The following is the May 7 edition of Cultural Capital, an arts and entertainment newsletter written by Abridged contributor Chris Macias. Want it sent directly to your inbox? Sign up here.
Here’s one of those weeks where you really need to plan ahead. The Second Saturday art crawl is on the horizon and a major festival is touching down, not to mention all the events related to Mother’s Day.
While we’re talking about planning for upcoming events, here’s one more to keep in mind. On May 27, the riveting local band Rituals of Mine is performing an intimate show hosted by Abridged and Amatoria Fine Art Books at the Midtown bookshop. Only 25 tickets are available for this evening of music and conversation, so jump on it now or risk that FOMO.
Now, let’s dip into an action-packed week that includes an artsy and fun piñata celebration, a food-themed art exhibit and a major country festival. On top of that, we’ve got a list of Mother’s Day ideas as well.
Grab a bouquet of supermarket tulips and let’s go!
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An art show that breaks traditions (and some papier-mâché)
The details:
- Prism Art Space, 2120 K St., Sacramento
- 2-6 p.m., May 8 (Friday); 5-9 p.m., May 9 (Saturday, opening reception)
- Free entry
While we’re on a celebratory theme: a party isn’t complete without the smashing of a piñata. But in the hands of artists like Andres Alvarez of Sacramento, piñatas are about much more than creating a scramble for candy. They’re extensions of cultural identity to be expressed in myriad ways.
“Unlike (in) my childhood, piñatas now encompass an international range of subjects inspired by political, social and pop culture,” Alvarez said in an email. “Piñatas should be encouraged in art curriculum. They promote creativity, engineering, self-exploration, community, recycling and connection.”
Alvarez is among the 16 local artists exhibiting in “SMASH! A Piñata Exhibition,” which runs from Friday through May 30 at Prism Art Space. No need for a bat and blindfold. But you will find piñatas constructed in many different mediums, from traditional papier-mâché to patchworks and more. Alvarez’s work, for example, is constructed from hojas de maiz (corn husks).
“Unlike tissue paper, the hojas de maiz are alive,” he said. “They are active and transforming. Changing in texture, color, rhythm and position just like our personal and cultural anthologies.”
Since opening last year, Prism Art Space has quickly established itself as a gallery that thrives on risk taking. Bridgett Wrecks, who curated the piñata exhibit with Vianne de Santiago, said that unconventional spirit fits perfectly with the new show.
“That foundation aligns with the spirit of the show, which pushes boundaries (and) invites visitors to engage with the work in a dynamic way,” Wrecks wrote in an Instagram direct message.
The closing event on May 30 will definitely be a hit, as some of the piñatas will be smashed birthday party-style. Even if you don’t dive in, this exhibition is an artistic treat to savor.
Satisfy your hunger for Farm-to-Fine Art
The details:
- Prism Art Space, 2120 K St., Sacramento
- 2-6 p.m., May 8 (Friday); 5-9 p.m., May 9 (Saturday, opening reception)
- Free entry
And you thought catering trays were just for passing deviled eggs or bruschetta at a soirée. In the case of Art À La Carte at Mills Station Arts & Culture Center, catering trays are transformed into food-themed works of art. Participating artists are using more than a dozen media to create their works for the show, which runs through May 23. Fill up at Shahrzad Fine Persian Cuisine or another favorite restaurant in “The Cho” and feed your need for art.
Kick up your heels at Country in the Park
The details:
- Cal Expo, 1600 Exposition Blvd., Sacramento
- 1 p.m., May 8-9 (Friday and Saturday)
- $83 daily, $154.60 two-day pass
If country music is your jam, Cal Expo is calling your name. KNCI’s Country in the Park is going down Friday and Saturday, with Miranda Lambert and Dixon native Jon Pardi headlining the festivities. Last year’s edition drew more than 80,000 attendees, making it one of the region’s largest music festivals. With no GoldenSky Festival again this year, scoot your boots to Cal Expo if you crave country music in a large-scale setting.
Mother’s Day mania
Those who want to celebrate mom have plenty of options this weekend. From Mother’s Day-specific events to family-friendly outings, here’s a list of quick picks to celebrate the mother figures in your life:
For the music-loving mom:
- If mom loves Bob Marley, Peter Tosh and Katchafire, treat her to a Mother’s Day reggae brunch at Rockyaad Jamaican Restaurant in Carmichael.
- Postgame brunch with soprano Yoo Ri Clark and pianist Carlos McMillan Fuentes at the Crocker Art Museum.
- Get some swing into those celebrations with the Mother’s Day Jazz Brunch at The Center at District 56 in Elk Grove.
- Honor mom with the Sacramento Symphonic Winds and its “Spirit & Strength: A Mother’s Day Musical Tribute” at Sacramento State.
Family-friendly outings:
- Help the kids create a perfect gift at the Mother’s Day Bouquet and Bracelet Making Workshop at BusyKids Play and Coworking Café in Folsom.
- Break out the Birkenstocks at UC Davis’ Whole Earth Festival, held annually on Mother’s Day weekend.
- Mother Goose meets Mother’s Day weekend with the fairytale-themed Edge of Spring Fantasy Fair at Gold Country Fairgrounds & Event Center in Auburn.
Before I go,
I’m always blown away by the support for Cultural Capital and Abridged. Let’s keep the momentum going so we can provide more news and information that the Sacramento region deserves. With today marking the Big Day of Giving, please show your support to PBS KVIE with a donation that helps keep our free public service journalism thriving. It’s an honor to serve Abridged readers just like you.
See you next week!
Chris Macias is a regular contributor, writing Cultural Capital for Abridged.