Newest articles on The Sacramento Press tagged as "art"

Midtown's musicians featured in new art exhibit

2012-02-09T01:37:59Z

Art pays homage to art in a new gallery exhibit called “Musicians of Midtown” at Gallery 2110 as artist Brooke Walker-Knoblich exhibits 10 paintings of local musicians playing in Midtown venues.

“I’ve always been intrigued by musicians in particular – not just music, but the performance of music,” Walker-Knoblich said.

The paintings – all done in oil – evoke the emotions she felt in hearing the music, she said, adding that she watched the musicians perform, drawing sketches of them in as little as 30 seconds, then painting the larger works using the sketches as foundations.

Some of the works have shorter brush strokes to fit with the quicker pace of the music, while others are longer, and light and darkness are used to show emotion as well.

Musicians such as Musical Charis, The Nibblers and Clemon Charles are featured in the paintings, and the venues in which they are performing include The Urban Hive and Bows & Arrows, though the musicians are the prominent parts of the paintings.

For the exhibit, 20 sketches and 10 paintings are on display, and Walker-Knoblich said she spent the past year working on the body of work, which could extend into the future if other galleries are interested in the style.

Originally from Nevada City, the 29-year-old Walker-Knoblich moved to Midtown about three years ago. The current show is a departure from her normal style of work, which is Renaissance Realism.

“It was very liberating, and very challenging, too,” she said. “It was very different. I could kind of do whatever I wanted.”

She sketched more than 450 musicians over the past year, but for the show in Midtown, she chose 10 locals to turn into paintings.

“When I moved down to Midtown, I started checking out the scene, going to venues, and I was totally shocked at how great the scene was and how personable the artists were,” Walker-Knoblich said.

Walker-Knoblich said she has been an artist from an early age, but a year spent in Paris when she was 21 was the year when she determined art would be her career.

Clare Bailey, owner of the gallery, said that she would like to see Walker-Knoblich’s work tour to other cities, allowing Walker-Knoblich to add new paintings as some are sold and keep the exhibit evolving and financially successful.

“There are some artists, whose sketches she did, (who) have traveled from across the country to get here, and those haven’t turned into paintings yet, but they could, and this could be an exhibit that travels,” Bailey said.

“I think one of the elements that I love the most is we’re paying tribute to music in a fine art gallery – and it’s all related,” Bailey said.

All works are for sale, and the exhibit will run through March 2, Bailey said.

For more information on Gallery 2110, click here.

The exhibit is currently on display, but a reception will be held Thursday, with Walker-Knoblich available from 6 - 8 p.m. Guitarist Sean Paul Mee will be playing music during the reception as well.

Viewing the show on Saturday will be possible anytime between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m., as the gallery extends its hours for the Second Saturday Art Walk. Walker-Knoblich Will be in the gallery from 5 - 9 p.m. Saturday as well.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Put the "art" into film and theater: hollywood film director comes to Sac on Feb. 21

2012-02-08T04:31:42Z

Films always have a particular "look" -- Pirate of the Caribbean has one kind of look, Austin Powers another, and then a quiet drama like House of Sand and Fog has yet another. Sacramento will get the chance to hear from the art director responsible for the look of these films on Tuesday, February 21, when the Capital Film Arts Alliance (CFAA) brings Hollywood art director Drew Boughton to their speaker series.

"Art direction and production design gives the 'look' of a film that defines the mood and atmosphere of the story, and is integral to all movies, and Drew Boughton is a master in the field," said Laurie Pederson, Board Chair for the CFAA. "The Capital Film Arts Alliance is proud to be able to bring Drew to Sacramento to share his craft and expertise with filmmakers, theater professionals, artists, and art and movie lovers alike."

Boughton's talk will be of interest to more than just the filmmakers locally in Sacramento. He has extensive experience in theatrical design as well that will interest the robust theater community in Sacramento, as well as the visual art lovers and designers.

IMDB listing for Drew Boughton: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0099284/
Website for Drew Boughton: http://drewboughton.com/

The February 21 meeting is one of a monthly speaker series from the Capital Film Arts Alliance. Experts in the filmmaking field -- from camera and sound to contracts and funding -- are asked to share their expertise and insights to Sacramento are filmmakers. The meeting starts at 7:00 pm at Art Institute of Sacramento at 2850 Gateway Oaks Dr., Sacramento. For more information about this meeting or the Capital Film Arts Alliance, please contact Laurie Pederson at 916-600-6477 or info@capitalfilmarts.com.

Disclosure: Mary Beth Barber is a board member for the Capital Film Arts Alliance

Nonprofit organization reaches fundraising goal

2012-02-08T02:07:02Z

La Raza Galería Posada, a local nonprofit Latino arts organization, succeeded in reaching its fundraising goals to stay open after Sacramento County Supervisor Phil Serna helped fill the funding gap with a music event Saturday.

In November, the center announced that it needed to raise $25,000 or face closure.

“We are extremely grateful for Supervisor Serna for his beyond-the-call-of-duty support,” said Marie Acosta, executive director of La Raza Galería Posada. “It’s very rare when an elected official will go out of their way and walk the talk for a nonprofit in need of funding.”

Funding sources for the art gallery and cultural center, located at 1022-1024 22nd St., have been in steady decline since 2005, threatening the existence of the 40-year-old center.

Saturday’s event, titled “Phil Serna Music on a Mission,” raised $30,000, which was split between La Raza Galería Posada, Cottage Housing, Women Escaping a Violent Environment and Roberts Family Development Center, according to a Monday press release.

While the extra push was needed over the past year, Acosta said Tuesday that there are several new funding sources opening up for the center this year, and the organization will apply for funding from places such as the National Endowment for the Arts, the Sierra Health Foundation, the Sacramento Region Community Foundation and the James Irvine Foundation.

“We are very hopeful that we will be able to receive funding from those sources, but we will always need support from the community, and now more than ever,” Acosta said.

Keep the arts in your heart this Wednesday

2012-02-07T18:18:48Z

At this Wednesday’s Hearts for the Arts Benefit Event (6pm-9pm at Alex Bult Gallery) artists, community leaders, and Sacramento’s finest convene to celebrate and raise funds for Any Given Child Sacramento. This initiative, spearheaded by For Arts’ Sake, strives to ensure that art experiences are accessible to every child in grades K-8.

As a part of this fun, alternative event you can treat your Valentine to a night like no other, all while supporting a great cause and enjoying an evening of art, music, cocktails, and refreshments.

Esteemed auctioneer David Sobon will auction off “heart-works” donated donated by over 24 local artists, including Raphael Delgado, Shane Grammer, and Micah Crandall-Bear. Live music will be provided throughout the evening by Clemón.

All proceeds from the $30 tickets ($40 at the door) go to support Any Given Child.

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Find more detail on this event along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

Sacramento Ballet's Cinderella

2012-02-04T04:06:51Z

Sacramento Ballet’s in-studio previews for “Cinderella” sold out, and these performances created a delightful show for children and adults. The in-studio performances were held at the Sacramento Ballet Studios on Thursday and Friday.

The preview shows gave guests an opportunity to see an up-close and personal view of the wonderful talent the Sacramento Ballet has to offer. This unique perspective allows viewers to appreciate the effort that goes into each movement.

On Thursday afternoon, artistic director Ron Cunningham welcomed ballet enthusiasts to the event held at their studio at 1631 K St. Cunningham introduced several of the dancers performing in “Cinderella.”

Richard Smith and Rex Wheeler are cast in the roles of Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters, giving them a comic role. Their dance moves brought laughter from the audience at various points. They were also dressed in costume for the performance, while most of the rest of the cast wore casual ballet outfits.

Cunningham noted that his version of “Cinderella,” originally created in 1976 for the Boston Ballet, has been seen by audiences around the world. A Chinese national TV station also televised the ballet to over 30 million viewers.

“Cinderella” is divided into three acts. Act 1 begins with Cinderella, played by Alexandra Cunningham, working hard performing unending chores. The ungraceful stepsisters try outfits for the royal ball, and later a dance master attempts to teach them dance moves and social graces.

As the stepsisters attempt to dance, a viewer cannot help but notice how much effort it takes to move and dance like someone who does not know how to dance. The stepsisters’ moves are made to look clumsy and funny, and their whimsical facial expressions are very comical and are sure to delight the audience at the Sacramento Community Center.

Act 2 takes place at the royal ball as guests await the arrival of the prince. The court jester, played by Christopher B. Nachtrab, entertains the royal guests. Dancers gracefully waltz around which again shows their classically trained adagio moves and balance. Their fluid movements hypnotize the audience.

When Cinderella arrives at the royal ball, guests are impressed by her natural grace and beauty. Once the prince, played by Stefan Calka, arrives and sees Cinderella, the two instantly fall in love.

Calka’s performance is physically demanding, and his moves are classic and elegant. During one of his solo dances, Calka’s glissade movements used the whole studio floor, as he danced to impress Cinderella, but the whole audience was impressed by his fluid dancing.

Cinderella continues to dance with her new love as time seems to have stood still. The beauty of ballet transcends on the ballet studio, making this fairytale come to life in front of the audience.

Soon the clock strikes midnight. As Cinderella races home, the second intermission arrives.

We all know the story of “Cinderella,” but the Sacramento Ballet brings music, dance and love to the studio and will do the same at the Community Center. Cunningham’s choreography is a joy to watch. This will be a love story for ballet enthusiasts of all ages.

“Cinderella” will play at the Sacramento Community Center Theater from Feb. 9 to 12, with two shows on Feb. 11.

The Artist

2012-02-03T21:15:35Z

If you’re going to remove the sound from a film, you’d better do it right. Not being able to hear what people are saying is very odd and kind of disconcerting, especially for a modern audience. Luckily for The Artist, there is a way to make it work, and work fantastically at that.

The Artist opens during the late 1920’s, at the height of our star, silent film actor George Valentin’s (Jean Dujardin) career. He’s a loveable guy, instantly showing his charisma at a premier (evoking some shenanigans from Singin’ in the Rain) for one of his movies. After the premier he bumps into Peppy Miller (Bérénice Bejo) a beautiful young dancer who soon falls in love with him. Unfortunately for George, his world is quickly turned upside down by the advent of sound in the motion picture industry. As he struggles and begins to lose his near perfect life, Peppy’s film career takes off. George must then find a way to put his life back together. But don’t worry it’s not as depressing as that sounds...

Like I said it’s not easy to sit through a whole movie with no sound but the phenomenal soundtrack by Ludovic Bource more than makes up for it. It’s wonderfully upbeat, like the music you hear when you walk down Main Street in Disneyland. It’s also jazzy at times, and quite bombastic at times. If it wins best soundtrack at the Oscars I won’t be surprised.

And while the soundtrack is wonderful, the actors are what sell the movie at the end of the day. Jean Dujardin and Bérénice Bejo are incredibly charismatic as they smile, wink, and dance their way through the movie. I completely fell in love with Bérénice Bejo after watching this film. She has such a beautiful smile and wonderfully expressive eyes. She also evokes a sense of eternal joy and fun that permeates every scene she is in.

Dujardin looks like he’s the illegitimate love baby of Hank Azaria and Gene Kelly; and that’s a good thing. He, like his costar, has a great smile and is fantastic at delivering emotions through simple glances and looks. He’s also serious about his career as George, his hubris and his belief that “talkies” are not a serious form of art is communicated brilliantly by Dujardin.

Michel Hazanavicius’s direction is brilliant too. He uses a variety of intriguing shots throughout the film while also evoking the feel of an old silent movie. I especially liked a wide shot he used of an interesting set featuring staircases. Peppy leaves the scene going up the stairs to the next level (just as her career is beginning), while George walks down the stairs to a lower level (just as his career is beginning to die). How often do you see things like that in Pirates of the Caribbean or Transformers? Never.

It’s a rare thing to see a director who can tell a story so well using only the visual aspect of filmmaking when so many rely on expository dialogue too often. “We’re gonna to do this thing next because it will mean that that thing is happening because of this!” Show me! Don’t tell me.

Having seen The Artist I understand why it’s been nominated for so many awards. It’s a beautiful film that evokes the essence of the silent film era while also celebrating the magic of film as a whole. And despite being a silent film, the sheer charm of the leads and the fantastic soundtrack will win you over. 4 out of 5 stars.

Editor's note: "The Artist" is playing at various local cinemas, including Tower Theatre.

Sacramento Area Youth Speaks (And The World Listens)

2012-01-30T21:10:46Z

A young black male raised without a father, expelled for assaulting his teacher in fourth grade finds poetry mentors who help cultivate his gift for words and turn him into a beacon of hope in his community. It's the kind of adversity-overcoming story that fuels the inspirations of Hollywood filmmakers. It is also the real-life story of Sacramento Area Youth Speaks poet/mentor Andre Tillman, otherwise known as Dre-T.

"I would say ages six through eight were my troubled years," Tillman says, recounting the incident that got him expelled from grade school, "I remember knowing it wasn’t my teachers fault." It was right around this time that a young, frustrated Andre Tillman would discover what would become his life's work.

At the age of nine Tillman began putting his thoughts down on paper. "I started off writing about my pain or writing little funny poems," Tillman describes, "With the absence of my father and my mom working I didn't have a lot of people to talk to and I'd take that time to document my thoughts and experience."

From the beginning, music and poetry went hand in hand. His grandfather was a percussionist and a teacher, not to mention the primary male influence in his grandson's young life. While grandpa played the rhythms, Andre's older cousin taught him to write his rhymes in a traditional 16-bar hip hop format.

One day in high school, while on a field trip to Sac State for an African-American student leadership conference he stumbled upon a Sacramento Area Youth Speaks workshop. He was immediately hooked.

As the group of teens shouted their poems from every corner of the room in a guerilla poetry spectacle called Griots (which are an ancient West African tradition that S.A.Y.S has adopted) Tillman was captivated. "I'd always been hungry for knowledge," he explained, "S.A.Y.S had the food for the thought I was starving for and they knew I was hungry."

Tillman signed up for S.A.Y.S. in the spring of 2010. That year his S.A.Y.S. poetry slam team would go on to compete at the international level taking part in the Brave New Voices competition in the Bay Area sponsored by HBO and Russell Simmons and place in the top ten. Tillman also competed at Brave New Voices as a solo poet, under the moniker of Dre-T, and placed in the top ten in a class of over 60 lyricists from all over the world.

Upon graduating high school, Dre-T was offered a chance to continue his work with SAYS, only this time in front of the classroom as a poet/mentor. “To sit in and observe one of his classes is beautiful; the way he interacts with the youth,” described seasoned S.A.Y.S mentor Denisha Bland, “To be a black man in America, stay positive, do right, and focus on your dreams, while raising a newborn and giving what he does to the youth; I mean, It’s breathtaking. To see Dre-T, only 19 and doing what he is doing, coming from a single-mother home, gives me hope for my son.”

The day before his eighteenth birthday, which coincided with the release party for his mixtape, Done Right Every-Time, Tillman found out his life would again change forever. The birth of his daughter Audrey Auro Tillman, on May 6, 2011 would shape the way his words would come out from that moment on. “It’s made me think more critically about how I talk about women,” said Tillman, “Every time I write she is always on my mind.”

Two months after the arrival of his daughter, Tillman coached the 2011 S.A.Y.S. poetry slam team all the way to the back to HBO’s Brave New Voices. While busy coaching and mentoring the next generation of young poets, Dre-T also managed to make his way back as a solo act, repeating his performance and again placing in BNV’s top ten on the international stage.

As an educator and performer who is also a parent he takes the responsibility of inspiring the next generation very seriously. Soft spoken and attentive, the reason he fell in love with poetry makes him the perfect person to aid at-risk youth in finding their voices. “There’s so much trauma that the youth go through,” he describes, “My most important message is to love yourself. Then love the people so they can love themselves. We are in a time where selfishness is increasing and we’re traumatized by things we're not supposed to be afraid of. There are too many of us that are divided by our skin color, our status, or our age. I really love revolutionaries but where did all the hippies go? I wonder that all the time.”

While today’s radio and television push the image of rappers as drug dealing misogynists hustling to get by, emcees like Andre Tillman are quietly hard at work behind the scenes preserving the positivity and community empowerment the Hip Hop culture was built on. And they're doing it in our backyard.

To hear the latest music from Dre-T go to www.dre-t.com and to find out more about Sacramento Area Youth Speaks go to www.says.ucdavis.edu or come to Sol Collective on the second Monday of every month when S.A.Y.S hosts Microphone Mondays.

Disclosure: I met Dre-T through an open Mic that I host at Sol Collective every Monday night 8-10 p.m. Sacramento Area Youth Speaks hosts every second Monday of the month.

The Art of Fashion

2012-01-26T09:41:55Z

The fashion industry continues to grow in Sacramento. Trunk shows, boutique openings, fashion shows, fashion students exhibiting their designs from San Francisco to Sacramento continue to wet the appetite of fashionistas in northern California. Next month will also bring Sacramento Fashion Week to the Elks Tower Ballroom. These events will make an impact in our local economy.

This past Friday night "The Art of Fashion" was hosted by Lounge ON20. The event included a fashion show and was also a mixer benefit event for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of the greater Sacramento area.

A new campaign was launched by BBBS “100 Men, $100,000, 100 Days” that seeks to raise critically needed funds. The campaign is looking to put males in the lives of 107 young men waiting for a big brother. BBBS hopes to match a big brother to a kid that can benefit from a relationship with their mentor and create awareness of how BBBS improves our community. Ticket sales and donations during the event went to BBBS. A table was also set up for guests to view more information about becoming a big brother or big sister.

Donations for this worthwhile cause can still be made at their 100 Heroes Wanted donation page.

The Art of Fashion featured three local designers who continue to make an impact on the Sacramento fashion scene. Designs from Electrik Trice, Samuel Parkinson and Faatui Toele were showcased on a red carpet runway.

Electrik Trice was the first designer of the evening and presented her Romance in Paris Collection. The collection showcased the great talent of the designer and the passion and beauty of her impressive designs. Her elaborate designs included several exciting evening dresses. Electrik's designs also included elegant pant suits as well as one and two piece outfits for an evening out on the town.

Several of her outfits solicited shouts of approval and applause from the audience. Part of the Romance in Paris Collection featured glamorous form fitting outfits. Electrik’s designs were accentuated by exquisite accessories.

Electrik’s new 2012 collection was a big hit with the crowd. One member of the audience was very excited about a red outfit saying, “I want that one!” and as she turned to her companion said, “Honey, please get that one for me.” I don’t know if they bought the dress but several of Electrik’s outfits evoked similar comments.

Samuel Parkinson’s Woodsy Scholar line was showcased next. Parkinson’s KingsTribe Clothing has become a popular brand in Sacramento and his talent has been showcased at several fashion shows in the area including last year’s Designing Dreams.

The Woodsy Scholar line was inspired by letterman jackets and were accented with wool and leather. KingsTribe Clothing continues to bring men’s fashion to the runway and the Art of Fashion event showcased the designer’s versatility and sense of fashion.

KingsTribe Clothing continues to emerge in the Sacramento scene and Parkinson’s outfits continue to live up to their motto: “Made with pride to be worn in pride.” Parkinson’s designs will eventually bring Sacramento fashion pride to our area.

A lively performance by singer and songwriter Tia Ferrera was included as part of the show. During this intermission performance Ferrera, along with dancers Divina and Talissa, entertained the crowd and kept things moving. This was the first time I’ve seen or heard Ferrera and her energetic performance impressed the audience.

The last designer of the evening was Faatui Toele whose 2WEE designs have graced many fashion shows in Sacramento. Toele’s Fall in Love 2012 Spring/Summer Collection included various trendy and sexy outfits. The fashions showcased were eye-popping and included some amazing trends for evening wear.

The Fall in Love line showcased several red and black outfits that received loud applause from the audience. Several outfits were very ornate and detailed and were well complemented by accessories worn. Models also wore some very exotic hairdos.

These three designers have collaborated together in other fashion shows and all have attended Sacramento’s Academy of Design and Technology. Their exquisite designs are available for sale and they continue to grace the fashion scene in Sacramento. Don’t be surprised when one or all of them become well known designers in the larger fashion markets of California and the nation.

These types of fashion shows not only help local designers receive recognition and exposure but designers in turn work to give back to the community by partnering with charities and the Sacramento community. These events also showcase the talents of photographers, models, entertainers, clubs, hair and makeup artists and help foster economic growth in the local economy.

Sacramento Raks!

2012-01-25T06:00:37Z

Stunning dance skills were exhibited by 15 belly dance performances on Sunday night. Dancers in gorgeous and very colorful outfits took the stage and delighted a full house at the Fair Oaks Community Clubhouse.

The Sacramento Raks! Belly Dance Gala Show returned to the Clubhouse for a delightful evening of alluring dance performances. Live, authentic Middle Eastern music was provided by Flowers of the Nile. Middle Eastern cuisine was also available for guests to purchase during the show.

Dancers Ayre Briar and J.R. performed an inaugural performance as Shupa Da. The music of Pink Floyd’s “Goodbye Blue Sky” accompanied their first dance. The Shupa Da dancers wore similar outfits and a purple veil covered their face. Their rhythmic dance was captivating from the start. As they finished the first part of their dance, they removed their veils and started to dance to the Bee Gees’ “Stayin’ Alive” and received loud applause.

Shupa Da’s choreography was created by Briar. Their fusion belly dance performance mixed elements of modern and belly dance along with vintage flair that gave elegance to their act.

Once the dancing started one belly dance troupe after another took their place on stage. Tasha from El Dorado Hills was the second dancer to display her marvelous dancing skills.

Tasha danced to a song that told the story of two lovers who are sad and lost without each other. Wearing all white, Tasha’s flair and dance allowed her to use the whole stage as she performed.

Tatheer was the third performer of the evening. The Auburn based dancer performed two pieces. The first performance was done to the Bollywood dance, “Jai Ho,” from the “Slumdog Millionaire” soundtrack. Tatheer’s second performance encompassed Rachel Brice choreography.

Ayre Briar also came back to the stage to perform a solo act. Briar’s performance was inspired by 1960’s belly dance as portrayed in popular cinema. Briar, dressed in gold attire, performed fluid movements to songs that were reminiscent of James Bond movies of the same era. Indeed it incorporated some music from “Goldfinger” and “You Only Live Twice.”

Sacramento based Badia performed next. Dressed in all black, Badia took the stage. She came to centerstage wearing a black veil covering her face. The only part of her face that could be seen behind her costume was her alluring eyes.

Captivated by her dark mysterious eyes, Badia hypnotized the audience as she began to dance. As she danced, she reminded me of a cobra moving out of a basket, and as she moved around the stage she reminded me of a twister moving in the sands of the Sahara.

Kaira Haneem is from nearby Chico. As she came on stage it was announced that she would perform to an Arabic pop song and then a drum solo that utilized her ballet and jazz influenced style of American cabaret belly dance.

Wearing a red outfit that almost matched her hair, Haneem’s performance was well-received. As with the dancers before her, the audience was able to participate by rhythmically clapping along with the music.

The special guest star of the evening was Aubre Hill, who hails from Los Angeles. Hill has performed internationally and is a much sought after master teacher and choreographer. She has a background in ballet, dance, hip hop, musical theatre, folk dance and other dance styles. Hill has also won several international awards and has hosted her own belly dance fitness show on Fit TV.

Hill is currently the Artistic Director of the Lumina Bellydance Company. Her extensive background was brought to the stage as Koop’s “Strange Love” played. Hill’s exquisite movements were fine tuned to the drums of “Strange Love,” and allowed her to show her unique style.

The Henna and Kohl Bellydance Company of Sacramento performed next. The Sacramento based dance troupe is directed by Adriane and they performed a debut dance.

As the company came on stage they each came up with a tray of lit candles atop of their head. The maneuvers for this dance were deliberate and at times exotic as they danced. They were able to maneuver themselves into sitting and lying down positions on stage while the trays remained on their heads restricting their movements. This allowed them to show their balance and dance skills.

The Henna and Kohl Bellydance performance was divided into two or three different dances and as the first set ended, the audience once again clapped in rhythm as the dancers sped up the tempo of music and dance.

Intermission gave the audience time to stretch and get something to eat or drink from the food court in the back of the community clubhouse. The Flowers of the Nile musicians set up their instruments on stage and from this point forward, live music would accompany the dancers.

Several of the dancers during the second half of the Gala Show returned from last year’s Sacramento Raks event. First to perform after intermission was Edemia from Sacramento, who interacted with the musicians on stage. The addition of Flowers of the Nile on stage, in my opinion, was a welcome addition.

Sacramento’s Janene followed, performing a traditional Egyptian style dance to a traditional Egyptian love song. Besides Janene’s fluid dancing, the audience was able to enjoy Philip Gabriel’s voice as Flowers of the Nile played on.

Another Sacramento native now residing in the Chico area, Mychelle Crown combined her love of Egyptian cabaret belly dance with her American jazz and ballet background to create her unique representation of this art. Sunday night she performed to a classic Egyptian song.

Davis’ Nyla Crystal, who was also at last year’s Sacramento Raks event, brought her precision Egyptian style dance to the stage. Her long red hair waved as she danced wearing a red outfit. To top it off, she used a long red veil to accompany her movements. Her fiery performance was well choreographed and executed.

Crystal will be conducting a workshop on April 29 at the Brazilian Center of Sacramento. The workshop is called Beauty and the Sword, and Crystal will cover balancing techniques and sword choreography.

The next performer was Maria, who hails from Santa Clara. Maria wore a lovely white outfit adorned with colorful flower patterns. The flow of the outfit during her alluring dance moves created the illusion of ballroom dancing. Maria’s exotic moves and choreography, along with the live music, once again had the audience clapping as she performed certain moves.

Maria will also be conducting a workshop on April 29, where participants will learn a solo fun drum choreographed dance as well as little tricks to keep the audience surprised and engaged.

Adriane, producer of the Sacramento Raks Belly Dance Gala Show, took the stage for a solo performance. As soon as Flowers of the Nile began playing, the audience clapped to the rhythm of the percussion and Adriane used the whole stage to dance and charm the audience.

Adriane’s fluid dance movements generated audience participation during several parts of her performance. Her charismatic enthusiasm for dance, performance and teaching are evident on stage and off. Adriane’s performance was quite entertaining from beginning to end.

Hill was the last performer of the evening. The special guest did not disappoint and brought the end to a wonderful evening of belly dancing.

The audience that gathered for this Gala Show seemed to have enjoyed it quite a bit. The show brought beautiful music, dance and culture to Sacramento, allowing people of many ethnicities to enjoy an entertaining evening.

One member of the audience, Edwin Hakimi, summed up the evening saying, “I heard about this event a few months ago from one of my friends who was here in May at the last performance. He’s been talking about this for a long time and everything he said was true. There was great food, great dancers and very beautiful, I have to say. I loved it, I will bring my whole family next time; it brings back memories of home.”

Beautiful costumes, choreography and music made this a very enjoyable show. The producers of the show are to be commended for their hard work and wonderful lineup of entertainers.

Creativity Revived

2012-01-21T01:04:05Z

Growing up, sometimes we forget to exercise our creative activities. For some, our creative drive dies right along with the hand-me-down car from Grandma senior year in high school. Sometimes our creative energy is put on the backburner as stresses and responsibilities of being an adult such as finding a job, keeping a job, paying bills, the mortgage and providing for our families take over… or our creative energy fades away completely.

Here in Sacramento, we love each other. We support each other. Seriously, we do. Just stop for a moment and think back on how many creative projects, ideas and businesses that have thrived in the last decade or so. Regardless if the doors of any of these ideas or businesses are still open or not, the point is... they made it happen. There is no denying the inspiration of such creative ventures have spread faster than a California wildfire during a dry, hot heat wave.

The latest album you’ve had on repeat is your best friend’s band. The last film you watched was your boyfriend’s short film that was screened at the local art collective spot. The earrings you are wearing are handmade from a local designer bought from the boutique your neighbor owns. Within the last few years Sacramento has built a pretty comfortable and welcoming cushion for the our creative class to fall on.

We were fortunate enough to have events like SellOut/Buyout, which was a combined art and trade show that called for local artists and designers. For some, Sellout/Buyout was how we were introduced to many of our favorite local designers and artists today. Annually, Sacramento hosts Launch, an art, design and music festival. Launch highlights some of the most talked about local artists, musicians and designers. Both events like Sellout/Buyout and Launch were opportunities for artists of any avenue to showcase their creative pursuits and network with like-minded people.

Julie Cassotta, 29, a Sacramento native who recently discovered her talent and love for handcrafting jewelry, recently said goodbye to an 8-5 office job to pursue more satisfying opportunities. She admits she used to do a great deal of creative writing when she was younger that she no longer does. She is also a graduate from the Elite Academy pursuing hair and makeup, but hasn’t been using those skills as much as she would like to these days.

For the last 14 years Julie has learned the art of repairing and building custom guitars at her family owned shop, SonFather Guitars, alongside her brother, Jesse and her Father, Dave. All those years working intensely with her hands has acquired her precise skills that have helped her with her jewelry designs, as she works towards a collection of hand crafted one of a kind pieces of jewelry that includes a bevy of necklaces, rings, earrings and bracelets.

For Julie, what started out as a creative hobby for herself now has her pieces for sale at Bows and Arrows Vintage clothing store in midtown Sacramento as well as her Etsy online shop, Real Life Dollhouse.

Julie's pieces are reconstructed, mixing different types of materials together such as vintage charms with modern, and she has taken the time to share some information in the interview below regarding her new jewelry designing success, and how it has revived the creativity back into her life.

Question: What inspired you to start designing jewelry?

Answer: Initially, I was frustrated with buying cheap jewelry that fell apart and not being able to afford some of the rad jewelry that I was seeing online and whatnot. I started remaking pieces that had broken or lost parts or were out of date, etc. Then one day I was looking for a lion necklace and couldn't find what I was looking for so I decided to use my inlay knowledge and make something myself. A light bulb kind of went off in my head and it just took off from there.

Question: When did you realize your creative endeavors could become more than a hobby?

Answer: I started posting some of the pieces I had made on my blog and had received great responses. I figured it was time to take it seriously and put together a collection and start an Etsy store.

Question: You know you've found the perfect material to incorporate into one of your pieces when...........

Answer: …… I find something interesting or just catches my eye really. If there's something I'm looking for but can't find, I'll try to make it myself.

Question: Do you have a plan of attack when you start creating pieces such as sketching ideas or do you just dive into it?

Answer: Both really. Sometimes I have a clear vision of what I want to make and other times, more often actually, I just look around at what I have and start piecing things together. Especially when working with natural materials like stone and wood, sometimes they have a mind of their own and will only let me manipulate them so much.

Question: You also repair guitars at your family owned custom guitar shop, SonFather Guitar. Explain how working there has influenced or helped your jewelry design?

Answer: Well, I've been working with wood from a very young age because of the shop and my father being a woodworker. The inlay aspect of guitar building has always been an interest of mine and has become a skill I have developed and specialized in for over 10 years now. The influence it has had on the jewelry is very literal and apparent, I basically use the same materials, mostly scraps or samples that we've had lying around for years. I started with the lion piece that I made for myself, then I started making similar ones for friends then I just kind of developed a "let's see what else I can do" mentality about it.

Question: Your Soapstone, Heartbeat Wooden Double Finger and Ebony and Turquoise statement rings are featured in your Etsy Shop. All very unique, and obviously hand crafted. Tell us about the work that goes into those pieces compared your reconstructed pieces.

Answer: The wood and stone work is definitely more unique and personal. A lot more work is involved. It takes time and planning, templates, samples, test runs, etc. The reconstructed pieces are simpler, easier, the kind of thing I put together sitting on the floor in my living room watching a movie. Those are more about having a good collection of interesting items to work together.

Question: Do you favor making one style of jewelry over another?

Answer: I love both really, the ones that I wear the most myself are the reconstructed ones, they're a little bit more casual, easy to wear with many different things. The statement pieces have to wait for the right occasion but they're more challenging for me to make so I take a bit more pride in those pieces.

Question: Do you have a favorite local designer(s) that createhandmade items? ( jewelry, clothes, accessories, etc.)

Answer: I have a friend in San Diego, Georgina of Trevino Joyeria, who makes fantastic jewelry. Also, Tessa Parks has been making some really rad stuff lately, although I'm not sure if she has any for sale yet.

Question: What direction do you see your jewelry designs going?

Answer: I honestly have no idea, I'm inspired by all kinds of things all the time, I think it will always be changing and evolving. I'd like to learn how to do some metal work, so maybe things will go that direction? I don't know. I'm not much of a planner. I just do things and see what happens.

Hopefully for some of you who have shelved your canvases in the depths of your closet or let dust collect on your camera in the recent years, remember why you had those items in your pocession in the first place. Make time for your long lost creative activity or try a new one you never imagined you had in you. Who's next, Sacramento?

Crocker Presents Lecture on Saint Sebastian & LGBT Culture on January 26

2012-01-20T00:21:20Z

The Crocker Art Museum will welcome William U. Eiland, director of the Georgia Museum of Art, for a lecture on the imagery of Saint Sebastian and its cultural meanings for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender viewers on Thursday, Jan. 26, at 7 p.m. The lecture will be held in conjunction with the exhibition “Florence and the Baroque: Paintings from the Haukohl Family Collection,” an exhibition of paintings and sculptures from the largest privately-held collection of the period in the United States. Tickets are $6 for Museum members and $12 for nonmembers.

Eiland’s lecture, titled “Slings and Arrows of Outrageous Fortune: Queering Saint Sebastian,” will focus on two paintings in the exhibition, differing images of Saint Sebastian by Felice Ficherelli and Onorio Marinari. Eiland will discuss the facts and legend surrounding Sebastian's life and how the Roman soldier eventually became a revered saint whose agony has been appropriated and even eroticized.

The recipient of the James Short Award from the Southeastern Museums Conference and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Georgia Association of Museums and Galleries, Eiland is a trustee of the International Council of Museums and has held various posts with the American Association of Museums and the National Endowment for the Arts.

The Eiland lecture is being supported by Sir Mark Fehrs Haukohl under whose auspices the exhibition has been generously lent to the Crocker Art Museum. Haukohl is a co-founder of the Medici Archive Project, which is a charitable foundation in Florence, Italy cataloging and researching over 300 years of original documents surrounding the Medici family in Europe. He is also President of The Vero Group of Houston, Texas.

Regarding the topic of St. Sebastian, Sir Mark commented, “The history and study of St. Sebastian has been of serious interest, research and an ongoing scholarly pursuit of mine for over 30 years. The evolution of St. Sebastian in today's popular culture—as evidenced in works by Damien Hirst, Pierre and Gilles, and many others—is an important redrawing of how the Saint's images come forward and are perceived as being relevant to numerous audiences, not just the ecclesiastical world."

Tickets for the lecture are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182. Open Art is part of the program series Thursdays ‘til 9.

The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art museums in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Saturday: Verge Ahead into 2012

2012-01-19T20:28:22Z

Verge Center for the Arts has remained a consistent hub of creativity for Sacramento since they first opened their doors as a private art gallery in 2009. In 2010 they expanded into their current space—a 22,000 square foot warehouse in Downtown Sacramento—and organized as a nonprofit. Now home to 30 resident studio artists, plus extensive gallery and event space, Verge continues their mission of exposing Sacramento to the contemporary art and artists of the region.

2011 was a particularly big year for Verge. Among many other achievements, they had a more-than-successful Kickstarter campaign ($9,165 raised on a $7,500 goal!), won the First Place award of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and Sacramento Region Community Foundation’s Arts Innovation Fund, and Executive Director Liv Moe was named Arts Executive of the Year at the Arts & Business Council’s “Prelude to the Season” event.

This Saturday, celebrate Verge’s 2011 successes and help them “Verge Ahead” into 2012 at the “Verge Ahead Success Party” (6pm-Midnight at Verge, 625 S Street, Sacramento). If you have yet to check out this innovative local arts spot, there’s no better time than this!

In addition to exploring the studios of resident artists, you’ll be able to play “Art Golf” (each hole is specially designed by a Verge artist, and be sure to try for a hole-in-one at the Sac365 hole!), get your photo taken at the photobooth for instant sharing of the fun on your social media networks, see live performances by a multitude of bands (Mom, Christine Shields, Fine Steps, Gentleman Surfer, and Ganglians), and dance the night away to tunes spun by DJ Scott Soriano and DJ Hailey. If that’s not enough, arts collective Future Art Notables will take over the temporary gallery with their installation “Assorted Spaces”, which allows viewers to walk among the pieces, fully immersing themselves in the art.

And, don’t worry, tasty beer is provided for the evening by local brewers Ruhstaller, as well as coffee from Insight Coffee Roasters (each $15 ticket includes two refreshments!). Plus, receive free giveaways throughout the night, and a little something extra if you're among the first 50 to arrive.

Come enjoy this soiree and celebrate Sacramento’s burgeoning arts community.

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Find more detail on this event along with many more at Sacramento365.com, the year-round source for Sacramento events.

Disclosure: Written by Sacramento365.com Assistant Editor, Alison Kranz

Second Saturday art and events

2012-01-18T20:49:33Z

Midtown’s first Second Saturday event of 2012 saw smaller crowds this weekend. The smaller crowds however made it easier to talk to artists who exhibited their work.

A number of establishments also appeared to have closed down or moved from Midtown's J Street and surrounding area since last month. This situation has created a new environment where several businesses are collaborating to bring events to a storefront during Second Saturday.

This Saturday, Dragatomi, Metro PCS, tokidoki and Unseen Heroes teamed up for a Metro PCS and tokidoki Phone Release Party.

Unseen Heroes Events Coordinator, Maritza Davis, described the event saying, “This is a tokidoki and Metro PCS release collaboration that brings new phone technology to Sacramento. These events are typically done in Los Angeles and larger cities but because we have an established vinyl toy store here in Sacramento, Dragatomi, they were willing to let us link up with them so that we could feature the phone and introduce it to the public.”

The event ran from 5 to 9 p.m. and a line formed to receive free swag bags that included a tokidoki t-shirt and other goodies. Customers were also given the chance to buy the exclusive phones and sign up for a prize drawing. Several yet to be released phone cases were also available for purchase.

Roshaun Davis, creative alchemist, at Unseen Heroes highlighted the fact that only three launches have been done for the tokidoki phone release and they chose Sacramento as one of the sites. The first release was in New York, the second in L.A. and then Sacramento.

When Metro PCS and tokidoki first partnered they celebrated the partnership by introducing the phone at the New York Comic-Con which is the largest POP culture event on the East Coast. The launch on Saturday night coincided with the SacAnime Convention in town and several visitors who passed by Dragatomi had the SacAnime badges still hanging from their neck.

Inside Dragatomi an art exhibit by Martin Hsu had several of his “Dragon Boy” series art work. The Hsu exhibit will run until February 4.

Down the street at the corner of K and 22nd Street artist Conrad Lawrence had a street art exhibit of bikes and metal art work. Lawrence also created a bicycle powered art mechanism that allowed people who passed by to create a “swirl” art piece that Lawrence hopes to soon have on display. Other finished pieces lay on the ground.

Intrigued by his bicycle art idea I asked how he came up with the concept. “It was inspired by Burning Man. I did a show with tall bikes. In June I had 20 of them and I asked myself how else can I make the bikes interactive? So this idea came up and I built it. Then I thought of the shrink stand over there making everything interactive art.”

Another piece was created by Lawrence’s mother and people could pass by and fill in the unfinished piece. Lawrence said, “The project here is just to fill it in with whatever in order to finish this unique piece of art."

A separate area had a Peanuts comic strip style psychiatry booth called Lucy’s Shrink Shop. The station would allow people passing by to take either the psychiatrist or patient role and initiate conversation between two people. I thought this to be a clever idea and probably one that many corporations could install in a break room or something similar. Street art at times seems to offer more but January’s Second Saturday offered both.

Gallery 2110 and the Sacramento Art Complex had their gallery open for a showing of James Mullen’s work and several resident artists were on hand at their studios. Clare Bailey, Gallery 2110 owner, introduced me to Mullen and showed me some of his work.

Mullen is a Grass Valley artist whose work will be featured at the gallery that runs through February 3.

His artwork was truly fascinating and when I asked him how long he’s been an artist I got an answer that I was expecting after walking around the main hall admiring his work. Mullen said, “For as long as I can remember. Before I went to kindergarten I knew I was going to be an artist.” I’ve talked to other artists who have said similar things indicating they knew they wanted to be an artist going back to grade school. I often wondered if that’s the case only with artists or if extends beyond that. To me it’s astonishing to know someone that young can have that drive. It’s especially amazing since as I’ve become older I still don’t know what I want to be.

Mullen operates a studio out of his home in Grass Valley. His exhibit opened on Thursday and will run for approximately a month. He indicated that much of his work on exhibit goes back to 2005 and more recent work was also on display.

His work, on a smaller scale, reminded me of the Watts Towers that were close to where I lived growing up in Los Angeles. Mullen’s artwork is made up of materials found around where he lives. When asked how he gathered his materials for his artwork Mullen said, “I stop by places near home that I know. I like fencing and I like rusted sheet metal and copper so when I ride my bicycle and I see someone has a bunch of rolled up fencing in their pasture I knock on the door and say, hey you want to get rid of this? A lot of times they say yeah, so I haul it away and take it home.” Mullen said he works with those materials and stretches them out, cuts it up and reshapes it to make his brand of art.

Mullen is always looking for pieces and his friends know that and they too gather up these items and give them to him. He’s been primarily involved in this form of art for the past four to five years and before that he worked with clay for many years. He hears from friends and friends of friends who see his work and they approach him saying, “Hey I have a box of junk you’re going to like and they bring him a box of stuff.” It just goes to show that art is everywhere and discarded items or “junk” with the right imagination can be turned into great pieces of art.

Mullen’s creative art pieces occupy the main hall at the 2110 Gallery and can be great inspiration to students and established artists. The materials he uses come not only from the Grass Valley area but he’s also acquired items from a Navajo reservation in New Mexico and when he has a concept in mind he may search eBay for items in other places.

Live music at the 2110 Gallery was provided by Sean Paul Mee and his music was great ambiance for the event.

Winter 2012 SacAnime

2012-01-18T07:44:55Z

The Woodlake Hotel, located on 500 Leisure Lane in Sacramento, hosted this weekend’s Winter 2012 SacAnime convention. Formerly known as the Radisson Hotel, the Woodlake Hotel opened its doors to over 5,000 visitors who came to see several of their favorite voice actors and celebrity panels, enjoy Café Hoshi, play games, and attend how-to workshops, music video contests, and live concerts. Most important of all was the time spent enjoying each other’s company.

The event began on Friday morning and had many well organized activities for the thousands of fans that attended.

The multi-talented Vic Mignogna was the first guest to participate in a question-and-answer (Q&A) session with polite fans who waited in anticipation of their voice actor heroes. Mignogna is well-known for his roles as Vega in Street Fighter II, Edward Elric in Fullmetal Alchemists, Dark in DN Angel, Kurz in Full Metal Panic, Broly in Dragonball Z, Hikaru in Macross, Takanaga in Wallflower and many other roles.

Presently, Mignogna is involved with the new Iron Man and Wolverine series on G4. His impressive résumé in the anime world is well-known. Mignogna is also a music composer, singer and producer. As the SacAnime Concert Series opened on Friday night he was the opening act and sang a few songs to commence the concert.

During his Q&A, a fan gave Mignogna a phaser from Star Trek II and a hand written script modeled from the Real Fans of Genius web series.

In describing the Real Fans of Genius Mignogna said, “Steve Blum and I decided that we were going to make a bunch of parodies about Real Men of Genius similar to the Bud Light commercials. We made a whole bunch of them that were based on the kind of people you would meet at an anime convention. Steve Blum did the narration and I did the singing parts and I even created the music track underneath it. It sounds exactly like the originals, they’re all on YouTube.” Mignogna noted that the fan had written him an email that he had written another parody. After they finished Mignogna said, “That was awesome. Thank you!” and hugged the fan.

Mignogna’s interaction with his fans was quite remarkable and made his fans feel appreciated. Fans asked for suggestions on voice acting, asked questions about his other live and anime works, and other personal questions. He answered them all in kind, patient and encouraging words.

“I never even planned to be a voice actor. I have been acting ever since I can remember and I was involved doing church plays, school plays, Community Theater, drama camps and anything I could do to build up that skill because I loved doing it. I never even thought about voice acting. What’s funny to me, now that I look back on my life, is when I was 15 or 16 years old my friend and I were running around all the time imitating characters from Speed Racer. How surreal that many decades later I would be a voice actor sitting in a chair beside the guy that voiced Speed Racer and be working in the same industry that created Speed Racer and Kimba the White Lion and the things that I loved as a kid. I never planned to be a voice actor that was never my intent. “

Mignogna shared how he became involve in voice acting saying, “I’ll tell you exactly how it happened. I had done all this theater work, my minor in college was theater and I was always acting in something or another and then I was working for a video production in Houston, Texas and a friend of mine that I was working with said, ‘You’ve done a lot of acting haven’t you?’ I said, ‘Yes, a lot.’ ‘You have to go to this place and audition. There’s this company in Houston called ADV films and they buy these Japanese animated shows and they dub them into English and they need actors.’ ‘I was like, you’re kidding, that sounds fun.’ I didn’t ask how much it paid; I didn’t ask anything about that it just sounded like fun. It was another opportunity to act. Voice acting required a different set of skills but it sounded like acting to me. I auditioned and I got cast as Vega in Street Fighter II and that was the first thing I ever did.”

As Mignogna continued to share his voice acting training he said, “For those of you interested in voice acting, acting has 30 percent to do with your voice and 70 percent with acting. Every one of the people you’re going to meet this weekend and 99 percent of the voice actors that I know have huge backgrounds in theater; in acting they’re all actors who got an opportunity to voice act so if you’re interested in voice acting get into acting, drama and theater classes and audition at your schools, universities, community colleges, churches, any place that you can develop those skills.”

Mignogna shared that the markets for voice acting are in Los Angeles, Houston, Dallas, Vancouver and New York. He also shared that voice over opportunities done mostly for commercials can be found anywhere.

Mignogna does not have an agent and shared that everyone else at the convention has one.

“My understanding is that when an agency takes you as a client they want you to make them money. They’ll send you scripts, radio, commercials, voice over as well as video games, animation. I don’t want to do commercials. I’m afraid, and I know this for a fact, you do what they tell you. Your job is to make money for both.”

Pixar, Simpsons and Family Guy roles are spots Mignogna says he probably won’t get without an agent. Without an agent he knows he’s limiting himself in getting certain roles.

“God has been so good to me that I can hardly stand it.” Mignogna said and continued, “I’m so thankful, I am so profoundly grateful for the opportunities in my life. If nothing else happens I have been more than blessed. I am so grateful for the things I get to do and yeah, I would love to do bigger things but it doesn’t drive me, I’m not obsessed with it.”

According to Mignogna, being rich is overrated.

“I know people who are multi-millionaires who jump out of windows. I know people that hate their lives and they have yachts and houses all over the place; that is not the answer. It’s a lie. It’s cool to have money but at the end of the day when you put your head on your pillow and you’re alone with yourself there is a sense of satisfaction you have and no amount of money can change that.”

Following Mignogna’s Q&A the Gaia Online Variety Hour ensued. Chris Castagnetto, also known as DJ Helsing, hosted the event. During the Variety Hour fans participated in interactive games and it allowed everyone in the audience to participate in at least one event. One of the things that makes SacAnime such a popular event and that keeps fans coming back is the feedback that’s solicited from the audience. In the Gaia Online the host made a point to ask the audience which games they liked in order to bring them back, and which ones to replace.

SacAnime brings people of all ages to the convention. The devotion of fans is tremendous, not only to the characters they dress up as, but also to the celebrities that attend. Many fans stand in line an hour or longer to get autographs. The actors that attend and sit in Q&A sessions and panels are just as devoted to their fans and show their appreciation as they interact with guests.

One of the most apparent things about SacAnime Winter 2012 was the amount of people who attended the panels, Q&A sessions, gaming, workshops, Artist Alley, Sac Café, Sac Club Raves, the Vendor Hall and other gatherings around the hotel. People on hand made up a large all-ages crowd. Many of the attendees were dropped off by parents and I was pleasantly surprised and somewhat astonished as to how well they got along. I think that parents who may worry about dropping off their kids can rest assured that their kids are well behaved and are in good hands with the SacAnime staff.

SacAnime’s Director of Programming, Jodon Bellofatto, hosted the opening ceremonies that were held after several Q&A events in which Vic Mignogna, Quinton Flynn and Tara Strong participated. Bellofatto went over the weekend program and encouraged the audience to visit the gaming rooms and check out the tournaments, attend and participate in the art contest, and view the arts and crafts created by artists.

Bellofatto answered questions and shortly thereafter the AMV contest took place with three categories open for voting: drama, romance and comedy. He noted that winners would be announced on Sunday. One fan asked if they would post the entries online and Bellofatto indicated that they would like to do that if it’s possible.

Friday night’s Sac Anime Concert Series had three acts on hand. Vic Mignogna opened the concert series by singing on the floor with the audience. He never set foot on stage. Mignogna played a couple of songs and introduced Kazha and Lemon Drop Kick.

Kazha is a Japanese band and its spokesperson is Kazuha Oda, who has a history of working with different performers. Earlier in the day I spoke with Oda and asked her a few questions. I learned they are from Tokyo, Japan and it appeared she was the only member of the band who had a command of the English language. Her personality was very pleasant. The other members happily signed autographs and tried to answer questions but relied on Oda to translate.

When asked if they were going to be playing both concerts (Friday and Saturday) she said, “We’re going to be here for the full convention but we’re going to perform tonight and tomorrow night.”

Kazha is made up of four members and has been performing for two years. They have previously performed in the U.S. and have played at other anime conventions but this was their first performance in Sacramento.

With guest drummer Mike Kim, Hideki Matsushige, Shintaro Kasahara and Kazuha Oda took the stage to bring their brand of rock to the concert. They began their set with a melodic pop tune, “Close to You,” that was brought to life by Oda’s smooth vocals. One thing that’s quite noticeable is how well the music moves to the rhythm of Oda’s singing.

Fans were delighted by the Kazha set. After their first song, Oda addressed the audience.

“It’s our first time being in Sacramento and we are so happy. Thank you very much. We are from Tokyo, Japan. Are you guys having fun at SacAnime?”

Fan reaction made Oda smile and she thanked them.

The last act of the night was Lemon Drop Kick. They are based out of Los Angeles and are described as a Japanese rock band influenced by different musical influences and cultures. They energized the crowd and invited several audience members to the stage as they performed.

Lemon Drop Kick had the audience jumping up and down and moving. Their beat included several genres of music including rock, pop, metal and others. They were a great choice to end the evening’s concert series.

A swap meet, a club rave, open gaming and karaoke contests kept the evening alive for guests, who gathered at different spots throughout the hotel to chat about their experiences and share stories.

A designer that I have met before known as Carlyfornia had a station set up to showcase her designs and new items. When asked what new items she was showing at the convention she said, “I brought a lot more steampunk stuff. I brought a lot of fun stuff including furry ears like little kitty stuff, doll clothes and more dolls.”

Carlyfornia will be exhibiting more of her work at the upcoming Animation on Display (AOD) in San Francisco February 18-19. When asked if she had a store front Miss Carlyfornia noted that she doesn’t have one because, as she put it, “I don’t have a storefront because I can’t keep up merchandise because I sell, sell, sell so fast and I’m at a different city almost every weekend. “

One of the last panel events I attended at the convention was “From Fan Art to Creator: How to Make and Publish Your Own Comic.” The panel was hosted by Heather Jaeger and Melissa McCommon.

McCommon and Jaeger were quite enthusiastic about hosting the panel and offered numerous pointers to help the comic publisher want-to-be’s. They covered the various common drawing programs used to create comics as well as the various tablets used to illustrate.

Their passion for comic book creation was quite evident and their knowledge was quite immense, giving audience members a wealth of information to get started and insights into what can make comic publishing a good experience.

Low budget tools, programs and tips were also discussed and they mentioned several programs that are free.

The tips and information passed on by McCommon and Jaeger also included a section called the Language of Panels and what it takes to be successful at sketching, coloring and making story bubbles as well as printing and publishing. The advantages and disadvantages of self-publishing were also discussed and their valuable insight was well received.

The passion for anime comic drawing and illustration as well as passing on their knowledge was priceless. Jaeger and McCommon emphasized the need to draw on a regular basis, motivate yourself, not give up, write, and practice as much as possible.

There is always a lot to do and see at the SacAnime conventions and the staff is to be commended for the topics they choose, the guests they bring in, the panels they put together and the feedback they solicit from attendees. Organization continues to make SacAnime a great event year after year. Fans are the best ambassadors for conventions such as this, and if they continue to follow and attend SacAnime it helps the community grow and flourish.

Bellofatto hosted the closing ceremonies where the AMV winners were announced. Third place went to Yosef Ghiassy for Manly Tears, second place was Erinn Thompson for Say Good-bye to Yesterday and first place went to Shelby Nickles for Oran I’m Sexy and I Know It.
Volunteer positions for the next convention were discussed. Bellofatto also solicited comments from the audience as to what worked and what did not work during the convention and he made note of the comments on a laptop set up on the stage.

One of the final announcements was that because of the large crowds that came to the convention (breaking the 5,000 mark) it was decided that a larger venue was necessary to accommodate the growing crowds and that the 2013 Summer SacAnime was going to be held at the Sacramento Convention Center.

More photos from the SacAnime Winter 2012 convention can be found here.

A Visual Discussion on Poverty and Social Identity

2012-01-15T01:17:08Z

The Sacramento Art History Consortium (SAHC) opened in December the exhibition “Latin American Photography: The Realities of Poverty and Social Identity.” After a two-year effort SAHC has brought together the work of 13 international photographers who have demonstrated a true commitment to Latin America. Showing now in Sacramento State University Library Gallery, the work of renowned photojournalists such as Joaquin Sarmiento, Jeronimo Arteaga, and Jan Sochor are being exhibited to engage audiences in the visual discussion about poverty and social identity.

The exhibition features photographs that convey the situation of a region that has been subjected to years of political and economic struggle by showing how the perpetuation of poverty across decades has created a unique way of life, where poverty is not a transitory state, but a defining element in the life of a person. The intention behind this particular topic is not to promote pity or patronize the peoples of Latin America by framing them under a series of stereotypes and prejudices, but to reveal the spirit, attitude, and courage with which people characteristically deal with everyday life. The curatorial group has chosen the topic of poverty with the intention to explore the impact of art in helping repair social fractures by creating awareness of the situation of others.

Moreover, the exhibition brings into discussion the role of social photojournalism in conveying truth while exposing both the ethical and ethnographic responsibilities of photographic representation. To address the challenges of photojournalism, including the visual saturation that we all face when it comes to seeing poverty and crisis in the world today, SAHC's curatorial group carefully chose 37 works to give us an idea of the environment and situation of those who are distant and different from us. Most of the photographers are from different countries in Latin American with the exception of a few, who being "outsiders" provide a balance to the stories that this touching and educational show provides by convening different points of view in this fascinating conversation about the realities of poverty and social identity. The exhibition is not only a good photography show but also an interactive experience in the sense that it invites visitors to not be passive consumers of social photography but to actively engage with the stories here conveyed and the people that are being represented.

The exhibit will be open until March 10th at the Sacramento State University Library Gallery and an exhibition catalogue has also been published, which is available for purchase at the website. For more information contact SAHC at info@sacramentoarthistory.org or visit them at www.sacramentoarthistory.org

Disclosure: Sara Garzon is the Executive Director of SAHC and curator of the exhibition.

Muhammad Ali featured in Oak Park gallery show

2012-01-14T00:37:47Z

Boxer, entertainer, activist and undisputed champion Muhammad Ali is being celebrated by artists from across the nation at Oak Park’s Evolve the Gallery, with 24 works of art on display through Jan. 28 to celebrate the boxing legend’s 70th birthday, which falls on Jan. 17.

“Every piece except for three was created specifically for this show,” said Evolve the Gallery co-owner A. Michelle Blakeley.

Blakeley and her husband, Brady Blakeley, put the call out to artists in August, and Brady Blakeley selected those who now appear in the show, titled “Ali: The Greatest.”

“From 1960 to 1981, Ali won 56 of 61 matches, 37 by knockout,” A. Michelle Blakeley wrote in a press release. She added that the boxer was also an important social activist, philanthropist and humanitarian.

Michelle Blakeley said the turnout from artists was strong, but not unexpected, with about 20 taking part.

“Who wouldn’t want to paint Muhammad Ali?” she asked. “A lot of these artists are huge fans, and they were excited to honor him on his 70th birthday.”

The works on display are mostly paintings, though some are mixed media, and one is a jacket hanging in the front window, painted with images and quotes of Ali.

Five Northern California artists have pieces in the show, including Sacramento resident Gerry “Gos” Simpson.

“The piece I have created is of acrylic paint, enamel pens and gold leaf,” Simpson said. “What I tried to depict was the entertainment side of Muhammad Ali. I knew everybody else was going to focus on the sport, so I included circles that, for me, represent the spotlight and the color in his personality.”

The chance to pay homage to Ali was an honor, Simpson said.

“I knew it was going to be amazing, and it’s also the chance to celebrate someone who, as a kid, I watched and was amazed by his ability to see who he was, what he wanted and to be able to do what he did.”

Simpson said that the African American art community can often be insular, focusing on themes or traditions that tend to appeal most to other African Americans, but that is not the case with the current show.

“Muhammad Ali attracted people from all over the world,” Simpson said. “This show is a great show to have in Oak Park because it brings people together from all different cultures.”

A. Michelle Blakeley said the inspiration for the show came from a conversation in August among friends that eventually turned to boxing.

“We’re huge boxing fans, and I thought, ‘I wonder if Muhammad Ali has a major birthday coming up,’ ” she said.

With the show attracting artists from as far away as Georgia, it will travel to Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York and possibly San Francisco once it finishes its run in Sacramento, she said.

The opening reception will be held Saturday from 6 - 10 p.m. at Evolve the Gallery, 2907 35th St. The show can be viewed anytime Thursday through Saturday by calling 572-5123.

“We say, ‘by appointment,’ but it’s just to make sure we’re here and haven’t stepped out,” she said.

Next month’s show at Evolve the Gallery, which opens Feb. 4, celebrates Black History Month with a series of spiritually uplifting works of art, and the gallery will be open on Sunday afternoons for those who want to drop by after church, Blakeley said.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Mark Your Calendar - “Sacramento Museum Day” Returns February 4!

2012-01-05T22:50:56Z

After a record-breaking attendance of more than 115,000 visitors last year, 28 Sacramento area museums will offer free or half-priced admission all day on Saturday, February 4, 2012, during the 14th Annual Sacramento Museum Day. New this year, 26 of the 28 museums will offer free admission whereas two destinations located in residential areas -- the Sacramento Zoo and Fairytale Town -- will offer half-priced admission to offset parking control and security costs. This hugely popular community event is presented by the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM) and proudly supported by Umpqua Bank. Sacramento Museum event hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with the last guests admitted at 4 p.m.).

Sacramento Museum Day, a popular Sacramento cultural tradition, is designed to encourage all members of the community to experience the Capital City’s incredible wealth of art, history, science and wildlife -- at little or no cost.

“After our record-breaking attendance last year, the momentum continues as more and more community members are discovering the amazing array of arts, culture and museum offerings available in the Sacramento region,” said Sacramento Association of Museums Chair Roxanne Yonn. “Due to the overwhelming popularity of Sacramento Museum Day, we’ve made some changes this year that we hope will encourage visitors to explore a museum they haven’t been before to gain a new perspective and appreciation for what our diverse and rich community has to offer.”

Event coordinators suggest that guests plan to visit no more than two or three different museums on this day in order to allow adequate time to enjoy the experience and to travel between individual sites. And, since some museums must limit the number of admissions for safety reasons, guests are asked to check out detailed Sacramento Museum Day information online at www.sacmuseums.org prior to the event.

More detailed information about participating museums, suggested parking and public transit options is available at www.sacmuseums.org (click on “Events”), or by calling the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau at (916) 808-7777.

Sacramento Museum Day 2012 is proudly supported by active and engaged community partners. In addition to title sponsor Umpqua Bank, other sponsors include FOX40, KSEG 96.9 FM, Outword Magazine, the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, Sacramento Regional Transit and STAR 106.5 FM.

Participating Museums for Sacramento Museum Day 2012:
Aerospace Museum of California – California Automobile Museum - California Foundry History Museum – California State Military Museum – California State Capitol Museum – The California Museum – California State Indian Museum – California State Railroad Museum – Center for Contemporary Art – Crocker Art Museum – Discovery Museum Science and Space Center – Don & June Salvatori California Pharmacy Museum – Fairytale Town – Folsom History Museum – Governor’s Mansion State Historic Park – Heidrick Ag History Center (Woodland) – Leland Stanford Mansion State Historic Park – Museum of Medical History – Old Sacramento Schoolhouse Museum – Old Sacramento State Historic Park – Sacramento Children’s Museum – Sacramento Zoo – Sacramento Historic City Cemetery – Sacramento History Museum – Sojourner Truth Multicultural Arts Museum – Sutter’s Fort State Historic Park – Wells Fargo History Museum (Capitol Mall) – Wells Fargo History Museum (Old Sacramento)

About the Sacramento Association of Museums (SAM):
Comprised of 28 greater Sacramento area museums working in partnership with the Sacramento Convention & Visitors Bureau, SAM’s mission is to raise awareness of local museums by giving the community the opportunity to discover California’s fine art, history, science and wildlife treasures. SAM achieves its mission through implementing cooperative promotions and developing strategic marketing alliances, by encouraging sharing of knowledge and resources among its partner institutions, and by conducting Sacramento Museum Day each year.

Disclosure: Traci Rockefeller Cusack represents a number of businesses and organizations throughout the greater Sacramento area including the Sacramento Association of Museums.

Photo essay: Sacramento's stunning public murals

2012-01-05T04:01:22Z

In a city that boasts a thriving community of locally owned businesses, artists, musicians and writers, it’s no wonder that Sacramento has a stunning array of public art displays that have taken the form of murals on the sides of buildings throughout town.

The works are concentrated in Midtown and downtown Sacramento, where the eclectic collection of stores and businesses creates the ideal canvas for some of the most visually impressive pieces of public art.

Local artist Skinner – born Warren Davis III – said he thinks Sacramento needs more work like the mural he painted on the side of the Java Lounge on 16th Street near Broadway. Skinner said he’s commissioned to do work all over the world – including a project he’ll begin in May in Japan – but it’s difficult to get permission for work in Sacramento because he thinks the people who approve the work, like the City Council, are too conservative.

“I’d paint for free, because I want Sacramento to be more beautiful,” Skinner said. “I’d like to see more support for our local art scene.”

Skinner named the mural at 24th Street and Broadway as one of his favorites in the city. The piece was done by Alex “Cabron” Forster, said Skinner, and depicts “Ishi,” a Native American believed to be the last member of the Yahi people, holding a gold nugget in each hand.

At 1700 Capitol Ave. is an old-fashioned grocery store scene that has become the identifying mark for Grocery Outlet. Store owner Mindi Admire said people refer to her store as, “You know, the building with the mural,” and that when she purchased the business, she wanted to be sure the mural would stay.

“It’s really important to the community,” Admire said, adding that the work was recently restored by one of the original artists, Michael Stanford.

Dimple Records on 16th Street at Broadway boasts artwork by Shaun Turner and Dan Osterhoff, who did the piece in 2008 for the store’s previous inhabitant, R5 Records. The mural depicts music legends Miles Davis and Billie Holiday.

The California Conservation Corps on 24th Street has a mural that faces the light rail station. According to Susanne Levitskey, public information officer for the CCC, it’s a great location, because it catches the eye of young people on the train and gets them interested in the corps.

“The mural not only showcases corps people, but it advertises what we do here,” Levitsky said, adding that artwork like theirs has become a tradition throughout the organization in California.

The work was done in the late ’90s by a group of CCC members.

Mary Kawano, owner of Sugar Shack Boutique on J Street, said she wanted the look of graffiti art on her shop because it went well with her fun, edgy store. She chose Anthony Padilla to paint her mural a few years ago, in part to give back to the community by supporting local artists.

Kawano said she thinks her storefront might inspire other business owners to support spray-can artists and give them a canvas for their work without defacing any buildings.

She said she hopes to have Padilla come back to update the mural with new outfits on the girls in the image, with one who represents Kawano herself and the other being a “Midtown edgy girl.”

The Masonic Temple building on J Street near the Lincoln Highway was the home of a mural done by Stephanie Taylor, but was destroyed by weather and time. Taylor’s piece, copied from original artwork on display at the Crocker Art Museum, “Sunday Morning in the Mines,” has been digitally reproduced and is back in place on the Masonic Temple.

Jack’s Urban Eats on 20th Street near Capitol Avenue in Midtown is the home to this mural. Unfortunately, no one could be reached at the restaurant for comment.

Michael Brown, owner of Capitol Dawg on 20th Street near L Street, said he had the mural on the back of his building done just about a year ago. Most of the work was done by Shaun Turner.

“I asked him for a little color, a little nostalgia, and to have the words ‘Capitol Dawg’ on the piece somewhere,” Brown said. “I let the artist do what he wanted. I think he winged it.”

Brown said he’s really happy with the piece, and added that an unexpected benefit has been that the mural has been untouched by taggers. The blank wall on the backside of his restaurant had previously been a popular spot for graffiti, but he said he thinks taggers respect the artwork.

The Alhambra Theatre may be closed, but this Midtown mural pays homage to “the showplace of Sacramento,” located off of 25th Street near J Street.

This piece on HR Sports Cards at the corner of 10th and W streets is still in progress. Artist Irubiel Moreno has taken the project on with a collection of other artists. The mural depicts figures from various religions, including Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism, and was intended to create a message of unity.

Fox 40 covered the first stages of this mural project in August.

The Art in Public Places program, as part of the Sacramento Metro Arts Commission, works primarily with public projects in new construction, said program director Shelly Willis. Upcoming projects include the Elkhorn Tower in north Sacramento and a test project to paint a large utility box at 20th and J streets.

Willis said the review process for any public piece is extensive, since the program is funded with public money. She said that while her focus is on public work, she is also a resource for artists and business in the private sector who wish to commission artwork.

In 2009, the Art in Public Places program put together the Franklin Urban Plein Air Project, a temporary art project on Franklin Boulevard. The 22 pieces were painted on storefronts by as many different artists, but unlike most of the city’s mural work, these are on a much smaller scale.

“These murals were purposefully meant to engage people at the pedestrian level,” Willis said, adding that Franklin Boulevard was once voted the ugliest street in Sacramento, but is gradually becoming a more beautiful place.

Do you have a favorite mural in Sacramento? Please share below in the comments.

Classic “Sunset Boulevard” to Screen at the Crocker on January 5

2012-01-04T19:25:10Z

The Crocker Art Museum will screen the Academy-Award-winning classic “Sunset Boulevard” on Thursday, Jan. 5, at 6:30 p.m. One of the greatest movies about Hollywood ever made, this film is at once film noir, dark comedy, high melodrama, and scathing satire. Tickets are $5 for Museum members and $10 for nonmembers, not including Museum admission.

One of the most successful films of its era, “Time” described it as a story of "Hollywood at its worst told by Hollywood at its best." Gloria Swanson stars as a faded silent screen goddess who dreams of a box-office comeback. William Holden is Joe Gillis, a cynical small-time writer who becomes entangled in her deluded world.

Film scholar Kristen Anderson Wagner will introduce the film and provide a sneak peek of Film Frame features to come in 2012.

Director Billy Wilder’s “Sunset Boulevard,” an ideal example of the Baroque aesthetic on the big screen, is presented in conjunction with the exhibition “Florence and the Baroque: Paintings from the Haukohl Family Collection.” The exhibition features Italian painting and sculpture from the 16th through 18th centuries to Northern California. On view at the Crocker through February 12, 2012, this exhibition is drawn from the largest private American collection of Florentine Baroque painting and features works by key artists such as Cesare Dandini, Jacopo da Empoli, and Francesco Furini.

This screening is part of the Museum’s monthly film series, Film Frame, which occurs every first Thursday evening of the month. Presented in collaboration with local festivals and organizations, films relate to the Crocker’s exhibitions and collections as well as relevant issues in film, art, and society. Screenings are accompanied by commentary from film makers, enthusiasts, scholars, artists, and local arts partners. Watch trailers and learn more about upcoming films at crockerartmuseum.org.

The Crocker Art Museum was the first art museum in the Western U.S. and is now one of the leading art museums in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday.” For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Year in review: Business milestones

2011-12-27T05:29:55Z

The Sacramento Press covered many stories in 2011 of businesses coming and going, but there are a number of Sacramento businesses that celebrated milestones, withstanding the test of time and recessions big and small.

Midtown Italian restaurant Paesanos – Italian for “friends” – has been in business for 15 years, since April 1996. Director of Operations Dana Scarpulla told The Sacramento Press that Midtown has undergone major changes since the restaurant’s founding, and most have been positive.

Pastas, pizzas and salads top the list of favorites at the restaurant, which has since expanded to Paesanos Pronto and a couple other locations. There’s also word of another location opening in 2012.

The Kitchen, owned by husband and wife Randall Selland and Nancy Zimmer, has been in business for 20 years, starting in May of 1991.

Known for its presentation dinners that are highly interactive, The Kitchen caters to an upscale crowd with $125 four-course demonstration meals. Selland is expanding as well, opening another restaurant in El Dorado Hills in mid-January.

Another restaurant in business for 20 years is Ernesto’s Mexican Food. The Midtown eatery weathered recessions by focusing on quality and service, said owner Pauline Jiménez.

It opened in November 1991, and top dishes at the restaurant include tortilla soup, chile rellenos and carnitas. Of course, the margaritas play a big role in the restaurant and bar as well.

Biba Restaurant celebrated its 25th birthday with a reopening and makeover in July.

"Just like a beautiful woman, you don't stay beautiful forever unless you do something," owner Biba Caggiano told The Sacramento Press. "This place needed something: color, other things. I'm very, very, very happy."

Caggiano ws born in Italy, and the name might be familiar to those who watch The Discovery Channel and The Learning Channel, as she hosted more than 100 episodes of “Biba’s Italian Kitchen” on the networks.

The nonprofit cable TV Access Sacramento turned 25 in March, marking a quarter century of covering local life, including entertainment and cultural events as well as high school sports.

Local officials including Assemblyman Roger Dickinson and City Councilman Steve Cohn attended the organization’s birthday party, and Sacramento Press Community Contributor Kati Garner was there to take photos.

Locally owned Lofings Lighting sits in an unobtrusive spot on J Street most noticeable when driving by at night, and the business marked its 50th year in November.

Over the past half-century, the Lofing family has become renowned in the industry for expertise in lighting fixtures and technology, serving both residential and commercial clients across the country. The Lofings routinely test new technology and give input to manufacturers before the products go to market.

The American River Parkway is often called “the jewel” of the region, and for the past 50 years, the Save American River Parkway Association has been working to preserve it and encourage its use by local residents and tourists alike.

The nonprofit group has more than 600 members and keeps tabs on the 23-mile stretch of parkway, which hosts 5 million visitors each year doing everything from bicycling and running to boating.

Are there any other businesses that celebrated milestones this year? Let us know in the conversation below.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Second Saturday events

2011-12-13T22:30:02Z

Sacramento art galleries hosted small crowds of visitors during the last Second Saturday of the year. Many visitors took advantage of the smaller crowds to do Christmas shopping. Galleries and other businesses sold art, crafts, gift certificates and other items to Christmas shoppers.

Festivities in Sacramento began earlier in the day with the annual Santa Parade. Thousands of children, along with their parents, lined the parade route. The parade started at the corner of 9th and I Streets and an anticipated crowd of over 25 thousand watched.

The annual parade began at 10 a.m. and participants included marching bands, cheer squads, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, several floats, car clubs, horses, community organizations, beauty queens, dancers, actors and other performers. Santa and Mrs. Claus were the most anticipated and popular members of the parade.

Another holiday event also took place later in the day during Second Saturday festivities. La Raza Galería Posada staged a community posada “Las Posaditas” on Saturday and will bring the event to Midtown again on Saturday, December 17.

The posada (lodging) is a re-enactment of the story of Joseph and Mary searching for lodging. Volunteers played the parts of an angel, Joseph and Mary.

The posada started with Galería Posada’s Program Coordinator Roberto Lopez welcoming guests and giving a little history about the posada and where the procession was going to take place.

Posada participants caroled the Midtown area with several songs that included “Jingle Bells,” “El Niño del Tambor,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas” and other songs.

Following the biblical story of Mary and Joseph seeking lodging and going from inn to inn the posada made a couple of stops. The first destination was Casa de Español located at 2115 J Street.

The number of carolers was around 65 when they began and each of them entered Casa de Español for some chocolate and drink treats after singing several songs.

The second stop of the evening for the posada procession was Gallery 2110 and the Sacramento Art Complex. Several visitors to the Sacramento Art Complex enjoyed the carolers who ended their singing with “Feliz Navidad.”

The procession made one final stop at the MARRS Building on 20th Street. By this time the carolers had grown in size as others joined in. A piñata awaited the carolers where they sang several more holiday songs.

Children took turns as they tried to break a piñata and afterwards tamales were provided for the posada carolers.

The posadas will take place once again at the Galería Posada on Saturday, December 17. I’m not sure if they will follow the same route but visit their website to find more information.

Autumn Sky to Perform at the Crocker on December 15

2011-12-13T00:58:28Z

The Crocker Art Museum will host local indie darling Autumn Sky for a night of original folk and pop on Thursday, Dec. 15. Sky is an award-winning, multi-instrumentalist singer-songwriter from Sacramento. She will play songs from past releases and her soon-to-launch sophomore album, "The Hallelujah Chorus.” The concert will take place in the Museum’s Setzer Foundation Auditorium at 7 p.m.

At 23 years old, Sky has been playing for Sacramento crowds for over six years and has garnered much local acclaim for her lively and engaging shows. Her unique style mixes pitch-perfect and deeply emotive vocals with indie and pop sensibilities. She released “Diminutive, Petite EP” in 2007, followed by her debut album “All Which Isn't Singing” in 2008. Sky has performed at the California State Fair, Downtown Sacramento’s Concert in the Park series, and the Crest Theatre. Most recently, she received the Outstanding Singer-Songwriter and Readers’ Choice Artist of the Year awards at the 2010 and 2011 Sammie Block Party and Music Awards.

Tickets are $6 for Museum members and $12 for nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

The Crocker Cafe will offer a themed drink special that evening in honor of the concert. The “Sky Crock-tail,” a Skyy Vodka dirty martini, will be available for $7 from 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Playlist is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Sacramento Central Library hosts holiday concert

2011-12-07T04:40:30Z

The Sacramento Youth Symphony and Academy of Music enchanted an audience of approximately 350 guests at the Tsakopoulos Library Galleria. The free holiday concert was hosted by the Central Library on Sunday afternoon.

The Sacramento Public Library invited the public to celebrate music performed by the 85-member ensemble. Musicians played to a full house which has been common for many of the events held at the Central Library.

Sacramento Youth Symphony and Academy of Music’s Artistic Director, Michael Neumann, presented the Academic Orchestra and the concert also featured the Saltarello Flute Ensemble and the Clarion Clarinet Ensemble.

Neumann addressed the audience by welcoming and thanking them for attending the event.

“I’m very happy that you’re here today and I’d like to start you right off the bat with our first group, the Saltarello Flute Ensemble conducted by Alice Lenagham.”

The group, consisting of nine flutists, performed from the second floor of the Tsakopoulos Galleria and entertained guests with “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy" by P.I. Tchaikovsky, Mykola Leontovych’s composition, "Carol of the Bells" and two other compositions.

Before the next group took the stage Neumann asked the audience if anyone played the flute. Less than five people raised their hand. He asked the same question about clarinet players and this time a few more raised their hand.

The Clarion Clarinet Ensemble, conducted by Sandra McPherson, walked up to a sitting area in front of the Academic Orchestra. The four clarinet players pleased the audience with four pieces that included “Over the Rainbow” and “Jingle Bells.”

Neumann once again came to the microphone to point out a couple of table in the back that had information on the Youth Symphony and volunteer opportunities. He also asked who had and who had not heard the Sacramento Youth Symphony play before. Most of the audience raised their hand, indicating that most of the audience had previously heard them play. I was one of the few who had not heard them perform before, but I soon became an avid fan.

The last group of the evening to perform had been sitting down since the beginning. Neumann introduced Angelo Moreno who was to conduct the Academic Orchestra. The Orchestra began by giving fans a great rendition of Girolamo Frescobaldi’s “Toccata.”

The audience showed their appreciation and responded with great applause as the orchestra ended their first piece.

Moreno continued to conduct with great enthusiasm as the Youth Symphony played their second performance, Jerry Lehmeier’s arrangement of Gioachino Rossini’s “William Tell Overture,” showcasing the young musicians’ talents.

Violins appeared to have the most number of musicians and they were accompanied by several violas and cellos. Flutes, oboes, basses, clarinets, horns, trumpets, trombones, percussion and a harp player completed the orchestra ensemble.

The Academic Orchestra continued their performance with Claude T. Smith’s Prelude on an Early American Folk Hymn, “My Shepherd Will Supply my Need,” which showcased the only harp in the orchestra. The last piece performed was “March Slav” by P.I. Tchaikovsky.

As the music program was about to conclude, Neumann addressed the audience, saying that what the audience saw was only about 50 percent of what the Sacramento Youth Symphony is all about. He noted that other ensembles that did not attend also existed and more information on those groups can be found on their website. Neumann concluded by inviting guests to talk to him and ask questions and he would answer them at the back tables after the show.

A Christmas sing-along concluded the event with the audience joining in and singing “Oh Christmas Tree,” “The First Noel” and “Jingle Bells.”

The Central Library once again hosted a great event that continues to make this a great venue for music, art and community events.

The concert was very well put together and the kids did a terrific job performing in front of friends, family and other guests. After all the performances were over I spoke with Neumann.

When asked how the kids are selected to play in the symphony, Neumann said, “The kids are selected by going through an audition process and every year we go through this audition process not just for the new kids that want to join but for everyone. At the end of the year every seat is vacant and everyone has to re-audition.”

Neumann also mentioned that there are different levels of orchestras, saying that the group who performed is the middle level. There’s a level above and one below.

Describing the selection process, Neumann noted that there is one audition process and afterward each musician is placed in the level best suited for them. Again, Neumann said that if they want to continue they have to re-audition and be placed according to their level.

The number of spots open for each of the orchestra levels is fairly open but there are some limits on some positions and those limits are up to the Artistic Director (Neumann).

The Sacramento Youth Symphony has been around for 55 years and Neumann noted that this is his 33rd year with the organization. Neumann also shared that they have grown since he took over in 1979 from having only one orchestra and having 65 members to 400 people.

Neumann’s passion and dedication to the organization has put the orchestra in a position where future growth continues. He attributes the growth of the program to many factors but one in particular.

“We continue to grow because we have something of great quality,” said Neumann. “We have good teachers and we have great quality and I believe people want to be involved with quality and that’s why we continue to do well.”

A quality performance was given by the Sacramento Youth Symphony and Academy of Music. Their exquisite performance was greatly appreciated by those who were able to witness the program. Their collaboration with the Sacramento Central Library was like an early Christmas present to the Sacramento community.

The partnership highlights two organizations that continue to offer their resources to the Sacramento community and the performance on Sunday showed how well it can work. The Sacramento Central Library and Sacramento Youth Symphony show themselves to be a great cultural destination for the community. Both also offer the resources that help transform young people.

Crocker Explores the Artful Side of Water on December 8

2011-12-07T01:26:18Z

The Crocker Art Museum will present a multi-media exploration of water on Thursday, Dec 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. Inspired by the community exhibition “Liquid Assets,” Art Mix: Flow in Flux will feature a mini-film festival curated by the Sundance Film Festival's associate programmer Mike Plante, special water-based tours led by artists Enid Baxter Blader, Jenny Stark, and Nicole Antebi, a performance by the Spillit Quikkers, a local old-time string band, and interactive water-themed art with iPads.

“Liquid Assets” is a unique installation exploring one of California’s most vital resources. Inspired by art from the Crocker's permanent collection, this exhibit features 21 works laid out as a spatial dictionary offering perspectives on how water defines life in the region. The community exhibit will be on view through January 12, 2012, and is presented in collaboration with the Water, CA project.

Art Mix is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups. Tickets are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

The Crocker Art Museum was the first art museum in the Western U.S. and is now one of the leading art museums in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Bank of America. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Sacramento Ballet's The Nutcracker

2011-12-05T08:38:03Z

There are many holiday traditions that we all have and share. A tradition held by many around the world is listening to, participating in or performing “The Nutcracker.”

Friday night the Sacramento Ballet hosted “Inside the Director’s Studio, Through the Dancer's Eye: The Nutcracker,” where dancers talked about “The Nutcracker” and shared their personal points of view.

Artistic director Ron Cunningham welcomed guests to the event, saying the dancers would talk about their experiences and how they prepare for shows.

Cunningham also called the audience’s attention to a Sacramento Ballet calendar featuring the photography of resident photographer Keith Sutter. Cunningham noted that the calendar would make a wonderful Christmas gift and several of them were later sold at the lobby. Dancers available after the show were happy to autograph calendars purchased.

Dancers sat on the floor of the Sacramento Ballet Studios facing the audience. The setting was very casual, and approximately 25 dancers participated. Christopher Brian Nachtrab and Alexandra Cunningham served as moderators of the event.

“The event is entitled ‘Inside the Director’s Studio,’ but tonight it’s ‘Inside the Dancers’ Studio,’” Nachtrab said. “It’s a perspective of how we deal with ‘The Nutcracker,’ year after year after year after year…” Nachtrab continued drawing laughter.

Nachtrab’s insight to their performances was very intriguing, and events such as this allow guests to learn more about the dancers. It also gives the audience an idea of what goes on behind the curtain.

“The Nutcracker” has a large cast of members and dancers who may have to perform as more than one character. How do the dancers spend their time backstage when not performing? What’s the hardest part about performing? Who does hair, makeup and costumes? Those were some questions answered as dancers talked about their experiences.

Nachtrab shared that since this is so close to Christmas many of the dancers have to skip holiday parties they’re invited to because of rehearsals and performances. Their last performance is the day before Christmas Eve and if they have to travel it becomes a little burdensome.

Nachtrab said, “Since I live across the country I don’t get home until Christmas Eve and I really can’t tell my family I have to go out and buy presents so I have to be well prepared. Another thing that the dancers have to cope with is makeup". Nachtrab stated, “The ladies have to put on lots of makeup and it becomes very demanding on them.”

Other dancers noted that they get into character mode with the help of other dancers and try to keep limber. One of the dancers noted that there’s a lot of bouncing, jumping and stretching backstage. If dancers are not on stage they’re busy doing their own hair and makeup, changing into different costumes and preparing for their performance.

“The Nutcracker” has been performed around the world for over 100 years, and generations of fans continue to follow ballet performances. The dancers at the Sacramento event shared some of their experiences when they saw their first “Nutcracker” performance.

Nachtrab said he saw his first performance when he was 5 years old.

“I sat on my mom’s lap because there was a gentleman who was way too tall sitting in front of me,” he said. “I enjoyed the whole thing, and after I walked out of the theater, I said that I just loved it. “

Dancer Lauren Breen shared that her mom had taken her to watch “The Nutcracker” when she was 3 years old, but she did not remember it.

It was interesting to note that several of the dancers are originally from other countries, and it was interesting to hear about their exposure to the production.

Dancer Rick Porter, an Australian native, said his first introduction only happened four years ago since he did not experience it back home, but he’s found that it’s, as he put it, “a fun ballet.”

Nicole Haskins told a story about a video of her at 18 months old choreographing her own Sugar Plum Fairy dance, running to her dad. She has been performing as one character or another from the age of 9 to 18. Now, she says, there’s always something different at every role and every performance that keeps her performances fresh.

It was also a great experience to have dancers share their enthusiasm for dance, performing and their view on life. The dancers are very close to each other and their friendship is quite evident.

The audience learned that the dancers usually practice several hours a day until the day of the performance, and then they have to adjust as they practice later in the day for the evening performances.

Besides rehearsals, the dancers have to apply stage makeup, make wardrobe changes and other adjustments in between dances. In essence, there are many things going on backstage that the dancers need to make allowances for and they all show camaraderie by helping other dancers when they can.

The audience was asked to look for the performance of the maids, as this was described as a fun role. The experiences of wearing the mouse or nutcracker heads and costumes were fascinating to listen to as well. Almost every aspect of what goes on backstage was discussed, and it’s remarkable how much goes on that the audience just doesn’t know about.

As I listened to the dancers share their stories, I remembered my introduction to “The Nutcracker” when I was 7, when I danced in a school production, and that memory has remained. Do you remember the first time you saw or participated in “The Nutcracker”?

Ron Cunningham’s “The Nutcracker,” with live score performed by the Sacramento Philharmonic, opens on Friday and runs through Dec. 23 at the Sacramento Community Center. Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 808-5181.

Crocker Art Museum Presents Evening of Inspiring Artistic Cinema with Kurosawa’s “Dreams”

2011-11-29T23:43:35Z

The Crocker Art Museum will present “Dreams,” the visually stunning film from Academy Award-winning director Akira Kurosawa, on Thursday, Dec. 1 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets include Museum admission and are $6 for museum members and $12 for nonmembers.

Comprised of eight separate vignettes inspired from actual dreams of the world-renowned filmmaker, “Dreams” is a collection of fantastic and evocative stories, separate in narrative, but intertwined with themes of nature and spirituality, life and death, and peace and war.

Born in early-20th-century Japan, Kurosawa made his international directorial debut in 1950 and went on to receive numerous accolades throughout Asia and the U.S., including an Academy Award for Lifetime Achievement in 1990. Kurosawa has worked in a wide range of genres and influenced countless filmmakers and artists, including director Oliver Stone, who calls the film “haunting, symbolic, and drenched with whimsy and foreknowledge of death.”

Don Roth, executive director of the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis, will introduce the film and lead a post-screening Q & A session. The film screening is presented in collaboration with the Mondavi Center, which will feature a screening of Oliver Stone's classic “Platoon” on January 9 and a speaking engagement with Oliver Stone on February 3 More information on these related events is available at mondaviarts.org.

Film Frame is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups. Tickets can be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

The Crocker Art Museum was the first art museum in the Western U.S. and remains one of the leading art museums in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Bank of America. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Your Favorite Neighborhood just got Merrier!

2011-11-29T02:09:55Z

2nd Annual 12 Days of Midtown

Midtown Sacramento is all dressed up for the holiday season with events and specials that are sure to fill visitors and residents with holiday cheer. Festivities will occur December 1st - December 12th with a variety of activities for all ages. The 2nd Annual event will feature various local businesses throughout the Midtown district.

The 12 Days of Midtown kicks off with the Winter Wine & Jazz Mixer featuring the Sacramento Philharmonic on Thursday, December 1st. The full calendar of merry activities includes a Hot Toddy contests at Santa’s Tavern (The Golden Bear), a gingerbread cookie workshop at artBEAST, Santa’s Workshop at the MARRS Building, multiple holiday showcases by the region’s best performing arts organizations, and of course unique shopping opportunities and holiday sales.

Also back for its 2nd year is the Light Up Midtown contests. MBA has challenged 100’s of businesses to transform their store-fronts into the most impressive winter wonderland that their elves can engineer. Prizes will be awarded to the top 3 businesses, with the top Midtown business receiving a $1,000 advertising grant. Resident and visitors are encouraged to vote. One lucky voter will win a $100 Gift Card to a Midtown business of their choice.

Plus for the 15th year in a row the City of Sacramento is providing Midtown with FREE Street metered parking all day on weekends and after 4:30 p.m. on weekdays through December 25th. So grab your loved ones and a pair of mittens, and check our events listing below for all your Midtown holiday happenings!

12 Days of Midtown events include:
• “Winter Wine & Jazz Mixer featuring the Philharmonic” Kennedy Gallery & Headhunters | Dec 1
• “SGMC Holiday Concert” First United Methodist Church | Dec 2
• “Santa’s Workshop” MARRS Building | Dec 3
• “Midtown Monthly’s Holiday FUNRaiser” Luigi’s Fungarden | Dec 3
• “Free Holiday Gift Wrapping” French Cuff Consignment | Dec 4
• “Gingerbread Cookie Decorating Party” ArtBeast Studio | Dec 5
• “Santa's Tavern & Hot Toddy Competition” Golden Bear | Dec 6
• “Every Christmas Story Ever Told” Capital Stage | Dec 7
• “Holiday Shopping Kick-Off Party” MAIYA Gallery | Dec 8
• “The Nutcraker, Opening Night” Community Center Theater | Dec 9
• “Emigrant Christmas” Sutter’s Fort | Dec 10
• “The Snow Queen” B Street Theatre | Dec 11
• “Season of Giving Blood Drive” BloodSource | Dec 12

Please check out exploremidtown.org for more information specific to each event.

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication & Events Manager at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the 12 Days of Midtown.

Latino culture center faces deep budget gap

2011-11-22T01:20:51Z

La Raza Galería Posada is in a situation similar to many local arts organizations, needing to raise about $25,000 in the next two and a half months to stay open.

“We receive a lot of our funding from grants, but those have gone down significantly since about 2005,” said Executive Director Marie Acosta.

La Raza Galería Posada has been a culture center and art gallery for the past 40 years. It started as a bookstore, then morphed into a gallery. Acosta said it currently serves to give exposure to up-and-coming Latino and Chicano artists.

Private donors are being called upon to help raise the funds, and Acosta said that the organization has a mailing list of about 2,500 people, so if each person donated $10, it would provide the needed funds.

A call put out a couple of weeks ago was encouraging, she said.

“We got a lot of checks, and a lot of them were more than $10, and even more than $20,” she said. “The problem was, we didn’t get 2,000 of them.”

With arts organizations lacking funding across the board, La Raza Galería Posada’s story isn’t unique, and Acosta said she hopes to see the type of success that the Sacramento Opera saw when it needed to raise funds from private donations earlier this year.

Funding for La Raza Galería Posada, which in years past has ranged from $50,000 - $70,000, dropped to about $30,000 this year as government funds for nonprofit organizations were cut, and other funding sources decreased.

One organization that has given grants to La Raza Galería Posada is the Sacramento Region Community Foundation, a nonprofit organization that distributes grants based on community needs.

“I think La Raza is increasingly meeting the changing demographic, but also becoming relevant to our mainstream community as well,” said Priscilla Enriquez, chief giving officer for the Sacramento Region Community Foundation.

She added that data for Sacramento shows that there is no majority ethnicity, and Latinos are a growing population in the area.

Another organization that has supported La Raza Galería Posada is the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission.

“We’ve supported them for about 30 years, and we really believe in what they do,” said SMAC Executive Director Rhyena Halpern. “It’s a really important community-based organization, and they do really high-quality programming.”

She added that the inclusion of performing arts, films and other media has expanded the organization’s offerings in recent years.

“We have quite a few Mexican folkloric dance groups, but La Raza is really what we have here in terms of visual and performing arts,” Halpern said. “They’re the main Chicano, Latino and Native American arts organization, and they’re really important.”

One example of the expanded offering of La Raza Galería Posada, Acosta said, is the recent Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) celebration, which allowed approximately 40 families to build traditional Day of the Dead altars at no cost.

“It’s not just Latinos and Chicanos who come in here,” Acosta said. “We are a resource for students throughout the area who are learning Spanish or studying history and lots of other subjects.”

For the month of December, La Raza Galería Posada will house 14 vendors selling handmade items with Latino/Chicano roots in its Mercado Navideño, or Christmas market.

If the money is not raised by the end of January, Acosta said La Raza Galería Posada will be forced to go on hiatus, but she hopes that doesn’t happen.

“There is strong hope that we will raise the money,” she said. “I know a lot of people care about us and like having us here, and the economy is bad, but they have been willing to give when they hear about our situation.”

La Raza Galería Posada is located at 1022-1024 22nd St. in Midtown. To donate, follow the link on the organization’s website.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Annual Holiday Art & Craft Festival November 25-27

2011-11-21T22:32:51Z

Nearly 100 regional artists and craftspeople will offer their unique creations during this year’s annual Holiday Art & Craft Festival. Presented by the Crocker Art Museum and the Creative Arts League of Sacramento, the festival is held at the Scottish Rite Center, located across from the main entrance of California State University, Sacramento, at 6151 H Street.

This year’s offerings will include jewelry, ceramics, paintings, gourmet food, holiday items and more. Impress your friends and family with local handmade gifts while supporting local artisans and the Crocker’s exhibitions and education programs.

Attendees can also enjoy delicious treats by Ambrosia Catering. For those who want to capture the holiday spirit, there will be a Victorian Santa Claus available for a vintage photo opportunity.

The three-day festival begins November 25, the day following Thanksgiving. Festival hours are 12 to 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 26, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 27. Admission is free for Museum members, $6 nonmembers, and $3 for students and seniors. Parking is free of charge.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

New art gallery opens in Mansion Flats

2011-11-17T22:47:40Z

Editorial Note: This is an updated version of a story that was published earlier.

On Nov. 10, the new Milk Gallery opened at 212 13th St. Amy Greer, co-owner of the 1,500-square-foot art gallery, said that the current collection of local art will provide visitors with an interesting blend of artistic styles.

Melanie Bown, a 39-year-old restitution trainer for the state and artist, opened the gallery with Greer, a 37-year-old restaurant employee and artist.

Both Bown and Greer have backgrounds in art. Bown has a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Bradley University, with an emphasis in printmaking. She teaches kids’ art classes at the Crocker Art Museum and was also an art installer prior to the Crocker expansion.

She assists local designer Brian Schmitt with his artwork and has taught art classes – from painting ceramics, needlework and crafts – at Short Center North, which offers art programs to adults with developmental disabilities.

Greer has a bachelor’s degree in studio art from UC Davis and has worked as the director of operations for Verge Art Gallery.

The Milk Gallery will hold receptions twice a month: the Thursday before Second Saturday from 6 - 10 p.m. and Second Saturday from 8 - 11 p.m.

While Greer said that they might expand days and hours in the future, the current hours are better for a gallery that isn’t on a busier street. She also said they open the gallery by appointment.

The artwork on display is for sale, and there is a broad range of artists from emerging to established. Prices for the current art on display range from $30 to $2,700.

Bown said the gallery will focus on visual arts, including pieces by local artists as well as by ones from across the country. Other art disciplines will be incorporated such as performance arts, theater, dance and live music.

“We want to be a gallery, but we also want to support the arts community,” Bown said.

The space is open and comfortable, with movable walls that Bown said will make it easy to create unique setups for each individual art showing.

Lining the walls are pictures painted by local artists, including Joseph Peters, Jack Alvarez and Peter Stegall.

Stegall, 71, said he thinks the space for the gallery is beautiful.

“I think (Bown and Greer) are off to a roaring start,” he said. “It looks really wonderful, and I think they’re going to do well.”

The art currently featured is a diverse collection of ceramics, paintings and other media. Stegall’s “Painted Object” is made out of wood and plays on the room’s lighting, casting an interesting shadow behind it.

Other pieces are three-dimensional objects built out of various materials, such as Gerald Heffernon’s “Flame-Roasted Phoenix with Spikenard and Myrrh, Served with Broiled Caterpillars and Chives.” The pieces rest on stands throughout the gallery, adding variety to the pictures mounted on the walls.

Greer said that she and Bown are still developing the gallery but that they believe their personal taste in art and the other art disciplines that they incorporate into their gallery will set them apart from others in the central city.

The gallery is located outside the traditional footpath for Second Saturday, which Greer said will hopefully attract more people who are looking for art as opposed to people who are just hanging out.

Sam Coe, a 33-year-old student who lives in McKinley Park, went to the gallery on Saturday night. He said that the gallery looks nice, clean and professional.

“My first impression is that it’s quite stunning,” Coe said. “The building and structure (are) really cool.”

Bown said that she never intended to open an art gallery. She said that one of her connections Phil Garcia, who leases the building, at 212 13th St., asked her if she’d ever like to put on an art show. Over time, the idea evolved into having Bown start up and manage the gallery.

“It was a series of conversations,” Bown said. “It wasn’t something that I went out and looked to do.”

As the project grew, Bown said she decided that she would like to have a partner, and Greer was the most capable person she knew.

Bown said that the name “Milk” came about through a “stream of consciousness” in which she listed off random names until she and Garcia settled on one that they liked.

“Milk is just a word that she really liked,” Greer said. “It’s very life-giving and nurturing.”

Lizet Freeman, a 66-year-old writer from Tahoe Park, said that she likes Milk Gallery because of the art and the atmosphere.

“I’m really happy with the art,” she said, adding that many of the pieces encouraged conversation because of their complexity and their beauty.

Bown and Greer said that they are both excited and hopeful for the future of the gallery.

“We’re just working it out as we go,” Greer said.

Skates, trains and automobiles

2011-11-16T23:47:35Z

November’s Second Saturday attendance appeared to have decreased this month. Two hot spots however thrived and attracted visitors to the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk. Art galleries and other establishments on 20th Street as well as businesses on K Street attracted large crowds.

Downtown Sacramento’s K Street, in another effort to jump start the commercial area, opened for vehicle traffic on Saturday.

A stage was set up on 12th and K Streets to accommodate an opening ceremony, a car parade, and other entertainment to celebrate the event.

Classic cars paraded down K Street for the first time in over 42 years. Reminiscent of cruising down the boulevards of San Francisco or Los Angeles several dozen cruisers delighted onlookers who gathered for the event.

After the parade Butoh Dancers, courtesy of Rowena & Takashi, took the stage to showcase their hair and makeup talent.

Mariachi Latino, courtesy of Mayahuel, played their brand of music as patrons of the restaurant and guests enjoyed being serenaded.

The Smirkers, courtesy of Marilyn’s on K, also performed for fans and friends.

The Spazmatics were the last act to take the stage at 12th and K and they thoroughly delighted the audience. They started their performance singing “Cars” by Gary Numan. Their performances of 80s rock are very whimsical, energetic, popular choices for dancing, great to listen to and a lot of fun to watch.

The Spazmatics’ performance was a great official ending to the Cars on K event. As the 12th and K Street stage closed down, so did many of the venues and art galleries that participate in the monthly Second Saturday Art Walk events.

Just down the street on K and 11th a skateboard course was set up and several people skated. The course was provided to coincide with Omar Salazar’s Nike SB shoe launch celebration. The shoe launch included a red carpet event hosted by District 30.

As I stopped to watch kids skateboarding on the made up course a skateboard piece of art was being created by Eddie Stein.

Stein’s piece was created using a metal loop and skateboards were attached to it creating art. Stein used skateboards he’s collected over the years. A plaque attached to the artwork indicated that another local artist, Ianna Frisby, helped create the concept.

Mehrad Saidi had been at the skating course early in the day and was on hand to show me around, as we discussed the significance of K Street and skateboarding and how appropriate it was to be there to have an Omar Salazar shoe launch event.

Saidi said, “K Street was a popular spot for skaters back in the 80s” and as he said this, Stein - who was working on his art piece -interjected, saying “I skated it.”

Discussing skating in the 80s, Stein said, “I’m not really an expert but I know they changed K Street Mall and they built all these concrete structures which we called tape barriers because that’s what they looked like. There were also all these fountains and different embankments that we used when we came to skate at night.”

Stein indicated they skated at night because they did not want to get in trouble with the authorities. He indicated it was considered a skate friendly place in the sense that they could meet other skaters and was a place to hang out and learn from others.

As Stein continued to work on his structure, he noted that it was an untitled piece and was going to be using 23 skateboards to complete the work. He noted that a Hobie skateboard used in the display was from the time period we were discussing. Stein also noted that his piece had been exhibited at the California Auto Museum. Stein noted, “In fact it was the very first installation art piece ever allowed in the California Auto Museum.”

People passing by stopped to look at the art piece and asked Stein questions. In the meantime skaters of various generations and ethnicities continued to skate the course. The love of skating was a common link.

District 30 was hosting the Salazar shoe launch later that evening and at their entrance Alma Campos of Forum Boutique had a table of her boutique designs on display. Joaquin Razo, the event planner for the Salazar event took me inside District 30 to reveal the set up for the evening’s red carpet event.

Luke Shawver of District 30 conveyed that several things were going to transpire during the evening in the club and surrounding establishments. He mentioned that DJ Chris Harnett would provide music for the evening and that drink specials were being offered at District 30, Pizza Rock and the Dive Bar.

District 30, along with other surrounding clubs, theaters and eateries on K Street look forward to increased traffic and hopefully increased business.

Legendary skateboarder Curtis Franklin was on hand to help the Salazar crew with the event. Franklin talked about skating in the 80s in Sacramento and said, “We used to come down to Sacramento and that’s how many of us met as kids.” Franklin noted that he skated with Stein saying, “He was a big guy back then and it’s still cool seeing him. Some of those boards are what I was doing when I was a kid.”

Franklin continues to skate and noted he has a skating set up in his back yard. I relayed that a neighbor of some friends had built a ramp in his backyard in Folsom and to my surprise Franklin knew who I was talking about.

Rekindling memories, Franklin stated with much enthusiasm, “Yeah, my buddy Roger, we all know each other. His last name is actually Folsom. When I was a kid, Roger and my buddy Randy Katen and others hung out with each other. Some of the guys you lose track of but everyone just keeps skating, or they stop and start skating as their kids begin.”

When asked why he was at the event, Franklin noted that he was there to support Salazar. Franklin’s passion for skating is quite evident and he noted the skating community is very tight. Franklin said, “Omar has the ability to bring people together, he’s really connected with the kids and he's a down to earth kid as well.”

In regards to the skateboarding community, Franklin explained that he was glad to see Salazar and others giving back to Sacramento. Franklin ended by saying, “It’s good that he’s giving back. If you don’t give back to this community you get kind of excommunicated. You have to know where you came from. I remember Omar skating with me when he was a little kid. He has a good family, good friends and a great foundation. He’s a positive and genuine kid.”

Pablo Salazar and Saidi later presented Franklin with a display board that read, “Their Perseverance Paved the Way for This Generation's Acceptance” and included the names of Sacramento skaters who continue to give back to the community. Names on the board included Matt Rodriguez, John Cardiel, Omar Salazar, Ricky Windsor, Brandon Biebel, Curtis Franklin, Stefan Janoski, Matt Palles and Mako Urabe.

Skaters enjoyed the ramps created by Casey Lindstrom. The Livermore native has lived in Sacramento for the past 14 years. When asked how long it took to build the ramps Lindstrom said, “It took about three days to put together the ramps and course. I build a lot of ramps for 28th and B (Skate Park).”

Lindstrom has been skating for over 25 years and also runs Casey’s Restoration, a construction business. He noted that lately he’s had a lot of free time and donates wood and other materials he may have during times of slow business. His commitment to skateboarding runs deep. “If I’m not working I’m doing something for the B,” Lindstrom said. Skaters keep him going and he explained, “Business has been slow and it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Skateboarding keeps me going and keeps people happy and that’s what it’s all about.”

District 30 celebrated the Cars on K Street after party that included the Nike SB shoe release and birthday party for Omar Salazar. Salazar celebrated with fans, friends and family.

The Causeway Classic moves to art

2011-11-15T09:21:55Z

On every second friday of the month the small city of Davis, home to one of the most prestigious colleges in the state, is taking a great idea from Sacramento's "Second Saturday" and is spinning it there own way. Instead of music and art inside bars, resteraunts, cafe's, and art galleries like Sacramento does, Davis does it like a small town and puts the music outside at the E. St. Plaza and Central Park. The art is contained to one art Gallery named "John Natsoulas Center For the Arts".

In the Central Park they had a group of local DJ's spinning up and having a ball, while the E. St. Plaza had what sounded like a mariachi band but they were all white.

"It is great to know that you live in a town that wants to spend its second friday night together as a community." says Charles Gibson a UCD Student "It also gets my creative juices running"

Some Second Saturday super serious supporters might think of Davis as a parot of Sacramento's good ideas. Davis might be the first small town to have such a strong art following that they have there own art walk and you could have an art filled weekendsince Davis is only 15 miles away from Sacramento and vice versa

Disclosure: i went to the show but am not affiliated at all

Crafts and Art Obession

2011-11-15T06:48:57Z

There you can find some the best artists that create handmade jewelry, clothing, food, versatile music, and orginal art just to name a few. Although this event tends to reach capacity, the experience is all worthwhile and unforgettable. This not only promotes the theme and importance of keeping authentic art and music alive, but it gives the artistic owners an opportunity to have their crafts become a career path or a future business. On their website you can find the different types of activities they have each year, and a background story on why and how this event was established.

This extravaganza is dedicated to those artists that have worked hard and have been in the music and original art industry for years, and what is a perfect way to display it with great mini festivities. Also, the price is very cheap. With just one purchased ticket, you can do all the exhibiting and shopping you want to do!

The Harvest Festival has product categories such as body essentials, home decor, woodwork, pottery and ceramics, and so much more. The tour is also in Nevada, Southern and North California.

Dragatomi store offers custom vinyl toys

2011-11-11T06:40:38Z

Sacramento residents can impress their loved ones this holiday season with unique gifts from Dragatomi.

Dragatomi, a toy store located at 2317 J St., showcases limited-edition vinyl toys, and even commissioned custom toys upon request to artists who were featured in the store.

"Our products are anywhere from the cute to the dark," co-owner Joanne Suavillo, 33, said. "I feel that we have something for everybody in here – some are custom, and some are production items."

Suavillo described the toys in the store as "made for the older child."

"We have customers who start collecting at 7 years old and grannies who buy for themselves," Suavillo said.

"Even though it's a small store, it's got a ton of stuff," vinyl toy collector Jawad Jaser, 29, of East Sacramento said.

Jaser said he has more than 20 designer toys in his collection, with some of them still in the box because he is still in the process of purchasing a display case to showcase his collection.

The store's products range from $3 blind-boxed mini figures to $1,200 custom vinyl toys.

Blind boxes have the same concept as baseball card packaging where customers do not know the specific item or items they will get until they have opened it, explained Suavillo. The store gives customers the option to exchange the toy they get from blind-boxed toys, if it was a duplicate, to a display from that same product line.

Suavillo said that most of their toys are not meant to be played with, but more to be collected and displayed like the artwork that they are.

"It is not a mass-produced toy. You're not going to find these in big-box stores. You're not going to find it at Target or at Toys ‘R’ Us," Suavillo said of the store's limited-edition toys, such as "Cathy Cowgirl – all gold color special edition" by Ron English. Only 30 items of this edition were made available worldwide, and the store currently has three in stock.

She said that they carry a lot of custom toys where artists have taken an existing platform, for example, a Munny, a three-dimensional blank canvas made of vinyl resembling a cartoon-like figure, and have painted, airbrushed, applied resin or clay, or a combination of all, on it to express and embellish their own style.

Suavillo explained that the name of their store, Dragatomi, is a made-up word her brother-in-law, Myk Suavillo, came up with. It is also the name of a blue-colored dragon-like cartoon character he created, which became their trademark logo.

As of now, she said, the store only sells the Dragatomi character in plush form. The toy is an exclusive to the store. They also carry other designer toys exclusive to the store such as the "Ozomahtli Ghost Edition" by Jesse Hernandez, a toy designer from the Bay Area.

"We bring a lot of flavor to Sacramento by showing them works of artists that they may have not been able to see because they are not usually local," Suavillo said.

Describing his “Awesome Bear” character, Illustrator Philip Lumbang III, said, "My character, even though he's really simple, he's really thought-out." Lumbang, 25, grew up in Elk Grove and now lives in Los Angeles. He had his illustrations featured in the store Oct. 8.

Customers can ask the store for commissioned art from artists who were featured in the store.

The biggest item they have now in the store for sale is the “Mickey Mao” by Frank Kozik.

The store also sells T-shirts, photography and graffiti books and paintings, aerosol spray cans, resin, watches and zipper-pulls, among other things.

The store’s toys come from various distributors from all over the U.S., Suavillo said. They carry more than 15 of major-brand vinyl toy brands such as Kidrobot and Tokidoki.

"We never knew that Dragatomi is going to be where it's at today," Suavillo said. "It started as an online store, and really, my intention was to have it as a home business, but it grew, and it grew, and very rapidly, which we are very thankful for and for all the supporters who made this happen for us."

Suavillo started Dragatomi as online store in June 2008, and in May 2009 she has her Dragatomi store at their current location. Customers can also view and order their products, check schedule of future events and upcoming specials for the holidays, on their website.

The store is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. - 8 p.m., and Sunday 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Local Artists Join Together to Benefit Sacramento’s Safe Ground Nov. 12

2011-11-08T15:13:02Z

Art does many things. It gives us a history of culture. It decorates our homes. It helps the homeless.

This 2nd Saturday, Vox Sacramento art studio is giving back to the community, as well as providing a unique art show called “Home.” The studio is asking locals to bring camping equipment, blankets and coats to the exhibit. Items will be used by Safe Ground Sacramento, a homeless advocacy organization supported by a coalition of local non-profits trying to provide a safe, dry and warm solution for local residents without homes. SafeGround supports a self-governed, alcohol, drug and violence free homeless community alternative.

The exhibit features several local artists, including:

B. Shearer
Andy Brooks
Jill Allyn Stafford
Robert Couse-Baker
Kelly O'Neill
Tomas Overbai
Lisa Oullette

Art is available for purchase and some artists will be on hand at the event. The studio is located at 1818 11th St. and the showing is from 5 to 9 pm.

Every day, more than 1,450 homeless men, women, children and families are struggling to make it on Sacramento County’s streets, while the current ailing economy has resulted in more people on the streets, but fewer private and government dollars to help them.
The next few months will be particularly difficult for Sacramento’s homeless community. There is a tremendous need for warm coats, blankets, sleeping bags and other camping items. Contributions, along with financial donations, will go far toward helping Sacramento’s growing homeless population.

Safe Ground currently needs churches, synagogues, congregations, union halls and business owners in the midtown area to permit up to 100 homeless to stay overnight on their property, from 6pm to 7am the next day. Safe Ground provides its own staffing and cleanup. For more information, contact SafeGround at 916-448-2448 or Steve at 916-769-8877.

Disclosure: I'm a volunteer for Safe Ground.

Crocker Art Museum Presents Art Mix: Funk Lab on November 10

2011-11-07T19:57:57Z

The fantastical world of Clayton Bailey will transform the Crocker Art Museum for Art Mix: Funk Lab on Thursday, November 10, from 5 to 9 p.m. Inspired by Bailey’s robot sculptures and pop ray guns fashioned from discarded aluminum, the evening features a pop ray gun shooting range, dancing to sci-fi film soundtracks, a series of live-action trailers by Scavenger Theatre, and robotic inventions from the University of California, Davis, including iMobot.

“Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders,” the first career-spanning retrospective featuring the work of the ceramist, sculptor, and self-proclaimed “mad scientist,” is currently on view at the Museum through January 15, 2012.

Tickets for Funk Lab are free to Museum members and free with admission for nonmembers. Tickets are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182. Funk Lab is co-sponsored by UC Davis’ K-14 Outreach Center for Computing and STEM Education.

The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Tuesday–Sunday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Bank of America. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Never-before-seen-in-public Florentine Baroque art exhibition at the Crocker Art Museum

2011-11-05T07:03:29Z

Two never-before-seen-in-public Florentine Baroque paintings will be on exhibit at the Crocker Art Museum Saturday through Feb. 12: "Saint Sebastian" by Onorio Marinari and "Penitent Magdalene" by Cesare Dandini – as part of "Florence and the Baroque: Paintings from the Haukohl Family Collection" exhibit.

The exhibit features Italian paintings and a sculpture from the 16th through the 18th centuries by artists such as Cesare Dandini, Jacopo da Empoli and Francesco Furini.

"This is the first exhibition that is all of Italian painting that we've had in many decades," Curator William Breazeale said. "There is one from the Crest collection in 1933, there have been a few in between, but it’s been a long time for the Crocker."

He said that having this collection is a wonderful opportunity in bringing a new world to the Sacramento public since the museum's permanent collection is focused on other areas, such as Central Europe, Germany and Austria.

The Baroque style developed because there was a period in the 16th century when artists were looking at other artists' work more than they were looking at nature, and because of that, there was a new look at the human body, at clarity of storytelling, and there was a new look at emotion, Breazeale said.

"They deal both with the realistic depiction of the human body, but also emotion, as in, you'll have a statue with flowing drapery that sort of (adds) drama into it," Breazeale said, describing Baroque art.

He said through Baroque's clear storytelling style of art, somebody can look at it without bringing out the Bible and recognize, for example, the image of the Madonna and Child or Saint Sebastian.

"We have a few Baroque paintings but not from Florence," Breazeale said of the museum's permanent collection.

The Baroque in Florence, while still in-keeping with the Baroque style, has its heritage from artists such as Leonardo, Michaelangelo, Raphael to Bartolomeo, said Breazeale.

The dimly lit exhibit room features 16 paintings and one sculpture of Florentine Baroque art from the Haukohl family collection loan to the museum by Sir Mark Hers Haukohl, a collector and patron of the arts who lives in Houston, Texas. It is the largest private collection of Florentine Baroque painting in the U.S., and the ones on display are selections from that, said Breazeale.

The "Allegory of Musical Fame" by Cesare Dandini shows a winged woman, bearing a star above her head, holding a trumpet on one hand with a loosely entwined banner with the inscription "per ora virum" and on her other hand a viola.

"Per ora virum" translates to "through the mouths of men, " according to Breazeale. He explained that this can have a double meaning because it can both refer to singing, but can also deal with fame, because it is a herald's trumpet, or it can mean both.

He said that the exhibition is very unique because Cesare Dandini is the first of a dynasty of painters in Florence, and that the exhibition has represented four members of that family.

"It's something that very seldom happens even in exhibitions in Europe," he added.

"I like Baroque art in general. It's exciting, it's active, a lot of action going on in the pictures," said Brian Bates, an American River College humanities professor.

He said that in his modern humanities class he teaches Baroque art, and his students would benefit in seeing the exhibit to get a better understanding of the art.

The exhibition is open Tuesdays through Sundays from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Lectures and presentations related to the exhibit will be available from Saturday through Jan. 26. at the museum. Pricing and schedules for these programs are available at the Crocker Art Museum website.

Gourmet seafood restaurant coming to downtown Sacramento

2011-11-05T02:01:20Z

Two historical downtown buildings are being refurbished, and they will soon house Blackbird Kitchen & Bar, a seafood restaurant that owner Carina Lampkin said will serve “gourmet food at hipster prices” and is expected to open in December.

The approximately 3,500-square-foot building was formerly two separate buildings, 1013 and 1015 Ninth St., and both date back to the 1930s.

“Blackbird is a compilation of all of my experience so far,” said the 30-year-old Lampkin. “I grew up on the East Coast and spent every summer in Maine. In 2003, I moved to San Francisco and went to culinary school.”

After spending almost a decade cooking at restaurants in San Francisco, Lampkin made the move to Sacramento and partnered with Rachel Kelley, a 27-year-old pastry chef who spent the past four years working at Ella, and Shayne “7evin” Iles, a graphic designer, marketer and DJ who will be the general manager.

While Lampkin isn’t sharing too many details of what the menu will hold, she said the restaurant will feature a variety of fish, including salmon, cod, halibut and mahi-mahi. She said she also loves working with dungeness crab and lobster.

Both Lampkin and Kelley will work in the kitchen, along with other local talent they have recruited.

Oysters – both raw and cooked – will also be on the menu, and non-seafood items such as steak, chicken and pork will be available.

“Our kitchen is basically the same size as our dining room,” Lampkin said. “We have a lot of space to make a lot of different types of food.”

Before Blackbird, the space housed a Thai restaurant.

When it comes to dessert creations, Kelley said she will be using fresh, seasonal ingredients, and her double-chocolate ice cream is one of her favorite dishes.

Prices have not been set, but Lampkin said she wants to provide excellent, affordable food.

“None of us is looking to get rich off of this,” she said. “We know times are hard, and if we break even on our high-cost items like fish, I’ll be happy.”

The owners said they are happy to be in historical buildings.

“The building on the left was Skagg’s Cash Store, the predecessor to Safeway,” 7evin said. “The other one, at 1015 (Ninth St.), was built by the Dean brothers in 1933, the same people who built Memorial Auditorium.”

Setting up in historical buildings at first seemed challenging, as the restaurateurs realized there were restrictions on what they could and could not demolish inside, but in the end, it turned out for the better, Lampkin said.

“When we’re done with the interior, it’s going to be amazing,” she said. “And we’re not three kids coming from the Bay Area with money – we’re doing a lot of the work ourselves. I never expected to be scraping paint, but that’s what we’ve been doing.”

Work on the interior is still under way, and the three partners said they are enjoying designing it but look forward to its completion.

“The great thing about (Lampkin, Kelley and 7evin) is that they have a vision, and yet even with their vision and artistic abilities, they are still willing to listen to the preservation department, and they have truly partnered to make that space pop,” said Valerie Mamone-Werder, business recruitment manager for the Downtown Sacramento Partnership.

She added that that section of the city is an important area for economic development, with nearby K Street readying to open to vehicular traffic.

“I think we’ve seen a lot of success from 12th (Street) to 10th Street, and this feels like a natural progression down the street and around the corner, and that’s very exciting,” she said.

For those looking for a preview of the food to come at Blackbird, the restaurant will be participating in a celebration for bringing cars back to K Street scheduled for 4 p.m. Nov. 12 at 12th and K streets.

“We’ll be out there with our fish tacos and a few other things,” Lampkin said.

Looking to do more with the space than simply serve food, Lampkin said a large cocktail selection will be available as well, and art will feature prominently in the space.

“I feel like Sacramento is a true artists’ community,” Lampkin said. “In San Francisco, rent is too expensive to really foster that community, but Sacramento’s arts community is amazing.”

7evin, who works in graphic design and marketing but is also a DJ, said the restaurant will not have any dance space, but DJs will be brought in to perform for the diners.

“It’s not going to just be people with two turntables and a mixer,” he said. “It’s people who are really performers, who are mixing live and really creating art.”

The most noticeable artwork displayed by the restaurant won’t actually be inside. The exterior space will feature a wall painting of 7evin’s graphic rendition of Lampkin’s idea to showcase a flock of blackbirds taking flight from a tree.

Lampkin said that when she woke up after being in a car accident in 2005, she heard the Beatles’ song “Blackbird,” and it stuck with her. Sadly, her close friend did not survive the collision, and Lampkin said she has since learned that many cultures believe the dead communicate with the living through blackbirds.

“I didn’t even know that until after I named the restaurant, but it’s really fitting,” she said.

Initially, the restaurant will be able to seat 50 people, and Lampkin said that after six months of being open, she plans to add another 25 seats.

Sean Kohmescher, owner of Temple Coffee, which has a location across the street, said he is happy to see Blackbird opening.

“I’ve met them quite a few times, and they seem like great people,” he said. “I’ve had their food, and the food was amazing. There’s been so many changes going on downtown, mostly in the last few years with places closing, it’s good to see places opening up.”

Blackbird Kitchen & Bar is located at 1015 Ninth St.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Day of the Dead

2011-11-04T21:55:13Z

La Raza Galería Posada (LRGP) once again gathered 50 organizations, artists and community members at their annual Panteón de Sacramento (Sacramento’s Cemetery). The event is in commemoration of Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

La Raza Galería Posada is located at 1022-1024 22nd Street. This year the event moved down the street to 1015 20th Street at J Street.

The event was held on the last Saturday and Sunday of October and had many more hands on activities for visitors. The two day and evening festivities displayed altars dedicated to family members and loved ones who have passed away.

Local not for profit organizations, area artists, families and individuals built colorful altars that were on display and the event attracted several thousand guests.

Roberto Lopez, from LRGP, served as emcee and conducted tours during the event to give more information about the meaning of altars and Día de los Muertos. For readers not familiar with the event Día de los Muertos is a traditional Meso-American holiday dedicated to ancestors honoring both death and life.

In Mexico, and now other parts of the world, neighbors and families gather at graveyards to share food, music, have fun and remember those who have died.

LRGP is also hosting an exhibition honoring Día de los Muertos. The exhibition, funded by the James Irvine Foundation has been on display since October 7 and will close on Saturday November 12.

The gallery exhibit features Danny Correa’s "New Year's Eve at the Rancho Correa." The exhibit celebrates his great grandparents’ ranch near Elk Grove. Personal family heirlooms of the Correa family are part of the exhibit including candelabras, pottery, Correa’s grandfather’s acoustic guitar and life size skeletons dressed in their best New Year’s Eve clothing, jewelry and accessories.

The LRGP’s smaller gallery is hosting an exhibit by Southern California artist Martha Rameriz-Oropez. Original illustrations from the book “The Toltec I-Ching” are featured.

Hands on activities were available at the Panteón de Sacramento for those who attended .Sugar skull decorating workshops, paper marigold flower making, Día de los Muertos mask decoration and face painting were available.

Thirty volunteers from the AmeriCorps were on hand to help with the event. The National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) division of AmeriCorps volunteers spent time helping wherever they could and also enjoyed participating in some of the events.

Assigned spots were given to altar creators who registered up to months in advance. Work started very early as people began constructing their altars beginning at 6 in the morning and NCCC volunteers were there at 7 on Saturday morning.

The Panteón opened for the public at 11:00 a.m. and I noticed that several people who created altars last year returned.

Danza Azteca-Xantotl also returned from last year and conducted the opening ceremony. After several dances they invited the public to perform the Friendship Dance making this a much more delightful experience for those who participated.

Most of the altars were created using the traditional flower of the dead cempazuchitl (marigolds), papel picado, candles, photos of the loved one who have passed away, pan de muerto (Mexican sweet bread), religious artifacts and other items portraying the dead.

There was also a small stage were DJ Larry Rodriguez and DJ Albert Garnica played background music. The stage was also used for a poetry reading by Escritores Del Nuevo Sol. An open mic was also available where other original poetry was read.

The stage was also graced by the presence of Eduardo López Martínez who had flown up from Mexico a couple of days before. Martínez delighted the audience with his stories delivered via song and dramatic performance. His stories touched on many topics as he sang, in Spanish, songs about life, death, politics, family, dance and humor.

Martínez indicated that he had to put his performances together in a hurry. He put a wonderful selection of songs, sayings and stories that would fit the Day of the Dead celebration.

Martínez came up a couple of days before the event at the request of LRGP’s Marie Acosta. He flew in from Cuernavaca Mexico a couple of days before the event. He was planning on spending a week in the area.

As we spoke Martínez said he had not been in the Sacramento area in 15 years. He also noted the altars were very artistic in detail but noted that tradition has been lost on several of the exhibitions. He said, “I believe tradition makes things much simpler. The altars here give the feeling of being more urban and the tradition is more agricultural.” This made me realize that as the tradition moves to the States and other countries that it will change depending on past and present culture.

Martínez also noted that items placed on the altar, he believed, should include food and water for the traveling dead so that they can pass to their next destination and enjoy their brief stay with the living. Photographs, flowers, food, water and things that the deceased enjoyed while living ought to be included while creating altars. He also noted that the marigold flowers or pedals should be put down in a manner that it leads a path to the altar. Candles are also used to light the way to the altars.

Listening to Martinez speak it brought back memories of my childhood. I remember celebrating Día de los Muertos when I was growing up and more distinctively I remember one of my grandmothers had an altar in the corner of a room that remained up all year. Photographs and small memorabilia along with a candle and a fresh flower honored family members who had passed away.

The Panteón also included an altar for the public to place offerings. This altar had many notes to loved ones who had passed away and offered visitors a way to participate.

Marco Ferrero, author/artist/photographer, presented part of his book Hidden Truth - La Viuda de Don Marcos (Don Marcos’ widow).

The story was inspired by factual moments and people in Ferrero’s life. The book will eventually be put to film and his book is only the beginning of a larger project.

Ferrero made a dramatic entrance as he walked around the Panteón with folklorico dancer Julia Wolfe and Trisha Pickerel.

Later their performance began with the magnificent voice of Veronica Esparza P singing several “Ranchera” songs in Spanish. Veronica wore a beautiful golden mariachi style outfit and her face was painted to fit the Día de los Muertos décor.

After a few songs which included Tomas Mendez’ “Una Blanca Palomita” (A Little White Dove) Marco Ferrero took the stage to read a short story included at the end of his book Hidden Truth. The folklore story is included as part of the book he’s been working on for the past 15 years. Ferrero also had an altar devoted to people he’s loved, who have had a great impact in his life and who are no longer with us.

Before Ferrero embarked on his story and in the voice and persona of Don Marco he said, “I was fortunate to run into someone 3 days ago who passed away and she asked me that if my daughter happens to be at the Panteón will you deliver a message to her?”

Ferrero continued to speak as Don Marco, “Even though I’m dead, I still have feelings. My grandmother’s name was Flora and her favorite flower was a lily and the lady that I ran into, her name was Lily and she said can you please deliver a message to my daughter? Tell her I’m okay, I’m at peace now. Now that I can finally move on it’s time for you to move on and it’s okay, it’s time to take care of yourself because you have been taking care of me for many years."

With a compassionate voice Don Marco continued, “I brought with me a lily to give to… I believe her name is Pat Taylor. Is there a Pat Taylor here?” Don Marco gave the flower to the daughter of a dear friend Candice Bima who had passed away.

As Taylor came to the stage to receive the lily tears rolled down her cheeks obviously moved by the offering. Others in the audience felt her emotion and also shed tears as Taylor returned to her seat.

Ferrero went on to read Viuda de Don Marco which told the story of a peasant girl by the name of Esperanza (Hope). As the story continued it told of the girl’s love for a young nobleman by the name of Marco. Esperanza and Marco fell in love and they planned to elope and marry.

Death fell upon Don Marco and no-one knew what caused his death. Ferrero stopped his story at this time and invited Veronica Esparza P to come back to the stage to sing a couple of more songs and he would continue his story after that.

After a couple of songs Ferrero informed the audience that because time had run out he would be unable to continue the story but said the story has a very happy ending.

Ferrero and Wolfe danced on stage as Veronica Esparza P sang "La Llorona."

Close to the stage a young woman dressed as a bride in Día de los Muertos makeup stood by an altar she and her mother had built. Katie said, “My altar is for my dad. I did not have the time to say goodbye to him, this is my way of saying goodbye.”

Bev is a single mother and shared that Leo, Katie’s dad, had passed away on May 25 from advanced liver cancer. Bev said that Leo kept in contact with Katie.

Neighbor Armando Flores told them about the Panteón and Katie said, “This was like the first major loss to me. With the altar we celebrate him and who he was so this way I can still hold on to him even though he’s not here.”

Katie shared that a Sierra Mist and Skittles on the altar was something special for her. She said, “Whenever he came to visit, when he could, he brought Skittles and because my mom said I couldn’t have caffeinated drinks he would bring Sierra Mist or Sprite. That was like our hang out drink and candy.”

The Brown’s touching story was similar to others who had built altars to loved ones. Each altar has a special meaning to those who created them and their stories are in many cases quite emotional and at the same time they seem to bring closure to personal relationships that were cut short.

Fil-Am history emerge through Hip Hop and Art

2011-10-29T18:36:57Z

Now is it Filipino with an F or a P? It must be an F because as most Fil-Ams would agree, it’s not Filipino without food and family. In Sacramento, hip hop artists, break dancers, designers, and other creatives came together at Sol Collective on 21st Street and Broadway to celebrate Filipino American History Month.

They came from as far as Vallejo, Stockton, and South San Francisco to share what it means to be Fil-Am.

The heat resonates from the thin sachets of lumpia simmering in the boiling bubbles of Crisco oil. Dominique Marquez, 26 with her long silky hair, tank top, tribal ink tattoo, and shorts helps her mom "Nanay" with her brow covered in sweat over the open fire of the gas grill. She stirs the tray full of lumpia sizzling in the iron pans next to the rice cooker.

Armies of people line up for a taste. lumpia, rice, adobo, and pancit appease the appetite. For some of the Gen Y dolls in skinny jeans and guys in baggy jeans with shirts printed in sarcastic humor and baseball caps, this is about as close to a Filipino home cooking as one can get.

Inside, heads bob to Jonathan aka DJ rated R spinning old school tunes with Stevie B. and Jocelyn Enriquez in the mix. The nostalgia brings up memories. Growing up in high school when these superstar icons were the rage and life was care free, the memories replay an era. Back to a time when the girls ran for homecoming queen and the boys tricked out cars with loud speakers, chose street racing as pastime, and tagged bridges with graffiti.

“Tagging is getting your name on something. Bombing is covering the entire wall with it.” explains Eric Nodora, 33, a graffiti artist turned painter and graphic designer.

“It was fun till we got caught, then my parents would hear about it. They weren’t happy when we got home escorted by police. Then again, it’s better than the alternative. Could have been high off something, but tagging was my high.”

Nodora, now lives in Oakland but grew up in South Sacramento graduating from Valley High.

Tonight he outlines a new painting, a single Jeepney on wood. Next to him leaning on the window sill is a piece he just completed, a scene straight out of Manila with more than a dozen colorful Jeepneys dancing on oil based canvas.

“Jeepneys are everywhere in the Philippines,” Nodora said as he recalls a trip back home, a "balikbayan" trip to the Philippines in 2009. Bright solid colors and exquisite detail are the trademarks of his work.

“They’re all a little different, kind of like Filipinos. We each have our own flavor”

In the back room stands a large 6-foot palette part of the "Igorot" series inspired by a second balikbayan visit in 2010 searching for his roots. An Igorot man holds an axe on blood red background with deep wrinkles on his face, the wisdom of an angry grandfather, "Lolo" with tribal design tattoos on his chest.

"I wanted to portray the fight of the native people who refused to be driven out of their land. The battle between the Mactan Island Chieftain Lapu Lapu and the foreign aggressor Ferdinand Magellan on April 27, 1521 stands as a reminder of Filipino bravery.

“Every one of the distinct shapes on the aging headhunter’s body is a battle scar, kind of like how Fil-Ams earned stripes as part of the US military,” Nodora said.

Filipinos are spread out throughout the United States but most are centered in the West Coast. About 480,000 make their home in Southern California with Los Angeles County hosting the largest community in America with more than 262,600.

Nearly 121,000 Filipinos live in Daly City and the San Francisco, according to US Census. Many of these families immigrated here as engineers, nurses, doctors, or military veterans from World War II.

In the race to conform, many have let go of tradition, often trading in their “da” accent for the perfect “th”. Some parents have refused to teach their children, Tagalog. Taking in English as native tongue meant acceptance. In this way, Fil-Ams came to be known as the “invisible majority” especially in California.

As in Nodora’s case whose parents speak Ilocano and common among young Filipinos, most can understand but do not speak the language. Tagalog, Ilocano, Visayan or any of the more than 100 languages ~~80 native dialects~~ of the Philippines comes as a rare linguistic trait as the first generation of Fil-Ams die off without passing this knowledge on to their children.

Clamoring for answers, Gen Y Fil-Ams are finding voice in music like Hip Hop. Many are mixed, half Caucasian, Chinese, Mexican, Black, Irish, Italian, and so on. Filipinos have blended in so well there really is no true Filipino race instead an amalgamation of cultures within a race.

The Sol Collective party kept rolling with the raffle giveaway. Energetic rappers lyrics rage to occupy the room, break dancers levitate with uncanny floor skills, and artists paint pieces with Filipino inspiration. A three-year-old boy joins the break dancers with his own interpretation of the rhythm of the music. (You can see the video here.)

Nina Rebultan, 23, one of the organizers explains her reason for bridging together Beats and lumpia on its second year.

“Last year was fundraising. This year it’s fun. It means everything to me. It’s how I share the stories told by my grandmother. That’s why I do what I do.”

We got into a conversation about the tattoos on her wrists. “This is Baybayin, an ancient Filipino script, in its more formal form, also called Alibata, what is written here is Maganda at Malakas.”

A typical hard-working Filipina, Nina’s tattoo stands for beautiful and strong. On her right wrist, Nieves, her grandmother’s name tattooed on top of the sun found in the Pilipino flag, surrounded by plumeria flowers.

It shines bright like sunlight. Tattoos memorialize a culture for a generation unearthing what was repressed, searching for answers.

“It’s ashame we never got taught Filipino history in school,” Nodora adds. "If we never learned something, it can easily be dismissed. It's like saying it never exist."

*To learn more about Filipino American History, get involved with your community . National Federation of Fil-Am Association has events throughout Northern California where you can get in touch with other Filipinos. Also, this timeline is a good place to start.

Editor's Note: This article has been updated after publishing.

Disclosure: I'm a Fil-Am dedicated to helping my community learn about resources available for personal development and enrichment.

MAIYA Gallery Hosting Art Auction This Saturday and Sunday

2011-10-27T19:09:53Z

This Saturday and Sunday, October 29th and 30th, MAIYA Gallery will be hosting "What's In A Name" - a very special art auction with 100% of the proceeds funding scholarships for two El Camino High School seniors attending college in the fall of 2012, and majoring in studio/fine arts.

The spin to "What's In A Name" is that each piece of art will be showing with the artist's name hidden. Each bidder will bid on a piece of art based on their appreciation of the art itself. The artist's name will be revealed only once bidding has ended.

"What's In A Name" includes art from the following artists (among others): Barbara de Wein, C!nder, Sylviane Gaumer, Bud Gordon, Taylor Gutermute, Miles Hermann, Maureen Hood, William Ishmael, Mary Kercher, Brooke Walker-Knoblich, Sondra Olson, Gary Pruner, Sean Randall, Robert Ray, Kerstin Ronsiek, Michael Rosner, P.Y. Simpson, Tom Sellas, Melissa Wood, and Shelley Hocknell-Zentner.

MAIYA Gallery will be open for bidding on Friday, October 28th from 1 - 7 p.m., and on Saturday and Sunday, October 29th and 30th, from 1-6 p.m. each. Of the 29 pieces donated, half will have bidding ending on Saturday at 6 p.m., and the other half on Sunday at 6 p.m. There will be a reception and art pick-up on both Saturday and Sunday from 6-8 p.m.

For more information please contact Kelly at (916) 476-3964, or check out the website at www.maiyagallery.com/whats-in-a-name-2.

MAIYA Gallery is located at 2220 J Street, Suite 1, Sacramento, California.

This event was funded by the Midtown Business Association and MAIYA Gallery.

Disclosure: I am one of the donating artists at this event.

Big Party 2011

2011-10-26T03:43:07Z

A “Big Party” was celebrated this past Thursday in Midtown Sacramento. The Big Party was Artober's red carpet event held at The Next Door B&L Mulvaney's located at 1215 19th Street.

Approximately 150 people attended the event. The Big Party was put together to celebrate the 2011 Transformational Leader Awards party and was hosted by Tracy Saville and T2 Performance Solutions. The event featured writers, photographers, performers, leaders in the Sacramento community and artists.

Art, culture and business, civic leadership, music and community members joined in honoring and celebrating the work done by many in the Sacramento community. Guests were also photographed by Nicholas Wray, one of Sacramento’s best photographers.

KCRA’s Kristin Marshall started off the evening addressing honorees and guests to the event. Marshall welcomed everyone to the event and spoke about the Transformational Leader Awards and the recipients that were being honored.

Marshall welcomed guests by saying, “Thank you all and thanks to all our honorees, their families and friends.” She also spoke about those being honored and thanked them for sharing their dreams, excelling in the arts and for trying to create a better life for themselves by traveling roads less taken.

Marshall encouraged guests to mingle with the special guests through the evening and to, as she said, “Take from the experience and become motivated to do the same and make a difference if you can in your own way. Celebrating with us this evening are artists from all walks of life including Lonn Friend and Raphael Delgado, named artist of the year and creator of Millennium Scepter.”

Marshall introduced Brian Diamond who told her what to say when he was introduced. Marshall said, “He’s an actor, comedian, speaker, he likes soup, his favorite sport is hacky sack, he’s been a 3-time world champ and one day he aspires to be Rosie O'Donnell. So please welcome Brian Diamond.”

Diamond spent a few minutes doing his standup routine and was quite funny. He thanked the movers and shakers of Sacramento and then told short stories to entertain the audience. I especially liked when he told the audience, “This is actually going to be my last week in the arts and entertainment industry. I came into an awful lot of money. Next week I will have $2.6 million. I’ve been getting these emails from Nigeria and I think I’m really, really close to getting the money because they’re asking for my social security number.” Not only that but he also shared, “I just signed a great deal with HBO,” as guests applauded he said, it’s $14.95 a month and they’re installing it next week.”

Diamond noted he’s from Sacramento but had lived in Los Angeles for 11 or so years and told several funny anecdotes about his experiences down there and then got serious when he talked about the transformation he’s noticed in Sacramento.

Diamond also relayed a story about a gentleman in Sacramento who at the age of 15 witnessed another man address some field workers who were being arrested. This man told the lettuce field workers and the police officers about the freedom to assemble in a peaceful way and their right to exercise the freedom of speech. That man turned out to be Cesar Chavez. The young 15 year old who witnessed this later went on to Cal Berkeley to pursue a law degree as a result of the incident that changed his life.

According to Diamond witnessing certain events, works or deeds can have unintended consequences that can last a lifetime. He then went on and read a poem he called “Risk It” it’s a poem (slightly changed) by an unknown poet and it goes like this:

To laugh is to risk appearing a fool
To weep is to risk appearing sentimental
To reach out to another is to risk involvement
To express feelings is to risk exposing yourself
To place your dreams before a crowd is to risk ridicule
To love is to risk not being loved in return
To live is to risk dying
To hope is to risk despair
To try is to risk failure
But risk must be taken in life
Because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing
The person who risks nothing, does nothing, has nothing and is nothing
He may avoid suffering and sorrow but he simply cannot learn, grow, feel, change, love and live
Only a person who risks is truly free

Diamond concluded by saying, “and so for those of you who took risks you have made the changes that Sacramento needs and I thank you for that.”

Tracy Saville followed and thanked her guests and showed her usual charisma and enthusiasm as she welcomed guests saying, “This is a very meaningful evening for me but it isn’t about me. This is an evening that I and my family and our company wanted. To begin to do something that would set a different standard and set a new bar for the kinds of things that we saw as quality. We acknowledged characteristics that we admired, respected and helped develop in the leaders that lead our city and our region.”

Saville talked about the transformational leaders in the Sacramento community and in regards to those being honored at the event she said, “We wanted to shine a light on 30 human beings that we thought would be honored for stepping outside the box and for doing extraordinary innovative work.” Saville noted that many of them do these things fairly quietly and humbly and all of them excel in a discipline of perseverance and who perform powerful things even though nobody talks about it.

Saville later introduced rock and roll journalist Lonn Friend who was signing his newest book Sweet Demotion. Friend flew up from Southern California for the event and met many of the guests who talked to him about his experiences as a rock journalist. Friend mentioned a previous visit to Sacramento saying, “I think the last time I was in Sacramento was when I interviewed Tesla in 1991 so that shows you what a journey this is. I’m glad to be here. The last book that I wrote Sweet Demotion, the subtitle says it all How an Almost Famous Rock Journalist Lost Everything and Found Himself (almost) is really written for people who have been through a rough mid life.”

Friend said a few words about his experience as a journalist and mentioned how glad he was to be at the event. Friend also had on hand another book he wrote Life on Planet Rock: From Guns N' Roses to Nirvana, a Backstage Journey through Rock's Most Debauched Decade.

Raphael Delgado also addressed guests and said it was a privilege to be honored and thanked everyone. His work Millennium Scepter was the emblem or icon for the Transformational Leader Awards event. Talking about his works he said, “Thank you for all your support. Show me an artist who’s made it without support, ” and gave everyone time to reflect. Delgado’s work was all around, on the projected screen behind the stage, on the program’s front and back cover and on a table where a large piece of his Millennium Scepter was later unveiled. His recognition was well deserved and received.

Photographer Nicholas Wray talked a little about his photographic project saying, “I’m here because of this project I’m working on called the Sacramento 100. It’s a book that I’m developing. It’s basically about the 100 most culturally influential people in Sacramento that I’m photographing. It will be all in black and white and it’s going to be a coffee table book.” More information about this project and photos of guests during the evening can be seen at his facebook page.

As the program continued Saville returned to address guests and thanked her family for being at the event. Saville spoke about T2 Performance Solutions a private company that Tracy and Tim Saville founded in early January. Saville said, “We’re a traditional personal and professional leadership development company so we do all that, also team building, management staff work and H.R. presentations that your employers make you go to but we do that sort of like in a rock and roll style. What we really do is focus on this idea of personal leadership.”

Recognition and awards were then bestowed upon many honorees and after that the celebration continued.

Clemon Charles provided musical entertainment and Saville’s son Michael Wilson played drums. Wilson and Christopher Karne Frost along with T2 also produced a Clemon Charles video that made its premier and was projected on a screen.

The Big Party continued after the 2011 Transformational Leaders were recognized and who in turn will nominate someone to take their place for next year’s celebration.

Crocker Art Museum Presents a Mashup of Horror Short Films this Thursday

2011-10-25T21:57:28Z

The Crocker Art Museum will embrace the eerie and capture the creepy with a specially curated night of retro horror short films inspired by the humorous and sometimes grotesque creations in “Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders.” Presented in collaboration with the Sacramento Horror Film Festival, Open Art: Monster Mashup will take place on Thursday, October 27, at 7 p.m.

Horror fans will delight in unique shorts, such as “Night of the Hell Hampster,” “The Sleuth Incident,” “Cannibal Flesh Riot,” “Chainsaw Maid” and more. Festival founder and director Tim Meunier will introduce the films and lead a post-screening Q & A session.

“Clayton Bailey’s World of Wonders” is the first career-spanning retrospective featuring the work of the ceramicist, sculptor, and self-proclaimed “mad scientist.” Featuring 180 works and ephemera spanning Bailey's 50-year career, the exhibit is on view through January 15, 2012.

Tickets are $6 for Museum members and $12 for nonmembers. Tickets are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

Open Art is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series, sponsored by Bank of America. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

This Weekend! Midtown Trick-Or-Treat & Pooch Parade

2011-10-25T18:37:26Z

Midtown Merchants are brewing up a bewitching good time for kiddos and pooches of all ages and sizes. Midtown's Annual Halloween celebration is just a few days away. Join us for the Midtown Trick-or-Treat and Pooch Parade this Saturday, October 29th from 11a.m.- 3p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon of Trick or Treats from over 70 participating Midtown businesses, as well as a parade of dressed up pooches strutting their stuff throughout the district.

In addition to satisfying your kids sweet tooth, bring the whole family down to Mixed Bag (24th & K) and Relles Florist (24th & J) for a variety of FREE family friendly activities. Catch the hourly magic show, pumpkin decorating, face painting, balloon twisting, the fall arts corner, and a tons of goolish treats including apple cider, cotton candy and popcorn.

Families seeking a spooktacular experience are encouraged to stop by the Haunted Fort at Sutter's Fort or Casa de Espanol's haunted house on J Street.

For the four legged lovers, make sure to catch the 2nd Annua l Pooch Parade and “Yappy Hour”. Pooches of all shapes and sizes are invited to come out in their Halloween best, to try to capture one of the 8 coveted Pooch Parade Awards. Awards included: 1st, 2nd and 3rd Overall, Midtown Spirit , Cutest Costume, Spookiest Costume, Best Duo and Funniest Costume Award

Pooches will parade around Midtown and then return to the 24th & K location for “Yappy Hour” and Judging. While your precious pets are chomping on treats you can check out the vendor booths, all dedicated to promoting a happy and healthy life for your pet. MBA asks that each participant donate $10 (or whatever you can afford) as a registration fee. 100% of the donations collected will go to the City of Sacramento Animal Shelter to support the incredible work they do to help animals in need.

A complete map of Midtown Trick-or-Treat locations and the Pooch Parade route are available to download here, as well as on-site during the event. For more information visit ExploreMidtown.org or contact Heather Philpott at heather@mbasac.com.

See you Saturday for a ghoulishly good time!

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the Communication Coordinator at the Midtown Business Association and is a producer of the annual Halloween festivities.

Second Annual Masquerade Gala

2011-10-25T06:02:27Z

The 2nd Annual Masquerade Gala was held at the Gallery 2110 and Sacramento Art Complex this past Saturday night.

The event brought art aficionados to a masquerade gala evening where guests enjoyed a wonderful evening of fine food, beer, wine and friends. Live fire dancing featuring Gina Rossi and an art gallery auction were also featured. Proceeds from the auction are split between the artists and the Sacramento Artists Council who, among other things, provides scholarships and grants to young artists.

In contrast to the rain that fell during last year’s masquerade, this year’s event was held under sunny skies. The Sacramento Artists Council (S.A.C.) presented the masquerade gala and many of its board members were at the event.

The S.A.C. supports local artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers and other artisans. It also helps cultivate and inspire high school students while partnering with local business for a greater sense of art community throughout the Sacramento area with an emphasis in the Midtown and Downtown areas.

The 2nd Annual Masquerade was also sponsored by the Midtown Business Association.

A no host cocktail reception was held at the Gallery 2110 sculpture garden and complimentary appetizers were available. Both floors of the art complex were open for viewing and a few resident artists were on hand to greet visitors. The hosts for the evening were Susan and Mark Rabinovitz.

Out in the sculpture garden, a performance featuring a Creative Spirit Fire Dance by Rossi thoroughly entertained guests. Rossi has art in the garden and also donated an art piece for the evening’s art auction.

Rossi addressed the audience during the performance.

“I want to thank you all for being a part of this evening and supporting the arts. It’s amazing to have all of us here together for something that is positive for our community.”

Rossi talked about her role at the gallery and introduced her dance. She indicated that most of her performances are basically improv performances and the reason is because, as she said in a true artistic spirit, “I like to do what comes instinctively since we all move through life with our heart and minds and sometimes there is no rhyme or reason for what we do. Life just carries us on and wonderful things come out of that.”

An impressive performance was given by Rossi, paired with Nick Rosenthal. After the fire dance, performance guests were ushered into the main gallery where several dozen pieces of art, all up for auction, hung on the walls or served as center pieces for the dining tables.

A delicious vegan or poultry dinner was provided and served by Classique Catering with Carvalho wines. Classique Catering also provides services for weddings, corporate parties, balls, galas, events, festival and holiday parties in the Sacramento area.

Mark Rabinovitz took the opportunity to thank guests as they enjoyed their dinner.

“This is our 2nd Annual Masquerade. The first one was a huge success and I think it’s safe to say that this will be too. Thanks to the people who are here. Thanks also to the board, the Sacramento Artists Council and all the artists whose work you see hanging on the walls.”

He noted the partnerships that are being developed through this and other events in the area.

“I think we have years to develop this partnership and there’s more to come, this is just the beginning.”

Rabinovitz mentioned that he noticed a lot of familiar faces at the event, including members from the Sacramento Artists Council. He mentioned the mission of S.A.C., which is to create venues for local artists and to provide grants and scholarships. He thanked all the artists for donating pieces of their work.

A portion of the proceeds from each art piece will be given to S.A.C., who will then give back to artists and help young artists follow their passion.

“It’s one thing to have a community donate money to support artists, but seeing artists support other artists is something incredible and that’s exactly what the S.A.C. hopes to accomplish here,” said Rabinovitz.

“Thank you for coming out as a community. Enjoy the night and enjoy sitting with the people you’re sitting with. Have a cocktail or two, make sure you bid on some art later and enjoy your meal.”

To top off the sit down dinner, Music a Dué serenaded guests as they enjoyed their meal and each other’s company. Guests enjoyed several pieces from the harp and flute duo.

As guests ate dinner they were able to chat with old friends and mingle with several of the artists who had donated art.

Each piece of art had a starting price along with its actual value. Any piece could also be bought before it went up for live auction. Each artist specified an amount that would be donated to S.A.C. and the donations ranged from 20 to 100 percent of the final bid price.

As dinner wound down, Mark Rabinovitz once again addressed the audience to introduce the S.A.C. board and say a few words.

“I want to introduce our Founder and Executive Director, Susan Rabinovitz; our President, Scott Mitchell; I am Vice President, Mark Rabinovitz; Secretary, Wendy Mitchell; our Treasurer, Dylan Swann, could not make it… Thanks also to our board members Jodie Kerhlikar and Karen Dukes. Karen Dukes is also a resident artist in this building and is kind enough to donate 100 percent of her auction proceeds. Our newest member is Denise Coleman, she joined our crew in the last couple of months and she’s been a huge asset. She’s a great vocal person and has a lot of connections as far as art, music and community.”

Rabinovitz also mentioned some of the council’s 2011 accomplishments, which gave guests an idea as to where the money goes. Art Happens, an event held earlier this year, included approximately 10 bands that showcased their talents in front of Sacramento community guests. Nevada Union High School held an art exhibit at Gallery 2110 and Sacramento Art Complex was able to raise $250 that went back to their school art program. Sutter Middle School also had an exhibit there that lasted for about a month and they raised $1,200. Rabinovitz mentioned they were able to help raise about $2,300 with the Art Happens event. As a side note, one of the items for bid was a piece by Sutter Middle School art teacher, Kelly O’Neill.

Following dinner, Music a Dué continued to play for a short while longer and guests were encouraged to take a break and view the art that would be auctioned.

During the break, I took a little time to chat with S.A.C.’s newest member, Denise Coleman. Coleman had worked for the Sacramento Press and indicated that she brought some of the art that was up for auction.

“These four pieces are part of my uncle’s estate. He was an artist and he left 50 years worth of art.”

Coleman’s uncle was Dr. Robert Coleman and Denise explained that she’s trying to put together shows to sell and donate his work. The four pieces from the Coleman Family Estate gave 80 percent back to the Sacramento Artists Council. The Coleman Family Estate art goes back to the 1950’s and Denise is hoping to put together chronological shows in the near future. Her uncle was a prolific artist and the four pieces of art were a great value. A couple of the pieces were later bought by artist Mark Lifvendahl and his partner Marcus Cayson.

Susan Rabinovitz ushered guests back to the main gallery after the break. To encourage competitive bidding, Rabinovitz joked, “I hope everyone has a cocktail or a beverage of their choice on hand.” She also noted that some silent auction items were available.

Rabinovitz noted that money was being raised for “art scholarships, art grants and also helping artists put art in public places. Funds are also put aside to work with some of our children in the city that don’t necessarily get a chance to have an art experience. It’s really good art therapy and gives them a sense of community. It also makes them feel included and helps happy hearts.”

Rabinovitz’ sense and desire to help Sacramento’s art community is very commendable. It is easy to see how she’s able to attract artists and others to become involved in art, family and community.

The first item for auction was a Gina Rossi recycled steel piece called “Absolutely Delicate.” Other work for auction during the first segment included works by Clare Bailey, Karen Dukes, Susan Rabinovitz, Molly Brown, two pieces by Robert Coleman and ceramics from Elizabeth Wocasek.

The first round went by smoothly and brought some entertaining moments when bidding increased on several pieces. Others did not make it to its perceived value.

After a short break, the works of Monica Lunardi, resident artist Marbo Barnard, Kristen Hoard, Christine Conklin, Michelle Brunmier, John Huerta, Paul Oester and Michelle Mackenzie were auctioned off. Several of these pieces did not receive bids.

As the evening went on, pieces by Mark Lifvendahl, David Arnold, Laura Caron, Paul Oester (his piece sold before the auction) and two more acrylic paintings by Robert Coleman went up for bid. Robert Coleman’s “Vacation” brought the most bidding action of the evening and Mark Lifvendahl won the bidding war. Susan Rabinovitz’ enthusiasm during the bidding could not be hidden and although husband Mark did not win the bid, she was happy to watch the bid go up from $75 to $155.

The last set of auction pieces were works by Kelly O’Neill, Cherys Jenkins, Angela Ridgway, Margaret Arnold, Michael Shane, Judith Monroe and a photo package by Carrie See.

The conclusion of the auction came and guests who remained socialized or started packing their new items. Susan thanked all those who attended.

“You guys are awesome! Thanks for bearing with us and we enjoyed seeing everyone here. Thank goodness it was not a rainy day. Hopefully we’ll see you again next year. Thank you for participating and have a good night.”

After the auction I talked with Mark Rabinovitz to get his impression of the event. Rabinovitz shared that the event this year seemed much more relaxed.

“This year’s event was very nice and easy going. There were about 20 less people bidding and I think the auction was well received.”

Rabinovitz continued, “The food was exceptional. For some reason everyone was very pleasant, I was very relaxed speaking. I felt like I was speaking to family and friends and since this was our second annual masquerade, a lot of the people knew what to expect. The harp and flute musicians seemed to fit right in.”

As he reflected on the evening, Rabinovitz said, “I think experiencing the fire show gave some excitement to the mellow classical music and the auction and I think that was great. Everybody had a good time; everyone was smiling and laughing. Everyone seemed to be having a good conversation. It worked out nice.”

Mark and Susan Rabinovitz are great ambassadors for the art community and the artists S.A.C. promotes. They also appear to be very involved in the Sacramento art community.

The S.A.C. and those individuals and organizations that it partners with are making a difference in the community and are helping to build the future.

The inspiration and cultivation of the Sacramento art community is encouraged by the S.A.C and similar organizations. They arouse interest in art and inspire many to become involved and support local artists.

Lights Camera Art Come to Lumens for 2nd Saturday

2011-10-24T21:45:54Z

Although former Sacramento resident Ann Tracy moved back to her childhood stomping grounds in Portland Maine this past May, local folks will see some of her latest work at Lumens, 2028 K Street beginning 2nd Saturday, November 12th, from 6 to 9 pm and continuing throughout the month. Tracy was invited to show work in light boxes at the upscale lighting store and gallery by the Center for Contemporary Art. The work will show how Tracy began using light boxes for a specific invitational show and then expanded her thinking about how to showcase her work. She will be at the 2nd Saturday reception for the show.

“We feel that it’s important for the business community to work with the arts community”, said Lisa Huntzinger, gallery coordinator at Lumens. “We have been big supporters of the Center for Contemporary Art and feel that support for the arts is just best practice as a business that deals in design.”

Tracy’s exhibit will feature one of the original works that she created for a light box and her subsequent journey with using the light box as a platform for other art work. The use of light boxes to show fine art was brought into the museum by famed photographer Jeff Wall in 1977. Since that time, artists like Tracy have seen the incredible impact it makes on art, especially digital art. In addition to art software, in her tool set are cameras ranging from Leica to toy cameras like the Holga to camera phones.

“Another interesting turn in my artistic journey”, Tracy said, “has been how what had been totally different series of works dealing with specific imagery are now beginning to collide. I find that sometimes it makes intuitive sense to put something from the Potency of Memory series and combine it with imagery I would normally just use for the Power series.”

Tracy’s fine art has been exhibited from Japan to Maui to New York City. In 2003 her work, “Stop” was included in the catalog of the “Violence Against Women” exhibition, Group 78 Amnesty International, Tokyo, Japan. Her digital paintings “The Power of Romania Lies in its Artists” and “Message 3” were juried into the 2010 and 2008 edition of “American Art Collector”. She also presented a creativity workshop to feature writers at the Sacramento Bee, a daily newspaper in 2008.

Recent exhibition highlights include solo shows at the Enotria Annex (2009) and Asylum Gallery in Sacramento (2008). Recent group shows include: “Small but Mighty”, Temporary Contemporary, Sacramento(2010); “Trade & Transformation”, Tangent Gallery (2010), Sacramento; “Nada Dada Motel”, El Ray Motel, Reno NV(2010); “Synthesis: Art & Science”, Escondido Municipal Gallery, Escondido CA (Invitational- 2009); “NadaDada Motel”, El Cortez Hotel, Reno NV (2009); “The All Saints Show”, Barton Gallery, Sacramento CA (2009); “Greetings From Nada Motel”, Barrick Museum, UNLV, Las Vegas NV (Invitational-2009); “Urban Legends and Country Tales”, International Juried show, Bonita Museum & Cultural Center, 4355 Bonita Road, Bonita, CA (2008)

Disclosure: If I don't promote my work, who will?

Crocker Art Museum $100 million expansion: one year later

2011-10-22T00:08:00Z

The Crocker Art Museum opened the doors to a new 125,000-square foot expansion of the original museum on Oct. 10, 2010. One year later, the museum has seen record numbers in attendance and successfully brought the past and the present together in one work of architectural art.

The original Victorian building that Margaret E. Crocker presented to the city of Sacramento in May 1885 has undergone numerous changes over the years, but none so dramatic as the $100 million, three-year project that visitors see now.

“The original building was the high style contemporary architecture of the day when it was built,” said Lial A. Jones, executive director for the Crocker Art Museum. “So is the new addition.”

Jones said the project architects, Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects, did a “fabulous job” with the design that connects a 19th-century structure with a new-millennium stricture without losing continuity.

“They found ways of honoring the old with the new,” Jones said. “They used the rooflines and porches on the new building to echo the old building – but it doesn’t stand out (from the old section), it complements it.”

According to a recent press release, in the year since the museum expansion was open to the public, more than a quarter million visitors have come through the door.

In the year since the museum launched its Studio Art Program, 701 students have enrolled, including 213 children and 488 adults, the release also states.

Sacramento resident and Crocker member Mary Anderson and a friend visiting from St. Paul, Minn., Jean Wolf, went to the museum Friday to have lunch in the new cafe before exploring the vast expansion.

“We are members of the Crocker, but this is the first visit to the new part,” Anderson said. “We didn’t know what to expect.”

Anderson said she was dubious about an addition to the original museum structure.

“It’s more museum-like now,” Anderson said. “The lighting and the openness of the space – there’s more room for art. They were so confined for space before.”

Jones said such a reaction has been common among visitors to the Crocker over the past year.

“Times have changed, and so have people’s expectations,” Jones said. “The Crocker was built in the 19th century, and it was very much in the English gallery style of the time.”

Today’s Crocker, Jones said, is much more a “museum of today.”

The size and layout of exhibits allows for the traffic flow of larger groups of people, Jones said, and a variety of pathways have been created through the exhibits allowing people to choose their experience: Start with modern works and work toward the older pieces, or explore continent to continent.

The expansion more than tripled the museum's size, which is a good thing considering the total collection of artwork numbers a little over 15,000 pieces – and not all of that is on view at the same time.

“Perhaps 10 to 12 percent is on view at any given time,” Jones said.

In July, the Crocker Art Museum was awarded a federal Museums of America grant of $148,441 by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

The grant money can be used for a variety of projects at the museum, including research, planning and new programs that support efforts to integrate new technologies, according to a press release from Congresswoman Doris Matsui.

“We’ve tried to make the best use of the new space and integrate it with the previous space in a way that makes sense,” Jones said. “Programs and activities are also an important part of what we do here at the Crocker.”

Admission to the Crocker Art Museum is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors and college students, $5 for youths 7-17, children 6 and under and Crocker members get in free.

Memberships to the museum start at $65 for individuals and $85 for a family. Other membership levels are available – contact the museum for more information.

The Crocker Art Museum is located at 216 O St. in downtown Sacramento.

Melissa Corker is a Staff Reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow her on Twitter @MelissaCorker.

Ryan Adams grows up — well, kinda

2011-10-21T04:47:09Z

Ryan Adams, in his usual black leather jacket and jeans, sat solo on the stage, his long, messy hair seemingly blinding him from his black book of sheet music and lyrics – a thick anthology of prolific work spanning from his first solo record “Heartbreaker” to his Oct. 11, 2011 release, “Ashes & Fire.”

The crowd applauded and whistled, and after an endearingly awkward pause, Adams grinned, saying, “Hello. Thanks for coming to the show. I’m just going to sing some songs about ‘the feelings.’”

Anyone who knows Adams’ music understands that Adams’ feelings are the unabashed, raw type – the kind that tells a relatable yet shocking and often painful story. And if he has no story to tell, you sure as hell will “feel” something nonetheless.

Tuesday night’s show at the Crest Theatre was no exception. In his opening song, “Oh My Sweet Carolina,” his voice flowed from raspy to pristine, masking all evidence that five years ago he was diagnosed with Ménière's disease, a congenital disease that caused partial hearing loss and threatened to end his music-making altogether. His hiatus from music and booze the last few years may have served as just the right anecdote.

“That’s the one that gets people in love with Ryan Adams,” a writer sitting next to me, Peter Zimmerman, said, referring to “Oh My Sweet Carolina.”

I nodded. That was certainly the case for me. I think it happened back in the early years of college, listening to “Heartbreaker” in a cozy uptown cafe, trying to harmonize like Emmylou Harris. With that said, hearing Adams on Tuesday night was like falling in love again with an old flame – comforting, familiar, nostalgic.

In his quintessential quirky way, Adams searched sloppily for a pick, patting down his pants and shaking his guitar until he finally found it wedged in his pocket. “Oh wait. Hello, my little friend,” he said, staring at his pick.

Adams, singing this song and losing picks, is the Adams of heartbreaking youth – the whiskey-slugging, dirty-hair-flowing, reckless Adams who could simultaneously send you to sleep with a quick smoke and a long lullaby.

But the Adams of now is an Adams that some might refer to as more “grown up," managing a marriage (to Mandy Moore), sobriety and his own record label PAX-AM.)

“Ashes & Fire” reflects that shift, which is made most evident in his lyrics to “Lucky Now,” where he asks, “Are we really who we used to be? Am I really who I was?”

But the next song of the night, the title track off of the new album, alludes to his still-youthful, untamed disposition. “This is a new song about walking around New York, being incredibly stoned,” he said. “Um... it’s also about nothing!”

Throughout the rest of the evening, Adams “worked the stage,” evenly weaving older classics with newer numbers -- “Sylvia Plath” on piano, “My Winding Wheel” standing, “Invisible Riverside” sitting and roughly 20 other tunes in various positions and with rather witty and whimsical intentions.

In “New York, New York,” he announced that he was going for a sound “like snow on a farmhouse when you have your parents over for Thanksgiving, and you’re playing Spyro Gyra records.” For one Cardinals song, he had “redneck Star Wars” in mind, commenting that the Crest Theatre could be “on the outskirts of Mordor!” With “Two,” Adams requested dimmer lighting “to go with the self-depreciating music.”

In a surprising encore, Adams, clad in a black cape and followed by two candle-lit gothic girls, dedicated an original death metal song to his tour opener, country singer Jason Isbell.

“He brings back my Southern accent,” Adams said of Isbell, who hails from Alabama. “It’s been such a pleasure to play with that dude...He lets me play my semi-satanic Norwegian black metal. It’s Halloween every day on the bus...Somebody has to be the Glenn Danzig of alternative country!”

Adams’ sardonic sense of humor didn’t scare Isbell one bit, nor did it scare the audience whose laughter mimicked the sound of a night at Laughs Unlimited.

“I’m sorry. I’m not supposed to make you laugh. It’s bad for my image," he said.

And like many artists, much of Adams’ humor holds in it a tinge of truth. In another candid act, Adams refused to play the shout-out request from an audience member for “La Cienega Just Smiled.”

"No. Ask me why. Because I said,” Adams bluntly put it.

“Actually, do you want to know why? A song is born the first time you play it all the way through,” he said. “But then 10 years later, they pick up their own identify, and I wonder, can I still bring it back to the day that it was born? Sometimes, you just can’t play it any more, because it’s become so much more.”

His statement made me wonder. Which of his songs have morphed for him mentally and which ones remain pure, if there are any at all? His performance brought me back to the early days, but what do those songs mean to him now? How does he feel about the birth of his new songs?

I was pondering this, wishing i had set up an interview, when he began playing the requested song - a stripped-down, beautifully shaky version. He paused at one point, creating silence as the audience absorbed the song. The woman who asked for the song shouted, "You don't know what this means to me!"

Turning back to his new work, Adams then unsuccessfully tried to tune his voice to his guitar in preparation for his new song, “Chains of Love,” a task that frustrated Adams to the point of pseudo-profanity.

“Crapola! Oh, did I just say ‘crapola?’ Oh, gosh darn it,” he said.

The crowd offered their support. “I love you!” one fan called out.

"I apologized to the audience for my “cussing problem. It goes along with my not-growing-up problem.”

To put it in his own words, perhaps the Adams of today has not “grown up” too much after all. Yes, he’s shown a more-settled, sober and softer side since the wild, whiskey-hound Adams of youth.

But as was illuminated at Tuesday night’s show, Adams has not lost his humor, his hearing or, most of all, his ability to make you “feel” something.

Crocker Art Museum Hosts Esteemed Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet

2011-10-19T20:30:53Z

The Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet will bring their award-winning sound to the Crocker Art Museum on Thursday, Oct. 20. The Quintet will perform select works inspired by the exhibition “Gardens and Grandeur: Porcelains and Paintings by Franz A. Bischoff,” on view through October 23. The concert will take place in the Museum’s Setzer Foundation Auditorium at 7 p.m.

The Quintet—comprised of Alec Watson, piano; Rane Roatta, tenor sax; Malachi Whitson, drums; Tree Palmedo, trumpet; and Bill Vonderhaar, bass—is the winner of numerous DownBeat awards, including the 2007, 2009, 2010, and 2011 awards for best collegiate jazz group in the country. The group has performed at the Monterey Jazz Festival, Playboy Jazz Festival, Brubeck Festival, Detroit International Jazz Festival, and at jazz clubs such as Yoshi’s in Oakland, Herb Alpert’s club Vibrato in Los Angeles, and the Jamboree Jazz Club in Barcelona, Spain.

The Brubeck Institute was established by the University of the Pacific in 2000. Named in honor of the acclaimed American jazz pianist and University of the Pacific alumnus, the Institute’s mission is to promote creativity, education, and dedication to music, as well as advance important social issues. The members of the Brubeck Institute Jazz Quintet are in the Institute's Fellowship Program for recent high school graduates.

Tickets are $6 for Museum members and $12 for nonmembers. Tickets can be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

Playlist is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series, sponsored by Bank of America. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups.

For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Tuesday–Wednesday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays; 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Sunday. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Bank of America.

Occupy Midtown Sacramento a pictorial

2011-10-18T04:41:30Z

Several hundred people showed up to this weekend's Midtown Modern Arts Festival. The event took place on 20th Street between J & K and was enjoyed by children and adults.

Various performances included the Sacramento Ballet, Capital Stage Company, The Sacramento Philharmonic, B Street Theatre, Sacramento Comedy Spot, the Harley White Jr. Orchestra and other acts. Over a dozen arts and performing organizations had stations set up to give those in attendance information about the many art programs offered in Sacramento and surrounding areas.

Several demonstration tables also allowed visitors, mostly children, the opportunity to participate in arts, music and crafts set up by various organizations.

The Midtown Modern Arts Festival achieved their main objective for the event, "The goal of the festival is to create a venue for Midtown to show off what it does best, Art!"

The free event was held under ideal weather conditions. Families enjoyed the festival and meeting new friends.

Cesar Chavez Plaza continues to be the site for "Occupy Sacramento" demonstrations. No matter what side of the fence you sit on this issue Occupy Sacramento is an ideal place to go for a lesson in Civics, Democracy and the American way.

Each day Occupy Sacramento publishes a list of events for the day and a General Assembly is held on a regular basis to go over the agenda, discuss any issues and vote on these if necessary.

Those who have occupied Chavez Plaza located at 910 I Street have been doing so in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street which has now gone global. Many in the Occupy movement face being arrested and are willing to put up with the possibility.

On my short visit to Occupy Sacramento I was able to witness several of our rights we have, as American citizens, including free assembly, free association, free speech and the right to vote.

Free event this weekend in Midtown- Midtown Modern Arts Festival

2011-10-13T20:08:37Z

The Capital Cities Artober celebration is in full effect and Midtown is excited to give the Sacramento region another opportunity to explore and commemorate the arts in a big way. This Saturday, October 15th, the Midtown Modern Arts Festival (MMAF) will take place on 20th Street between J & K. The FREE family-friendly street-fair will occur from Noon – 6:00pm and is guaranteed to offer attendees a broad spectrum of creativity including Music, Dance, Comedy, the Visual Arts and every medium in-between.

The festival will feature a performance program on two separate stages: the KlickNation Stage and the MARRS Building Stage. Performing artists include the Sacramento Ballet, The Sacramento Philharmonic, Capital Stage Company, The Sacramento Comedy Spot, Pamela Hayes Classical Ballet, the Harley White Jr. Orchestra, the Element Brass Band and many more.

"The Midtown Modern Arts Festival presented itself as a great opportunity for the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra to reach out to our community in a fun and unique way. Sacramento's arts are so diverse and we are fortunate to have an event like this that showcases the different art forms” stated Greg Wellman of the Sacramento Philharmonic.

In addition to the live performances there will be a variety of interactive art activities and live artistic demonstrations. Some activities to look forward to are: Sugar skull decorating led by the La Raza Galería Posada, the musical instrument petting zoo, and the children's craft corner. Attendees of all ages will also have the opportunity to explore a variety of innovative art process that will be demonstrated during the festival, such as sculpting and portrait drawings.

"The Midtown Business Association is happy to be able support and promote the performing arts groups and galleries that represent Midtown and the greater Sacramento area. This event showcases the great talent and creativity our community provides and we are thrilled to be a part of this premier event." Amber Schmaeling, Program Director.

Don't miss out on all the excitement and entertainment this Saturday, October 15th from Noon-6:00pm at the Midtown Modern Arts Festival!

Disclosure: Heather Philpott is the producer of the Midtown Modern Arts Festival. She currently works for two of the sponsoring organizations, the Midtown Business Association and the Heller Pacific Company.

Ballet, music and art at Midtown's Second Saturday

2011-10-11T08:37:35Z

Summer has come and gone but crowds at Second Saturday still remain large. Second Saturday events have grown in popularity and other communities participate in Second and Third Saturday art events.

During fall several cities stop their art walks. Folsom and El Dorado Hills had their last Second Saturday of the year in September and October respectively.

Popularity of similar events in smaller towns continues to grow. Attendance and art displays expand in the smaller venues but none of these can compare to the popularity of Midtown’s event.

This Saturday I attended a handful of galleries and events. Since there are so many places to view and experience art I made a list of places I was invited to or wanted to see and took the rail from Folsom to Midtown.

My list of galleries or events I had, included the Sacramento Ballet Studios, the Heart Clothing Boutique, Urban Hive studios and places in between depending on time allowed.

The Sacramento Ballet on 1631 K Street held an open rehearsal for their upcoming “Dracula” performances. The dancers either wore full ballet outfits or casual dancing attire for the performance.

The Sacramento Ballet is one of the most delightful pleasures to experience in Sacramento. Ron Cunningham’s troupe always provides great entertainment. It isn’t until an open rehearsal is performed for public viewing that one can see and experience the time and effort spent on practice.

Once on stage however the Sacramento Ballet puts on great performances that showcase the wonderful talent they have and the time and effort they spend practicing.

The audience that attended this art in motion exhibit watched an impressive performance of Dracula that will take place at the Sacramento Community Center. Four performances of Dracula have been scheduled for October 22, 23, 27 and 28. Performances are at 7:30 except for October 23 which plays at 2:00.

Sacramento Ballet’s Artistic Director, Ron Cunningham, sat facing the ballet dancers during rehearsal and gave few directions as they performed. Any directions may have been more for the benefit of the audience as we followed the Dracula rehearsal.

Once the performance ended the audience vacated the dance area while Cunningham talked to the Sacramento Ballet performers. Outside the dance area people began to come in for another rehearsal.

The second rehearsal will eventually turn out to be a Vampire Flash Mob that will take place at a time and location still unknown.

The Vampire Flash Mob will be based on Michael Jackson’s Thriller dance. Dancers from all ages will be participating in the flash mob. Sacramento Ballet’s Christopher Brian Nachtrab was on hand to lead the flash mob rehearsal and the dance studio was packed.

Nachtrab made sure he announced that there was a video on YouTube that went through the choreography as well in case dancers needed further practice. More information as well as the actual time and place of the flash mob will be given on their facebook page.

Heart Clothing Boutique on 1903 Capitol Avenue celebrated their one year anniversary of business. Owner Vanessa Lopez celebrated by thanking her customers and friends by holding a fashion show outside her shop with DJ Esef playing in the background.

Heart Clothing had plenty of guests to help Lopez celebrate her 1 year anniversary. The small boutique is geared to make each shopping experience unique and personal. Byuti Salon and Spa teamed with Heart Clothing to provide hair and make up for the models.

Down the street at the street at the Gay and Lesbian Center on 1927 L Street a Second Saturday art exhibit was being showcased. As I walked around to look at the art I picked up some delicious appetizers that were provided for guests.

On the outside back patio the Kenny Rego and the Law of One Band played. The four member group played to a small audience.

Although I was only there for a couple of songs they showed a wide musical range touching on some folk, rock, indie and Americana. Kenny Rego’s vocals and their lyrics also excelled. Kenny Rego and the Law of One Band have a myspace page and you can sample some of their songs on YouTube and Reverbnation.

Kenny Rego and the Law of One Band played “Working Class Man” as their last song and its great melody, lyrics and vocals was a good selection to end their set.

Over at Barber’s Shop Alfa Romeo on 1116 18th Street, Mike Blanchard and The Californios played. Some fans watched from seats in the garage while others danced just outside on the parking lot.

A protest rally by “Take back the Night” marchers moved on to K Street from 20th. It looked like well over a hundred marchers paraded down the streets of Midtown carrying protest signs and yelling out demonstration chants to bring awareness to their cause and inform the public.

One of my last destinations was the Urban Hive where an Artober Art Show was taking place. The show recognized the art of four magnificent artists; Milton Bowens, Felipe Dávalos, Theresa Fike and Aaron Hagar.

Art filled the walls of the Urban Hive and several guests were on hand to view the work of these four artists. An intimate question and answer period also took place. Felipe Dávalos and Milton Bowens talked about their work and answered questions from guests.

The show at the Urban Hive Gallery runs from October 6 to November 7 and the Second Saturday event served as an inaugural Artober Art Show. The talents of these great artists can be viewed at the Hive and appointments can also be made to view the work.

Bowens and Dávalos, great artists in their own right, delighted guests with their commentary and it’s great to see this kind of interaction between the artist and their admirers. Dávalos’ art and work have been seen in National Geographic and other renowned publications. He has also created illustrations for children’s books, magazines, archeology, art history and several of his pieces are on exhibit.

Bowens has a powerful presence and talked about his work and the work of poets, writers and music performers who influence today’s society and how their communication medium transcends through cultures via their music.

Bowens described his work by saying, “I use text in combination with color and shades. I pretty much deal in history but there are a lot of hidden messages woven into the fabric of my paintings. My paintings are very personal to me to start with but they’re just anchored in what I consider pivotal moments in American history.” With that comment he described his works and what several items common in his art signify. Bowens continued to talk about his work and made the event very real and personal as he indulged the audience in what his work stood for.

A refreshing artist perspective was shown at the Artober Art Show and it allowed for meaningful dialogue between artist and guests.

Guests to the event were encouraged to bring new art supplies and materials to benefit the Stanford Home for Children and the Wellspring Center for Women. To find out more about Artober guests can visit the Urban Hive or Artober websites or contact Veronica Delgado 916-792-4947.

As many of the artist galleries began to close several other establishments remained open keeping the Second Saturday Art Walk spirit alive. Midtown continues to benefit from the event and it could clearly be seen as lines of people stood outside certain venues waiting to get into several of the popular clubs.

To follow other area artists and performers Roseville will host their Third Saturday on October 15. Several galleries in and around Vernon Street will host several artist receptions.

Muriel Lee and Her $10,000 Piece of Art

2011-10-10T20:58:49Z

I became familiar with Muriel's art before I ever got a chance to meet Muriel herself. Evie Turner organized another one of her wonderful "Bent Twig" art shows in September, and Vox Sacramento was hosting. Muriel was one of the artists involved in this show.

Muriel's pieces were on the smaller side, but were very, very vivid. The bold colors and lines she used really made her work stand out. Muriel's artist statement mentioned that Muriel took up art as art therapy when she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, but it didn't really take until she recieved the diagnosis of "terminal."

I met Muriel on Second Saturday. She was in a wheelchair and looked a little fragile, but she had a lot of friends with her, and she was obviously very happy to be there. We arranged a separate night for Muriel to host more of her friends at Vox Sacramento, and it was then that I was able to talk to Muriel about my work with Komen and that I was helping to organize some of the silent auction art pieces for Komen's big Gala event. Muriel very enthusiastically agreed to donate a piece of art, and indeed said she wanted to go home and figure out what to create for the Gala.

Unfortunately, before she could create her new piece, Muriel passed away. Her partner, Laurie, very kindly donated one of Muriel's other pieces, and I was able to bring it with me to the Komen Gala event on October 9th.

We didn't have a bid sheet for Muriel's art, so the Director of Development at Sacramento Komen, Kris Kirkpatrick, decided that instead of Muriel's art being a silent auction piece, that it should be a gift for whomever had the highest bid during the live auction's "fund a mammogram" drive. Our fantastic auctioneer, David Sobon, agreed.

After all the other "live auction" items had been sold, David introduced Anne Marie Scully Gold. Anne Marie is a breast cancer survivor, and she talked about how important mammograms are for early detection and treatment. She then read from Muriel's artist statement, and introduced the crowd to Muriel's story, and her art (I admit it, I cried).

David took center stage again, and told the crowd that his goal for the evening was to raise $10,000 to fund mammograms. The person with the highest bid would receive the piece of art that Muriel donated for the event. He asked the audience if anyone wanted to bid $10,000. In the background I heard a man say a little sarcastically, "Yeah, good luck." David asked again, and then amazingly, a pink bid number went up.

Joyce Raley Teel.

The crowd was floored. Mrs. Raley Teel's bid and David's enthusiasm electrified the audience, and although David joked that his work for the evening was done, he went on to raise thousands of dollars more to help fund mammograms for underfunded and uninsured women.

As one of the live auction runners, it was my job to go over to Mrs. Raley Teel's table to get her credit card information. I'd been doing this all night, and up to this point it had been all laughter and excitement. I was completely unprepared to come to the table to find Mrs. Raley Teel crying.

I introduced myself, and crying too, i told her that Muriel had shown in my gallery, and I was so honored and so happy to be able to tell Muriel's family about what her art inspired. I told Mrs. Raley Teel that Muriel had been an educator, and was a very well loved person, and that her friends and family would be so proud of her. Mrs. Raley Teel and I hugged, and she told me that she was very honored to have Muriel's art.

Because of Muriel's generosity in donating a piece of work for the cause, because of Mrs. Raley Teel's generosity in donating $10,000 to fund mammograms, many women will be given the opportunity to survive.

I am so thankful to have met Muriel, and I hope that she knows what an impact she made on so many people, even those whom she never met.

Disclosure: I'm the artistic director of Vox Sacramento, as well as a frequent fundraiser and volunteer for the Sacramento Valley Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen For the Cure.

Art Icon In Conversation: Richard Mayhew

2011-10-10T07:15:26Z

“A spiral is in every direction—it is without a beginning or an end.”

– Richard Mayhew, artist

One can infer from Mayhew’s perspective that a spiral, in essence, is infinite. It knows no boundaries of time or space. It penetrates existence. However, he’s not strictly speaking about a concept found in physics, or existentialism. This is “heavy art,” a fusion of spirituality and intellect. It is an explanation of an inextricable link between art, creation and its existence.

The Crocker Art Museum, in conjunction with Evolve the Gallery, featured artist Richard Mayhew for the museum’s “Icons In Conversation” program on Saturday.

Mayhew was a member of the 1960s artist collective the Spiral Group. The group operated on the belief that social or political issues should not burden art. In fact, nor should art reflect ethnicity. The idea was to transcend race and let art be what it naturally is: art.

“The Spiral Group was involved with the future, not the present,” Mayhew said.

While the artists weren’t directly concentrating on creating ethnic art, the group itself was involved in combating discrimination.

“There weren’t African-Americans or women in the galleries or museums,” he recounted. “We challenged the owners of the museums and the media.”

Mayhew explained that the media industry didn’t equally distribute coverage of African-American art. The 80-year-old artist shared that the attitude and consensus of museums and the media was that “they felt that African-American artists hadn’t reached a level of creative consistency.”

He shared several awe-inspiring stories of his personal relationships with other members of the Spiral Group. He spoke with candor and deep reverence for each of the artists he knew: Charles Alston, Romare Bearden, Norman Lewis, Hale Woodruff, Felrath Hines, Merton Simpson, James Yeargans, Emma Amos, Reginald Gammon, Alvin Hollingsworth, William Majors, Earl Miller and Earnest Crichlow. Many of these artists received little recognition for their work during their lifetimes.

“Beyond being painters, Ralph Ellison and James Baldwin were also a part of the group,” he said.

Some of the artists found fame in the later years of their careers, but one received more fanfare than the others: Romare Bearden.

“All are deceased except three,” Mayhew said. “I’m the only one still going around talking about it.” His continuation to publicly speak about the group’s work is a promise he made to Bearden.

“The media didn’t pay attention to the other artists,” recalled Mayhew, while detailing the background, skill and talent of each of the members of the group. He confirmed his account with slides of every artist’s work. In offering attendees a glimpse into his experiences, he gave them an authentic encounter with, as he called it, “creative consciousness” or an “internalized spiritual sensitivity” to the creative process.

His memories with the Spiral Group are a reflection of an era with a subject matter often untouched, ignored or simply given a cursory discussion. He is an honest, sensitive, artistic soul who can gauge how far the art world has evolved.

“The journey for African-American master artists is still incomplete,” attendee and Bay Area artist Milton Bowens said. “We are still searching for recognition. These were some of the most creative, artistic innovators in the arts and American history. It is disrespectful to be contained to a subcategory.”

Ann Kerr, a representative of the Kingsley Art Club board of directors, said she thought it was an excellent talk. “I knew a few artists and learned some new ones,” she said. “It was very inspiring — mind-blowing.”

While you may have missed learning the history of the Spiral Group during this informative event, Mayhew’s work can be viewed at Evolve the Gallery, 2907 35th St. A collection of the artist’s work will be exhibited until Nov. 26.

The Icons In Conversation artist talk with Richard Mayhew was an experience with a living legacy, a lasting imprint. His story is equally as impactful and leaves an impression on the soul.

40th Anniversary of the Crocker Art Museum's Annual Art and Antiques Show

2011-10-10T04:12:54Z

The Art Service Group celebrated the 40th annual Art & Antiques Show & Sale, which benefits Sacramento's beautifully renovated Crocker Art Museum. Over 50 regional and national arts and antique dealers participated in the event Friday through Sunday in the historic Scottish Rite Center, which is known for its dedication to education, fellowship and charity.

Dealers and volunteers from Sacramento County to Shingle Springs and Klamath Falls, Ore., join together to bond over their love of art and antiques and donate their time and efforts to participate in the three-day event.

The $7 admission fee and proceeds from the silent auction will support the Crocker Art Museum. The silent auction was filled with donated fine art, depression glass, pottery and other miscellaneous collectibles.

As collectors entered the center, they were greeted with the smiling faces of seasoned volunteers from the Crocker offering programs and encouragement to enter a drawing which offered winners one of 10 prizes, such as limited addition paintings or a luncheon gift certificate.

Each dealer was spaciously set up and spread out as if you were walking into each shop of their own. The event showcased top-notch heirlooms that catered to serious collectors, with one-of-a-kind items such as furniture from the Victorian era, European pottery and plates, fine art, vintage Oriental rugs, jewelry and silver goods.

The venue was quiet and visited by what seemed to be mature crowds who occasionally approached a dealer softly talking to and quizzing them about their pieces. One woman picked up a silver necklace at Sylvia's Sterling booth and said, " Wow. This looks just like my grandmother's."

Also on hand where professional appraisers and evaluators for people who are always curious as to how much their beloved piece of history is worth. The Crocker also hosts "Evaluation Days" in October as Sacramento's version of “Antiques Roadshow."

San Bruno resident Willie Mitchell of Old Pump Antiques, who was participating for his fourth year in a row, said the show had been relatively slow until Saturday afternoon.

"Yesterday it was slow, but today the crowd has been picking up,” he said. “I guess people like to sleep in!"

Mitchell has been dealing antiques for over 35 years. "Yes, it has been slow, but that goes for all industries right now,” he said. “The sales, they come and go.”

Despite each dealer having their own focus, they all have the same intention at heart, which is to support the Crocker. Proceeds will assist a variety of projects, from "cataloguing the glass and master drawing collections to creating location records for the paintings from the original Crocker family collection," according to their July/August Slice of Life newsletter.

In past years, the Art Services Group has also provided funds for many projects including computers, Y2K readiness software, specialized lighting fixtures, art storage boxes, temperature and humidity monitors, art conservation, art library reference books and chandeliers.

If you missed the Art & Antiques Show this year, there is always next year and more opportunities to contribute to the museum. Please support and enjoy the museum by taking a look at the calendar of events.

Sac World Fest

2011-10-05T09:50:40Z

The Sac World Fest was celebrated with various modern and classical dances from around the world in Old Sacramento on Sunday, October 2. Continuous dancing, singing and performances were scheduled throughout the day on five stages on Front Street.

Several dozen vendors and informational stations were set up, as was a children’s craft area. Performances ran from 10 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon and featured music and performances as diverse as the residents that live in Sacramento.

This is the fourth year that Sacramento World Music and Dance Festival has been held and it continues to attract residents and visitors from Northern California. Several thousand visitors were able to enjoy the many sights and sounds of the festival as well as the many dishes served through the streets of Old Sacramento.

The annual multicultural event features performers from across our region and emphasizes the many ethnic traditions the Sacramento community has to showcase. The festival brings the music and cultural world to Sacramento as musicians, dancers and other performers present their culture to Sacramento.

The festival continues to be a free event that can be enjoyed by everyone in the family. Live world-class music, dance and entertainment are brought to Sacramento audiences every year.

This year the festival began on Saturday night. East Indian dance and music was featured at the festival’s main stage in Old Sacramento.

There were too many acts to list but a listing of performers can be found at the Sacramento World Fest website. I did catch the Ballet Folklórico IMBA, JODAMA Drum & Dance and Cave Women on the Passenger Station Stage that was located at Front and I Streets.

A fashion show and several demonstrations took place under the Global Village tent and the Old Eagle Theater. Although I was not able to visit more than a handful of performances, it helped that most of the stages were close together, making it easier to view as many of the acts as possible.

A sample of some of the Global Village performances can be seen in the photos below. The Ohana Dance Group, a fashion show and Bolivia de Corazón performed at the Global Village.

At the Eagle Theater I was able to watch a Romanian performance, music by Clemon Charles as well as the Samba de Terra Brazilian dance group.

Below is a sample of the Henna & Kohl Belly Dance Co. and Samba da Terra who performed at the Waterfront Stage.

The amount and variety of performers filled the streets of Old Sacramento to the delight of thousands. Many of the performers also stayed to enjoy international acts. Families and friends not only enjoyed a diversity of world sounds and sights but they also shared their cultural memories with others.

The event was well attended and it was a great experience for both performers and audience. The Sacramento World Festival had a perfect description of the event.

“Travel to an exotic location without leaving town and feast your eyes, your heart and your mind.”

The event indeed was quite a feast.

P.R. Brown's The Known and Travel exhibit

2011-10-04T08:26:28Z

Opening night of “The Known and Travel” gallery show took place during Beatnik Studios’ Final Friday. The opening for the P.R. Brown exhibit turned out to be a family affair that showcased the talents of the Brown family.

The Known and Travel exhibit also included a silent auction and wine tasting with proceeds going towards transforming the lives of orphaned and poverty-stricken children.

Several projects are supported by the nonprofit organization, 2Build 4Ward International. Friday’s event highlighted a major project, the building of an orphanage in Tuxpan, Jalisco, Mexico.

The UN estimates that over 10 million orphans live in Mexico and 2x4 International, operated by state workers, has partnered with communities to build an orphanage that will serve as a home for some of Tuxpan’s orphans.

Kristen Brown, CEO of 2x4 International, talked about the organization and the event.

“We started 2x4 International with workers who also work for the Department of Education and Department of Health and it’s completely volunteer work. One hundred percent of our proceeds go to our projects.”

Brown also spoke about work they’ve done in West Africa and other places. Information was displayed at the event. Several of the informational boards also featured artistic work by Brown’s sister Holly and their mother, Paula.

Kristen Brown’s work through 2x4 International is inspirational. Their work has also spread to projects in the Caribbean, where they built an educational center in Kingston, Jamaica. They’ve reached out to Ghana, West Africa with a clothes, book and toy drive for the Children’s Hospital and extended their work to other parts of Latin America, Japan and Africa with the Children’s Global Connection Project.

“Our major project is to build an orphanage,” said Brown. “We have three acres of land that was donated by Miguel de la Mora Morfin from Texas that’s located in Tuxpan in Jalisco and we have a Canadian architect committed to help with the project. One of the remaining things to acquire is the funds and that’s where the wine tasting and silent bidding will help.”

Having volunteered for the Peace Corps, Brown said that 2x4 International wanted to make sure money gets to the people. She helped create a nongovernmental organization in Mexico to distribute donated funds.

Several items are up for auction and will remain on the online bidding site until October 26. Log on to the website to view and bid on selected items.

As I walked around the gallery, many people viewed the artwork on the walls and placed bids on silent auction items. Complimentary appetizers were served along with a wide selection of wines. Raffle tickets for several gift baskets were also sold.

Besides being a photographer, P.R. Brown is also a graphic designer and Grammy nominated music video director. His exhibit showcased photography from his travels to India, Brazil and Cambodia, among other places. In the studio area of Beatnik a projector showed several videos that he directed. Highlighted videos included artists such as Slipknot, My Chemical Romance, Billy Corgan and many others.

P.R. Brown founded Bau-da Design Lab and much of his work can be found there. His works dig deep into the subconscious and inspire images of dark scenery and themes. P.R. Brown’s work is pretty intense and very interesting.

I talked to Greg Pond, gallery manager of Beatnik Studios, who then introduced me to P.R. Brown at the gallery. I was able to speak to him for a few minutes about his involvement in the event.

“My sister contacted me to see if I wanted to do a show and I said absolutely, so the photography exhibit that’s going on will stay up throughout the month and that’s my work. Other pieces are from another sister of ours and some are my mother’s. It’s a family affair.”

“I started as a graphic designer and I went into photography about 12 years ago and then into directing,” said Brown when asked how long he’s been working on his trade.

I asked what he directed and Brown explained.

“Music videos, commercials and I’m getting into features. Mainly the work that’s up here are the personal works that I do when I travel. It’s just me going out shooting. Other work is the fine arts side.”

Besides the travel photographs hanging on one side of Beatnik studios (on the left as you enter the building), there are other photographs on the right side of the gallery of fine arts created at his studio.

Brown is currently based out of Los Angeles and indicated he’s been there for 13 years. Brown lives in Topanga and his studio is in West Lake.

When asked if he’s had past showings or if he expects upcoming exhibits, Brown responded negatively.

“Honestly my sister was the driving force. I normally don’t show my work. I’m a commercial photographer and that’s what I do for a living and it never occurred to me that I should actually have a gallery show. This is only the second time I’ve ever done a gallery show. I did one for a Marilyn Manson album I did years ago.”

When asked which Manson album, Brown replied, “Holy Wood.” He continued, “I actually did all of them from ‘Antichrist’ through ‘Grotesque.’”

Brown also said that the woman photographed on a couple of the larger works on the right hand side of the gallery were of Marilyn Manson’s girlfriend.

Brown also said, regarding Manson, “He’s actually the reason I became a photographer because he was the first real person I ever shot.”

Brown went on to say that he moved from New York to L.A. to do the shooting and did a photo exhibit as a result. That was the only other time he’s done a gallery showing.

I asked him about his inspiration for the work he does and Brown indicated that he did not take photography classes and became involved out of frustration as a graphic designer. Some of the photography work was not suited for a project. Brown started to photograph images he wanted and fell in love with it. After graduating from college and 500 albums later, Brown picked up the camera and began using it for his art.

Brown is a fascinating artist. I could have gone for hours talking to him about his work. As I viewed P.R. Brown’s work on the gallery walls, I was drawn to the videos he’s directed and was fascinated by those as well.

Jerry Brown, Kristen and Paul’s father, was also on hand to show his support. Family support is always great to see and it showed the closeness of the Brown family.

Once the live auction came to a close, a drawing was held for several bottles of wine and gift baskets.

Live music was provided by Katie Jane, Exquisite Corps and Alyssa Cox. Katie Jane started off the evening on keyboards playing several songs. Her sunny disposition and sweet vocals came through, making for a delightful set.

The magnificent sounds of Exquisite Corps are always a delight to experience and many of their fans showed their support by attending the show. Exquisite Corps continues to be one of those bands that doesn’t disappoint and are always fun to watch. During their set, Bryan Valenzuela reminded fans that they were going to be performing during the SAMMIES with members from the Sacramento Ballet.

Alyssa Cox and The Flatland Band closed out the evening’s event. Many fans came close to the stage and cheered them on, showing their support. Alyssa Cox and the Flatland Band responded to fan support and put on a great show.

Final Fridays, hosted by Beatnik, is a great event for art and culture. In addition, some of Sacramento’s finest musicians come together to display their talents.

Representing Beatnik, Wes Davis and Greg Pond helped things go smoothly for artists and guests and provided a great atmosphere for this gathering.

The Known and Travel exhibit continues until October 26. Open online bidding will also continue until that date.

Next Saturday Beatnik Studios will host Second Saturday from 4 to 8 p.m. P.R. Brown’s exhibit will be showcased; check the Beatnik website for further information.

Crocker Art Museum Partners with SIGLFF to Screen Audience-Favorite Shorts on October 6

2011-10-03T19:13:19Z

The Crocker Art Museum and the Sacramento International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival will co-present a screening of audience-favorite short films from past festivals at the Museum on Thursday, Oct. 6. The program will start at 7 p.m. and includes the following films:

“Little Black Boot” (2003, USA, 17 min) by director Colette Burson – A modern Cinderella tale in which a high school girl dresses up as a boy for the prom and finds mutual attraction with the prom queen.
“Ryan's Life” (2004, USA, 24 min) by director Nick Wauters – Complications arise for high school student Ryan as he begins to wonder if he might be gay.
“Gódir Gestir,” or “Family Reunion,” (2006, Iceland, English subtitles) by director Isold Uggadottir – A modern-day coming out story about a young Icelandic woman living two lives.
“Groucho” (2006, Spain, English subtitles) by directors Angel Almazan and Medardo Amor – David, a sixteen year-old teenager, approaches his neighbor in the elevator, pretending to want to help him, while it is he who is looking for help, advice, and excitement.
“Babysitting Andy” (2007, Canada, 11 min) by director Pat Mills – What do you do if you're nine and nobody will tell you what fellatio means?
“Six” by director Amy Neil – A diverse collection of LGBTQ individuals telling their stories in six words.

Before the screening, there will be spotlight gallery talks on works by LGBTQ artists.

The program is $6 Museum members and $12 nonmembers. Tickets are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

Film Frame is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series, sponsored by Bank of America. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Community Day gives locals a preview of airport's new Terminal B

2011-10-03T05:31:23Z

Sacramento International Airport’s new Terminal B opened to the public on Sunday to give locals a preview of the $1.03 billion project before it opens for air traffic on Oct. 6. Airport spokeswoman Karen Doron said nearly 4,500 people made reservations to observe the terminal's new art and its elaborate design.

“It’s beautiful,” said Merrilyn Hirsch, a 65-year-old retiree. “They really got their money’s worth.”

Starting at 10 a.m., guests lined up to be the first to see the architectural feat. They were led onto the trains, called “people movers,” and brought from the terminal’s “land side” to the “air side.” The trains sped across the airport and went back and forth every two minutes, bringing more people with them.

Once off-board, attendees were greeted by an array of new restaurants, stores, artwork and airport gates.

Many of the shops and restaurants were open and packed with people. Among the restaurants were Sacramento favorites such as Jack’s Urban Eats, Cafeteria 15L and Esquire Grill. Many of these restaurants feature “patio” seating similar to their downtown counterparts.

Much of the artwork is interactive. Guests can walk inside of Mildred Howard’s “The House Will Not Pass for Any Color but Its Own” to observe it from every angle.

“Your Words are Music to Their Ears” by artists Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen can be used to create music by typing e-mails over the Internet on its built-in keyboard. Its ethereal sounds filled the terminal as people sent out messages of their own.

“I think it’s wonderful that the city cares so much about art,” local artist Mari Selah said. “It’s great that they put so much care into aesthetics.”

As the day went on, people were free to go from the air side to the land side.

On the land side, the terminal was full of people buying commemorative shirts and taking pictures in the empty check-in counters. They were dwarfed by Lawrence Argent’s “Leap” hovering above and around them.

But not everybody was so satisfied with the event. Business consultant Brian Dillon said he felt the event was poorly organized.

“There’s no security,” he said. “We were all told to make reservations and bring identification, but then they just let everyone in without checking them. I brought a lot more than I actually needed.”

Even with the slight confusion, most people seemed to enjoy the terminal and all the new things it had to offer.

“I can’t wait to take my first trip out of here!” Hirsch said.

Permaculture Liberation in Sacramento.

2011-09-26T20:41:29Z

What is Liberation Permaculture?

When posed this question, creative organizer Rafael Aguilera’s answer is amazing pasta sauce.

“It’s not all about gardening. It’s about village alchemy. How do we identify who has needs or skills in our own neighborhoods and work together? Is some guy growing tomatoes and has too many while another guy down the street has an incredible recipe for pasta sauce?”

And as simply as that, the concept of permaculture is boiled down.

Bill Mollison, who is credited with helping develop permaculture as a systematic process in the 1970s defined it as “a philosophy of working with, rather than against nature; of protracted and thoughtful observation rather than protracted and thoughtless labor; and of looking at plants and animals in all their functions, rather than treating any area as a single project system."

Rafael hosts a monthly discussion group called Liberation Permaculture at Sol Collective. The group started with a discussion he led on the permaculture lifestyle. So much community interest was generated that Rafael and Sol Collective decided to host the community meetings once a month.

In the last year the Liberation Permaculture group, along with Ubuntu Green, Soil Born Farms, and a long list of community sponsors, has built community gardens, gleaned unpicked fruit from downtown community homes, started a local NGO seed bank, and planted trees all over the city.

One shining example of their work is the community garden at Southside park located at 7th and V street. The community garden has already involved the youth at the neighboring Met Charter school. “The next generation is built right into the community garden at Southside,” said Aguilera. Students from The Met will be tending the garden as part of their environmental education and internships.

More than just gardening, Rafael Aguilera and everyone involved with Liberation Permaculture are working to plant the seed of community-centered sustainability in Sacramento. Liberation Permaculture meets every first Tuesday at 6 p.m. at Sol Collective, located at 2574 21st Street.

Experience the O

2011-09-26T09:40:36Z

Hot Italian hosted “Experience the O,” a Sacramento Opera fundraising event, on Thursday. The free public event, coordinated by Vy Nguyen, brought many opera fans together to enjoy a silent auction, raffle, delicious pizza, a great soprano singer and great company.

Several representatives from the Sacramento Opera helped with the event, including Nina Ankelé and Alan Willendrup, who greeted guests as they arrived, handed out informational materials and sold raffle tickets. Willendrup has been on the Sacramento Opera Board of Directors for about a year, and Ankelé has served for approximately 16 years. Both were great ambassadors for the Sacramento Opera.

Samantha Olson, executive director for Connections for Youth, brought 14 high school students via light rail. Connections is a nonprofit community outreach organization dedicated to helping foster youth experience nature, culture and the arts. This was the first exposure to opera for most of the students.

“I brought them out here to experience a little bit of the arts in Sacramento,” Olson said.

Thursday’s show was a phenomenal way to be introduced to this unique art form, while also being treated to some of the best pizza in town. Hot Italian served several complimentary specialty pizzas throughout the event..

Sacramento Opera general director Rod Gideons served as master of ceremonies and mingled with guests before welcoming guests to Hot Italian.

“Thank you all for coming tonight,” he said. “I specially want to thank Vy Nguyen who has worked very hard to put this together. She’s done an exceptional job, and she’s a great person.”

Gideons said he understood some guests had to leave by 7 p.m., but they would get to hear at least one of the songs.

“If nothing else, you’re getting free pizza, right?” he said.

Soprano Carrie Hennessey was the performer for the evening, accompanied by John Cozza on keyboards. She recently sang the opening and closing songs at the Designing Dreams fashion show.

Gideons introduced the first aria of the evening, “Un Bel Di” from “Madame Butterfly.”

“It’s about a young Japanese woman who’s fallen in love with an American naval officer, and he’s going back to the Unites States,” Gideons said. “She hopes someday he’s going to return and sweep her off her feet.”

Mesmerizing is one word that can be used to describe Hennessey’s singing. Looking around at the audience, it was plain to see the how compelling her voice is. All eyes were fixed on Hennessey as guests experienced opera.

“I brought my children to this, and that way they will get accustomed to it,” said Betheney Urquhart, who has taken her kids to the Sacramento Opera’s Student Night for the past few years. “I’m originally from London and I grew up listening to opera.”

Ann Shimasaki brought her son, Lance, and noted that her son enjoys these types of events. As Hennessey sang, I was able to witness his appreciation for opera.

The selection of Hennessy for the event was as delightful and memorable. I especially enjoyed her rendition of “Italian Street Song” but enjoyed all three of her performances. She also took the time in between sets to talk to members of the audience, including students from Connections for Youth.

Hennessey, along with others, will be performing at Opera at the Cathedral on Oct. 6 at the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament. Cozza is scheduled to play piano at the event. The event, hosted by Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra conductor Michael Morgan, will kick off the Sacramento Opera 2011-2012 season.

The Sacramento Opera 2011-2012 season also includes Ruggero Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” on Nov. 19 and 20 and Giuseppe Verdi’s “Rigoletto” on Feb. 24 and 26. Both will be sung in Italian with English supertitles at the Sacramento Community Center Theater.

The Sacramento Opera also offers educational and outreach performances. Tickets for performances are now available, and more information can be found at their website. Support local arts by attending Sacramento Opera performances.

Drink Wine, Marvel at Art, Dance to Live Music all to Support Orphans in Mexico

2011-09-20T16:45:59Z

On September 30, 2011, at Beatnik Studios, aspects of Sacramento’s finest culture will come together to support a truly inspiring cause. From 5pm to 9pm entrance is free and guests can stroll the studio looking at P.R. Brown’s photography show “The Known and Travel” while noshing on appetizers. Wine lovers can purchase a souvenir glass for wine tasting and entrance into a gourmet gift basket raffle. 100% of the proceeds are directed towards transforming the lives of orphaned and poverty-stricken children. Guests can further show their support by bidding at the silent auction. After 9pm a suggested donation of $5-$10 is appreciated as the stage opens up to live performances from Katie Jane, Alyssa Cox, Step Jane, and Exquisite Corps.

Beatnik studios, located on 17th Street and Broadway, is known for supporting charitable causes. The nonprofit organization 2Build 4Ward International (2x4 International) is no exception. A group of California State Employees initiated the organization to bring attention and solutions to issues in developing countries. Their mission is to partner with community-based projects and disadvantaged groups to support education, health, infrastructure and small business development.

While the organization has already sent and shipped barrels of goods to a hospital in Ghana, this event will further their project to build an orphanage in Tuxpan, Jalisco Mexico. The organization has received a donation of land, a commitment from a Canadian architectural firm to the project, and the partnership of a local Mexican organization. Over half of Mexico’s population lives in poverty and the UN estimates that there are 10 million orphans living in Mexico.

The featured artist, P.R. Brown, is best known as a Grammy nominated music video director. Brown has worked with musicians such as John Mayer, Three Days Grace, The Smashing Pumpkins, Seal, Prince, Alicia Keys, Slipknot, Matisyahu, Goo Goo Dolls, and Death Cab for Cutie. His collection of travel photos and high fashion will be featured at Beatnik for the entire month of October.

For those interested in supporting 2x4 International’s cause, but cannot attend, online bidding for the silent auction photos can be accessed through their website. If you enjoy art, wine, music, and helping others, then come celebrate at 2x4 International’s first annual Wine and Art Event.

2x4 International is a registered 501(c)(3) Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation dedicated to development projects abroad. For further information please visit http://2x4international.blogspot.com

Disclosure: Chelsea Berg is the Fundraising/Volunteer Administrator with 2build 4ward international.

Masquerade gala at the Artisan

2011-09-20T03:42:08Z

An exquisite celebration full of music, ballroom dance, costumes and a masquerade was enjoyed by many at the Artisan this past Saturday evening. The 2nd Annual Autumn Harvest Masquerade Ball also served to benefit Wind Youth Services.

Masks and formal attire were required for the event. 18th century costumes were recommended and most guests stayed with the theme. Masks were available for purchase at the door. Inspired by Paris, high fashion and ballroom dancing, guests enjoyed a gala evening.

A poker tournament, a raffle and prizes for best costumes were other highlights of the event organized by Susan Purdy and her husband Jamie.

Appetizers and desserts were provided for guests. Wine, beer and specialty coffee drinks were available for purchase. On site child care, which is hardly ever an option at most events, was provided for guests with small children.

DJ Llorens provided musical entertainment and his selections delighted guests and kept many on the dance floor.

The main hall was well decorated to resemble a grand ballroom. Two large sections of tables lined each side of the hall. The tables had great hors d'oeuvres and delicacies and chairs to seat many of the guests. At the back of the hall, across from the stage where the DJ was located, non-alcoholic drinks were available, as was the ever popular chocolate fountain for dipping strawberries and other treats.

Susan Purdy took the microphone to welcome guests to the Artisan and thank them for their support. Proceeds from ticket sales and a poker tournament benefited Wind Youth Services. The Artisan is located at 1901 Del Paso Blvd and Wind Youth Services is located nearby. Wind Youth Services’ main purpose is to help youth experiencing homelessness. The organization gives these youngsters safety from the streets and provides access to many resources.

Counselor guidance and education is provided for each youth to help them develop skills to succeed and make positive lifestyle changes. Wind Youth Services also provides health and many other services for these misplaced individuals. Volunteerism and other services are available and listed on their website. Several items that many of us take for granted are in dire need at Wind Youth Services. These include books, student supplies, personal hygiene items and clothing. Guests were given half off the price of admission if they brought in items for the Wind Youth Services “Wish List” provided on their website.

Purdy also introduced the first dance, introducing a group dance and asking guests to join her and Jamie at the center of the dance floor. Guests, elegantly donned in 18th century fashion and masks, joined in. The Purdys demonstrated the dance and guests, young and not so young, performed it on the dance floor.

After the dance, a game of musical chairs ensued. A little twist to the game was added by the hostess. The person who did not sit when the music stopped had to perform a skit, short dance or song. The game was quite a hit.

A poker tournament in a separate room accommodated about a dozen participants and that too was popular. Games were held in good spirits. The dealers made accommodations for players who did not have high poker skills.

Purdy’s delightful smile and attitude were ever present. She greeted all in attendance and made everyone feel welcome. I sat with Susan Purdy for a couple of minutes after the game of musical chairs.

“I’ve always been a fan of the 18th century; I really don’t know why. I don’t know if it’s a girly thing or what,” said Purdy when asked why a masquerade was chosen.

“The first year was just for fun and was an enjoyable party,” Purdy continued. “This year I wanted to do something with a central purpose and we found an organization that we’re near and close to. The Artisan is very close to Wind Youth Services; they’re just down the street. We wanted to support them in a way that would highlight their organization by doing something out of the ordinary.”

When asked why the site was chosen to host the event Purdy responded saying, “The Artisan is a multi-use facility. Our church, (Capital City Church International), owns the building and we rent out the different spaces depending on who needs or wants it. Since I go to this church and I knew that Wind Youth Services was down the street, I wanted to support them. Many of the volunteers here are part of the same church.”

As we talked about the surrounding area, Purdy noted, “I know the people of Del Paso are working very hard to change the public’s perception of this area. There are a lot of things going on around here. I really want to encourage people from the outlying areas to come and visit because this is a rich neighborhood and things are happening here that I think they’d be excited about.“

When asked where she got her costume, the Sacramento native said that she made it herself.

“I made that, it was the first time working from a pattern. It took a lot of tearing apart and putting it back together over and over because I was not very good at it, but it came together at the end.”

The Artisan also contains a theatre where the 1938 black and white movie “Marie Antoinette” was played. Although not many people were watching the movie, it showcased the available theatre performance venue available at the Artisan. A café is just outside the theatre and an art gallery displayed some work as well. Purdy mentioned that Bryan Cooper is the managing director of the venue.

Dancing continued at the Artisan until midnight. The 2nd Annual Autumn Harvest Masquerade Ball was well planned and was enjoyed by the many guests. Wind Youth was a great choice for the beneficiary of the event. The partnership shows great cooperation between organizations in this community.

After some time to rest, Susan Purdy, will surely embark on organizing next year’s Masquerade ball. She noted that she will continue to hold the event as long as it’s profitable for the beneficiary.

“The economy will not change people’s focus to help other people,” said Purdy, noting today’s economy. “I don’t think the economy or a better economy will ever change people’s hearts.”

Purdy’s observation showed her compassion, positive attitude and dedication which continue to benefit the Annual Autumn Harvest Masquerade Ball and its beneficiaries.

Crocker Hosts Discussion on Licensing in the Digital Age on September 22

2011-09-19T18:12:05Z

The Crocker Art Museum and California Lawyers for the Arts will present “Licensing in the Digital Age” on Thursday, Sept. 22, at 7 p.m. Robert G. Pimm, chief learning officer and director of legal services at California Lawyers for the Arts, will discuss digital licensing and how intellectual property rights can be sold, retained, and optioned.

A publishing industry specialist, Pimm has taught educational workshops for creative artists throughout California. He is the author of numerous books, chapters, and articles regarding the legal and business aspects of the creative arts, including articles regarding emerging technologies and digital industries. Pimm has earned degrees from Columbia University, The London School of Economics and Political Science, Cambridge University, and the University of San Francisco School of Law.

Seating is limited and advance tickets are encouraged. Tickets are $10 Museum members, $15 nonmembers in advance, $20 nonmembers at the door, and $10 students at the door. Tickets can be purchased at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Frida Kahlo play at the Wilkerson Theater

2011-09-17T06:41:35Z

The play “Frida Kahlo” is showing at the Wilkerson Theatre in Midtown until Oct. 9, presented by Teatro Espejo and Teatro Nagual.

The play was written by Rubén Amavizca-Murúa, artistic director of Teatro Sinergia in Los Angeles. It is directed by Dr. Manuel Jose Pickett, a retired professor of theater and dance and head of the Latino Theater program at Sac State. He is also the artistic director of Teatro Espejo and was an original member of El Teatro Campesino.

An intimate setting provides a great experience for those in attendance. The stage is well decorated with images of works by Diego Rivera and a portrait of Frida Kahlo.

The five-member cast includes Diana Mandujano as Kahlo. The Sacramento State graduate depicted Kahlo admirably, and her talents were showcased. During the 2007 presentation of “Frida Kahlo,” Mandujano played Judas, a character depicted as a devil, and was awarded an Elly Award for best supporting actress.

John Dryden plays Judas this time around and is great as his movements, comments and narrative are delivered with great precision. Dryden is also a Sac State graduate, with a bachelor’s degree in theater arts.

Mariana Seda portrays Kahlo’s younger sister, Cristina. Seda recently collaborated with the Green Valley Theatre company and appeared in “Personals.”

Valentina Portela plays the role of Paula in her first professional theater experience. Portela is currently attending Natomas Charter School Performing and Fine Arts Academy.

Richard Falcón plays the role of Diego Rivera. Falcón’s vast theater experience clearly shows through his depiction of the great artist. Falcón is a founder of Teatro Nagual.

Before the Thursday’s showing began, Pickett welcomed those in attendance. He said plans have been made to bring “Zoot Suit” and “Let the Eagle Fly” to the stage next year. Teatro Nagual and Teatro Espejo will collaborate to present the two plays and bring other events to Sacramento.

The play begins with Kahlo describing herself, her anguish and her pain. She speaks about the trials and tribulations that affected her life, such as her battle with polio at age 6.

As if speaking in poetry, we hear what the great Mexican artist feels and thinks. We hear the pain that some say helped her create her beautiful works of art. Mandujano’s delivery through Kahlo’s narratives brings the audience to thoughtfully and emotionally participate in the play.

Meanwhile Kahlo’s alter ego, Judas, sits like a vulture on the head of her bed. Judas’ initial dialogue mimicks what Kahlo says.

Kahlo ends her initial narrative saying, with pride and vigor, “My name is Frida Kahlo.”

As a child afflicted with polio, her mobility was curtailed. She was teased by her classmates, while her father encouraged her artistic development. Her childhood story gives great insight to the pain Kahlo endured, not only physically but mentally as well.

Later on, the audience witnesses Kahlo meeting Rivera. She first approaches him at Mexico’s Ministry of Public Education, where he is painting a mural, and asks him to critique her work. It is believed from that point forward one of the most celebrated love stories began.

We witness their love affair, as well as their extramarital affairs, including Rivera’s affair with Cristina. Kahlo’s bisexuality is briefly touched on during the play. The lively romance between the two artists is at the core of the story and was well acted and received.

The play also covers the two artists’ ardent political views and their international fame. Rivera was commissioned to create several murals in the United States and, as the play mentions, Kahlo was the first Mexican artist to exhibit work at the Louvre Museum.

Over a third of her paintings are self-portraits, and most are said to depict symbolic portrayals of physical and mental wounds. A bad traffic accident in her teen years caused several serious injuries, and Kahlo forever lived with pain as a result.

“I paint portraits because I am alone most of the time, because I am the person I know best,” Kahlo once said.

The play wonderfully portrays Kahlo’s deep insight to her art, political views, feminism, feelings and troubled — and joyful — love affair with Rivera. Under the direction of Pickett, the small yet strong cast puts on a commanding performance.

“Frida Kahlo” shows Thursdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. until Oct. 9. Reservations can be made by calling (916) 548-4435. The Wilkerson Theatre is located at 1723 25th St.

Watercolors Hiking in historic Locke and Delta Meadows State Park

2011-09-13T10:47:13Z

A Watercolors and Hiking event will be held in Locke, Calif. on Thursday, September 15, 2011 starting at 10:00 a.m. The hike will be led by Martha Esch. Bring the kids and the grandparents; everyone is welcome! Well-behaved dogs on leashes, okay. This is a mostly level 1.5 mile hike apart from one 20 foot long, somewhat steep, narrow path up a levee hill and some optional off-path routes along the way that are prickly and narrow.

Locke artist and art teacher, Martha Esch, will demonstrate easy techniques to painting a quick, lovely, loose watercolor postcard of scenic spots along the hike. Next, participants will begin using watercolor kits, blank postcards and brushes that will be passed out to all who'd like to paint their own scenes. (There will be a $5 art supply fee.)

Pack your own brown bag lunch, your own beverage and maybe some small snacks to share with others. The group will gather in front of Al the Wop's famous bar and steakhouse, located in the middle of Main Street in Locke, Calif.

If you arrive late, just follow the wooden walkway next to Al's to the back of Locke and the walking path past the community gardens, up the levee to the Meadows State Park to catch up. At the top of that levee, the first of two postcard watercolor paintings will take place overlooking the beautiful lagoon called Railroad Slough.

After 15 minutes, the group will stop painting and hike about 1/2 mile to a scenic overlook along Snodgrass Slough where they'll pause to paint their second15-minute postcards.

Lunch will take place at the Snodgrass Slough as well before the hike back to town where the 90 to 120 minute tour winds up back on Main Street.

Everyone in the hiking group will be welcome to sneak a peek at Esch’s paintings, some in progress, at "The Shack," her art and music studio located at the top end of Main Street at Levee Road.

The Delta Meadows State Park is a beautiful, secret gem and the town of Locke is a fun, historic place that you'll want to soon return to with your out-of-state guests. Visitors are free to visit antique and gift shops, museums and the town’s two restaurants, Al the Wops and the Locke Garden Chinese Restaurant.

Visitors should be sure to shop at Lisa Kirk's fun store called Strange Cargo, located next to Al the Wop's. If you have some muscle strain after your hike and want some acupuncture, Diane Thomas is the one to visit at Locke Chinese Medicine a few doors north of Lisa's shop.

Call Martha Esch at (916) 776-1000 with questions. Hope you can join!

To get to the meeting place in Locke from I-5, take the Twin Cities Road exit west toward the tall radio towers. When you hit the road along the Sacramento River, turn left (south) and go one mile to Locke and turn left into the tiny town. When you enter Locke, park in the free parking lot, straight ahead, next to the public restrooms. Entry codes are: Men 3535/ Women 3434.. Gather in front of famous Al the Wop's, located at 13943 Main Street, Locke CA 95690.

Disclosure: Aricle author, Martha Esch teaches private, small and large group art classes in watercolors, oils, and acrylic painting as well as clay classes to all skill levels and ages. For more, visit her blog at www.marthaesch.blogspot.com

Music, culture and beauty pageant at the Crest Theater

2011-09-13T07:26:13Z

The Crest Theater hosted the 2011 Reina Fiestas Patrias. The event was presented by the Mexican Cultural Center of Northern California (MCCNC). Ten contestants vied to win the beauty and talent competition and become the Patriot Queen of Festivities for the Mexican Independence holidays.

The gala event brought hundreds of supporters to the Crest Theatre to witness an evening full of music, dance, tradition, folklore and a lively beauty competition.

Each year the committee puts on this event to celebrate the beauty of Mexico and to showcase its culture, art and traditions.

The emcees for the evening were Angelica Marquez and Luis Enrique Garcia. Garcia started off the event by welcoming those in attendance.

“Good evening and thank you for joining us… This weekend we have something that we cannot ignore and a day that we should all remember. Before we start tonight’s event, please stand and join us in taking a minute to remember the events of a decade ago. Please stand as we take a moment of silence to remember the events that took place on September 11, 2001. Let us bring to mind those that lost their lives and how we came together following the event. We all have been impacted by that event in one way or another.”

Five judges from Sacramento and surrounding areas were introduced to the audience. The evening’s judges were Arturo Venegas; Gregorio Jimenez; Danitza Alvízar and Betty Garcia-Contreras, two past Reina Fiestas Patrias winners, and Eddie Guerra.

Garcia thanked the MCCNC and introduced Carlos Gonzalez Gutierrez. Gutierrez is currently serving as the Consul General in Sacramento. He went on to say that the evening’s event celebrates Mexican Independence in Sacramento. These celebrations consist of three main events that incorporate the Reina de las Fiestas Patrias. It also includes a Mexican Independence celebration on Thursday, September 15 at the Capitol’s West Steps. Gutierrez indicated that over 7,000 will attend the celebration. This year’s celebration will also have a dozen mobile food vendors selling their specialties along with other food vendors.

The last festivity that makes up the Fiestas Patrias celebrations is a gala dinner put on by the Mexican Cultural Center on September 24 at the Hyatt Hotel.

Last year, the Mexican Consulate opened a new office in Natomas. A photo display located in the building shows a photo taken in 1821 celebrating Mexico’s 100th anniversary. Another photo shows the first Reina Fiestas Patrias, Sabina Angulo, the queen in 1928.

Pageant participants were judged on posture, confidence, charisma, presence and the cultural theme of their chose, as well as the composition and presentation of their topic.

Candidates paraded on stage dressed in traditional Mexican costumes as they were introduced. Each candidate wore a sash that showed their sponsor.

After the candidates were introduced, they danced a traditional Mexican dance called Baile de la Piña (Pineapple Dance).

Live musical entertainment was presented by Rocio Valdez and accompanied by Cruz Ramirez on guitar. Valdez started the set with “Amorcito Corazon” and invited everyone to sing or whistle along. Many in the audience knew the words and sang along.

Pageant participants were asked to come up with a cultural theme that embodied the area or region from which the participant or her family originally came. They were judged on topic, content and delivery. Each candidate spoke about the region they, or their family, came from and spoke about their region’s culture. The presentations almost seemed like an educational lecture. Cultural awareness, tradition, costume and way of life were topics covered.

After a short intermission, a colorful performance by a traditional Chinelos dance group showcased their dance skills and their beautiful and ornate costumes. One of their handmade outfits was on display in the lobby for visitors to take a closer look.

On stage, the Chinelos dancers moved gracefully and were in motion from start to finish. The dancers were a hit and received loud applause.

Alma's Bridal Boutique of Lincoln supplied formal gowns worn by the contestants as they returned to the stage. During this part of the contest, as the candidates walked on stage, a recording made by each candidate was heard over the speakers. They spoke about their studies, interests and why they decided to enter the contest. Their sponsor was also thanked, as were families and people who have influenced them.

Two contest winners were announced; Miss Congeniality was Elizabeth Talavera and Lorena Robles was chosen as Miss Photogenic.

Yesenia Diaz was the first name called to be one of the five finalists. Vicky Gutierrez, Carmen Leon, Saira Padilla and Stephanya Selem rounded off the final five.

The five finalists were asked a final question. The questions asked dealt with 9/11 and how it changed their life or that of their families. Questions also dealt with immigration, social network usage, the Dream Act and minority representation in the media.

The answers given were eloquent and to the point. As one or two of the contestants ran into a little trouble answering their question, the audience clapped to show their support and gave those participants time to recoup and continue.

2010 Reina Fiestas Patrias winner Laura Ortega came to the stage to crown the winner. Ortega gave thanks to everyone and said that her reign was an unforgettable experience in which she learned a lot. She also indicated it was a great honor for her to serve.

Heidi Ramirez, the 2010 Princess also came on stage to crown the two runners-up.

As votes were tallied, several sponsor acknowledgement awards were given to sponsors who participated the past three years.

Once the votes were counted, the top three winners were announced.

Second runner-up, Princesa 2, was Carmen Leon and first runner-up, or Princesa 1, was Stephanya Selem.

As the anticipation mounted, the remaining three contestants held hands in support of one another. Vicky Gutierrez was selected as the 2011 Reina Fiestas Patrias and her fans showed their appreciation.

“The Mexican Consulate has created a tribute to the Reina Fiestas Patrias that goes back to 1928,” indicated Aida Perez. She also explained the event’s organization. “The Comité Fiestas Patrias puts on the event. I am this year’s director and we link together with the Mexican Cultural Center as well as with the Mexican Consulate. The three entities organize and put the event together.”

Wanting to learn more about the event, I asked what the main purpose of the event was.

“I think the main purpose is to keep tradition going, this may be happening in Sacramento but it also happens throughout Mexico. For us, it’s a great honor to have it here and it also gives these young ladies a chance to go through a lengthy interview process, selection, training- that can help them become a good model for the community,” said Perez.

The first community activity Vicky Gutierrez and her court will be participating in is the Independence celebration that will be taking place at the Capitol West Steps on Thursday evening, Sept. 15 where the pageant winners will be introduced to the community. From then on, Gutierrez will participate in other events and be a spokesperson and role model representing her community.

Art installed in Terminal B, opens Oct. 6

2011-09-13T03:55:23Z

Art installations are largely complete as the Sacramento International Airport’s new Terminal B readies to open Oct. 6, and they include a range of pieces from technologically advanced works to traditional painting and mosaic pieces.

While not the first thing arriving passengers will see, a giant red rabbit seemingly jumping from outside the building into a waiting suitcase opening up like a vortex on the floor is one of the most-talked-about of the 12 currently installed works.

More than 1,600 aluminum triangles make up the rabbit’s exposed surface. The work, entitled “Leap,” is by Denver-based artist Lawrence Argent and is suspended above the ticket hall in the “land side” portion of the terminal.

The land side is the portion housing the ticket halls and is nearest the parking lot. The air side portion contains the gates and Jetways, and the two are connected by two trains.

Argent’s “Leap” is one of the more literal interpretations in the theme of “bringing the outside in,” said Shelly Willis, director of the Art in Public Places Program of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission.

SMAC helped select artists and works, and $8 million was set aside for the arts, with $6 million already spent and the rest put into an endowment for future preservation and maintenance of the works, Willis said.

While public projects like the airport usually have about 2 percent of their budgets spent on art, a little more than three quarters of a percent of the $1.03 billion project’s budget was spent on the arts, a number approved by the Sacramento County Board of Supervisors.

Artists and their works were selected by about 50 panelists from various organizations including SMAC, the airport and arts professionals, Willis added.

Opposite two of the second-level ticket counters are wood works by Los Angeles-based artist Christian Moeller titled, “The Baggage Handlers.”

The 8,000 pieces of wood that make up the two wall panels are unique, and computers were used to ensure the art flowed well and had no seam lines where the wood comes together, Willis said.

Six faces – five men and one woman – make up the artwork, and they are the faces of airport baggage handlers, who were photographed about a year ago.

Sacramento International Airport spokeswoman Karen Doron said the airlines refer to the baggage handlers as people who work “under the wing.” Bringing them into the visible area of the airport is a way to pay homage to them, she said.

Sacramento artist Gregory Kondos has an oil-on-canvas painting in the air side section of the terminal entitled “Sutter’s Gold.”

In the painting, a nod to the 1848 discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill, the Yuba river is prominent. Placed in the international arrivals section, it is one of the first works visitors will see and is meant to give them insight into the region’s history.

One of the other initial pieces of artwork to be seen in the air side portion of the terminal – connected to the land side by a pair of elevated trains – is a propeller-shaped tree with Swarovski crystals hanging from it.

Titled “Acorn Steam,” San Diego-based artist Donald Lipski’s mixed-media piece portrays three Valley Oak trunks coming together and branching out at their ends, with the hand-cut Austrian crystals giving it the feel of a chandelier.

Willis said the arbor motif is especially applicable to Sacramento as the “City of Trees” and is a good representation of the region.

Local artist Suzanne Adan created one of the mosaics on the floors, a 12-foot-by-18-foot work called “Flying Colors.”

A circular design with numerous birds and cattails is reminiscent of the wetlands areas throughout the region.

Another of the air side portion of the terminal’s artworks is just in front of where the security checkpoint will be.

Willis said the house serves as a reminder of being home, the ultimate destination for all travelers.

The glass sculpture with metal framework is called “The House Will not Pass for any Color but its Own” and was done by San Francisco native Mildred Howard. At 17 feet tall, travelers are free to walk inside it and explore the way light plays off the glass surfaces.

Possibly the most interactive piece of art in the area, “Your Words are Music to My Ears,” by artists Po Shu Wang and Louise Bertelsen, allows travelers to compose email messages to loved ones and send them. Those messages are then, through a computer code, translated into musical notes and played from the gleaming French horn-shaped artwork on the air side of the terminal.

Installed as part of the ceiling in the international arrivals area is Marcia Stuermer’s “Migration,” which is a piece made with 32 acrylic panels depicting cranes migrating through a backdrop that changes colors as lights behind the piece come on and off.

Another interactive piece is in the land side portion of the terminal, installed as multiple flat screens on the side of one of the glass elevator shafts.

“Active Ecosystem,” by Camille Utterback and Michelle Higa, will feature animations of seeds, leaves, birds and other natural elements. Computers will control the movements and speeds to keep the work constantly changing and unique.

A 12-foot-by-18-foot mosaic in the floor by Joan Moment is called “A Fragment of the Universe” and shows a world of water and air in thousands of hand-cut pieces.

“You can really see the artist’s hand in the work,” Willis said, adding that the work contrasts with some of the very technologically advanced pieces in using a technique that goes back to ancient times, yet still provides a relevant experience today.

Near the mosaic is a Terrazzo-and-steel work with suspended resin pieces by California artist Lynn Criswell, called “As the Crow Flies.” Numerous birds, including a steel magpie taken from a painting in 1650 by Johann Walther, decorate the floor, and 21 emerald-green birdcages will be suspended overhead.

Artist Ned Kahn’s steel wind vanes are placed along the elevated train tracks connecting the two portions of the terminal and move with the movements of the trains or wind.

“It’s really exciting that there’s such a range of work that is represented in this collection from this monumental (rabbit) sculpture to the mosaic floors,” Willis said. “You have work that’s much more subtle, you have work that’s interactive. It’s really exciting.”

Check back tomorrow for more information on Sacramento International Airport’s Terminal B.

To see shots of the construction from one year ago, click here.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Looking In - Looking Out

2011-09-09T19:52:35Z

During the month of October 2011, E Street Gallery, 1115 E St., Sacramento, will host an exhibition entitled “Looking In – Looking Out" by Cherie Hacker, Carrie Markel, and Ann Tracy. (The three artists were partners in the former Midtown Asylum Gallery. Not only have they each worked with the window concept since the early 90s; they’re also long time friends.) The show opens October 6 and runs through November 5. E Street Gallery will host a preview reception on Thursday October 6, from 6-8:30pm and a 2nd Saturday reception will be held on Saturday October 8, 6-9pm. A closing reception is also scheduled November 5 from 6 to 8:30 pm.

Several years ago, Hacker and Tracy realized they were taking photos that related to each other in an ongoing process. “Looking In – Looking Out” is a culmination of images, Tracy shooting photos of windows from the outside looking in and Hacker’s photos looking out windows from her studio, car, planes, and trains. “Perhaps it’s that windows seem like portals to other worlds, there’s a mystery and enigma to them” says Tracy. “As an artist, I create my own world,” states Hacker, “yet, when I’m present and observe beyond myself, details, especially in the environment, provide my world with rich information via color, texture, movement, and sound.”

The photography includes installation art with vintage windows. Carrie Markel’s paintings and monotypes of window views complete this trio. Markel’s work is driven by the landscape. She shows two views of the world, elements with human qualities in nature from in or out of the architecture of the window.

Cherie Hacker hails from Chicago and holds an MFA from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a Studio Art Bachelors from UC Davis. She is quintessentially a mixed-media artist, a painter and photographer with an environmental focus.

Artist Carrie Markel embraces seasonal environmental themes through her work in monotype, watercolor and mixed media. A graduate of Sacramento State University, Markel is an established Sacramento artist who has received grants from the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission and the California Arts Council and has curated shows at the State Capitol Museum.

New England native Ann Tracy calls herself an artistic digital alchemist who references Dada philosophy and the mutability of imagery. She has exhibited from Japan to Maui to New York City and in 2003 her work, “Stop” was included in the “Violence Against Women” exhibition, Group 78 Amnesty International, in Tokyo, Japan. Tracy has also worked as an art expert for KVIE CH 6 (PBS Sacramento) for the 2010 Art Auction and was featured in Sacramento Magazine in November 2010 (http://www.sacmag.com/media/Sacramento-Magazine/November-2010/City-Sketch-Ann-Tracy/).

E Street Gallery and Studios includes ten artists within the warehouse complex. E Street Gallery is located at 1115 E Street, Sacramento, CA 95814. Additional open hours are Sunday October 9 and Saturday the 22nd from noon to 4pm each day or by appointment. A Closing Party will be held Saturday, November 5 from 4-6:30p.m. For appointments or more information please call (916) 704-2909 or email through the contact page at www.hackerartpub.com

Disclosure: Not only am I an artist working in the digital and video realm, I'm a writer too.

Chalk It Up on the sidewalks of Midtown

2011-09-07T03:32:04Z

This year’s Chalk It Up! event appeared to have outgrown its venue at Fremont Park. Thousands of visitors came to enjoy the three day annual event. As usual, the event was held during the Labor Day weekend.

Talented and creative artists of all ages participated using just chalk and the sidewalk around Fremont Park to create some magnificent pieces of art.

Music has always been a centerpiece of the event and once again Jerry Perry Presents put together a great lineup. Close to three dozen local musicians and bands participated to create another memorable Chalk It Up.

Children’s activities, a beer garden, food and numerous vendors shared the grounds at Fremont Park. Chalk It Up! helps to raise money to benefit children’s art education. The event continues to be one of the best free events in Sacramento.

Saturday, opening day, artists had already been working when I arrived around noon. Many artists from last year returned to draw for new and established sponsors, and just as many new artists were able to work on their masterpieces.

As you walked around the four main areas surrounding the park, you could see many smaller squares purchased for children to use. Some of the children looked very intense as they worked on their chalk creations and the concentration in their eyes, in some cases, showed a keen interest in the activity. You wonder how many children will continue to pursue this type of activity and become involved in the arts.

Eleven bands were scheduled to appear on Saturday alone. Island of Black and White was an act I had not seen before, although I have seen Chris Haislet perform several times as a member of Walking Spanish. Island of Black and White started off their set with a great rendition of Tracy Chapman’s “Give Me One Reason.” A few other cover songs were performed including an old time favorite, “The House of the Rising Sun.”

As the bands played, guests were able to walk around. Several artists answered questions from passers-by as they continued to work on their art. The subject matter created on the concrete canvas spanned a range of topics. A woman’s chalk drawing of her baby son was very realistic. A mother and daughter created separate spots but worked side by side on their individual projects. Dozens of children created their own little masterpieces and some were quite impressive.

I’m sure several artists who worked side by side created some new friendships. It was also a great experience for artists to hear compliments on their work. Their hard work lasts a day or two until heavy foot traffic, bikes and sprinklers begin to fade away the art.

A crowd favorite, Adrian Bourgeois, also took the stage during the event. Bourgeois performed a mix of cover favorites which included, U2’s “I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For” and the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun.”

As each musician took the stage, they all took a few minutes to tune up. Single musicians took the least amount of time on sound check, setting up and moving off the stage. Jerry Perry introduced each act and had a unique story to tell the audience about each of the performers.

One of several teen bands, SIMPL3JACK, brought a healthy trio to the stage. At last year’s event, Cole, the lead singer, lost his voice while performing. This year they blasted the audience with a heavy blend of vocals and music, making new fans from those who had not heard them before. The 13-14 year olds that make up SIMPL3JACK wowed the crowd. Also performing were Early States and Todd Morgan & the Emblems.

The next few musical acts had been touring together in Europe after a local performance at the Hot Italian lunch concert series and at the Friday Night Concerts in the Park. Dog Party and Kepi Ghoulie provided wonderful sets of music.

Kepi Ghoulie, as always, entertained the audience with his humor and antics as he performed. At one point he pointed to Hot Italian, ordered a pizza over the microphone and said he wanted it delivered five minutes before the end of his set. The funny thing was that Hot Italian must have heard him. They delivered just before he played his last song.

The artwork for this year’s Chalk It Up! posters and t-shirts were created by the talented and inspirational Kepi Ghoulie.

Dog Party accompanied Kepi on stage. Kepi is one of the best role models in the rock world and his talent is as large as his heart.

Random Abiladeze closed out the set for the first evening of music. The group played hip-hop with a soulful, jazzy world beat.

The mixture of music, art and community continues to impress during the Chalk It Up! festival. Sunday’s lineup included a number of great acts as well, including Failed to Resolve, Parie Wood and ReggieG inn. I’m not sure how long ago the event started to headline local musical artists, but it has added much to the growth of the event.

Crocker Art Museum Hosts French Impressionist-Style Garden Party on September 8

2011-09-06T22:12:00Z

The Crocker Art Museum will present a French Impressionist-style Garden Party on Thursday, Sept. 8, from 5 to 9 p.m. Inspired by the exhibition “Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism,” the evening will feature Impressionist music, art activities, and more in the Museum’s picturesque E. Kendell Davis Courtyard.

Guests can try their hand at “pétanque,” an outdoor game similar to horseshoes, or drawing “plein-air” style on studio easels. Artist Sarma Karsiere will lead drawing sessions and demonstrate Impressionist pastel techniques.

Members of the Alliance Française de Sacramento, who are co-presenting the Garden Party, will also showcase poetry from the Impressionist era as well as original compositions during readings in the Courtyard and in the exhibition galleries.

The Madroñia Trio, comprised of principal musicians from the Sacramento Philharmonic, will perform vivid selections by great Impressionist musicians, including French composers Maurice Ravel and Claude Debussy. The trio includes Mathew Krejci, flute; Emily Onderdonk, viola; and Anna Maria Mendieta, harp.

“Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism,” on view through September 18, features 40 Impressionist works on loan from the Brooklyn Museum, including paintings by Gustave Courbet, Claude Monet, Childe Hassam, and John Singer Sargent.

Art Mix is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series, sponsored by Bank of America. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups. Tickets are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

SacAnime celebrates seven years of fun

2011-09-06T22:02:11Z

A weekend full of live concerts, music video contest, open mike karaoke, a rave, a fashion show, a sushi demo, children’s origami, oriental tea ceremonies, electronic games and tournaments, art showings and contests, sumo wrestling, how-to workshops, celebrity panels, over 60 vendors and many other activities took place in Sacramento. Actually it all happened in one place; at the Radisson Hotel during 2011 Sac Anime.

The event spans over 3 days from 11:00 o’clock to 2 in the morning on Friday and Saturday and the closing ceremonies end at 3:30 on Sunday afternoon.

Everything is well organized and this year the clever people at Sac Anime put in place a phone application where you can download the weekend guide to all activities. The program book could be downloaded to a smart phone.

The guidebook download allowed access to programming details which in turn allowed one to schedule an individual guide via mobile alerts suited for the user. Speaker information, a description of each event, the time and how long it would last as well as room number information was provided.

I attended the opening day which started with an opening ceremony at noon. Sac Anime staff welcomed guests to the con. Jodon Bellofatto, Director of Sac Anime Programming, welcomed guests and described how Sac Anime was going to progress.

Bellofatto started by saying, “I’m very excited to welcome you to our con this weekend. We have all sorts of great things going on. A lot of new things, some of the same things and a lot of great guests for you to enjoy so I hope you’re planning to have a great weekend.”

Bellofatto went through program changes, which were minor, and introduced the smart phone application that could be downloaded by scanning the printed guided book QR code and create your own custom schedules.

New things for Sac Anime were AMV (Sacramento Music Video) and a Matsuri at the hotel courtyard. Bellofatto described the “End of Summer” Matsuri as, “This is like taking a little of Japan and bringing it here. Traditionally End of Summer is designates the end of the year, the end of the season (usually related to the rice harvest)."

Bellofatto mentioned a few special of the demonstrations that would take place at the event such as sword demonstrations, martial arts, traditional tea ceremony, how-to-make sushi, a chop stick challenge and a kimono class showing you how to wear a kimono.

The last main event he mentioned was the Café Hoshi a Sac Anime maid café. Meals were prepared and brought to your table by the staff of Café Hoshi. Entertainment along with lunch was provided for a charge.

A short humorous video showcasing what Café Hoshi had to offer was shown. The last item mentioned was the closing ceremonies and Bellofatto indicated Sac Anime staff has been listening to attendee feedback and creating, upgrading or changing what’s included in the shows especially with the tremendous growth of the event.

Yuri Lowenthal, an award winning author, actor and producer was introduced during the opening ceremonies. Lowenthal welcomed guests and said, “I’ve never been to Sacramento before and it’s already awesome. I’ll be here all weekend talking about voice acting and the shows.” He encourages guests to stop and say hi.

Lowenthal went on to say a few things about the great guests at Sac Anime. Lowenthal is a fine example of the voice actors that are brought to the event to talk about the work they have a great passion about and answer questions from their adoring fans.

Voice actors are a unique breed who, I’ve noticed, love to feed off of the tremendous following they have. I’ve found the voice actors at this event to be very eloquent, dynamic, extremely humorous and very entertaining.

Tara Platt was also introduced and she said, "Like Yuri said we’re very excited to be in Sacramento and neither of us has been here before.” Speakers and other performers usually sign autographs and Platt mentioned they were going to be autographing the book she and Lowenthal co-authored.

Johnny Yong Bosch was the last speaker who spoke at the opening ceremonies. He too welcomed guests. Bosch also plays rhythm guitar and is lead singer for his band Eyeshine. Bosch is very well known for being part of the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers where he played the Black Ranger. Bosch is also widely known for his voice acting on anime shows as well as in video games.

Bosch started by talking about his band saying, “We’re playing tonight and tomorrow night so please come check us out.” Bosch also introduced the other members from his band; Maurice Salmin on drums and vocals, Crystal Mesina on bass and Eddie Colmenares on guitar.

Rob Miles reminded attendees to take care of themselves and each other and to try not to let things get out of hand. That has not been an issue at Sac Anime but Miles wanted to get the point of safety across and to let the audience know how much time and effort staff puts into the event.

As always the event was well planned and organization was a main theme. Thousands of guests enjoyed being there one day and many spent the weekend at the Radisson enjoying its amenities and the shows. Many end up creating lasting friendships and enjoy the company of fellow anime enthusiasts.

Most of the people attending wore costume and stayed in character as they met with new and old friends.

A good size crowd was already at the Matsuri event and many activities were taking place. One of the most popular events was the sumo wrestling as friends went against each other as they wore a protective suit emulating sumo wrestlers.

Other children activities delighted the young and young at heart and included chopstick challenges, children’s origami, fan dancing, sword demonstrations, tea ceremonies, a Kurenai concert, a kimono demo and a sushi basics workshop.

Again, things were well organized and volunteers helped with every aspect making this a popular addition to the event.

Past the Matsuri, on the Courtyard Area of the hotel a few hotel rooms were used for an art show, artist alley, video gaming Collectable Card Gaming (CCG) and the Sac Café. During lunch Sac Café became Café Hoshi which hosted a wonderful Maid Café experience.

The video game rooms had several tournaments taking place. There was so much to do, see and experience that it’s hard to take everything in and maybe that’s why many guests return to each Sac Anime held.

One of the first panels included Johnny Yong Bosch and Tara Platt talking about their voice acting experiences. Both are very personable, intelligent and funny and neither has any problems communicating and is very well loved by their fans.

Rob Miles served as moderator and kept the conversation and questions going.

It was interesting to hear Bosch say that his dream was to be an action star and wanted to be like Jackie Chan or Bruce Lee. “Since I was a little kid that was my dream,” Bosch said. He said, “I was training one day and my instructor was reading the paper and he called me over and showed me the article that said; ‘Looking for new Rangers’ and it had a picture of all the Power Rangers standing there. It advertised for a casting call.”

Bosch’s instructor helped him put together a routine which included some jumps, hits and kicks and went to the audition. Competing against thousands of others who in some cases were doing some outstanding martial arts stunts. Bosch said he made the first cut and thought that it was because of his looks and during the second call they were asked to showcase a dance, gymnastics or martial arts. Later they read a monologue and he thought that was it and was ready to go back home.

Bosch said he put on his skinny jeans, which at the time were quite the trend, instead of sweats and was ready to go home when the casting director called several people back and they wanted to see martial arts performed. Wearing his skinny jeans he did a routine and again thought that was the end of it. Bosch told himself, “I guess that’s that. I’m going to college.” Laughter from the room followed. He registered for college and after about a week there he was asked to fly back to California. As they showcased their talents once again the final picks were made and Bosch was given a role.

As the Power Rangers once again selected new actors for the roles Bosch looked for another project to concentrate on and had a guitar that he promised himself he would learn to play. After hitting bock bottom he taught himself to play the guitar and channeled his feelings or emotions through music. The rest, as they say, is history and Eyeshine was formed.

Tara Platt who is best known for the voice of Wonder Woman (DC vs. MK), Dream Girl (legion of Superheroes) and other characters sat at the table with Bosch and Miles. She is also a film, TV, animation and theater performer. Platt spoke about her projects and then a question and answer ensued giving the audience more insight into the voice actors.

After the panel discussion Platt and Bosch signed autographs outside the Main Events stage. Some questions and answers were intriguing while others questions were asked just to find out more about their experiences as voice actors.

A Sushi Basic workshop with Chef Cropper was another treat new for this event. The Davis chef talked about traditional sushi and ways to prepare it. Cropper also talked about places that have fresh fish and vegetables used for sushi. He discussed ways to cook rice and handed out Japanese cooking materials that included sushi recipes.

Cropper has visited Japan and learned some of their cooking hints, tricks, styles, techniques and recipes. He talked about the best fish to use which included salmon, eel, octopus, crab and other marine life delicacies. The trick of using a wet knife to cut California rice sushi was shared and some freshly prepared sushi was passed out to the audience. The sushi samples were delicious.

The Vendor Hall was packed with vendors and visitors. On several occasions fire code capacity may have been at capacity and sometimes you had to walk sideways to get through the humanity at the hall.

One of the Vendor Hall booths featured Carly Breslin’s work. The design, modeling and cosplay artist is better known as Miss Carlyfornia. Her booth contained many of her creations including full outfits. Carlyfornia Love’s station contained handmade jewelry and a rack full of outfits including some for dolls. Everything on display was hand made by the artist whose work is nothing less than extraordinary created with much detail.

Carlyfornia Love’s enthusiasm for her work is really great to see. She’s always willing to talk to guests and her winning personality came across as guests stopped to look at her work and chat.

The Scattered Comics station was manned by Jason Dube as he debuted his newest Panda Days comic book. When asked about his newest book and how long it took to complete he said, “This particular work took a little longer than normal. I just had a baby; well my wife had the baby, so it took a little bit longer.” Dube indicated it took him about 6 months to complete. “I have a couple of other books that are coming out this month too,” Dube said. He’s a very busy person who thoroughly enjoys his job. He is also the Director of Artist Alley for Sac Anime which celebrated its 7th year.

Scattered number 3 and Shadow Hunter’s premier issue will be his next pieces of work that will be on sale for fans to enjoy later this month. Jason Dube has been doing comics full time for 4 years and puts in long hours to promote his business which is his passion. Dube concluded by saying, “I’ve been self publishing comic books, off and on as a part time job, for 11 years,” and his work as a full time author and illustrator continues to grow.

The J-Fashion show brought local designers to display their creations. Carlyfornia Love, Prince Noir and others showcased their best Asian fashion inspired designs. A fashionable group with Synchro MG was on hand to help promote their work as well.

Sac Anime fashion was highlighted not only during the fashion show but all throughout the weekend as attendees showed off their costume creation abilities as they walked from one side of the venue to the other or stay around waiting for workshops, panels and various events. Many attendees stayed true to their character and posed to showcase their work.

The Sac Anime Concert Series included three live bands on Friday night. The akai SKY foursome kicked of the live music performances and they provided raw energy to the stage and the floor. They are a San Francisco based band that had many on the floor dancing.

Johnny Yong Bosch brought his band Eyeshine to the stage and they provided quite an animated show but they must have overloaded the system as the power went out.

Once the lights came back on their powerful performance continued and as true professionals they did not let the power outage slow them down as they finished their set.

The Slants ended the night’s live events as the hard hitting group put their best foot forward providing a great performance.

The evening’s activities ended with the Sac Club Rave that was scheduled to end at 2 in the morning.

The three day event continues to grow every year and has continued to be successful due to the dedication of the Sac Anime staff and volunteers. Organization is instrumental to their success and Sac Anime has provided a safe, fun and relaxed atmosphere for fans that attend the event. Log on to the Sac Anime site to view upcoming events and read up on comments from celebrities and fans.

Staff is already preparing for the next Sac Anime event scheduled for January 2012.

(Note: please click on this link for other pictures.)

Educating artwork to be installed at Boys and Girls club

2011-09-06T01:56:47Z

A mural and sculpture artwork more than a year in the making is set to be finished in about a month and will be installed at the Boys & Girls Club of Sacramento to both inspire and educate the children.

“I wanted to do something really original and kind of something that’s never been done before and challenge myself,” said 34-year-old Sacramento artist Anthony Padilla, who is known for works such as the murals on Hot Italian in Midtown and the 16th Street Kings mural.

His design for the art involves a roughly 27-foot-by-27-foot mural accompanied by a sculpture that uses solar power to charge electronic devices such as laptops and cellphones and even run devices such as boom boxes.

“Basically anything that runs out of a wall outlet will work,” Padilla said. “I have the system up and running, and I was actually charging my cellphone on it.”

The mural and sculpture will be installed in the playground area of the Boys & Girls Club, 1117 G St.

Work began about a year ago, with Padilla spending time on it in his studio in the evenings. He can’t work on it full-time, since he has a job as a graphic designer, he said.

The spray-paint mural depicts Padilla’s vision of the future worker. Placed on the right side of the mural, a man is wrapping the world in an electric vine symbolizing the new infrastructure that needs to be created to harness solar energy and green energy, Padilla said.

Coming out of the “world” is a female figure wrapped in leaves, with each leaf symbolizing a solar panel source to get the sun’s energy. Out of the top will be larger leaves that incorporate colar panels, but they have yet to be completed.

“I didn’t want any straight lines,” Padilla said. “It’s taken a while to get all the panels made, but it’s got a nice organic feel to it.”

About 25 feet in the air, as part of the mural, will be the sun, which is shaped like an inverted wall socket.

“Instead of it being normal, I flipped it upside down so it looks like a happy face instead of a grimacing face,” Padilla said.

The mural’s “canvas” is a material called dibond, which is aluminum with a dense plastic inner core that allows it to be bent and will hold its shape outside, as it was originally designed for outdoor signage.

The sculpture is a detailed lily shape, and since it’s the part of the artwork that users will actually touch and be closest to, it is the most detailed part of the project.

“The whole thing has an organic feel to it, and we designed it on the computer,” Padilla said. “We’re having parts laser-cut.”

Some of the parts, especially the ones needed for actual construction, had to be built by various local builders and designed by engineers, Padilla said, adding that it slowed the process somewhat, since engineering firms tend to put smaller projects on the back burner when they have the opportunity to work on larger building projects.

David Guillory, branch director of the Sacramento Boys & Girls Club, said the art installation will be a major feature in the facility’s park.

“It’s going to stand in the play area for the kids and provide some inspiration as well as educate,” he said, adding that it will help show the need to take care of the environment.

“They are pretty tech-savvy now, so for them to be out in the play area and power up their devices with our artwork is pretty unique,” he added.

The Boys & Girls Club strives to inspire and enable all young people – especially those who need it the most – to reach their full potential as productive, caring and responsible citizens, Guillory said.

“It’s really going to add to the outdoor experience and reinforce the need to be good stewards of the environment,” he said.

Funding for the artwork was provided by the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, and Guillory said he is happy the Boys & Girls Club was chosen as a recipient.

“It’s a wonderful partnership with the organization,” he said. “SMAC helped get the funding as well as getting the artist. Whenever organizations come together collaboratively, that’s good for the kids.”

SMAC Director of Art in Public Places Shelly Willis said the funding for the $18,500 project came from a mix of redevelopment funds and city landscaping funds.

“There’s a law that requires the city, county and Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency to spend 2 percent of construction costs on art,” Willis said, adding that the Boys & Girls club underwent an expansion last summer.

Padilla was chosen based on his past mural work throughout the city, and he interviewed the people involved, including holding a workshop with the kids at the Boys & Girls Club and talking to Boys & Girls Club staffers, Willis said.

Willis said Padilla told the kids about himself and then asked them what they wanted to see in the art project, and he incorporated technology into it as a result.

“There’s a real concern about green energy, and so he wanted to do something that really made kids and youths think about that,” she said.

The functional aspect of the charging station incorporated into the work is a plus, she added.

“I love it when artists are able to push themselves into another area, and that’s what this project did,” Willis said. “He’s primarily a muralist, but he was able to expand the scope with this project.”

The Boys & Girls Club, located at 1117 G St. and is open from 2-7 p.m. daily.

When installed, there will likely be a dedication, but no date has been set, Padilla said, since it’s not known when, exactly, it will be done.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

Artober celebrates Sacramento artists

2011-09-03T02:21:20Z

October was officially declared as National Arts and Humanities Month by President Obama back in 2009. Artober is a month-long event starting Oct. 1 that highlights the talents and art resources in Sacramento and celebrates the meaning of the month. It will include local artists, businesses, art walks, festivals, workshops and other special events in Old Sacramento and the downtown area.

Last year, Mayor Kevin Johnson announced that the For Arts’ Sake Coalition would be introducing a new action plan for the Sacramento area. A team of 20 artists and art enthusiasts worked to bring resources together such as getting organizations and businesses involved in the process of making the public aware of the power of the arts. Last year, “Arts Open October” was held, which was a test run and smaller idea of what will be going on this year.

“This is our first year doing it quite like this (bigger than ‘Arts Open October’), and we are trying to rally everyone together, from individual artists to big names like the Mondavi Center,” Artober spokeswoman Veronica Delgado said.

According to Veronica, Sacramento alone holds about 30 museums, a professional ballet company and opera company, music groups and more than 125 theater companies.

“We have different stages of how people are involved,” Delgado said. “We've been sending out letters and making phone calls because we want small and big event supporters. We've also been offering businesses the option of doing an Artober indulge product such as a signature drink or meal.”

The businesses that agree to this will be donating 50 percent of the proceeds to the art organization of their choice, or giving a $200 minimum to it.

“We got enough positive feedback and support to come back and do it again,” Delgado said. “We started with two pages of scheduled events, and now we have almost seven full pages – it's really great that so many people want to jump in and help.”

Some big names that are sponsoring and involved are the Sacramento Convention and Visitors Bureau, For Arts’ Sake, Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission, Sacramento365, Downtown Sacramento Partnership, Midtown Business Association, the city’s Department of Convention, Culture and Leisure, The Sacramento Bee and the Sacramento News & Review.

“We want individuals to get active also, and we are giving them the option of doing artist 'hot spots.' They can team up with their biggest collector and have an in-home art show. The same goes for musicians. It doesn't have to be big, but if two people bring 10 friends and host it in their backyard, that is giving them a great opportunity to market themselves,” Delgado said.

There is a variety of ways to get involved, and every style of art is included. Fashion designers, singer/songwriters and private dance or theater companies are all welcome.

Clemon Charles, 47, is a local artist who moved from Barbados 20 years ago and has been performing in the United States ever since.

“I'm a very busy singer/songwriter, and I also play guitar,” Charles said.

Charles will be in the global village set up in Old Sacramento on the “Storytellers Stage” (set-up location not yet announced) doing Caribbean-style storytelling for children on Oct. 1 (he does not know his official time yet).

“Children are my favorite (audience), but everybody is welcome,” Charles said. “I do a lot of folk songs with Jamaican and Indian dialects that people won’t understand, so I tell them what I am singing about.”

The World Music and Dance Festival in Old Sacramento will be kicking the month off for the first two days of October.

On Oct. 9, there will be the Arts Open House, which is an entire afternoon of theater performances at the Community Center Theatre that will also include an art fair.

On Oct. 26, Synthia St. James will be the guest artist at the For Arts’ Sake Coalition Meeting at the Guild Theatre located on 2828 35th St. It will be an opportunity for the public to learn about the For Arts’ Sake implementation and hear what’s going on around the region with Artober activities.

The Artober calendar will be finalized in the coming weeks.

“We are not only raising awareness for art, but we are helping local (forms of the) arts build up their potential customer base and giving them the ability to take action into their own hands and make new opportunities for themselves,” Delgado said.

For more information, visit Artober's website or Facebook page.

Laumua Youth Fashion

2011-09-01T21:07:10Z

Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, "Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions."

There are people who can live up to King’s words and they make a deep impact in our community. Faatui Toele is one of those who lead by example and this past Saturday he put together an event to help the First Samoan Congregational Christian Church (FSCCC) raise funds to help build their church.

Toele is a well known Sacramento fashion designer who put a lot of time an effort to put together the FSCCC Laumua Youth Fashion Show. Proceeds from the fundraiser were expected to help build their church.

The church is being built with much donated labor from the congregation. The youth group, family and church community look forward to having a place to meet and have made this building a priority.

Toele invited fellow designers to participate in the fashion show and FSCCC members participated in the event as well. A delicious dinner was provided for guests and a raffle was held for various prizes. Guests lined up to feast on barbecue and other Samoan specialties. VIP guests were brought their food by Laumua Youth and were also given basket gifts as a sign of thanks.

Before the show began Toele gave me a quick tour of the building site. At this point the parking lot has been completed and the foundation has been worked on. It’s exciting to see a project grow as a dream begins to take form and will soon become a reality.

The FSCCC was established in July of 1989 and Salesa Fatu Fa’alau is the founding reverend. He has been married for over 30 years to his wife Temukisa and they have six children. The reverend has a fatherly persona and has powerful leadership qualities. Reverend Salesa Fatu Fa’alau started with a prayer and thanked guests for coming to the event.

The Laumua Youth started the performance with a Samoan dance. The dancers wore beautiful traditional Samoan costumes and entertained the guests. As tradition dictates some audience members tossed dollar bills on the stage to show their appreciation.

Five designers participated in the event and they all had beautiful fashion to showcase at the event.

Bernadette Lopa showed her “Little Girls’ Dresses”. Eshonna Trice showed her Electrik Trice line of clothing; “Couture and Ready to Wear Line.”

Samuel Parkinson was not at the event, still had his King’s Tribe clothing “Men’s Ready to Wear Line” paraded down the runway. Faletua Temukisa Faalau and Sapina Tofi exhibited their “Samoan Wear for Men and Women” collection.

Faatui Toele’s 2WEE ended the show demonstrating his “Couture and Ready to Wear Line.”

During the event a slideshow highlighting how far church construction has come was shown to guests. The slideshow featured the work done by congregation members and how everyone seems to be involved in this process at one point or another. It’s amazing and praiseworthy to see how much sweat equity is being put in by congregation members. The slideshow demonstrated the importance of the church to the Samoan community in Sacramento.

Another great dance by the Laumua Youth ended the show.

Toele came to the stage to thank everyone for coming and gave special thanks to the makeup and hair artists who assisted with the show. The designers, of course, received a great ovation and they all took the stage with Toele. His special thanks were overwhelming and showed how much of a fantastic individual Toele is.

Toele also encouraged the youth in the audience to follow their dreams and said that if they put their heart into it they will achieve success. Toele’s remarks and attitude were inspiring and received loud applause.

Reverend Salesa Fatu Fa’alau thanked Toele for his hard work and dedication. The reverend ended the event with a prayer.

Since I started with a quote I will end with another as I think about the work of Toele, the Laumua Youth and FSCCC’s community. Harold S Geneen once said, “"Leadership is practiced not so much in words as in attitude and in actions."

Members and friends of the FSCCC have shown their leadership by the labor they’ve put into the church and raising nearly $6,000 via the fashion show. The FSCCC has built a powerful foundation. Toele’s leadership in putting on a successful show is quite commendable.

‘Flowers’ raise funds for foster kids

2011-08-31T13:37:53Z

“The Language of Flowers” expresses the yearnings of the heart.

Author, Vanessa Diffenbaugh is doing just that as she kicks off a nationwide book tour with a five hundred dollar a head fundraiser to raise money for foster kids who have aged out of foster care, followed by a talk & book signing at Tsakopoulos Library Galleria on Wednesday, August 31, 2011, 7:30pm to 9pm.

The petals hide the tragic inequities of foster care. Her protagonist, Victoria, a damaged foster kid, ages out at 18 and finds herself sleeping in a park. She works at a flower shop for change and communicates meaning through her artistry of flowers. It is what she determines is what she is good at, a creative outlet and sets the direction for her to help herself and others. Victoria’s journey unfolds with love and forgiveness through the “language of flowers” engaging readers and subtly prompting them to act against those inequities.

A native of Chico, CA, and a graduate of Stanford University, Diffenbaugh, 33, sets the scene in parks familiar to Sacramento. The parks could well be our own backyard. That’s because she wrote the entire book here recalling hours at a café on S Street. Plus, she draws from her own experience teaching art to low income youths and life of being a foster mother.

Inspiration for the book’s protagonist came from a 15-year-old girl that Diffenbaugh and her husband mentored.

“We loved her and considered adopting her, but she was so hard to get to know. Even after a year with her in our home we couldn’t get through to her.”

Hidden in ‘flowers’ is strong emotion, one that has universal support as the book has been translated in 34 languages, and is a No.2 perfect-seller in Italy. It has also been a subject of choice for Glamour, NPR, Ladies Home Journal, and Good Housekeeping. Vanessa appears this month on an interview about the book through BBC Breakfast.

Along with the book release, she also founded the Camellia Network, a non-profit whose mission is to create a nationwide movement to support youth transitioning from foster care.

The meaning of camellia in the language of flowers is “My destiny is in your hands.”

We all have a role in influencing the society we live in by sharing our talents with our youngest citizens.

Crocker Art Museum Hosts Hip Hop Extravaganza on September 1

2011-08-30T18:43:34Z

The Crocker Art Museum will host a screening of “Inventos: Hip Hop Cubano” on Thursday, Sept. 1, at 7 p.m. This documentary provides insight into the realities and politics of contemporary Cuba by following some of the pioneers of Cuban hip hop to their homes, the stage, and as they travel abroad for the first time. From 5:30-6:30 p.m., one of the film’s subjects, DJ Leydis, will perform live in Friedman Court. Tickets are $6 for Museum members and $12 for nonmembers.

Presented in collaboration with Sol Collective, the film will be introduced by director Eli Jacobs-Fantauzzi, a graduate of Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, and will be followed by a Q & A.

The screening is part of the Museum’s Thursdays ‘til 9 program series, sponsored by Bank of America. The Crocker is open every Thursday until 9 p.m. for film screenings, social gatherings, concerts, and art happenings presented in collaboration with regional art groups.

Tickets are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

For Love of Woman photo exhibit

2011-08-30T05:23:26Z

“For Love of Woman,” an exhibition by Robert R. Sanders, was well received at Beatnik Studios this past Friday. Sanders’ brilliant photo exhibition showcased his incredible talent which helped him win first prize in the Beatnik Studios Fine Art Competition held in February.

Sanders’ photographic art opening was also an auction event that will benefit the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC). The NOCC had a table at the front entrance of Beatnik Studios where informational material was available for guests.

Robert Sanders was at the exhibit and spoke with guests as they arrived. Each photograph was available for bidding. Bidders filled out a registration form that allowed them to start the bidding process. Bidding continues online and bidders will be given updates as they are received. An auction button is located on the For Love of Woman website under each of the photographs.

I was able to speak briefly with Sanders to get a perspective on this exhibition.

Sanders indicates that he found out about the Beatnik Studios Fine Art Competition when he went to the studios during one of their Red Poetry Night events. The flyer on the door showed a deadline for the exhibit that had already passed. Sanders said he took the phone number from the flyer and gave them a call. As it turned out, he was able to submit his work.

As we talked, I found that Sanders is a man of many talents. He was the drummer for a band called Just Slightly Richer and played at various venues in northern California in places like Red Bluff, Redding, Sacramento, Susanville and neighboring areas. The band was together for two and a half years and did a couple of recordings.

Sanders pointed out that there were 36 photographs on display at the exhibition. I asked if they were done in a particular time frame or if they were works from different time periods.

“Everything that’s hanging in the exhibit is digitally done, including two of the pieces that were shot in 1995 with my first digital system,” said Sanders.

He also noted that “Shame” and “Shame II” were shot in 1995.

“I quit shooting with film in 1997.”

As Sanders continued to talk about his technique, I quickly realized that he was one of the earliest converts that went from film to digital.

When asked if it was difficult going from film to digital Sanders elaborated.

“It was natural procession for me. I actually started using Photoshop, a beta version, in 1991.”

Sanders was using Photoshop before most other users, and as a beta user, was involved in the product before it came out on the market.

Each photograph in the collection has a brief write up on the author’s thoughts and descriptions. I asked which came first, the photograph or the description.

“Some of them at the same time and with others the inspiration preceded the shot,” said Sanders. “In some cases, the inspiration got me to the photograph but the inspiration changed; the idea or the concept changed. Then I have what I call serendipity in some cases where you’re at the right place, with the right model and the right story to tell and it all comes together.”

The exhibit is filled with some magnificent shots done in color and black and white. Digital photography allows the photographer to shoot in color and edit the photo to make it black and white. I asked him if he preferred one form of shooting over the other.

“Going back to the first digital system I had, I shot in black and white. Out of the 36 pieces in the exhibit, there are probably seven of them that were shot without format. The others were shot in color and I converted to black and white. One of them I shot in color with the intention of it being black and white and went back to color as it was a better photograph.”

Sanders also discussed his involvement with NOCC.

“It seemed that every time I turned around I was bumping into a model, a very good friend or a relative that was telling me a story about a woman who had either contracted it or died from it. One of my dearest friends, her mother, was killed by ovarian cancer. It’s just such a cruel killer and nobody talks about it. For me, this is a disease that we need to talk about more.”

One of his pieces, “A Girl Walks Into a Bar,” depicts three women in a bar and each has an open parasol, the one closest to the camera holding one with three teal ribbons painted on it. The teal ribbon is the official cancer awareness symbol of the NOCC and Sanders used it for this shot.

When asked how long he’d been doing photography, Sanders replied, “I started shooting in 1973. I just had gotten out of the military and a good friend of mine gave me a Hassiba and I never looked back.”

One of Sanders’ friends, Dr. Dan, had flown in from Denver to see the exhibit and guided me through several of the compositions that he helped with. Dr. Dan described Sanders as a great mentor and great friend.

In the background, a DJ was spinning some tunes while guests enjoyed some hors d'oeuvre and drinks. The DJ, as it turned out, was Sanders’ son Dallas Debauch. Shawn Aveningo helped with much of the publicity and preparing the event and was at Beatnik making sure things went smoothly.

One of the models, photographed in “A Girl Walks Into a Bar,” was on hand as well. I asked her about her involvement and if she would describe the photo.

“The series took about three hours and we were each positioned in different spots in front of the bar. We really enjoyed working with Robert.”

Kat (Katerina Purrington) was a person with an interesting history. When I asked if she was from the area, she responded, saying she was born and raised in the same house here in Sacramento. Kat’s modeling work can be seen at her Model Mayhem page.

As we talked, Kat said she was a cervical cancer survivor.
“I jumped at the chance of doing this,” she continued, “I was 19 at the time. When Robert spoke about the project I was very much for it.”

I asked about her thoughts at finding she had cervical cancer.

“At that point I had an infant. I, of course, immediately thought about who would raise my baby.”

She has gone through some difficult times; having gone through that experience has made Kat a stronger person. She was proud to say that she had another son after that.

Hearing stories like Kat’s shows how the exhibit and those involved as cancer survivors, as well as friends of these survivors, can unite a community and make things more personal.

I also had a chance to speak with Mari Ueda-Tao, who was one of the women at the NOCC table.

“I have been a member of the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition for about seven years now,” said Ueda-Tao. “I am a nine year ovarian cancer survivor. The mission of our organization is to promote education and awareness about ovarian cancer and bring information into our community, to educate women about ovarian cancer and increase the quality of life for women that have it.”

When asked if they had an office in Sacramento, Ueda-Tao said, “We have a group and we have monthly meetings but at the moment we don’t have a site. It’s a national organization and Sacramento has a chapter. We’re one of the larger chapters.”

Surviving cancer does not always mean that it won’t come back and as such, survivors need to take precautions to prevent it from returning.

“The probability of re-occurrence is higher within the first few years of diagnosis. Each year that you do not have a re-occurrence your chances are better,” said Ueda-Tao.

“We go to Sac State a lot. We talk to their women’s health and education classes. We’ve met some very supportive professors that invite us in at certain times,” said Ueda-Tao. She continued talking about the program saying, “We also have a program called Survivors Teaching Students at U.C. Davis and it involves talking to the med students when they go through their gynecologic cancer training. A panel of survivors tells their story and… our goal is to give a real story about what this disease is, what their symptoms were and how doctors listened, how we’re treated as patients and what we would want as patients. It’s really eye opening for med students because this is what they’re going to be doing. It’s a really fascinating program.”

As we talked, I came to the realization that we all know someone who has had ovarian or other types of cancer. At events such as this you meet people who have survived cancer and who have had signs that helped in diagnosing cancer or other illnesses.

“Ovarian cancer is less common than breast cancer but it’s more deadly,” continued Ueda-Tao. “There’s no test, there’s no detection and that’s why we’re here, to try to drum up some buzz about this in order to get funding so that we can get a test. For breast cancer, there’s a mammogram; for cervical cancer, there’s a Pap test or an HPV test; for ovarian cancer, there is nothing. This is why women get diagnosed later and why it’s so deadly. The later you’re diagnosed, the less chance you have in surviving. It’s kind of the cycle we’re trying to break free from.”

Ueda-Tao also addressed guests at the event.

“We are very humbled and proud by your generosity for our important cause. Ovarian cancer is the number one leading gynecologic cancer over all the other types of cancers. It is 90 percent curable if diagnosed in the early stages but less than 20 percent of women are actually diagnosed early. Overall survival rates of ovarian cancer are quite low and we have lost many sisters from this deadly disease. This type of platform brings awareness, support, education and that’s what this is all about.”

She continued, “We have three survivors here in this room.”

Robert Sanders also addressed the audience regarding his exhibit and affiliation with NOCC.

“This is an experience far from my imagination. The idea of actually having a one-man show is a highlight for me.”

Sanders went on to talk about the honor of this being his first show.

“I want to thank NOCC for their wonderful partnership that has come from this collaboration. This show is more than just art; this show is about all the women in my life who have touched me in one way or another.”

Sanders thanked friends who were in attendance and talked about people he’s known who have been affected by ovarian cancer. He became very emotional as he spoke, showing how much he cared for people he has surrounded himself with and thanking them for their support.

After Sanders' speech, three drawings were held and the raffle prizes were pieces of his work.

Although the festivities ended in the art gallery, Beatnik Studios continued with their Final Friday music venue in the back of the gallery. Scheduled musical entertainment included Jesi Naomi, Sherman Baker, and Dave Mulligan with Deren Ney.

The auction will continue through the end of September and Sanders’ work will continue to be on display at the gallery. Bids can be placed at the gallery or online.

A Second Saturday brunch is being planned for September and reservations are required. The brunch will take place at Beatnik Studios, 2421 17th Street (at Broadway) on September 10, 2011. Tickets for the event are available via Eventbrite.

September is National Ovarian Cancer awareness month. Learn more about the disease and help spread the word on this deadly illness. Log on to the NOCC website to see how you can become involved with the local chapter and perhaps participate in the Run to Break The Silence on Ovarian Cancer on September 17.

Race for the Arts 2011

2011-08-30T04:37:28Z

Over a thousand runners of all ages participated in a 5K run/walk during Saturday’s Race for the Arts. After the race, runners, family and friends were able to enjoy several dozen booths offering resources and information regarding art programs in Sacramento and surrounding areas.

As is usually the case at events such as this, hundreds of volunteers helped in ensuring the event was a success. Besides volunteers, many sponsors and performers entertained guests at William Land Park on the beautiful, sunny day.

The Race for the Arts has a clearly outlined mission.

“Race for the Arts is a nonprofit organization that raises funds and awareness for California nonprofit performing, cultural and visual arts organizations and for school music, drama and art programs.”

Two words can be said for Saturday’s event, “mission accomplished.”

Race for the Arts celebrated its 13th year promoting theatre, dance, music and art. Runners raised funds via pledges to benefit an art designated organization or school. In today’s economy, many arts programs have become endangered by cutbacks, and Race for the Arts has made it a primary goal to raise awareness and donations through events such as this.

The race, scheduled to start at 8:30 in the morning, was accompanied by perfect weather. Several parents raced alongside their kids and in some cases, pushed a stroller through the race as well.

A children’s run was scheduled for 9:30 and was divided into three different distances and age groups. A 220 yard run for four year olds had several little runners participating. A 440 yard run suited the 5-6 year olds and a 1/2 mile run for ages 7-12 provided delightful fun for kids, parents and spectators.

A list of the 5K run/walk participants and their times can be seen at the Race for the Arts 2011 website.

Over 150 schools and art organizations received pledges and were well represented in the run. Several runners were in costume to highlight their organization and others just wore costumes for fun.

“Everyone ready for the 13th Annual Race for the Arts?” asked an announcer and a trumpet played "First call" to gather the runners to the start line. Team Mad Cat cyclists led the race as runners lined up behind them. The cyclists helped keep the runners on course.

Once the race started, it didn’t take long for the faster runners to make it back. A little after 16 minutes, Thomas Buxton of Sacramento made it to the finish line as the first overall winner. Runners were timed using D-tag timing and with a chip time of 16:06.9 and a gun time of 16:07.6, Buxton made quick pace to win the event.

Ballerinas, mothers and fathers pushing strollers, lone runners and group of runners crossed the line at various stages and they all enjoyed being part of the event. One of the participants, Betty Simin from Folsom, came in with a time of 1:02:34.7. Simin is 85 years old.

After the 5K run/walk was over, the children’s fun run began. Several parents ran with their kids and encouraged them on. After a false start, the race began and the children ran their little hearts out. It was a delight to watch.

All fun run participants received a medal after crossing the finish line.

Once the races were over, everyone made their way to the vendor and organizational booths. Many of Sacramento’s outstanding art organizations, schools and similar programs had representatives on hand.

Local organization, For Arts’ Sake, had Deborah Edward and Veronica Delgado on hand promoting For Arts’ Sake and Sacramento Artober.

Guests were able to enjoy theatre, dance, song and music performances by many groups who had informational booths. Performers used the amphitheatre to showcase their talents.

Many parents were on hand to support their children or to get their children involved. Angelica Landon from Sacramento brought her children to witness some of the performances and see if they would be interested in becoming involved.

“My two kids are always singing and dancing at home and I thought it would be a good idea to show them young performers at this event. I’ve talked to a couple of the performing schools and I’m looking at getting my children into one of the schools. I think this is a great event and I’m thankful all these organizations were present,” said Landon.

Over 40 interactive stations showcased some of the best arts programs in Sacramento. Event coordinator Sally Rice did a great job putting the event together. It was great to see families out at William Land Park enjoying the great outdoors, music, art and performances. Art in Sacramento benefits greatly from events such as these and it’s great to see all these organizations together under the Race for the Arts umbrella.

Sacramento Children's Museum opens its doors Thursday for children under 8 to explore

2011-08-26T04:32:34Z

After seven years of planning and development, the Sacramento Children’s Museum opened its doors Thursday morning after 24 little hands, holding red scissors, cut the green ribbon in front of more than 300 people waiting to explore the new museum.

The Sacramento Children’s Museum is a nonprofit corporation founded in 2004, that focuses the interactive exhibits on math, science, art and social learning skills for children ages 8 and under.

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony at 2701 Prospect Park in Rancho Cordova, children could get their faces painted with bright swirls of pinks, blues and greens, or watch a colorful balloon be shaped into a sword or a giraffe while they waited for the ribbon-cutting. Some wore red firefighter hats they received from one of the four firefighters present from the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District.

A lime-green and red balloon arc enhanced the entrance to the museum, which was quickly filled with energetic children exploring the six interactive exhibits.

“We needed something that gave parents a safe environment for them to bring their young children and allow them to play and to learn,” said Alan Godlove, president of the Sacramento Children’s Museum.

The Sacramento Children’s Museum has six exhibits with a seventh, Solar Car Racers, sponsored by SMUD, to come in September.

They include Waterways, Airways and Raceways, World Market, My Neighborhood, Baby Bloomers and Studio of the Arts.

“Children are encouraged to go and play with everything in the museum,” Director of Operations Sarah Coffman said.

“We have experience specialists, who guarantee that the experience of our visitors is amazing, and children are encouraged to try things multiple times, so they can try it a different way and learn, really, by doing,” Coffman said.

Children can use one, two or 15 golf balls on the multiple ramps in the Raceways exhibit to test and observe objects in motion through physics principles such as velocity, speed and friction.

Airways was a popular exhibit with a line of children waiting to stuff their colorful yarn balls into the suctioned clear maze of tubes.

Claire Poch, 10, said she liked the museum because it helps children learn new things.

“Well there is a really cool thing (Airways exhibit) where you put (yarn balls) in it and it goes around with the air (through clear tubes), and it’s really cool watching it, and it shoots out (from the tube),” Claire said.

Two-year-old Benito Dimas visited the museum with his dad.

“I played golf!” he yelled about rolling golf balls down the ramps in the Raceways exhibit, and he said he liked playing with the water in the Waterways exhibit.

Timothy Sanders, 5, said he enjoyed playing with glow sticks and watching them light up, and he hopes to visit the museum again.

The My Neighborhood exhibit features a farmer’s market with lifelike fruit in baskets that teach children about healthy eating, and a sensory activity including spices in different jars that children can smell.

A glass wall, dividing the Studio of the Arts craft section from the rest of the exhibits, is used for painting and drawing on the glass. The area behind it has multiple tables and chairs with colorful drawers under a large tinted window that house supplies for arts and crafts.

Baby Bloomers is like a large play pen for babies and toddlers filled with different toys specifically made for development stages of children 3 and under, Coffman said.

The idea for the museum grew from a local mom of two, Kathleen Palley, founder of the Sacramento Children’s Museum, whose first experience in a children’s museum was in Denver seven years ago on a family trip.

“I just knew it was something that I wanted to be able to bring my children to again. Sacramento didn’t have anything at all like a children’s museum, so I figured if we didn’t have one, then I would develop one,” Palley said.

As a former elementary school teacher for seven years, Palley said she observed in the classroom that children have different learning styles. She said she helped incorporate that into the children’s museum exhibits, allowing them to explore using the auditory, visual and kinetic learning styles.

“The idea of the freedom to explore and touch everything,” Palley said, was what interested her the most about a children’s museum.

Coffman, who said she has experience from working at the Children’s Discovery Museum in San Jose, said that teachers are encouraged to arrange field trips to the museum, and said that she expects mornings to be filed with different field trips.

“The Children’s Museum exhibits are in line with the state standards,” Palley said about the educational benefits and the opportunities for teachers.

The front desk offers additional learning materials that parents or instructors can use before and after their visit.

Palley explained that there is a focus nationwide on the importance of early childhood development, but said that, “as a community we don’t provide as many resources as we could for these little kids.”

Godlove said that the Sacramento Children’s Museum is accepting donations.

“We are still accepting donations and would love to fill out our final 500 founding families. We have about 400, so there is still 100 slots,” Godlove said.

The first 500 individuals or families to donate will be recognized with their names permanently placed in the Sacramento Children’s Museum, according to the website for the museum.

“The mission of the Children’s Museum is to spark a passion for lifelong learning,” Palley said. “So we are hoping by providing these opportunities to these young children, that it will show them that learning can be fun, and as they grow and continue to go through school, that they will hopefully find something they are passionate about.”

For more information, donation opportunities, operation hours and admission prices, click here.

Jewish Food Faire to Celebrate Culture's Rich Traditions

2011-08-25T14:48:37Z

Foodies and those who just love good food in a festive atmosphere will gather at Carmichael's Congregation Beth Shalom on Sunday, October 16th, for the 35th Annual Jewish Food Faire, featuring iconic Jewish deli items such as authentic corned beef on rye, bagels and lox and noodle kugel, plus a dizzying array of Jewish style baked goods.

The Faire, located at 4746 El Camino Avenue (Mission), will be held from 9 am to 3 pm, but come early because the food does tend to go fast.

This year's Food Faire theme is "Generation to Generation," recognizing the rich tradition practiced by many cultures in the Sacramento area of passing down family recipes from one generation to the next.

Join us for wonderful food that cannot be found anywhere else in the area, local arts and crafts and music. For more information, contact www.cbshalom.org.

Disclosure: I am a unabashed foodie and a member of Congregation Beth Shalom.

Local illustrator's first children's book: "Snowmastodon! Snow Day Adventure"

2011-08-23T20:38:39Z

I've been a professional illustrator for the past 15 years and have been able to work on a wide variety of interesting projects for the likes of The Village Voice, The Wall Street Journal, The Onion and NY Press among others. For the past 2 years my wife and I have lived here in Sactown after 10 years of living in Manhattan. New York is a fun place to live though by the end of my time there I was kicking cabs out of the stress and frustration of our hectic surroundings. Luckily my wife's work brought us to the Sacramento which was a breath of fresh air for us. Throughout that time I've always wanted to do one type of illustration work but had never gotten my foot in the door: children's books. That changed this past winter when I was contacted by an old college friend Amiee White Beazley who'd had a book proposal excepted by People's Press of Woody Creek Colorado. Her story was inspired by the recent and incredible ice-age fossil finds in Snowmass Colorado. After a work crew which was expanding a reservoir there discovered a large tusk sticking out of the mud, scientists discovered perhaps the greatest find of ice-age fossils in the country. Fossils of mastodons, mammoths, sloths, ice-age beavers, ice-age bison and even evidence of salamanders were unearthed. Amiee, along with her 6 year old son Tanner were inspired to come up with a story of a young mastodon who embarks on a snow-day adventure with her friend the sloth.

That's when I got into the picture. Amiee contacted me in February and the publisher asked us to have the project complete by early June. It was a fraction of the time normally alloted to assemble a kids story so we quickly got to work. Three months of furious sketching, drawing, painting and photoshopping ensued (as well as dozens of drafts of the story) and by early June our book had come together - we called it: Snowmastodon! Snow Day Adventure

The theme of the book revolves around friendship and acheiving goals with the help of pals, but my favorite aspect is the exploration and adventure in the outdoors. I'm a big fan of snowboarding and spending time in the mountains and we were able to interweave these idea's into our tale. Something else I'm very fond of within the book is the endpapers which are traditionally white or a solid color. But I love creating patterns and our publisher was game to let me try one based our our characters. I think it worked out well and often get comments that we should create pajama's or wrapping paper based off of it.

I've begun approaching local bookstores to see if they'd like to carry the book. I've also created a trailer for the book, with an accompanying song by my brother James which can be viewed here: http://www.vimeo.com/26630413.

Disclosure: The author of this story is the illustrator of the children's book mentioned.

Beatnik presents "For Love Of Woman"

2011-08-23T04:02:13Z

The Sacramento area is constantly unveiling local art and talent and Beatnik Studios is one of its largest event spaces that is dedicated to bringing that talent to light.

“For Love Of Woman,” will be local 60-year-old artist Robert Sanders’ first show in his career. Doors open at 7 p.m. on Friday (and art will stay on display through Sept. 28) at Beatnik Studios, which is located at 2421 17th St.

“I truly believe that from women all things appear, and I hold them in my highest esteem and appreciation,” Sandars said.

His show includes 36 pieces spotlighting the beauty and inspiring stories of modern women. The proceeds from the reception and auction will go to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition because it will be shown through September, which is National Ovarian Cancer awareness month.

“Anytime we do a benefit like this, we always have a more successful show. It's a win-win situation, because people feel like they can purchase the art because it is for a good cause,” said Greg Pond, a 32-year-old who has managed Beatnik Studios for the past two years.

Beatnik Studios has been around for three years and is about 6,000 square feet complete with a kitchen and stage, which is used during the events hosted there that range from weddings to concerts to birthday parties.

“Generally an artist will contact me and show me their portfolio, and then I’ll decide who I'm going to actually show. In Roberts’ case, he entered a contest where the first-, second- and third-place winners got to have their own show in the gallery, and Robert won,” Pond said.

According to Sanders, “Home” was the theme of the contest, and the proceeds went toward finding children homes through adoption and foster care.

“Our criteria was, does it match the theme, how much skill does this person have, and does the body of work have what it takes to do a solo show, and Robert was a very established artist/photographer,” Pond said.

Sanders' winning piece is called “Foreclosure Nightmare” and is a photograph of a woman completely bound in ropes lying under a palm tree with a stilted house in the background ready to fall apart.

Sanders has shot commercially with Tony Hawk, Harley Davidson, Taylor Guitar, Ford Motocross, Rip Curl and many others.

“I do portraiture work, commercial artwork and have been shooting for a really long time. I was actually nominated for an Emmy for my animation work on a piece called “Eruption of Mount St. Helens” back in the early ‘80s and really started honing in on my photography skills in the early ‘90s more than anything else,” Sandars said.

The models used in Sanders’ show range in age from 24 to 42, depicting women in different shapes and sizes, but mainly highlight the younger women.

“My favorite piece is probably ‘Rosebud.’ It’s the first piece people will see when they walk through the door and is inspired by the movie 'Citizen Kane' and an exchange between Orson Welles, William Randolph Hearst and his mistress Marion Davies,” Sanders said.

According to Pond, the name Beatnik comes from the beat generation. It was originally used as a derogatory term for hippies, but ended up becoming a badge of honor.

“To us, it means living outside the box. We are doing something different with art trying and to make it a business. When you come here we aren't in suits and ties, just normal clothes and treating people like they are human,” Pond said.

On Friday Sanders will be the featured artist, but Beatnik Studios hosts a gallery event every last Friday of the month from 5 - 9 p.m. called Final Friday. A full bar is provided with eats and drinks and live music from local musicians after 9 p.m. The event is free, but there is a suggested donation of $5 to $10 to help pay the musicians for their time.

“Beatnik is a community. No one really gets paid: The work is all volunteer or friends; we also have a lot of interns from Sacramento State University,” Pond said. “It's always fun and exciting here because we just love photography, and we love Beatnik. It's not about rolling in the dough.”

Sanders' show does contain nudity and might not be suitable for children.

“I think my greatest transformation as an artist has been how I perceive my work, a place of coming to terms with myself,” Sandars said. “I'm very proud, but this whole process has also been so humbling.”

For more information visit Beatnik Studios online or take a look at Robert Sandars site.

Editorial note: Corrections have been made to this story after it was published.

Crocker hosts screening of “Sickert vs. Sargent” documentary on August 25

2011-08-22T19:18:52Z

The Crocker Art Museum will host a screening of “Sickert vs. Sargent: Britain’s Masters of Modern Art,” on Thursday, Aug. 25, at 6 p.m. A documentary profiling Walter Sickert and John Singer Sargent, this film details the fierce competition that raged between the artists and the legendary work that was created as a result of the rivalry. The film is free with Museum admission.

“Sickert vs. Sargent” was written and directed by renowned British art critic Waldemar Januszczak. The film takes viewers on a journey through the life and art of two of the most influential artists in Britain, highlighting inspirational locations, and featuring their working studios. “Sickert vs. Sargent” also features commentary by artists Frank Auerbach, Leon Kossoff, Paula Rego, and Lucien Freud.

Tickets are available for purchase at crockerartmuseum.org, the Museum Admission Desk, or by calling (916) 808-1182.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

Opera announces fall season

2011-08-18T23:44:38Z

The Sacramento Opera unveiled the program for its upcoming season after canceling shows last spring and then going on a fundraising drive to make this season possible.

The two full operas, “Pagliacci” by Ruggero Leoncavallo and “Rigoletto” by Giuseppe Verdi, will be augmented by a special performance in the Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament to kick off the season Oct. 6.

General Manager Rod Gideons said the Opera at the Cathedral show will highlight the top-10 musical numbers performed by the Sacramento Opera since its inception in 1981 as voted on by about 200 opera subscribers.

“We’re going to be doing arias, duets, trios, quartets and ensembles,” he said, adding that six singers will be taking part.

The cathedral, located at 12th and K streets, has a large dome that Gideons said gives excellent acoustical qualities that make the music have a deep resonance.

“You’ll feel like you’ve taken an evening trip to Europe,” he said.

The other two shows are ones the opera has not performed recently, and Gideons said they represent classic Italian operas.

Despite his excitement for the season, Gideons said there is something more elemental that he is thankful for: “The fact that we’re here.”

Earlier this year, the opera’s ability to put together a season was in doubt, especially as organizers had canceled the previous spring season.

A fundraising drive seeking $122,000 in donations from private donors proved very successful, and the opera got to work right away.

In an effort to streamline the organization, the opera and the Sacramento Philharmonic Orchestra are exploring a partnership.

“Th president of my board described it in dating terms as us going steady,” Gideons said, adding that it is premature to say anything more specific, but options for future collaboration include sharing staff and working together more closely.

The philharmonic will be working with the opera on the performance of “Pagliacci” on Nov. 29.

For more information about the opera and showtimes, check the opera’s website.

Brandon Darnell is a staff reporter for The Sacramento Press. Follow him on Twitter @Brandon_Darnell.

“One Book” Project Comes to the Crocker Art Museum

2011-08-18T17:29:58Z

Since 1998 “One Book” projects have connected people through literature by encouraging an entire community to read one book and share the experience through public readings and discussions. The Crocker Art Museum is expanding the idea by adding art to the mix. The Museum has selected “Strapless: John Singer Sargent and the Fall of Madame X” by Deborah Davis as the focal point of the Museum’s “One Book/Many Perspectives” project taking place this summer in conjunction with the Museum’s exhibition series “The Summer of Impressionism.”

“Strapless” is the story behind John Singer Sargent’s infamous portrait of “Madame X,” in the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Works by Sargent are currently featured at the Crocker in the exhibition “Landscapes from the Age of Impressionism.“

The “One Book/Many Perspectives” program will include a salon-style book discussion on September 1 and will finish with a special lecture and book signing with the author on September 24. For those interested in learning more about Sargent, the art of portraiture, and the influence of art on literature, the Museum will host gallery tours, studio art and writing workshops, and a screening of the documentary “Sickert vs. Sargent.”

Deborah Davis is also the author of “Party of the Century: The Fabulous Story of Truman Capote and his Black and White Ball;” “The Secret Lives of Frames: One Hundred Years of Art and Artistry;” and, “Gilded: How Newport Became America’s Richest Resort.”

The “One Book” series is presented in collaboration with the California Lecture Series and the Sacramento Public Library. Copies of the book are available for purchase in the Crocker’s Museum Store.

The Crocker Art Museum was one of the first art museums in the U.S. and is now one of the leading art institutions in California. Established in 1885, the Museum features one of the country’s finest collections of Californian art, exceptional holdings of master drawings, a comprehensive collection of international ceramics, as well as European, Asian, African, and Oceanic art. The Crocker is located at 216 O Street in Downtown Sacramento. Museum hours are 10 a.m.–7 p.m., Tuesday–Wednesday; 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Thursdays; 10 a.m.–5 p.m., Friday–Sunday. Every Third Sunday of the month is “Pay What You Wish Sunday” sponsored by Bank of America. For more information, call (916) 808-7000 or visit crockerartmuseum.org.

Disclosure: Kathleen Richards has been a fan of the Crocker Art Museum since her very first visit in fourth grade, and she now serves as the Crocker's Marketing Coordinator.

SCSO Summer Sing

2011-08-15T05:23:59Z

This was a serious challenge.

Not everyone would pay good money to sing music they’ve never heard — in a language they don’t speak — in public. Sounds insane, right?

Apparently not. Some 250 Sacramento singers showed up at St. John’s Lutheran Church on Thursday night to join the Sacramento Choral Society in singing Johannes Brahms’ German Requiem.

After a little stretching, vocal warmup and pronunciation practice, Choral Society director Donald Kendrick conducted members of the Choral Society and audience members in an on-the-spot performance of the 19th century work.

The “instant concert” was the Choral Society’s annual summer fundraiser.

To be fair, only a few of the singers were absolutely new to the music. Most of the audience was made up of singers from dozens of choirs, choruses and schools, and most actually were familiar with the music. In fact, many brought their own scores, though scores were available at the door, and many have sung in German even if they do not speak the language.

Soloists Carrie Hennessey and Brian Leerhuber lent their considerable talents to the production. Hennessey’s gorgeous soprano soared through the beautifully restored sanctuary of St. John’s, and Leerhuber sang with power and solemn grace.

Accompanied by St. John’s music director Steven Janzen at the recently restored pipe organ, the on-the-spot chorus did a creditable performance of the seven movements of the requiem.

Janzen had painstakingly adapted the piano accompaniment to the organ, and his virtuosity on the instrument produced the illusion of a full orchestra complete with swelling strings and triumphant trumpets.

The requiem was written over a period of 11 years by the freethinking Brahms to honor his dear friend Robert Schumann and his mother. It is unusual in that it is sacred but not liturgical. The words “Jesus” and “Christ” appear nowhere in the text, and it is less a plea for mercy and salvation than it is a celebration of the comfort Brahms found in the cyclical nature of life and death. Brahms was said to have considered it a “human requiem.”

The Sacramento Choral Society and Orchestra have long hosted a “Summer Sing” for two distinct purposes. First, it is a way to welcome back the singers from their summer hiatus and begin the work of preparing for the upcoming season.

Perhaps even more importantly, the Summer Sing is an outreach to the entire Sacramento community, an invitation to join the highly respected SCSO in continuing their mission of bringing great music to the public and building a strong, vibrant arts community.

SCSO will hold auditions for interested singers for their upcoming 16th season this month. Tenors are especially encouraged to apply. Experienced choral singers with good music-reading skills may send an e-mail providing background information and experience at scso2005@gmail.com or call (916) 536-9065.

Disclosure: The writer is a member of the Sacramento Women's Chorus, and was one of the singers. In fact, the writer had never seen or sung the music before and speaks only English. However, under Kendrick's direction, she sang the entire program.