New Crocker

How many times do you tell yourself you're going to visit a local landmark, or museum but then let a busy life stop you from following through? Count me in, too. With two boys active in sports and school as well as two working parents in our family, getting the entire crew out the door (when we don't actually have to be somewhere) sometimes just doesn't seem worth the effort - or even doable. Well, this blog is about what we all may be missing...

Have you been to the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento? I mean, since the new addition was finished? It is breathtaking. A too-good-to-pass up offer for a family tour timed to coincide with a visit from my mother were the catalysts for finally getting me through the new front doors.

We all clamored into the the sleek and sun-filled Atrium last Saturday - admittedly, a few minutes past our tour-time. There, our guide Ivy Hendy waited patiently. A docent who worked for years in San Francisco's MOMA, Ivy proceeded very patiently to break down some esoteric topics into bite-sized bits of information for my 10 and 13 year olds.  Silent as they seemed to stand, I know  they listened and soaked it all in.

Our tour started with primitive African and Oceanic art. We then wended our way through the traveling exhibit of Impressionism and ended up in the Modern Art area, where we all confessed we were tempted to take a bite out of the pie paintings -  with their thick and textured brush strokes - created by world-renowned artist, and local, Wayne Thiebaud.

It's not all about just looking at art at the Crocker. Since I visited last, they've added an interactive area just for kids on the first floor of the original museum. And while my two guys are now far from being "tots" they had to be torn away from the "Living Art Wall"  in the area designed for "Crocker Tots".  Even the adults found it hard to resist!  Just a short walk down the hall from that treasure trove revealed several classrooms where anyone, at any age, interested in taking their interest to the next level, can.

Tempted? Need any more incentive to get yourself up and out? Well check this out - Ivy told us about an upcoming exhibit by Clayton Bailey, who's created, among other things, a robot using discarded aluminum and small kitchen appliances. That sneak peek alone makes me want to go back soon....  Here's where you can find out more.