Gilded treasures and stitched wonders

Gilded Age American royalty and modern Northern California quilters may not seem related—well, maybe except for their love of craftsmanship.

Yet, two exhibits are currently on display in Sacramento, featuring both worlds.

Amazing Wonders at 40 Acres Art Gallery features more than 30 quilts by artists from the region. The exhibit demonstrates the breathtaking ability to manipulate varieties of cloth to create artistic masterpieces, which also serve as awesome insulation. Quilting is no easy task, but these artists take the tradition to another level, presenting intricate designs and even a fiber collage portrait quilt (right). There will be a closing reception and ceremony Saturday, December 12, at 2 p.m.

The Crocker Art Museum exhibition, Treasures, Curiosities and Secrets: The Crockers and the Gilded Age, displays detailed jewelry and gowns, china and furniture of the Crocker family from the late 19th century, as well as personal letters, paintings and photos.

Curator Scott Shields will discuss the exhibition Thursday, November 19, at 5:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets for that event are free to Crocker members and $10 for nonmembers. There also will be Art & Arias, featuring art and music from the Gilded Age, Saturday, November 21, at 4 p.m. The Sacramento Opera will present songs that were popular during the Crocker family’s grand tour of Europe from 1869 to 1871. Pre-registration required by Friday, November 13.