Crocker Caters to Toddler Artists

Crocker Caters to Toddler Artists

A couple of weeks ago my family stopped by the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento to grab a bite to eat after completing the Arthritis Foundation’s Jingle Bell Run. While I warmed my hands on a cup of herbal tea, my husband took my mom on a quick art tour, returning to tell me the Crocker had created a world for kid artists just around the corner and down a hall from where we sat.

I had to explore.

I coaxed my almost 21-year-old daughter to come along with me and almost immediately longed for her toddler days so I could legitimately hang out here all day long. The kid art wing is a perfect place for families hanging out during winter break. It’s around the corner from the first-floor cafe, down a hall, through a door that led outside, then another door that took us back inside.

Doors to the Education Center.

First, we peeked into a classroom where preschoolers and their adults participated in the Artful Tot session for children 19 months to three years old. Registration for the class was at the front desk. An instructor who came out to chat with us said the classes are offered occasionally to introduce the youngest Crocker visitors to art. A quick check of the Crocker schedule revealed a smorgasbord of kid activities coming up.

Next, we headed into Toadtopia, a fantasy room created by artists Molly Devlin and S.V. Williams. The sign said the artists’ work helps children “see life through the eyes of a toad.” Small visitors can play among the lily pads here.

Toadopia.

On our way on to the Totland: Dreamboat room, I noticed a door leading into the Gerald Hansen Library, which is open to visual arts researchers Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. or by appointment.  I never even knew the Crocker Art Museum had this library! The Crocker website states it’s a non-circulating library so patrons must do their research in the museum. Since we were at the museum on a Saturday, we didn’t get to poke around the library.

The children playing inside Totland seemed most attracted to a large wooden boat in the middle of the floor, but there were many other toys as well as books to read and a crafts area whose only rule seemed to be to clean up after yourself when you get done making your art project. Totland was created by artist Martin Webb and is intended for children age 5 and younger.

Totland artist, Martin Webb’s info photo.

Totland window overlooking play and learning area.

Totland children’s library.

Totland craft area.

Totland play area.

Crocker Event

The Crocker has scheduled one event this week specifically for children:

  • The Kids and Co. Gallery Adventure, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 4, is billed as “amusing and educational, this tour is the perfect way to introduce art to children ages 5 and older and the adults who tag along with them.” The tour is free with admission.

Museum Tips

The museum has a guide specifically written for people visiting with young children available at the front desk. Tips include:

  • Look for “Stay and Play” gallery games to interact with art.
  • The admission desk offers Story Trail books to guide children on a scavenger hunt through the museum.
  • Restrooms with diaper changing stations are located on every floor. Single stall restrooms are available as well in designated areas.
  • Social narratives about visiting the museum and noise-canceling sensory toys are available for children who need them. The museum offers some free and reduced-fee programs for children with autism, funded through grants.
  • Strollers can be checked out at the admission desk.
  • Quiet spaces and soft seating are available throughout the museum that breastfeeding mothers are welcome to use.

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