“OJO” Julio César Morales
2025-08-07 - 2025-11-29 | Manetti Shrem Museum (Shrem), 254 Old Davis Rd.
Julio César Morales — artist, curator and a former museum director — grew up along the U.S.–Mexico border between San Diego and Tijuana. After nearly a decade in Arizona creating work about the border, “OJO” marks his California homecoming and return to full-time studio practice through a mid-career survey bridging past and future to reflect on the present. This theme of history and what lies ahead is central to both the exhibition and Morales’ neon sign welcoming visitors to the Manetti Shrem Museum.
Curated by Rachel Teagle, founding director
On view August 7–November 29, 2025

Click here to view the museum’s open hours.

Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice
2025-08-07 - 2025-11-29 | Manetti Shrem Museum (Shrem), 254 Old Davis Rd.
The lungs of our planet — oceans, forests and the atmosphere — are under threat, invaded by carbon emissions, plastics and man-made pollutants. The act of breathing was rendered even more perilous by the COVID-19 pandemic and police brutality. Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice considers the connections between social and environmental injustice through the lens of contemporary art. This groundbreaking exhibition brings together works focused on climate change by artists, scientists and activists whose practices encompass photography, multimedia, large-scale sculptures, painting and more.
Breath(e): Toward Climate and Social Justice is organized by the Hammer Museum, Los Angeles, and guest curated by Glenn Kaino and Mika Yoshitake with Jennifer Buonocore-Nedrelow, Pacific Standard Time Fellow.
On view August 7–November 29, 2025
Click here to view the museum’s open hours.

Rick Bartow Exhibit
2025-09-17 - 2026-01-18 | Gorman Museum of Native American Art, UC Davis, 181 Old Davis Road, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Rick Bartow | September 17, 2025 – January 18, 2026
The solo-exhibition features artworks by award-winning artist Rick Bartow, from 1979 to 2015. A Vietnam Veteran, life-long musician and song- writer, widower, and enrolled member of the Mad River Band of Wiyot Indians, Bartow is considered one of the most important leaders in contemporary Native American art.
Many of the artworks on exhibit were generously gifted to the Gorman Museum of Native American Art by the Richard E. Bartow Estate and Froelick Gallery, with additional pieces on loan from private collections.

Call for artists! Worn exhibit at the Pence
2025-10-01 - 2025-12-01 | Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Call for artists! Worn exhibit at the Pence
The Pence Gallery invites artists to submit artwork that captures the connection between clothing and one’s personal identity and/or culture. Artists can explore this open-ended theme through various media and subject matter. Selected work will become part of a new onsite group exhibit, titled Worn, in the Learning Center Gallery at the Pence Gallery from January 9 – February 8, 2026. There is no fee to apply, and submissions are due by 5 PM on December 1, 2025.
Artwork can be 2D or 3D and should be limited to 30” maximum in any direction when framed and weigh no more than 25 pounds. This call is limited to California artists ages 18 and up. Artists must submit digital images of up to 4 artworks and a short artist statement at bit.ly/penceartistcall.
December 1: Submissions are due online by 5 PM at bit.ly/penceartistcall
December 8: Notification to exhibiting artists of acceptance
January 3-5: Deadline for dropping off all work in person (no shipping),
11:30 AM – 4:30 PM
January 9 – February 8: Exhibit dates, 11:30 AM – 5 PM (closed Mondays)
January 9: Opening reception, 6-9 PM
Questions? Email Katharine Schultz at pencegallery@gmail.com.

Beauty, Seen and Felt: Paintings by Raquel Cox
2025-10-03 11:30 - 2025-11-30 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Beauty, Seen and Felt: Paintings by Raquel Cox
Exhibit: October 3 – November 30, 2025
Reception: Friday, October 10, 6-9 PM

Raquel Cox is an oil painter whose recent work celebrates the beauty of nature and the way it lifts the human spirit. Painting mainly from life, Raquel portrays a wide variety of subjects but is particularly fascinated with observing the structure, delicacy, vibrancy, and impermanence of flowers. She views her work as a delicate balance between portraying nature truthfully and trying to capture the beauty and poetry that she finds in each subject.

This exhibit is sponsored by Jim & Sue Smith and Tereza Joy Kramer.

Image: Raquel Cox, “Hydrangeas and Rose”

Robert Ortbal: Encounters
2025-10-10 11:30 - 2025-11-30 17:00 | Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Robert Ortbal: Encounters
Exhibit: October 10 – November 30, 2025
Reception: Friday, October 10, 6-9 PM (free)
Robert Ortbal combines a vast array of both common and odd materials, applying them in endless variations to create small-scale, uniquely masked figures, traveling-case environments that house them, and wearable sculptures that are, at times, worn outside the gallery environment in performative public works. For Encounters, a 20-foot towering sculpture made from electrical conduit soars up into the clerestory and snakes along the gallery floor, displaying an assortment of his wearable works. The exhibit is complemented by the publication of an illustrated catalog of his recent work.
Artist Talk: Saturday, October 18, 3-4:30 PM
(Members & students free, Non-Members $10)
Join us for an Artist Talk with Robert Ortbal in conjunction with his current solo exhibition. He will lead a dialogue about the work on display, sharing images and videos highlighting the evolution and development of his previous work.
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Catalog Sponsor: Nancy Roe
Exhibit Sponsors: Kimberly Ohlson & Allen Barnes
Installation Sponsors: MAK Design + Build
Image: Robert Ortbal, “Hello Kitty”

Avery Palmer: New Paintings
2025-10-29 - 2025-11-29 | John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 1st St, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
The John Natsoulas Gallery is proud to present a solo exhibition of new paintings by acclaimed Northern Californian artist Avery Palmer. Known for his imaginative narratives and surrealist sensibilities, Palmer creates intricate worlds painted in the highly technical style of the Old Masters. His haunting compositions brim with oddities—hybrid creatures, enigmatic objects, and spectral human figures—that invite viewers to step into the rich terrain of the subconscious. With this new body of work, Palmer continues his exploration of human consciousness and the complexities of individual experience in a shifting world.
In this new exhibition, Avery Palmer unveils his newest paintings – all featuring his unmistakable style. Fantastical and eerie, his figures occupy barren, otherworldly landscapes infused with atmospheric depth. Employing sfumato and chiaroscuro – techniques favored by Renaissance masters – Palmer heightens the mystery of his dreamlike scenes, juxtaposing flowing light with shadowed expanses. Distant mountains occupy the background, while the strange protagonists and their narratives remain centered in the foreground. In recent years, Palmer has embraced a more vibrant palette, giving his figures an ethereal, spectral quality.
Palmer frequently stages encounters between nude human figures and amalgamated creatures born from his imagination. These surreal hybrids, often featuring human appendages or eyes, echo the grotesque inventions of Hieronymus Bosch, while remaining distinctly Palmer’s own. His interest in 19th-century material history surfaces in the toy-like wheels, wooden structures, and antiquated objects that punctuate his compositions, imbuing them with a sense of nostalgia. Each work is layered with allegory, encouraging viewers to engage in open-ended interpretation and personal reflection.
Originally from Northern California county, Palmer received his early artistic training at Humboldt State. While painting and drawing always interested him, he initially studied ceramics during his earliest years in school. Later, after completing graduate studies at San Jose State, he finally turned his attention exclusively toward oil painting. The influences of artists such as Robert Crumb, Salvador Dalí, and other Surrealists are evident in both his subject matter and technique. This exhibit highlights the unique world Palmer creates and his distinct inner vision.
Please join us to celebrate this new exhibition at the opening reception on November 1 from 7-9pm. It will feature live music and free refreshments.

New Paintings by Boyd Gavin
2025-10-29 - 2025-11-29 | John Natsoulas Gallery, 521 1st St, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
The John Natsoulas Gallery is pleased to present a new solo exhibition of paintings by Sacramento-based artist Boyd Gavin. Known for his evocative depictions of suburban life and richly observed still lifes, Gavin captures the fleeting beauty of everyday moments with both intimacy and depth. His latest body of work turns a keen eye toward shared history, inviting viewers to contemplate the past, present, and future.
Through effortless brushstrokes and masterful use of tone, Gavin brings to life the textures of mid-century suburbia and the distinctive atmosphere of Northern California. His painterly style, rooted in the traditions of artists such as Paul Cézanne, allows him to balance abstraction and observation with remarkable clarity. Whether depicting the shimmering blue of a backyard pool, the soft geometry of rooftops, or the golden haze of Sacramento’s summer light, Gavin creates works that instantly transport viewers into a poetic suburban world.
The artist’s reflections on his subject matter speak to the emotional resonance that drives his practice:
“I’m drawn to mid-century suburban subject matter as a pretext for telling stories. What I find in these backyards of manicured lawns and azure pools is a beautiful kind of melancholy. The families that settled these wide open spaces are long departed. The chairs lie empty. The rituals are lost to us. What remains is the poetry of absence.”
A lifelong resident of Sacramento, Boyd Gavin received his BA from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and his MA from California State University, Sacramento. His work has been widely exhibited, including at the Crocker Art Museum, Caldwell Snyder Gallery in San Francisco, and the John Natsoulas Gallery. This exhibition celebrates Gavin’s ongoing commitment to portraying the beauty and poignancy of the suburban landscape.
Please join us to celebrate this new exhibition at the opening reception on November 1 from 7-9pm. It will feature live music and free refreshments.

Beer and Brewing Course!
2025-11-28 09:00 - 12:00 | California
Sacramento City College (SCC) offers a three-unit introductory beer and brewing course, NUTRI 336, as part of its Food Science program. This course is designed to be hands-on and is taught at the SCC Davis Center. It is open to students 21 years of age and older.

Key details about the course:

Course Name: NUTRI 336, Introduction to Beer and Brewing

Units: 3

Age Requirement: Must be at least 21 years old

Location: SCC Davis Center

Focus: The course covers the stages of malting and brewing, major ingredients, beer styles, and factors affecting beer quality, according to Sacramento City College.

Part of: It’s part of a Food Science degree program being developed at SCC.

Transferable: This course is transferable to both CSU and UC systems.

General Education: It fulfills Local GE L5 for Fall 2025.

POP UP SWIM LESSONS---SwimAmerica-Davis
2025-11-28 09:00 - 12:30 | 2121 2nd Street Suite 101A, Davis, CA 95618, 2121 2nd Street, Suite 101A, Davis, 95618, United States
Looking for something fun and active to do with your little one over the break?
Join us for our Pop-Up Swim Lessons — 30 minutes of splashes, smiles, and skill-building in our warm, indoor pool.
Perfect for new families wanting to try us out or current swimmers looking for some extra practice.
Registration is required, but no ongoing enrollment is needed.
Come see why families love swimming at SwimAmerica-Davis — confidence, fun, and safety all rolled into one splashy morning.
Pop-Up Swim Lessons — November 28 | 9:00 AM–12:30 PM

Pence Gallery Holiday Market
2025-11-28 11:30 - 17:00 | Pence Gallery, 212 D Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Pence Gallery Holiday Market
November 14 – December 24, 2025
Reception: November 14, 6-9 PM (free)
The Pence’s Holiday Market is a treasure trove of handcrafted items made by regional artists and artisans, perfect for holiday gift giving. Visitors can enjoy shopping for cozy knit scarves, unique jewelry, ceramics, paintings, and more. Over 50 participating artists will share their work, and our gallery will be overflowing with fun items that will make great gifts, which can be wrapped in a gift bag upon request. Pence Members receive 10% off Holiday Market purchases!
Members Only Shopping Hour
Friday, November 14, 10:30-11:30 AM (free)
Pence Members are invited to enjoy a private opening of the amazing Holiday Market. Members can enjoy delicious snacks and coffee while getting first dibs on shopping for holiday treasures. Not a Member? Sign up online at pencegallery.org or in person at the gallery.
The Holiday Market is open daily from 11:30 AM – 5 PM (including Mondays), with the following exceptions:
Nov. 26: Closes at 3 PM
Nov. 27: Closed for Thanksgiving Day
Dec. 24: Closes at 3 PM (final day)

Sthira (Effort) & Sukha (Ease) Yoga
2025-11-28 12:00 - 13:00 | Davis Shambhala Meditation Center, 133 D Street, Suite H, upstairs, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Sthira (Effort) & Sukha (Ease) Yoga
Davis Shambhala Meditation Center
Fridays, 12—1 PM, $15

Start the weekend off with this unique yoga practice with Beth, focused on alignment, strength & length, effort & ease, and movement with breath.

Mainstage Customer Appreciation Day
2025-11-28 12:00 - 17:00 | Mainstage Dispensary
Every last Friday of the month purchase any item in store and enjoy lunch on us! Hefty Gyros will be the featured food truck this month. We will see you there!!

Free Beginning Tai Chi
2025-11-28 15:00 - 16:00 | Davis Lutheran Church, 317 E 8th St, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
Free tai chi classes for beginners of all ages and fitness levels are now being offered at the Davis Lutheran Church! Tai chi (太极) is an ancient Chinese martial art that is practiced mainly for physical and mental health. It is a type of moving meditation in which breathing is coordinated with a series of fluid movements and postures. Class covers basic postures, movements, and the simplified 8-form, with an emphasis on building balance and coordination. Your instructor, Tina Duan, is a tai chi expert who trained as a professional in China. Drop-ins welcome. No experience necessary. Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

Line Dance Class at Davis Community Church
2025-11-28 15:00 - 16:30 | Davis Community Church, 412 C Street, Davis, ca, 95616
Absolute beginner to high beginner dances on Fridays. Free & open to the public. Donations accepted.

Get Sauced on Friday PopUp at Davis Wine Bar by The Pasta Exchange
2025-11-28 17:00 - 22:00 | Davis Wine Bar, 611 2nd Street, Davis, CA, 95616, United States
A new culinary collaboration in downtown Davis in October. The Pasta Exchange, a fresh pasta pop-up, takes over Davis Wine Bar on Friday nights, transforming the space into a cozy dining experience serving pastas made in-house, fresh baked focaccia bread along with a mix of Mediterranean inspired menu items.
“We had such positive feedback from guests over the summer at our popups.” says Chef Ryan Schmidtberger, creator of The Pasta Exchange. “We realized we needed to make this a permanent fixture for the Davis community”
Launched Friday, October 3rd, The Pasta Exchange offers an a la carte menu of old world inspired Pasta entrees like Pinwheel Lasagna with Spinach & Artichoke Sauce, Whole Wheat Tagliatelle Noodles with Braised Mushrooms and their signature Tortiglioni a la Vodka Sauce & Spicy Italian Sausage. The Pasta Exchange designed a gluten free pasta made from a blend of organic rice flours & starches available for guests to substitute as well.
Rounding out the menu is a Vegetable category featuring Roasted Cauliflower & Caper~Raisin Oreganato Sauce, Green Market Tomatoes over Burrata and a Kale Caesar Salad topped with home-made bread crumbs.
Expect a rotating list of wines by the glass & bottle selection guests can also take home via Davis Wine Bar’s retail wine list. The Pasta Exchange has also created a wine-based cocktail list with twists on classic cocktails like the Negroni and the Gin & Tonic.
The Details:
– Davis Wine Bar – 611 2nd St, Davis, CA
– Friday Nights
– Service 5:30 PM – 10:00 PM
– Reservations https://the-pasta-exchange.resos.com/booking, www.daviswinebar.com, www.thepastaexchange.com
Limited walk/in space available & guests are encouraged to reserve ahead

A Christmas Carol the Musical
2025-11-28 19:30 - 22:00 | Woodland Opera House, 340 2nd Street, Woodland, California
Show Run: November 21 – December 7, 2025
Come see this timeless tale in a timeless place: the historic Woodland Opera House! Start the season right with this musical interpretation of Charles Dicken’s classic tale featuring music and lyrics by Broadway heavy hitters, Alan Menken (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Little Shop of Horrors) and Lynn Ahrens (Ragtime, Seussical, Once on This Island).
Ebenezer Scrooge is a prosperous curmudgeon who believes that personal wealth is far more valuable than the happiness and comfort of others. With an infuriated “Bah! Humbug!” Scrooge summates his feelings of Christmas tidings and charitable giving, but he’s forced to face his selfish ways when three ghosts on Christmas Eve lead him through his Past, Present and Future. Thanks to their guidance, Scrooge recognizes his faults and greets Christmas morning with a cheerful “Happy Christmas” before spending the day reconnecting and sharing love with those that mean the most to him.
Learn More: https://www.woodlandoperahouse.org/
Get Tickets: https://app.arts-people.com/index.php?show=273634
A CHRISTMAS CAROL is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. mtishows.com

25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee
2025-11-28 19:30 - 22:30 | Davis Musical Theatre Co. (DMTC), 607 Pena Dr.
25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee – November 7 through November 30, 2025
Underwritten by Suzy Goldschmidt, in honor of David Goldschmidt
An eclectic group of six mid-pubescents vie for the spelling championship of a lifetime. While candidly disclosing hilarious and touching stories from their home lives, the tweens spell their way through a series of (potentially made-up) words, hoping never to hear the soul-crushing, pout-inducing, life un-affirming “ding” of the bell that signals a spelling mistake. Six spellers enter; one speller leaves a champion! At least the losers get a juice box.
Recommended for ages 13 & up
Directed by Tea Pusey
