Many universities hold annual MFA exhibitions showing what students have achieved during their studies. The model is more extensive at the University of California, Davis, highlighting the scope of work students from the departments of the College of Arts and Sciences.
Master of Fine Arts, Master of Arts and PhD students in Art, Design, English, History and Performance Studies are participating this year Arts and Humanities Graduate Exhibitionon view until June 25 at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, with art history students presenting their research on June 9.
“This exhibit showcases the exciting projects and scholarships produced by graduate students at UC Davis and how they choose to present them,” said Rachel Teagle, founding director of the museum.
Their projects take a variety of forms, including photography, video, sculpture, painting, installation, clothing design, and thesis presentations. They tackle issues such as racism, the implications of artificial intelligence, and the environmental impact of humans, offering both practical and idealistic ways to think and solve problems.
“The Graduate Student Exhibit is a wonderful example of what the College of Letters and Sciences is all about,” said Dean Estella Atekwana. “It shows how college is a creative and supportive environment where students can find innovative avenues to explore without limits.”
The winners were announced during the public opening on June 8:
- LeShelle & Gary May Artwork Purchase Award: Will Maxen
- Keister & Allen Artwork Purchase Award: Jordan Benton
- Savageau Design Award: Alejandra Ruiz Suárez
The art awards continue the tradition of purchasing graduate student work for the university’s fine art collection and building up an endowment. The collection includes works of art by renowned graduates Bruce Nauman ’66, Stephen Kaltenbach ’67, Deborah Butterfield ’73 and Kathy Butterly ’90.
Graduate Exhibition Arts & Humanities 2023 is on view until June 25 at Manetti Shrem Museum at the University of California, Davis.
For more information, visit manettishrem.org.
