While the world of fine arts may have their roots in Europe, Asia, or elsewhere, California boasts its own cultural flair, arousing our once quiet capital city to a hot bed of artistic activity. From a screen star in the state house, to the well-worn boards of community theater, it seems that all the city is a stage, and a gallery, and a symphonic hall. This half-hour special celebrates the organizations, people, and programs that add creative spice to our daily lives.

The Crest Theatre
For decades, The Crest Theatre has been one of Sacramento’s most important venues for presenting the arts – but the building is itself a work of art, one that almost went the way of Sacramento’s other “lost” theatres, such as the Alhambra. But thanks to years of hard work from manager Sid Heberger-Garcia and her crew, the Crest has been restored to its original glory, and its rightful place as the “crown jewel” of the K Street Mall. And the Crest’s ongoing appeal has lured a new generation of entrepreneurs to the Mall, bringing art, culture, and commerce to Sacramento’s “main street.”

Del Paso Neighborhood
Del Paso Boulevard, the main artery through the neighborhood, is home to a growing collection of art galleries and art organizations. Sites like Gallery Horse Cow and the Doiron Gallery are making Del Paso an essential stop on the Second Saturday Art Walk, while organizations like the Capoeira Arts Center are bringing new culture and activities to the neighborhood. But the most exciting development in Del Paso is “Surreal Estates” – a cluster of homes and studios being built by the artists who will inhabit them!

Oak Park Neighborhood
Sacramento’s first suburb has seen some hard times, but its future is looking brighter…as arts venues like the 40 Acres Gallery crop up. A recent photographic exhibit called “A Day in the Life of Oak Park” reflected the positive changes that are transforming the neighborhood, and provided an opportunity for local shutterbugs – including students at Sac High – to display their talents.

Sacramento Philharmonic and the Sacramento Youth Symphony
Through the guiding strokes of two local musical giants, Maestro Michael Morgan of the professional Sacramento Philharmonic and Maestro Michael Neuman of the Sacramento Youth Symphony, all generations were united in the joining of their two classical music groups for one spectacular evening of music.

Sacramento Poetry Slam
Express yourself with sensitive, earnest, and healing words through 3-minute poems with the poets at the Sacramento Poetry Slam. Here, writers share emotional thoughts through inventive language and are critiqued by haphazard choices of audience judges. Meet the poets and hear their stories.

Sacramento Youth Ballet
Children of all ages and of any financial situation realize their dreams at the Sacramento Youth Ballet. Under the instruction of Europe prima ballerina Madame Sonja Bardin, Director and Founder of the Ballet, youth are able to study, practice, and perform ballet with this top instructor at an affordable price, revealing a wealth of opportunity. Meet Bardin and her 13-year-old student, Mirah, who is living Bardin's vision.

Sci-Fi Hotel
A brainwashed scientist and a "nerd princess" find themselves in a science fiction musical in Sci-Fi Hotel, the innovative new theatrical production originated and developed in Sacramento. Meet the writer, director, musical director, and cast members as they illustrate their creative powers in this sensational creation.

Second Saturday
For more than 20 years, the second Saturday of every month has delighted Sacramentans when more than 40 local art galleries reveal a vibrant and rich display of special exhibits, demonstrations, and refreshments. Both the new collector and the fervent admirer discover the diversity, ingenuity, and resourcefulness of art that theseartists and galleries afford. Join us as we visit the Art Foundry, Jim Ferry's 20th Street Gallery, and the Gallery Horse Cow.

Other segments look at Sacramento's Art in Public Places initiative and the Women's Wisdom Program. Plus, in a special segment called "Art Cards" we take a moment to introduce you to a different artist or arts group including Jose Montoya, Taiko Dan, a Scottish pipe band, and street poets.

Funded in part by the Sacramento Cultural Arts Awards Program of the Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission with support from the City and County of Sacramento.

Arts Resource links
Crocker Art Museum
Sacramento Bee Calendar
Sacramento Magazine
Sacramento Metropolitan Arts Commission
Sacramento News & Review
Sacramento Traditional Jazz Society

Arts Calendar
Keep abreast of events and performances in our community.
Visit sacticket.com/arts

Arts Organizations - Get Featured in Arts Alive
If you are a Sacramento County based arts organization and would like to be considered in an upcoming Arts Alive program, send an e-mail with your information.