Crocker Art Museum ArtMix: Island of Enchantment
‘Break free at ArtMix, the Crocker’s fun-filled evening extravaganza bursting with live performances, DJed music, festive food and drinks, art activities, and so much more! Expect the unexpected at this Museum-wide party, with new, imaginative themes each month. There is one thing you can always count on: ArtMix puts the "art" in "party"!
Feel the beat and bask in the beauty of Puerto Rico in a vibrant night filled with rhythm, flavor, and soul. Take a bomba or salsa lesson, groove to live plena, reggaetón, and indulge in island-inspired bites that bring the heat. Come ready to dance, celebrate, and lose yourself in the enchantment!’
The February art activation at the Crocker was an amazing success. I was lucky to have William with me to assist, along with SCTA president Irene Camerino. Between our 3 block printing stations, we helped around 200 guests design and print their own take away art pieces using blocks that I carved with imagery inspired by Taino patterns and the landscape of Puerto Rico.
In addition to the printing, it was an opportunity to engage in conversation. This event was perfect timing- we are coming right off the Benito Bowl. Bad bunny has just amazed all of us with an energetic and touching trubiyte to our heritage and culture. The energy was palpable, people came to experience culture and celebrate.
In addition to my activation, the museum had several other vendors and artists from our community representing, a food truck which I was never able to get to, and a band playing non stop to a full crowd dancing away. The Crocker did an phenomenal job with the event, and I have to thank Eben Burgoon from the Crocker for all of his amazing work and coordination.
Once the event started, our printing stations were constantly busy. The line was intimidating and touching, especially hearing that guests waited 45 minutes to make prints.
But the conversations and connections are really what made the evening special. Teaching and sharing cultural knowledge is key to reclamation efforts. I really loved how interested everyone was in learning and talking about Puerto Rico and the challenges our island continues to face today. Most people were unaware of the struggles, and I hope they left with new perspectives and an art print to remind them of the experience.
