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Best Upcoming Spring Art Festivals And Events In Sacramento

Sacramento is an eclectic city; look around and you might find a congressman at a punk rock hootenanny, senior citizens at a midnight poetry slam or a hip-hop duo lining up for a The Sacramento Ballet production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream." The capital city is home to a large number of galleries, venues and events that feature art of many sorts, and spring 2013 is a great time to experience what the arts community has to offer.

art mix crocker
(credit: crockerartmuseum.org)

Art Mix/It's Complicated
Crocker Art Museum
216 O St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 808-7000
www.crockerartmuseum.org

Date: March 14

If math and computers don't inspire your artistic muse, this special evening at Sacramento's Crocker Museum will hold plenty of surprises. Algorithm calculations represented as fractals, strikingly intricate and colorful pieces of digital art will be part of a special display for that evening only. Musicians known to perform with goldfish and water balloons will be on hand, and guests can get a special tour of "Approaching Infinity: The Richard Green Collection of Meticulous Abstraction." Add competitive choreography by local dance troupes to the mix and the event is guaranteed to be more interesting that your high school geometry class. The evening is free with regular admission to the museum.

food film fest
(credit: sacfoodfilmfest.com)

Sacramento Food Film Festival
Guild Theater
2828 35th St.
Sacramento, CA 95817
(916) 842-4906
www.sacfoodfilmfest.com

Dates: March 15-16

Foodies and film buffs unite for this unique festival at Guild Theater. Friday evening includes a honey tasting after a film on local beekeepers and sushi follows a movie and discussion about sustainable seafood and sushi creation. The Saturday schedule includes a scavenger hunt and films on all things edible. Flicks include "Symphony of the Soil," "American Harvest" and "Meat Hooked!," a winner at the NYC Food Film Festival. Guests can participate in discussions with a master gardener and other film and food experts. Cost to attend the entire two-day festival is $55; tickets are also available for individual days or specific films. Tickets sales benefit Slow Food Sacramento and the nonprofit California Food Literacy Center.

Related: 2013 Spring Fashion Tips From A Sacramento Fashionista

2nd saturday art walk
Second Saturday Art Walk
Midtown Sacramento
Located between H and Q Sts. and from 10th to 29th Sts.
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.sacramento.downtowngrid.com

Dates: Every second Saturday of the month. Sat.

Spring is the perfect season to experience the art walk, held the second Saturday of each month all year round. Businesses and galleries across midtown Sacramento open their doors for special exhibits, receptions, sales and live music and a full-scale street fair goes on outside. Vendors sell everything from jewelry and clothing to food and one-of-a-kind original works of art. Watch artists at work in a variety of mediums and enjoy the energetic and diverse crowd. There is no cost to attend, but food, parking and shopping all carry a price tag.

california indian museum
Indian Arts & Crafts Market
State Indian Museum
2618 K St.
Sacramento, CA 95816
(916) 324-0971
www.parks.ca.gov/indianmuseum

Dates: April 20-21

The State Indian Museum provides a special look into the nature, family and spirit of Native Americans in California. Amazing photographs, a dugout canoe of redwood, basketry, ceremonial garb and handmade fishing and hunting tools from more than 2,400 years ago are featured, and guests can get hands-on experience using native Indian tools. During this special weekend event, Native artists from all over California bring their work to sell. Shop for creations including unique jewelry, carved soapstone, baskets, painted gourds and drums. The market is free along with admission to the museum, which is $3 for adults, $2 for children ages six to 17 and free for those ages five and under.

chris stevens
(credit: Mahmud Turkia/Getty Images)

Artists for Peace – Opening Night Reception
John Natsoulas Gallery
521 1st St.
Davis, CA 95616
(530) 756-3938
www.natsoulas.com

Date: April 6

Guests are invited to a reception honoring U.S. Ambassador to Libya J. Christopher Stevens, killed in the attack on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi, Libya in 2012. The event marks the start of a two-week exhibit of Middle Eastern-themed art at the Natsoulas Gallery. Stevens, a Grass Valley native, was known for his love of jazz and live music will be part of the reception. The diplomat was also a fan of postcards and had enjoyed sending them from all over the world. Artists and the public are welcome to submit postcards of their own design to be shown at the exhibit; visit the museum website for details. The reception is free of charge.

Related: Most Iconic Works Of Art In Sacramento 

Valerie Heimerich is a freelance writer out of Sacramento. She typically covers animals and community issues. She has volunteered and worked for many organizations helping animals and people.
Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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