacramento Bee; Basim Elkarra, executive director of the Council on American Islamic Relations, Sacramento Valley Office; and Andrew Farago, curator at the Cartoon Art Museum. Join us as we deepen our understanding of these issues and hear from those whose work confronts these challenges directly. $10 Museum members, $13 student/youth, $15 nonmembers. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, at the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling .
YOUTH & FAMILY PROGRAMS
Kids & Company Gallery Adventure
Saturday, January 2, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.
Sunday, January 17, 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). Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org. This program takes place every first Saturday and third Sunday of the month.
Artful Tot
Tuesday, January 5, 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 member tot, $10 nonmember tot. 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, January 6, 13, 20, 27, 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.
Art Blast
Saturday, January 9, 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Each month a different work of art provides the inspiration for a memorable art-making activity for families with children ages 7 to 12. Families are welcome to drop in any time during the program. Free for Museum members and free with general admission for nonmembers. Admission prices are located at crockerartmuseum.org. This program takes place every second Saturday of the month.
Homeschool Day: Let’s Move
Tuesday, January 12, 12 – 2 p.m. (Drop-in)
We’ll provide the costumes and props, you bring the energy! From silly to serious, explore composition and kinesthetic learning by dramatically recreating poses (tableau) seen in art. Materials are provided, and all skill levels are welcome. One chaperone is required for every five students. Fee includes Museum admission. $3 per person in advance (by 5 p.m. on January 11), $5 per person at the door, free admission for chaperones. Tickets may be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling .
Baby Loves Art
Tuesday, January 19, 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.
Sketch It
Sunday, January 24, 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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