SACtoday team member Bethany here. I recently checked out Crocker Art Museum's ArtMix — a monthly evening event that puts art in all its forms (think: music, dance, performance, fashion, artmaking, and, oh yeah, the entire museum) on display and ties it together with a fun theme.

August's theme was "Grotto," a pirates-and-mermaids nod to the Pacific Ocean painting that will soon sail away from the Crocker entrance.

Join me as I have my eyes opened to this wondrously unique + community-building take on art.

What we tried

Most ArtMix festivities took place in the courtyard and Friedman Court, where live music made for relaxed mingling and dance-floor fun. Performances by Rebel Aerial Artistry wowed the crowds with acrobatic feats by talented aerialists. I also enjoyed breaking away to explore the museum, which felt like an art-after-dark treat.

Dressed to impress — and a fitting pose by the painting that inspired the event. | Photo by SACtoday

What not to miss

ArtMix themes change monthly. I talked to Crocker Art Museum's Public Programs Coordinator Eben Burgoon, who is particularly excited about September's theme: CrockerCon. As the only fully family-friendly ArtMix event, CrockerCon gives Sacramentans the chance to geek out on mingling with comic book creators + epic cosplayers, plus a whole lot of fan-fueled fun. Guests are, of course, encouraged to dress up.

Bonus: October's ArtMix promises Halloween vibes, and December's will celebrate the beloved holiday sweater.

What we’re still talking about

The event is as much about community as it is art.

According to Eben, the vision behind ArtMix is to build bridges for the community to engage with art differently. "Art's superpower is that it fosters human connection," he said, adding that ArtMixes are designed to feel like a theme party — but it's really about understanding each other better through experiences, storytelling, and all of art's colors.

Don't forget to explore the museum — the Crocker has three-stories of modern + classic art, plus the current exhibition Estampas de la Raza. | Photo by SACtoday

How you can experience this

Check the calendar to attend upcoming ArtMixes (they take place every second Thursday). Pro tip: Don't miss ArtMix: CrockerCon, happening Thursday, Sept. 14.

Things to know if you go

Experience: Crocker Art Museum's monthly ArtMix
Price: $25 (free for Members)
Website: crockerart.org
Address: 216 O St., Sacramento
Hours: Special ArtMix hours: 6-9 p.m.
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