For two days, we are hanging out with Chris and Jan, UC Davis alumni, in the very quaint and happening town of Davisville.
This town is infused with art. It is EVERYWHERE. It is a treasure hunt just waiting to happen. There are 30 public murals, 37 sculptures, 14 galleries and one art garage (we'll look for that on our next visit).
Davis has been home to some of he nations’ most distinguished artists including Manuel Neri, Roy De Forest, Wayne Thiebaud, and Robert Arneson. As early as the 1950s, Davis was a hub for the California art scene. What is incredible is how much of it is free for all to view!
This mural, on the side of the art supply store called The Paint Chip, covers the full extent of the building. This photo focuses on the far side of the mural because the squatting person is the artist and if you note the man walking is still being finished. I loved this!
Davis today has the participation of the community and the university to create one of the largest public art collections per square mile of any city in the county. And many of the murals depict the history that is so rich here.
Trains have been coming through Davisville since 1868 and the 'new' 1913 depot was a step back in time, for us, to almost the beginning.
Around the station are these interesting trees, the Paulownia. In China, an old custom is to plant this tree when a baby girl is born. The fast-growing tree matures when she does. When she is eligible for marriage the tree is cut down and carved into wooden articles for her dowry. They are planted here, in Davis, according to a sign in the Depot, as a tribute to the Chinese Laborers who lost their lives building the railroad over Donnor Summit. Interesting, right?
We even learned a little about the IOOF. On April 12, 1870, “Yolo Lodge #169” Independent Order of Odd Fellows was instituted at “Davisville”, Yolo County. Zoltar is in the lodge to tell us our fortunes and the raise some money for their charities. Cool stuff is around every corner in Davis.
Okay, there were several "only in Davis" sightings. I especially love this pizza box recycling center. So clever!
I would so participate in this if I lived here, "Davis Downtown has teamed up with the Varsity Theatre and other downtown businesses to treat you on Valentine’s Day…Davis Downtown’s Sweet on You Movie Night. When you purchase two tickets at the Varsity Theatre, Davis Downtown and our sponsor businesses will treat you to the popcorn, drinks, and a special goodie bag."
Next stop was a saunter through the college campus, which is celebrating its 110 year. We were thoroughly entranced by it all. Jan & Chris were good collegiate guides.
We were intrigued by this trio of pretty aggressive fowl. In 2011, some of Davis's turkeys found themselves homeless when the old barn they used as a base was torn down to make way for a new development of homes. These guys seemed pretty content to rule the roost. What a crack up.
Robert Arneson, a UC Davis faculty member for four decades, created these Egghead sculptures. Mr. Arneson was also at the forefront of a movement that took ceramic art in a new direction.
When he came to campus in 1962, ceramic art forms were mainly "art" versions of traditional pottery shapes — pots, vases, plates and tiles. But starting in the 1960s, Arneson and several other California artists abandoned the manufacture of functional wares in favor of using everyday objects to make confrontational — and to some, offensive — statements. The new movement was dubbed "Funk Art," and Arneson is considered the "father of the ceramic Funk movement." The Eggheads were among the last works he completed before his death. The last of the Eggheads were installed on campus in 1994. This 'nose in the book' is in front of the library. Perfect placement!
Dinner was at the exceptionally tasty De Vere's Irish Pub. There was so much to do and see, and this was just part of Day #1. We 💗 Davis.
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1 comments:
Wow. What spectacular ART!!
No wonder you were so looking forward to this quick trip.
I love the nose in a book sculpture.
And all of the murals. I have been thinking about cruising through Oceanside to snap shots of all of the local murals. I have been inspired. :)
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