The Norman Rockwell exhibit opened at the Crocker Nov. 10 and will close in less than one month. During its run, several special events have taken place. Perhaps you met Rockwell’s models, enjoyed some concerts, watched the film, “Stagecoach,” or participated in several studio art classes.
The final special events take place this month and begin this weekend with the world premiere of “Big Dreams, Small Shoulders,” a multi-media performance piece based on Rockwell’s painting, “The Problem We All Live With.” Deborah Pittman composed the music and collaborated with other artists to create this piece.
Pittman, a musician and professor of clarinet at California State University, Sacramento who specializes in American musical theatre, was one of the panel members who spoke on Nov. 29 about the creative process and the challenges she and her collaborators faced as they worked to create a piece that combined music, dance, puppetry, narration and projected imagery.
Laura Cook, a local poet, is one of the performers in “Big Dreams, Small Shoulders,” which will be presented on Sunday, Jan. 13 at 3 p.m. Space is limited for this special performance, so arrive early. Admission runs between $6 and $12.
Also this weekend, the Crocker hosts “The Art of Parenting: Tell Me a Story” where participants will learn the art of storytelling beginning with classic folktales. Mary McGrath taught storytelling at Sacramento City College and currently hosts a local monthly storytelling series. She will teach how to tell stories that are meaningful to children, stories based on visual images or on your own life. This event takes place on Saturday, Jan. 12 at 10 a.m. Space is limited and the cost is $10 to $15.
If you are interested in creating visual art and learning more about Rockwell’s ability to capture the commonplaces of America, then you might want to consider “The Power of Place: Capturing the Commonplaces of America.” This two-day workshop will examine the Rockwell exhibit, teach sketching and painting techniques and give participants studio time to create their visions of commonplace America. This two-day workshop is taught by Kristine Bybee and Jill Pease and costs between $85 and $100.
Check the Crocker website to discover other Rockwell-related events and to confirm dates, times and costs.
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