Arts Blog Content

Weekender: Symphony Holds Spring Concert; Design Museum Symposium; Last Call for Backstory

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 30, 2026 - 7:12am

UC Davis Symphony Orchestra performs classics, contemporary works in spring concert

7 p.m., Friday, May 1, Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, UC Davis

In a concert titled “Orbiting Spheres,” the UC Davis Symphony Orchestra explores three unique orchestral works under the baton of conductor Matilda Hofman. The concert is Friday, May 1 at the Robert and Margrit Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts and begins at 7 p.m.

Restoration of Paintings Can Reveal What the Artist Intended

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 28, 2026 - 10:02am

Mark Tucker, a UC Davis alum and conservator, visited UC Davis as the Art History department’s guest speaker on “The Challenges of Altered Paintings” in April, explaining how restoration can reveal art in new ways for viewers.

Weekender: Stick and Bow Concert, Saxophone, Danzantes del Alma and More

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 23, 2026 - 10:17am

Stick and Bow at noon concert

Thursday, April 23, Pitzer Center, UC Davis

Weekender: Concerts, Art History Lecture, and More

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 16, 2026 - 9:39am

Here is a guide to activities through this weekend. For a guide to Picnic Day art themes for Saturday, including the FADS Fashion Show and the return of the Gong, go to the Picnic Day special blog here. Karen Nikos-Rose, Arts Blog Editor

Arts at Picnic Day: The Gong Returns, Fashion, More

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 15, 2026 - 10:13am

As is always the case, the more than 200 events and exhibitions at Picnic Day can be a bit overwhelming. But if you want to just partake in the UC Davis arts this Saturday, April 18, there’s plenty to enjoy. And all the campus museums will be open. We also tell you how to learn about all Picnic Day events. Karen Nikos-Rose, Arts Blog Editor

Weekender: Music, Live Sound Installation, Art

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — April 02, 2026 - 9:52am

(This week's Arts Blog covers two weeks, as I'm on vacation next week. Please watch for a special Picnic Day weekender the week of April 13. Enjoy!

Weekender: UC Davis Museums Invite Visitors to See Inner Workings

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — March 26, 2026 - 9:06am

It's spring break. Consider seeing two UC Davis exhibitions on view that have students intensely involved in their creation.

UC Davis Fashion Students Learn From Scottish Artisans at Royal Estate

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — March 13, 2026 - 3:48pm

In a small Scottish village on the vast estate of King’s Foundation, filled with green grasses, manicured gardens and roaming farm animals, a group of UC Davis design students experienced first-hand what local and sustainable fashion looks like in the U.K.

Weekender: Student Art in Library; UC Arts Exhibition in Bay Area; Music; Square Dance

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — March 12, 2026 - 10:00am

Study room art; music at Mondavi and Pitzer; murals at TANA, and more in store this weekend!

Weekender: Multicultural Music; Library Pop-up; Theatre; Art and Climate Talk

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — March 05, 2026 - 11:10am

All forms of art are on view, on stage, and in the library pop up this weekend. Read on for all the details.