The Crocker Art Museum's birthday cake did not have any candles, but those gathered to celebrate the museum's 125th birthday didn't seem to mind as they sang "Happy Birthday."

Above: Birthday cake.

The birthday party took place from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and attracted 831 people for performances, exhibits and celebration.

Above: The Crocker Art Museum exterior.

For $1.25, attendees found period actors roaming the grounds, and activities in the courtyard, California Gallery, Cowell Gallery, Ballroom, J. Brown Maloney Room and in the rose garden.

Above: Period actors enjoying birthday cake.

Crocker’s courtyard hosted Folklorico Latino de Woodland’s performances at 12:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Cowboy trick roper and storyteller, James Barrera, performed at 1 p.m. Musician Gordy Ohliger, dubbed a “banjo-ologist,” performed at 2 p.m.

Above: Members of Folklorico Latino de Woodland performing.

“We wanted to tie it to the 1885 Floral Festival,” said Kathleen Richards, Crocker’s marketing communications coordinator, “and festivities of the time the museum originally opened, such as the banjo playing, the black paper doll collection and floral displays.”

Above: Members of Folklorico Latino de Woodland performing.

Above: Barrera roping.

Above: Barrera and Folklorico Latino de Woodland members.

Above: Barrera teaches children how to use the rope.

After singing “Happy Birthday” to the Crocker at 1:25 p.m., volunteers passed out cake to visitors in the courtyard.

Above: Birthday cake distributed to visitors.

The E. B. Crocker Art Gallery and collection were donated to Sacramento and the California Museum Association by Margaret Crocker in 1885. The gallery was named after her late husband, Judge Edwin B. Crocker, who had died 10 years prior.
“I would like people to know what an incredible gift Sacramento has been given by Margaret Crocker,” Richards said. “And what an incredible gift that Sacramento has had the Crocker Museum for 125 years.”

Above: Banjo-ologist and crowd.

Saturday’s performances and attractions were not only entertaining, but educational as well. Both Barrera and Ohliger spoke to the audience about the history of the item they were performing with.

Above: Banjo-ologist.

“So far, my favorite has been the banjo-ologist,” Lisa Conti, from Ione, said. “I liked his storytelling, along with his music. That was really cool. It wasn't just music, he was offering explanations of things.”

Above: Part of the Black paper doll collection of collector Arabella Grayson.

According to the museum’s website, the Crocker attracts 150,000 visitors each year and has 9,000 members.

Above: Part of the Black paper doll collection of collector Arabella Grayson.

“I'm excited that people are looking at art,” Manager of Experiential Learning, Emma Moore, said. “The attractions and all the performances are meant to enhance our visitors' experiences with the art. It brings me such joy to see people connecting with art because with it, we connect with who we are, our past, and maybe our future.”

Above: Poet Lawrence Dinkins and musician Ross Hammond.

Above: Building bouquets of paper flowers.

Above: The floral displays in the rose garden.

The Crocker will be closed June 7 in preparation for the opening of its expansion. The new Crocker will hold a public grand opening October 10.

Above: Walter Dong of the Effie Yeaw Nature Center teaches a boy about wildlife in the rose garden.

The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O St. Non-member tickets cost $6. Seniors (65 and over) get in for $4. Children (6 and under) visit for free. Admission is free from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.Sundays. (916) 808-7000.

Agnus-Dei Farrant is an intern for The Sacramento Press.