By Marie-Elena Schembri

The holiday season is in full swing with festive arts events and plenty of options to find the perfect gift for art lovers in your life. Starting with the annual Crocker Holiday Artisan Market over Thanksgiving weekend, featuring more than 100 artists working in everything from traditional media to handmade toys. 

If you missed it, don’t worry. The museum offers several other interesting art experiences in December, from festive gatherings and winter-themed painting activities to the ritzy Crocker Ball and art auction.

The ArtMix: Office Holiday Party on Thursday, Dec. 12 is a ticketed 18+ evening celebration offering a refreshing change of scenery for those office parties or crowded family get-togethers. Expect festive music (carols, anyone?) and dancing, live art and food for purchase by The Lumpia Truck and Yolanda’s Tamales Factory. ArtMix events are free for Crocker members or $25 for non-members. The more the merrier — groups of six or more get a 15% discount on ticket prices.

For serious art patrons or those looking for a one-of-a-kind experience to share with a loved one this holiday season, the 61st Annual Crocker Ball on Saturday, Dec. 7 might be your cup of cocoa. From 5:30 p.m. to midnight, attendees can enjoy an exclusive black-tie affair with cocktail hour, dinner, art auction, dancing and live music by DJ and musician Chris Clouse.

The fundraising auction includes high-ticket experiences that benefit the museum’s education programs and exhibits. Items include a cruise in a North American T-6 Texan aircraft, the standard training aircraft used by pilots in the armed forces. The winning bid also receives VIP tickets to the 2025 California Capital Airshow and exclusive behind-the-scenes access. Other experiences include a peek into private collections, lunch in Washington D.C in the Capitol’s Congressional Dining Room with Congressman Ami Bera, a wine and art excursion in Napa Valley, or an “Enchanting Culinary Retreat in the South of France.” Tickets for the event start at $1,500 and are expected to sell out. For more information, email rsvp@crockerart.org or call (916) 808-7843.

Shop local art

December offers ample opportunities to support local artists and the creative economy while checking off your shopping list. Here are some choices for holiday gift buying:

WAL Public Market Gallery’s 100 under 100 annual art exhibit showcases 100 artworks priced at $100 or less. On Friday, Dec. 6 at 6 p.m. sales open, and attendees have the opportunity to shop a variety of works in various mediums including photography, illustration, painting, printmaking, sculpture and ceramics by over 40 local artists. 

“It’s a space for both emerging and established artists to display their work side by side,” said curator Jazel Muñoz, who also noted that pieces sell fast during this affordable exhibit. Art purchased during opening night can be taken right off of the gallery wall, ready to be gifted.

The Midtown Association is hosting two pop-up holiday markets this December: Fremont Frost Fest on Dec. 4 at Fremont Park and Winn-ter Wonderland on Dec. 18 at Winn Park. Both markets will have dozens of artisan and craft vendors, food trucks, live music, and seasonal activities such as free ornament-making and a holiday photo booth.

Fun for the family

If you’re looking for an engaging art experience that doesn’t involve shopping this December, check out these seasonal and family-friendly events.

Verge Center for the Arts’ Holiday Screen Printing class is a great chance to try your hand at a versatile new medium, with a two-day beginner introductory class taught by Sacramento graphic design artist Leon Willis. The class focuses on color theory and composition fundamentals, teaching participants how to create holiday-themed personalized gifts or products. Pre-registration is required.

Roseville’s Blue Line Arts is hosting a holiday-themed kids’ art activity on Saturday, Dec. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Supplies and instruction will be provided during this drop-in art project, but pre-registration is required. Family-level members receive free admission and an exclusive members-only hour from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m., while general admission is open from 12-2 p.m. For more information and to register, contact Blue Line Arts.

Blue Line Arts is also showcasing handcrafted goods and fine art in its Handmade For the Holidays exhibit, with functional art such as jewelry and handcarved wood ornaments but also includes wall art for a range of tastes.

For something a step off the beaten path, bring the family to the Atrium 916 gallery in Old Sacramento for family fun, environmental education and a chance to create sustainable art. With opportunities for crafting and family photos in a magical winter wonderland setting all month long, visitors can celebrate the season without all the waste. Sip on warm drinks as you create your own clay ornaments on the patio overlooking historic Front Street or browse this sustainable art gallery’s shop for gifts that give back by protecting the environment.

No reservation is required but photo sessions can be scheduled for an additional fee to avoid wait time. For pricing and additional information, contact Atrium 916.

This story was funded by the City of Sacramento’s Arts and Creative Economy Journalism Grant to Solving Sacramento. Following our journalism code of ethics and protocols, the city had no editorial influence over this story and no city official reviewed this story before it was published. Our partners include California Groundbreakers, Capital Public Radio, Outword, Russian America Media, Sacramento Business Journal, Sacramento News & Review, Sacramento Observer and Univision 19. Sign up for our “Sac Art Pulse” newsletter here.