Wondering what the future of art looks like? If so, be sure to visit the Nelson Gallery from May 29 to June 19, to see this year’s Master of Fine Arts Exhibition.

It 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.

An opening reception is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. May 29.

ANOTHER NEW EXHIBITION

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.

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 — 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.