Crocker announces 2013 plans

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 1960s and 1970s 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 and community exhibition

“Youth Art Month”
March 10 through April 7, 2013
Reception: Sunday March 17, 1 – 3 p.m.
A statewide 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 and special events

Movie: “The Mill and the Cross”
Thursday, March 7, 7 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 admission.

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.

Michael Raffety

Michael Raffety has been editor of the Mountain Democrat since 1989 and was managing editor beginning in 1986. He was city editor prior to that, having started here in 1978. He was the first person at the Mountain Democrat to be given the title of city editor. He also was an adjunct professor at the El Dorado Center from 1980-2003.

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