What is going on behind the intimidating walls of students' art studios at UC Davis? A peek behind the curtains is available for three weeks, May 30-June 20, when the work of six graduating students, all receiving their master of fine arts degrees this spring, will be on view.

The 2008 MFA Exhibition, titled Six, is split between the Nelson Gallery and The Gallery.

At the Nelson (124 Art Building): ceramic sculpture by Mary Alison Lucas, an architectural installation by Caroline Cloak,

a multimedia installation by Nickolas Mohanna, and a photo and text wall installation by Lissaivy Tiegel.

At The Gallery (on the second floor of the Memorial Union): paintings by Chau Thuy Huynh and paper works by Irman Arcibal.

"It is always a highlight of my year to see the hard work of faculty, staff and especially these young artists culminate in a highly professional, fascinating and unpredictable exhibition," said Renny Pritikin, director of the Nelson Gallery and the Fine Arts Collection.

Organizers said May 30 opening day receptions are planned at each gallery, with staggered hours: 5 to 7 p.m. at The Gallery and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Nelson. The exhibition is scheduled to run through June 20.

The exhibition is accompanied by a catalog (available for sale) with color plates, plus essays by Pritikin and Hearne Pardee, studio art faculty member.

Another opening: Figure Studies Selected from the Collection, by artists born in the second half of the 19th century. Nelson’s Entryway Gallery, May 30-Aug. 15.