Landscape Exhibitions Celebrate California; Natsoulas Show Closes This Weekend
The Weekender offers Arts Blog readers a glimpse into events happening in the Davis/Sacramento/Bay Area Region Thursday through Monday. It publishes each Thursday, when weekends really begin.
Compiled by Leigh Houck, UC Davis news and media relations intern
The natural beauty of California is difficult to deny. From the mountains and rocky shores of Northern California, to the agricultural lands of the Central Valley, to the sunny beaches and deserts of the southern part of the state, anyone can find artistic inspiration. Many famous California artists have done just that, and then memorialized the state’s natural landscape in their preferred medium.
This summer there are two exhibitions to enjoy in Davis. The Natsoulas Gallery is holding its 18th Annual California Landscape Exhibition from July 3 to Aug. 17. The exhibition includes both cityscapes and natural landscapes by contemporary artists. A highlight of the exhibition is a 1988 cityscape called “City Edge” by Wayne Thiebaud, professor emeritus, UC Davis and nationally renowned artist.
Landscapes in Davis, At a Glance, FREE
California Landscape Exhibition
Natsoulas Gallery
Through Saturday, Aug. 17
More information
Landscape Without Boundaries
Manetti Shrem Museum of Art
Through Dec. 15
The Landscape Without Boundaries exhibition at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art on the UC Davis campus is very different from the typical landscape exhibition. The word “landscape” may conjure up images of sweeping vistas and bird’s-eye views of nature rendered in oil or watercolor. Instead, this exhibition pushes the boundaries of the typical understanding of landscape art. The gallery includes mixed media pieces, pencil sketches and sculptures.
Drawn from the museum’s permanent collection, including first-generation faculty artists, the show features works inspired by the distinctive nature and topography of Northern California. It will be on view through Dec. 15.
Have an August birthday? Get in free to di Rosa Thursday
In celebration of artist Viola Frey’s birthday, di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art, Napa, is offering free admission to other budding artists, or viewers or fans, on Thursday, Aug. 15. The event is made possible because of di Rosa’s generous partner, the Artist's Legacy Foundation. Celebratory reception is 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. in the Gallery 2 Hub. Through Dec. 29, Viola Frey: Center Stage is on view in Gallery 2. The exhibition marks the Northern California artist’s first major institutional survey on the West Coast since 1981 and includes over 100 works of art in ceramic, painting, drawing and bronze.
More events this weekend and going forward
Third Thursday Guitar Circle at Upper Crust Bakery, Thursday Aug. 15, 5:30 p.m., free
- Pop into Upper Crust Bakery for a jam session with other local musicians. The only requirements are a general knowledge of chords and a song in your heart.
Poetry Reading at Natsoulas Gallery, Thursday Aug. 15, 8 p.m., free
- As part of the Poetry Night Reading Series, Natsoulas Gallery hosts a featured poet every first and third Thursday of the month. After the poet, the floor will become an open mic.
25 Million Stitches Sewing Circle at Verge, Sacramento, Saturday Aug. 17, 2 p.m. - 5 p.m.
- Join local artist Jennifer Kim Sohn in her public engagement art project. Sew and contribute a panel to her 25 Million Stitches Project, in which every stitch represents one of the 25 million refugees currently worldwide. This is a community art installation. Organizers are asking volunteers to hand stitch on fabric panels. When the panels are returned stitched fully or partially, we will assemble them into an installation along with the names of all of the participants.
- Event is free but donations to the International Rescue Committee are graciously welcomed.
Sunday is the Third Sunday of the month and as such it is "Pay What You Wish" day at the Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, sponsored by Western Health Advantage. Pick your price. More information.
Ongoing: Shop for reduced price local art at The Artery, through Sunday, Sept. 1 p.m.
- Come peruse The Artery’s selection of reduced-price creations by local artists. Get an early start on your holiday shopping or just treat yourself.
Capital Culture List blog and podcast: so much entertainment, so little time
Catch the highlights of the many entertainment opportunities in the region on UC Davis' own podcast and blog. The podcast can be linked below.