MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. 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. 10a—5p. Free
MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. This groundbreaking exhibition considers the connections between social and environmental injustice through the lens of contemporary art. It brings together works focused on climate change by artists, scientists and activists whose practices encompass photography, multimedia, large-scale sculptures, painting and more. 10a—5p. Free
GORMAN MUSEUM OF NATIVE AMERICAN ART. 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. Free
PEREGRINE SCHOOL, SOUTH. We invite all students in grades K and up to join our Afterschool Enrichment Program! The Fall Trimester begins on Sept. 22 and will feature exciting classes such as Art Around the World, Baking, Cooking, Chess, Magic: The Gathering Club, and Adventures in STEM using LEGO® Materials. 3:30p—5p. $250-385
PENCE GALLERY. Call for artists! You are invited to submit artwork that captures the connection between clothing and one’s personal identity and/or culture. You can explore this open-ended theme through various media and subject matter. Work will be selected for a new group exhibit, titled Worn, from Jan. 9—Feb. 8, 2026. Submissions are due by December 1, 2025. Free to apply
PENCE GALLERY. 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. 11:30a—5p. Free
PENCE GALLERY. View the artistry of regional artists who alter and incorporate vinyl records as a creative material into their artwork. The Pence exhibit includes many returning artists, a selection of award-winning community college students, and several new artists, who bring inventive adaptations of vinyl, paint, and interactive elements into their two-dimensional and three-dimensional work. 11:30a—5p. Free
PENCE GALLERY. 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. 11:30a—5p. Free
JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. Known for his imaginative narratives and surrealist sensibilities, Avery 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. Free
JOHN NATSOULAS GALLERY. Known for his evocative depictions of suburban life and richly observed still lifes, Boyd 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. Free
THE ARTERY. The Artery is pleased to present Chaos, an exhibition featuring the luminous glass, paintings, and jewelry of Linnea Wong, Adriel Wong, and Lori Wynn. Free
PENCE GALLERY. This 2-day workshop is open to artists of all levels who want to create abstract paintings using a mixed media approach. Students will work with base layers, drawings, gel prints and other paper sources. While building layers, participants will add other media including paint, crayons, colored pencil and/or Art Graf. Register at pencegallery.org. 10a—4p. $360—380
WATERMELON MUSIC. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced performer, if you are looking for a fast-paced, fun, informative, and supportive way to dive into the world of stand-up comedy, this is the perfect class for you! Students show off their hard work in a graduation show on Nov. 5. On Mondays & Wednesdays from Oct. 6 to Nov. 5. 4p—6p. Free
PENCE GALLERY. Through value studies, students will learn how to simplify complex subjects, organize a composition, establish strong lighting, and create a solid foundation for a full-color painting. Participants will paint a new subject each week, along with a corresponding value study. Participants should be familiar with the basics of drawing and watercolor painting. On Tuesdays from Oct. 21—Nov. 4. Register at pencegallery.org. 10a—12p. $98—108
DUNLOE BREWING. Every Tuesday, local creative people of all levels are invited to participate in the Drawing Club. Grab a cold drink and surround yourself with other people who want to draw. You can bring your own materials, or work from the variety of materials that we provide from the free art supply pantry. 5p—10p. Free
DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Struggling to center clay on the potter’s wheel? This one-day workshop will help you build the foundation needed for successful wheel throwing. For ages 18+. 6p—8:30p. $45
WATERMELON MUSIC. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced performer, if you are looking for a fast-paced, fun, informative, and supportive way to dive into the world of stand-up comedy, this is the perfect class for you! Students show off their hard work in a graduation show on Nov. 5. On Mondays & Wednesdays from Oct. 6 to Nov. 5. 4p—6p. Free
FERA HOUSE, NORTH DAVIS. Learn how to make your own beautiful home-made paper from recycled materials like bits of yarn, your kid’s old math homework, and flowers from my garden. Using moulds and deckles, we’ll swish, press, and flip our way to gorgeous sheets of paper. Address provided after registration at www.ferahouse.com. 7p—9:30p. $65
CRUESS HALL, UC DAVIS. Felipe Baeza has had solo exhibitions in Los Angeles, London, Mexico City, and New York. Ruben Zecena is an interdisciplinary scholar specializing in contemporary Latinx Literature and Culture. 5:30p—7p. Free
DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Looking for a space where you, your family, and even friends can have fun with art and creativity? Drop in at our Art Explorers: Family Open Studio! Explore an array of art materials, such as paint, oil pastels, and recycled materials. (An adult must attend with at least one child, and children must attend with an adult.) 5p—7p. Free
GALLERY 625, WOODLAND. Gallery 625’s upcoming exhibition is a solo show featuring Carlaina Brown’s "Sound Bars" series, and other selected works. The work on view includes two- and three-dimensional pieces using traditional mediums as well as everyday and found objects. 5:30p—8p. Free
MANETTI SHREM MUSEUM. Drop in for an afternoon of art making inspired by this fall’s exhibitions. Each month, we offer a different activity that explores ideas, materials, and processes connected to works of art on view. All ages and skill levels are welcome, and all supplies are provided. 1p—4p. Free
DAVIS ARTS CENTER. Visit the Art Café every second and fourth Sunday to enjoy a cozy morning crafting with a complimentary warm beverage! Create at your own pace using provided materials, or bring your own (no hazardous or materials with strong orders). For adults and teens, ages 13+. 10a—12p. $10
GORMAN MUSEUM OF NATIVE AMERICAN ART. The Native Arts Market will feature indigenous vendors of art, jewelry, and other items, as well as Native arts demonstrations. All are welcome, parking & admission is free. 11a—4p. Free