The Abstract Language of Ceramics: Group Show

April 10 – June 3, 2026
Reception: April 10, 6-9 PM

Ceramicists Karyn Gabriel, Mark Goudy, Kris Marubayashi, Liza Riddle, and Laura Van Duren are interested in creating geometric or biomorphic forms in clay that underline their pursuit of simple forms inspired by nature. Karyn Gabriel’s woven vessels and hangings merge the idea of fiber and weaving with the flexible nature of clay. Riddle’s modified cubes, hanging plinths, and circles use color sparingly to emphasize the beauty of cracks that form while drying. Marubayashi’s bowls and tall vessels have a sense of movement and balance, and employ natural textures and an earth-toned palette. Goudy’s current sculptures are modeled on mathematical equations, which he adapts on the computer, using new technology to design and create molded forms. Van Duren’s mixed media sculptures use found objects, fabric, and glycerin, and are closely related to her interest in dance and the body.

This exhibit is sponsored by Hollie Malamud & Chris Kelsch, and Helen McClosky, in memory of ceramicist Shelly Simon.

Davis Art Studio Tour Preview

May 8 – June 5, 2026
Reception: May 8, 6-9 PM
Self-Guided Tour: May 16-17, 10AM – 5PM

This year’s Davis Art Studio Tour returns, and is open the weekend of May 16-17 for art lovers to enjoy for free! Stroll through 40+ art studios in Davis, learn more about artists’ work, and support our local creatives by buying directly from them. The Pence will preview one piece per artist, and you can plan your tour through the display! Art in various media is on display, including glass, wood, paintings, photography, ceramics, mixed media, and more. Visit davisopenstudios.com for more information.

2026 participating artists: Deladier Almeida, Jamie Angello, Naomi Bautista, Gayle BonDurant, Joel Bresolin, Marie-Therésè Brown, Pinar Brummer, Amanda Cadelago, Jan Castle Walker, Judy Catambay, LeeAnne Chappell, Schorré Chevalier-Oldham, Dee Conway, Patrick Cosgrove, Magdalene Crivelli, Bunny Cunningham, Jerry DeCamp, Marieke deWaard, Mark Ellsberry, Karen Fess, Phil Gross, Wes Horn, Kitty Hudson-Cawley, Cathie James-Robinson, Nikhil Joshi, Kendall Kennedy, Chris Kidd, Joanna Kidd, Richard Kolding, Robin Kozlo , Marlene Lee, Donna Lemongello, Jessica Levant, Tanya Lieberman, Emma Luna, Dori Marshall, Louise McGowan Bezark, Rachel Mitchell, Ro Mottsmith, Jord Nelsen, Sara Post, Adele Louise Shaw, Nicole Stau er, Amy Teutemacher, Third Space Art Collective, Stasia Tikkanen, Thelma Weatherford, and Regina Zavodovskaya.

Linda Clark Johnson:
Sunshine & Shadows

May 2 – June 21, 2026
Reception & Artist Talk: May 17, 1-2:30 PM

Linda Clark Johnson is a Sacramento artist who primarily works with cyanotype, an early photographic process that uses UV light to create luminous blue images without a camera or negative. Captivated by sunlight and always gathering plants, she prints in her backyard, capturing botanical impressions and their shadows on watercolor paper or fabric. She then uses natural toners, collage, watercolor, and colored pencil to add layers of depth and detail to her work. Through her cyanotype prints, she celebrates experimentation and the wonder of the natural world, creating art that feels tranquil and atmospheric.

This exhibit is sponsored by Wil & Karen Uecker.

Please be aware that this exhibit is located in our upstairs gallery. Access may be slightly limited due to occasional events and classes that occur in this space. To ensure that your visit and enjoyment of this exhibit is not interrupted, please refer to our Programs page.

Garden Tour Landscapes

May 22 – June 21, 2026
Reception: June 12, 6-9 PM

As an essential part of our Garden Tour event on May 3rd, seven artists created distinct views of the selected gardens in Davis. Artists Raquel Cox, Misuk Goltz, Barbara Smithson, Patrick Cosgrove, Marlene Lee, Leslie Allen, and Kristina Kernytska painted outdoors in different media, from oil and acrylic paint to watercolors.

Visitors could see the artists as they developed their work onsite, as each artist chose a favorite area of their particular garden. From close-up views of a few plants to paintings that captured a wider panorama, each artist created a unique vision of the homeowner’s garden. We are grateful to the artists who dedicated their time to paint during the Garden Tour, and for the ability to display their completed paintings. We’d also like to thank Beth Savidge for the use of her photograph Native Sunflower as our cover image for the Garden Tour event, which we are including for visitors to enjoy in person.