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Best Contemporary Art Galleries In Sacramento

Art galleries make for great romantic dates and family outings. Art tells stories and provides a record of how humans relate to the times. Depicted on rock, wood, bone, paper, textiles, canvas and bodies, art is the expression of feelings, political religion and daily life, among countless other meanings. Contemporary art continues to be a powerful communicator and can be found in several art galleries in Sacramento. Check out the five best galleries in the area.
MAIYA Gallery
(credit: MAIYA Gallery/Facebook)

MAIYA Gallery
2220 J St, Suite 1
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 476-3964
facebook.com/MAIYAGallery

Price: Free
Hours: Wed to Sat - 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Every second Saturday of the month - 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The name MAIYA is used by the gallery to mean, "my art is your art," similar to the spirit of "mi casa es su casa", my home is your home. MAIYA provides a family-friendly environment for those just looking to browse or for art collectors looking to add contemporary art to their collections. The MAIYA displays a variety of work from emerging and established artists. On the Second Saturday of every month, MAIYA has exciting shows with refreshments and provides an opportunity to mingle with artists.

Center for Contemporary Art Sacramento
(credit: Center for Contemporary Art Sacramento/Facebook)

The Center for Contemporary Art, Sacramento (CCAS)
1519 19th St
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 498-9811
ccasac.org

Price: Free, donations appreciated
Hours: Tues to Sun - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m., Every second Saturday of the month - 6 p.m. to 9 p.m

Since 1989, the CCAS has displayed new and experimental local, national and international artists. CCAS hosts events such as auctions, lectures and workshops for visitors to enjoy. As a member-supported, nonprofit organization, the CCAS features an expansive range of art mediums. The CCAS's current exhibit, on display through May 13, is "Body Stories: Sandra Davis and Koo Kyung Sook," curated by Elaine O'Brien. All other exhibits can be found on the gallery's website. 

Click here for information on upcoming exhibits.

Related: Best Photography Galleries In Sacramento

Crocker Art Museum, Lewis deSoto
Lewis deSoto, The Restoration, 2006. (Crocker Art Museum Purchase, Forrest and Shirley Plant Fund with contribution from The Anorcase Foundation)

The Crocker Art Museum
216 O St
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7000
crockerartmuseum.org

Price: Adults - $10, Seniors and students - $8, 
Youth (ages 7-17) - $5,
 Children (6 and under) and Crocker members - Free
Hours: Tues to Sun - 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., 
Thurs - 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

In a variety of striking settings, The Crocker presents "Red Hot and Blown," a collection of contemporary glass from the Crocker's collection. This exhibit is on display March 17 to September 23, when over 150 museums in the United States celebrate the 50th anniversary of America's studio-glass movement. From June 16 through September 3, in honor of the anniversary, The Crocker will also exhibit "Brought to Light: Masterworks of Photography from the Crocker Art Museum," a gathering of photographic works providing a synopsis of artistic development over the years.

Smith Gallery
(credit: smithgallery.com)

Second Saturday Art Walk
J St to R St North to South, and 16th St to 30th St West to East
Sacramento, CA 95814
sacramentoartwalk.com

Price: Free
Hours: Every second Saturday of the month 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

A spring and summer outing, amidst California's State Capital historic buildings, shops, cafés and restaurants along tree-lined streets, enjoy the music and gaiety of a Second Saturday Art Walk. This special monthly event offers an art night out on the town. Meet contemporary artists and see their works in galleries and outdoors. The collections to view are abundant and range across various contemporary art mediums. Some of the galleries and businesses host an open house with a reception for special art collections and shows.

Related: Guide to Art Walks in the Sacramento Region

Gene Crow
An exhibit of photographs by Gene Crow will be on view at Viewpoint Photographic Art Center through June 2, 2012. (credit: Gene Crow)

Viewpoint Photography Art Center
2015 J St, Suite 101
Sacramento, CA 95811
(916) 441-2341
viewpointgallery.org

Price: Live Auctions have $20 entrance fee
Hours: Tues to Thurs - 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Fri and Sat - 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

The Viewpoint Photographic Art Center is a nonprofit organization - formerly Sacramento Valley Photographic Art Center – that has supported photographic artists since the 1980s. The quaint and charming gallery and studio showcase versatile works that includefine selections of contemporary and historical prints. Purchases can be made online or at live exhibits and auctions where clients and artists mingle. Information regarding upcoming receptions and shows can be found on the webpage. For members, the center offers exciting workshops taught by masters in the craft of photography.

Marta Weeks is a freelance writer who has over 30 years of employment in government and private industry. Her experience includes: research analyst, marketing, public relations, employee assistance, and adult education instructor. She currently resides in California. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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