By Crocker Staff
The Crocker has been awarded funding from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and First 5 Sacramento to enhance its Early Childhood Initiative through Art Spots, a series of experimental, experiential art installations that will start opening this month.
The artists are working collaboratively with Museum staff, early childhood advisers, and one another to develop temporary installations for children age 5 and younger and their caregivers. Artists attend and participate in the Museum’s on-going early childhood programming to gain a full understanding of the developmental needs and interests of children and how they interact.
Art Spots will roll out on May 21 with Gato by Davis-area artists Michelle Lee and Darin Reyes. Children will get to step into the dreams of a giant, stuffed, toy cat in this multi-sensory experience that offers surprises for all ages.
The second Art Spot, PL!NK, will be unveiled in July. Artists Glenda Drew and Jiayi Young will create a space inspired by kaleidoscopic configurations that engage visitors in an immersive visual adventure that dazzles with color, light, and reflection. Additionally, PL!NK invites people to participate from remote locations through a website that integrates activities in real-time between the physical and virtual worlds.
In September, the Museum will unveil a new Tot Land experience created by Oakland artist Martin Webb. Inspired by the Museum’s Spirit Canoe, children will be swept up in their own creative, playful ideas as they explore and use their imagination to envision a world of possibilities.
Pictured: Martin Webb sketches for installation, based on the Crocker’s ancestor canoe from Papua, will open in Tot Land in September.
Finally, in November, local artist Sonja White will develop Wingding, an immersive, festive, three-dimensional art experience that will offer countless opportunities to interact with and learn about the basic elements of art through play.
The Crocker is excited to offer children and families even more ways to engage with art and one another at the Museum!
Thank you to our media sponsor, Radio Santisimo.
Top Image: Bay Area artist Martin Webb, artworks that include painting, sculpture, printmaking, and public art.
