We’re gearing up for Warhol Mania over here at the Crocker Art Museum. Our much-anticipated exhibition: “Andy Warhol: Portraits” opens this Sunday, March 13.
To kick things off, we are having a Warhol Factory Party Saturday night, from 7 p.m. to Midnight. In addition to giving you first peek at the exhibition, the party — a Museum fundraiser benefiting educational programs– will feature music, spotlight tours, and a hosted bar including Champagne, Warhol’s signature cocktail. Attendees can tour the Factory Interactive, an art lounge in which you can watch clips of 1970s-era commercials while lounging in beanbag chairs, listen to audio from Warhol himself, make art and explore memorabilia.
Andy Warhol, Cow, 1976. Screen print on wallpaper. 45 1/8 X 29 ½ in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh, IA1994.7. © 2016 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Can’t make the party? Don’t worry, the exhibition runs through June 19, and the Museum is hosting a plethora of activities, starting with an opening-day classical concert featuring pianist Jason Sia at 3 p.m., preceded by prelude tours at 1 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Like fun and games? Consider checking out the Twisted Sacratomato Salon on March 24 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Get tangled up in a game of Twister while sipping Factory-inspired cocktails, and don’t forget to jump on a docent-led tour of “Portraits.”
Our April Art Mix theme is Studio 54, inspired by Warhol, whose NYC-based Factory was a hot 70s hub, much like the famed nightclub. Don your Farrah Fawcett flip or Shaun Cassidy feather and dance the night away to your favorite disco hits, check out the Rock Candy Romper Room and aim to win the grand prize for showing up in the chicest 70s attire. Just remember that much like a nightclub, this for the 21+ crowd.
Andy Warhol, Jackie, 1964. Acrylic and silkscreen ink on linen, 20 x 16 in.
The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.90. © 2016 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
Did you know that Andy Warhol influenced outspoken Chinese artist Ai Weiwei, whose “Circle of Animals/Zodiac Heads” exhibition is currently on display in our courtyard? Learn more about the artists at our Symposium: The Art of Andy Warhol and Ai Weiwei on Saturday, April 2. The event features Eric Shiner, director of the Warhol Museum in Pittsburgh, and Sharon Matt Atkins, vice director of exhibitions and collections management at the Brooklyn Museum in New York, followed by a conversation facilitated by Crocker Director and CEO Lial Jones. This all-day event includes a morning coffee reception, an afternoon wine reception and the opportunity to include lunch from Crocker Cafe by Supper Club.
Andy Warhol, Self-Portrait in Drag, 1980. Facsimile of original Polaroid™ Polacolor 2, 4 1/4 x 3 3/8 in. The Andy Warhol Museum, Pittsburgh; Founding Collection, Contribution The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc., 1998.1.2910. © 2016 The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts, Inc. / Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York
If you’re a foodie, consider attending our Dinner with Andy: Farm-to-Fork dinner by Supper Club and tour of “Andy Warhol: Portraits” on Thursday April 7, where, after your tour, you’ll enjoy a 4-course dinner with or without wine and beer pairings. Word to the wise, get tickets to this one fast, as our March Dinner with Andy is already sold out!
I’ve just scratched the surface of what’s going on in Warhol World. For more information on events as well as ticket prices and purchasing info for the above events, log onto crockerartmuseum.org or call (916) 808-7000.
Guest Contributor | Elena M. Macaluso, Crocker Art Museum
