Awkward dancing nostalgia

Ah, prom night. I don't know about you, but mine was full of awkward dancing. It could have been fun. Fancy clothes and glitter and music usually make for a pretty good party. But it wasn't. Because high school was embarrassing.

Time for redemption: Art Mix Prom at the Crocker Art Museum. It seems it's never too late to ask a special someone to go to some event in some elaborate, mortifying way.

For the uninitiated, Art Mix takes over the Crocker monthly with a fresh, themed social gathering for the creatively minded. It's tough to deny any party surrounded by epic pieces of modern art, but prom night takes the program to an unprecedented level of nostalgia and silliness.

Expect crafting stations to make boutonnieres and corsages; a candy bar, courtesy of Andy's Apothecary; makeup stations with local stylists; and 10-minute, gown-related Art Talks. Plus, a photobooth, live band and deejay. And booze—appropriately, spiked punch—because we aren't 17. Happy hour lasts all night with drink specials less than $5 and accompanying bites.

If you somehow still fit into your high-school prom attire, you just might get crowned king or queen of your decade—'70s, '80s or '90s. Of course, there's always Thrift Town to get you outfitted.

In the meantime, work on perfecting the signature prom-dance move: slow swaying, arms-length apart. 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, February 13; free for members, $10 nonmembers, $2 discount for college students; Crocker Art Museum, 216 O Street; (916) 808-1182; www.crockerartmuseum.org.