NEW EXHIBITIONS

Art-Science Fusion Program — More than 50 photographic works exploring the conceptual connections between art and science and the role of art and science at UC Davis, plus a ceramic mosaic.

Terry Nathan’s students created the photographic works, while students and community members crafted the mosaic, The Face of Darwin, under the direction of Art-Science Fusion Program leaders Diane Ullman and Donna Billick. June 3-July 3, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center. Opening reception, free and open to the public, 3-5 p.m. June 4.

The mosaic came out of a freshmen seminar, The Face of Darwin: Exploring the Art-Science Borderland. In recognition of Charles Darwin’s 200th birthday, students with a variety of majors studied Darwin’s life and the observations that led him to propose evolution by natural selection.

The tiles that form Darwin's face comprise representations of material from his secret notebooks, along with images of the organisms that most influenced him. Other tiles depict peppered moths (forming his beard) and barnacles (his hair), and iguanas, finches, orchids and a host of other creatures (his coat).

"This mosaic is a profound learning experience in and of itself," said Ullman, a professor of entomology and associate dean in the College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. 

When Bad Things Happen to Good Books — This spring-summer exhibition in the lobby of Shields Library shows the results of careless handling or deliberate defacing, and how the library's Preservation Department deals with the damage. "In addition to the highlighting and-or ink and pencil marks, stains from food and liquids often result in permanent damage requiring the replacement of the book, when possible," the library notes on a Web page describing the exhibition.

"This display is just a small sample of the books received in preservation which are defaced or stained in some way, an estimated 25 percent of their restoration workload."

The preservation staff assembled the exhibit to raise awareness of the need to handle the university's shared collections with care, to ensure that they are available for use by generations to come.

MFA EXHIBITION OPENS TODAY (MAY 29)

A reception is scheduled at 6 p.m. today (May 29) for the 2009 Master of Fine Arts Exhibition at the Nelson Gallery. The exhibition comprises the work of five students, all of whom are receiving their MFAs this spring.

“I can’t recall a more representative group of MFA students, working in a range from traditional easel painting to video installation and sculpture with unusual materials,” said Renny Pritikin, director of the Richard L. Nelson Gallery and the Fine Art Collection.

The exhibitors: Julia Elsas, sculptural installation; Crystal Haueter, paintings and collages; Cynthia Horn, paintings; Evie Leder, video installation; and Josh Short, sculptural assemblage installation.

The show's scheduled closing date is June 19.

OTHER EXHIBITIONS

The African American Journey Towards Freedom and Equality, 1619-2009: A Tale Told in Black and White — Books, pamphlets and documents from the African American History Collection and other research collections that are housed in the university library’s Special Collections. Lobby, Shields Library.

Arts and Crafts for Fun — Interdisciplinary display by Dale Dennis, Craft Center calligraphy and woodworking instructor. Through June 5, Craft Center Gallery.

Stepping Out: Footwear From Around the World — From the Design Collection. Through July 12, Design Museum.

Tehama County Photo Club — Eleven members are exhibiting a total of 23 photos during April and May, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

25 Stories from the Central Valley — Photos documenting women’s struggles for environmental justice. Through Aug. 23, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

University Library: Building a Foundation, 1908-2008 — Centennial exhibition. Lobby, Shields Library.

Visual Sovereignty: International Indigenous Photography — Featuring the works of 35 Native American, First Nations, Inuit, Aboriginal and Maori artists. Through Sept. 4, C.N. Gorman Museum.

Works by Paul Wonner — Abstract expressionist associated with the Bay Area Figurative Movement. From the Fine Art Collection. Through June 26, Nelson Entryway Gallery.