Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art 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.

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.

Weekender: A Horse Trots Across Campus; Art Blends with Music in Noon Concert; ‘Drowsy Chaperone’ in Theatre

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — February 26, 2026 - 10:11am

Bow Tie, a Deborah Butterfield sculpture of a horse, was relocated from its long-time

Weekender: Music; Bread and Art at Museum; Murals at Biodiversity Day

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — February 19, 2026 - 10:30am

This week, the Arts Blog illustrates that art, music, food and biodiversity all go together. Read on. Have a great weekend, and sample these arty, foody, events. Karen Nikos-Rose, Arts Blog Editor

Weekender: Art and Music Together; Mural, Jazz and a Valentine

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — February 12, 2026 - 8:18am

Welcome to the UC Davis Arts Blog as everyone prepares for the President's Day weekend and Valentine's Day. There is a lot of great art and music, as well as cinema, in store. And you can get ready to paint a mural on campus — a project that lets anyone be an artist. I leave you with a Valentine box of candy. It's porcelain, but oh-so-real down to the untouched paper cradles. I also consider it a Valentine tribute for a wonderful UC Davis alumna and artist who died this past fall, Sandy Shannonhouse. She left us so much beauty.

'Fertile Ground' UC Davis Faculty, Alumni Works on View at Paul Thiebaud Gallery

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — February 04, 2026 - 4:09pm

Fertile Ground: U.C. Davis Faculty & Alumni, at Paul Thiebaud Gallery through Feb. 28

645 Chestnut Street, San Francisco, 94133

Paul Thiebaud Gallery has opened Fertile Ground: UC Davis Faculty & Alumni. On view are paintings, and ceramic sculpture by Robert Arneson, William Theophilius Brown, Roy De Forest, April Glory Funcke, Robert Hudson, Grace Munakata, Manuel Neri, Cornelia Schulz, Sandra Shannonhouse, Wayne Thiebaud, Michael Tompkins, William T. Wiley, and Paul Wonner.

Weekender: Indigenous Woman Artist at Gorman, Manetti Shrem Museum Opening Event, Dance at Mondavi

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — January 29, 2026 - 10:05am

This week: The Gorman Museum of Native American Art begins a new exhibition, the Manetti Shrem celebrates their exhibitions with a Sunday event and featured artist speaker. Catch NewMusic at the Pitzer and dance at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Many events are free. Karen Nikos-Rose, Arts Blog Editor

Weekender: Music of Mendelssohns with UC Davis Symphony; Prepare for Tea Symposium, and More

Karen Michele Nikos-Rose — January 22, 2026 - 9:51am

‘Music with the Mendelssohns:’ UC Davis symphony begins 2026 season Saturday

Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts, Saturday, Jan. 24, 7 p.m., UC Davis

(There is no noon concert this week)