Next week, the Year of the Eggheads begins with a birthday celebration marking the 30th anniversary of the campus installation of Robert Arneson’s iconic Egghead sculptures.

A foundational member of the esteemed UC Davis Arts programs, Arneson was the pre-eminent sculptor and UC Davis professor who created the Eggheads at the end of a stunningly influential career.

The ‘Year of the Eggheads’ campaign launches April 1 with a month of Egghead-themed events, hosted by units and departments across the university, that not only celebrate the spirit of the Eggheads but also encourage learning about art and artists of UC Davis.

It also marks the launch of the new Arneson Egghead Collection, an assortment of Eggheads-licensed products, including shirts, jewelry, bucket hats, tote bags, blankets, kitchenware and much more. Many items will be limited editions, meaning once they’re gone, they’re gone. A percentage of sales will go toward the preservation of the Egghead sculptures. 

The April 4 campuswide celebration will feature a new display providing a look behind the scenes at the Eggheads’ creation, plus live music and discounts on games and food. Egghead-themed apparel and merchandise will be available at locations across campus. Register for a ticket to the free event online.

The festivities will continue with other events, giveaways and more. Sign up here to receive Egghead email updates.

Where to celebrate

Here’s a breakdown of some of the special events and discounts on Thursday, April 4:

The Campus Store: Celebrate the 30th Birthday of the Eggheads with 30% off select merchandise and special $30 items on Thursday, April 4. Be sure to enter the Eggheads 30th birthday raffle by scanning the in-store QR code for a chance to win a selection of Egghead merchandise valued at over $100.

Memorial Union Games Area: Keep the spring break vibes going with 30% off bowling, billiards and gaming. While you’re there, scan the QR code to enter the Eggheads 30th Birthday raffle for a chance to win a $30 CoHo gift card. Stick around the MU’s south patio at noon for a special performance by the band Stepdad Passport, presented by the ASUCD Entertainment Council. 

Coffee House: Need a bite? At the CoHo, enjoy 30% off breakfast burritos (with eggs, of course) all day. 

Dining Commons / Latitude Restaurant: Egghead-themed desserts will be offered during dinner service on Thursday, April 4 at all three Dining Commons (Tercero, Segundo and Cuarto) and at Latitude Restaurant, while sweet supplies last. 

Manetti Shrem Museum: The museum will host several new offerings, including an “Aggies with Eggheads” photo display, “Hatched: The Making of Robert Arneson’s Eggheads” and a new Eggheads pop-up shop featuring exclusive Egghead products. 

Shields Library: The lobby will host special egg-xhibits, featuring historical news and views about the Eggheads from The California Aggie and photographs of the installation and dedication of Bookhead.

Speaking of Bookhead, enjoy an eggtastic jazz ensemble and poetry performance in front of Shields Library, from 6-7 p.m. on April 4. It will feature a live student jazz ensemble performance courtesy of the Music Department and Egghead-inspired poetry by select MFA students from the creative writing program. 

Finish the day with a ceremonial lighting of the Eggheads at Bookhead and Eye on Mrak (Fatal Laff) from 7:30-8 p.m. 

RSVP to the campuswide celebration today and sign up to the Egghead mailing list for updates on future events.