May 2020
News Update- OAC Grant Status

As the shelter-in-place order continues, we realize that there may be many limitations to getting back to our normal programs anytime soon. We have flexibility in most areas and can adjust timelines and other requirements. We've spoken to most of you already, but if you have additional questions, please reach out to Ray Gargano at [email protected]. 
Sacramento Teaching Artists Respond to Students' Needs with
Virtual Art Classes

COVID-19 has hit our community hard, in direct and indirect ways, and this has been strongly demonstrated as our teachers and school children have had to redirect their focus and develop the resources for virtual learning. We know that the arts remain more vital than ever in keeping young learners engaged and that is why we are proud of, indebted to, and inspired by our teaching artists who have jumped in to navigate these waters. While Any Given Child , our in-school artist residency program has been suspended for the remainder of the school year, our resident artists have transformed their curriculum in innovative ways to serve students and teachers throughout the county.

Already, Nancy Quiaoit , Sascha Molina, Cynthia Speakman , and Crystal Ruiz have developed visual, music, and theater residencies for K-6 grade student classrooms, with others to follow. 

And our partner organizations and grantees, including Sol Collective , Crocker Art Museum , 916 Ink , Studio T’s PassToClass, and Square Root Academy’s Scholars Playground are among many who are leading the charge in creating fun, engaging, and empowering educational resources for all students, especially those who are most vulnerable at this critical time.
The Atrium Invites Artists to Join Marketplace

The Office of Arts and Culture has partnered with The Atrium during this COVID-19 crisis to bring up-to-date resources to the community through Creative Economy Meetings every other week. In addition to the OAC Facebook page, check out the resource page at Atrium916.com for recordings of past meetings and the latest resources and information concerning COVID-19. 

Shira Lane, Founder of The Atrium, has taken her business online and created a Mask Marketplace . She is inviting artists who creating masks to become a part of the marketplace to contact her through Atrium916.com/masks .

And of course, if anyone is looking for stylish, well constructed mask, please visit the marketing place at https://shop.atrium916.com to see the selection of hand-crafted masks from local artists, now available for purchase.
Clockwise from left: Taylor Gutermute with "Blossoms"; "Sun" and "Berries"; "River Rocks"
"Park Pictures" by Taylor Gutermute relocated to South Natomas Park in Sacramento

Taylor Gutermute received an Art in Public Places Grant from the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission to create this eight-piece metal sculpture. The pieces vary in size from 4’ x 3’, 3 x 3” and 3’ x 4’. In April 2020 they were installed in the South Natomas Community Park on Truxel Road in Sacramento. Visitors who frequent the community center, library, rose garden, pre-school and playground may now also enjoy a walk around the central area to discover the pieces nestled in the park’s landscaping.

The sculptures were originally installed in 2016 on West El Camino but were re-located in 2020 after the new Fire Station 15 building was built in that location. Each piece represents an aspect of the natural environment of the park. The artist worked with community members and Council Member Jeff Harris’ office to determine the best re-location for the sculptures at the South Natomas Community Center and Library.

You can also check out this Good Day Sacramento interview of Taylor at the South Natomas Community Center.