It’s not easy to find places to shoot when it’s triple digits outside. We’ve taken our Tuesday group to the ocean, stores, and, now to a museum–the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento. The fact that I’d always wanted to go there was a bonus. Yes, we could bring our cameras in, but no flash or tripod. This, of course, added another challenge, but we were up to it.

Just a little background: The original historic building was the home of Edwin B. Crocker who built on a home addition to display his art collection. Eventually the home and gallery became the Crocker Art Museum. In 2010 an addition was built to expand the museum. For me, the new, modern addition is a stark contrast to the existing historic home/gallery. You can feel the difference as you pass from one to the other. I liked the use of ambient light in the new building, but totally enjoyed the architecture and richness of the old.

I didn’t have much trouble shooting in the new Teel Family Pavilion since light was abundant, and I knew what to do to shoot in the old section. And, to our delight, the cafe food was delicious. Our outings are always about food too!

Here’s a sample of what we found while escaping the heat.

Outside the historic building.

Inside the new Pavilion.

Looking down on the dining area.

Sculpture at the other end of large Pavilion hall.

Mother and child.

African art display.

More African art.

The African Art collection was large.

Part of a Chihuly chandelier.

More Chihuly art.

This porcelain art was in a room of it’s own.

I loved the colors in this painting.

A whimsical sculpture.

The ballroom in the historic building.

Beautifully arched hallway.

Staircase.

Looking down.

Pattern of a bowl in the gift shop.