Sound sculptor and composer Trimpin is updating his installation Sheng High for a premiere showing at the Nelson Gallery during spring quarter.

The artist, who goes by only his last name, received a MacArthur Fellowship (or “genius grant”) in 1997.

The sheng is a 2,000-year-old Chinese instrument, a reeded bamboo flute — the inspiration for the Western harmonica, pump organ and accordion.

Sheng High, which debuted in 2006, involves eight tripods, each outfitted with three hanging bamboo tubes. Motorized cables lower the tubes into water, and raise them — and as air rushes through the tubes, each of them produces a specific note over a range of two octaves.

The cable system is computer-operated — following Trimpin’s musical composition.

Sheng High is set to open at the Nelson on March 26. A reception, free and open to the public, is scheduled that day from 6 to 8 p.m. Closing date is set for May 17.

Other new exhibitions:

Nelson Entryway Gallery — Works by Paul Wonner, who rose to prominence in the 1950s as an abstract expressionist associated with the Bay Area Figurative Movement. This small exhibition of works from the Fine Art Collection is in memory of the artist who died almost a year ago in San Francisco. March 26-June 26.

Design Museum — Design by Design: Juried Student Exhibition, annual event held in conjunction with Picnic Day. The exhibition is described as a lively survey of student talent and creativity that reflects the multidisciplinary breadth of the Design Program. April 6–18.

ONGOING 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.

Creative Expression of the Connections Between Art and Science — Juried exhibition co-sponsored by the UC Davis Art-Science Fusion Program and the Pence Gallery. Through April 12, Pence Gallery, 212 D St., Davis.

Picnic Day 1909-2009 — Photographs and ephemera highlighting nearly a century of Picnic Day. Lobby, Shields Library.

Selections from the Collection: Frank Van Sloun, American realist painter associated with the Ash Can School of New York, early 20th century — From the UC Davis Fine Art Collection. Through April 19, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center.

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