Art in the (Ball) Park

It's certainly not common to associate going to a ballpark with art appreciation. Yet a visit to West Sacramento's Raley Field, home of the Sacramento River Cats, was an eye-opening experience.

Yes, Raley Field is a fine new ballpark -- spacious, comfortable, and with great views of Sacramento. But in touring the ballpark with Tony Asaro, the River Cats'  Community Relations Director, what struck me was the art on view. Not museum pieces hung on the wall. But art integrated in the ballpark itself -- on blank walls (first photo below), on ceilings (second photo), and even above food stands (third photo).

Much of the work is by Stephanie Taylor, a local Sacramento artist. But there are also pillars covered by tiles decorated by school kids. Tony mentioned that their submissions are included in a calendar that's widely distributed (see below right; this month's calendar page is by Alex Kravchenko, an 11th grader at River City High School). Free tickets to young school-artists are also given out.

Some of the art also has a practical side. Tony pointed out the food murals that Stephanie did. They make it easy for people to quickly know what kind of food is served at each concession area.

The art also livens up what would otherwise be a number of large, drab surfaces.

Here's to the River Cats for setting an artistic example other ball clubs would do well to take notice of.