“What I Did This Summer.” Some students are forgoing the traditional essay, and showing what they did, which was paint in Italy during a Summer Abroad course titled Painting in Rome and Umbria, led by art professor Gina Werfel.

The students’ exhibition, Paintings from Abroad, is at the Education Abroad Center, Sept. 18-Oct. 3. A reception is scheduled from 4 to 6 p.m. Sept. 25. The center is in Suite 120, 207 Third St. (near A Street), Davis.

Other fall exhibitions:

African American Quilts — Made by former slaves, plus 21st-century creations informed by time-honored veins of African American quilting. From the collections of Avis C. Robinson of Washington, D.C., and Sandra McPherson of Davis. The latter, a UC Davis professor emeritus of English, writes poetry that is rooted in quilting traditions. Sept. 24-Dec. 13, Nelson Gallery. Opening reception, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 1.

Merch Art — Investigating art as commodity, as in merchandise art, from the collection of Lawrence Banka and Judith Gordon of San Francisco, and from the university’s Fine Arts Collection. Sept. 24-Dec. 13, Project Room and Entryway Gallery, Nelson Gallery. Opening reception, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Oct. 1.

Diversity in the C.N. Gorman Museum Collections — Featuring recent donations, featuring lithographs and sculpture by Salvador Dalí, and paintings and drawings by Florentino Laime Mantilla. Oct. 2-Dec. 6. Opening reception, 4-6 p.m. Oct. 2.

One-Person Show: Mary Louise Delonge — Drawings by this Davis artist are being presented by the Nelson Gallery in recognition of National Disability Awareness Month (October). Through Dec. 6, Buehler Alumni and Visitors Center. Reception, 4-5:30 p.m. Oct. 8.

Typographic Exploration in Hangul: Work by Hyunju Lee and Phil Choo — Presenting the work of two designers whose typographic roots began in Hangul, the native script of Korea. Oct. 4-Dec. 6, Design Museum.

MORE ART: AT THE CRAFT CENTER AND IN THE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Campus Recreation’s Craft Center has scheduled a pair of open houses next week: noon to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 and 23. Free snacks will be served, organizers said, and drawings will be held for Craft Center gift certificates.

The center and its classes are open to students, faculty, staff and the general public. Fall quarter priority registration for students is Sept. 24 and 25. General registration opens Sept. 28 and continues until three days prior to the start of each class.

More information, including the class schedule (click on “Craft Center”). Or call (530) 752-1475.

The Experimental College is organizing the first EC Garden Art Walk, free and open to the public, from 1 p.m. to dusk Sept. 26 at the college’s Community Garden. Featured artists include Katy Jeanne Karns, Veronica Brookshaw, Rob Ireland, Maya McNeil, Sean McCaffrey and Catrina McCaffrey, according to the event flier.

“There will be art, artists, music and fun, so come join in the medley,” said Tim Quick, garden coordinator.

The organic garden is adjacent to the Student Farm on Orchard Park Drive, south of the Domes and Orchard Park Apartments.