OBAMA! OPENS FEB. 2 IN THE  ART LOUNGE

This Black History Month exhibition showcases Barack Obama’s life and his election to the U.S. presidency, and hope for the future. Opening Feb. 2, Art Lounge, second floor, Memorial Union. Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (530) 752-1426

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 Department. Lobby, Shields Library.

Ancestors in Captivity — Photos of a 2007 protest at UC Berkeley, in connection with the controversy involving the university’s Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. Through March 13, Hart Hall lobby. This is a FLASH! exhibition presented by the C.N. Gorman Museum.

One Tract Mind — Mixed-media exhibition examining tract housing’s effect on native communities in Southern California, by Gerald Clarke Jr. of the Cahuilla Band of Indians. Through March 13, C.N. Gorman Museum, first floor, Hart Hall. Hours: noon-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (530) 752-6567. Artist talk and reception, 6 p.m., Feb. 17.

Out in Space: Sculptures, Drawings, Paintings by Dave Lane — The Sacramento artist uses found industrial and agricultural machinery from the 19th and 20th centuries, transforming the steel into works that embody his vision of how the universe is organized. Through March 8, Nelson Gallery, 124 Art Building. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (530) 752-8500.

Secret Confession: Post Your Past — UC Davis students and others in the campus community are sharing personal moments, untold secrets and New Year’s resolutions, anonymously, by way of words and decorations on postcards. Through Jan. 30, Art Lounge, second floor, Memorial Union. Hours: 7 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday-Saturday and 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (530) 752-1426

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, Old Davis Road at Mrak Hall Drive. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (530) 754-9195.

Swiftwalkers to Streamliners: Bicycles 1823–2008 — Centennial exhibition, presented by the California Bicycle Museum, in which UC Davis is a partner. Through Feb. 15, basement, Third and B Street Building, Davis. 9 a.m.-noon every Saturday through Feb. 14, and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Feb. 15. (The closing weekend coincides with the Amgen Tour of California; the cycling race is scheduled to begin that weekend, with the prologue from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Feb. 14 in Sacramento, and the start of Stage 1 at noon Feb. 15 in Davis.) To inquire about museum tours at other times, contact David Takemoto-Weerts, bicycle program coordinator at UC Davis, (530) 752-2453 or dltakemotoweerts.ucdavis.edu. Free admission, with donations accepted.

Toddler Investigations: Documentation at the Early Childhood Laboratory — Digital photography by Julia Luckenbill, Craft Center volunteer and Early Childhood Laboratory director. Through Feb. 7, Craft Center Gallery, South Silo. Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday. Telephone: (530) 752-3096. Closing reception for the artist, 4:30 p.m. Feb. 7.

The University Library: Building a Foundation, 1908-2008 — Centennial exhibition. Lobby, Shields Library. Hours: 7:30 a.m.-midnight Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. Friday, noon-6 p.m. Saturday and noon-midnight Sunday. Telephone: (530) 752-6561.

Words Take Wing: Honoring Diversity in Children’s Literature — This exhibit coincides with UC Davis’ fifth annual Words Take Wing celebration, which this year featured UC Davis professor Francisco Xavier Alarcón, an award-winning poet and children’s author. The library exhibit also highlights the works of Maya Christina Gonzalez, a children’s book illustrator who has collaborated frequently with Alarcón. More information about Alarcón and Gonzalez. Lobby, Shields Library.

Works by Bruce Conner, San Francisco beat artist — Prints that have not been exhibited by the Nelson Gallery in 16 years, plus a never-before-seen assemblage. Through March 8, Nelson Entryway Gallery, 125 Art Building. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Friday and 2-5 p.m. Sunday. Telephone: (530) 752-8500.