Fall Exhibitions Now Open at Manetti Shrem Museum

The Manetti Shrem Museum has kicked off its 10th anniversary year with new fall exhibitions that explore the artistic connections and relationships among Northern California artists. Visitors will experience mesmerizing hand-built ceramics, a trip back in time to Davis in the 1960s and ’70s, the debut of ongoing collection galleries, plus an exclusive look at a world-class fashion collection.

Woody De Othello: coming forth by day

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This solo exhibition features a new series of works by the Oakland artist that explore the primordial relationship between body, earth and spirit. Othello animates everyday objects — clocks, mirrors, phones, vessels — blurring the line between body and object. Through material experimentation and sculptural gesture, coming forth by day considers how objects carry history, absorb meaning and serve as vessels for both spiritual and emotional experience. The exhibition prominently features a new bronze sculpture commissioned as the museum’s gift to UC Davis to mark its 10th anniversary. (Aug. 12–Dec. 5)

Out of Line: Art at the Edge

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Inspired by conceptual artist and alum Bruce Nauman’s video work Dance or Exercise on the Perimeter of a Square (Square Dance), 1967–68, Out of Line: Art at the Edge explores Davis as a site of both artistic practice and political protest. Mike Henderson, Ester Hernandez, Malaquías Montoya, Bruce Nauman, Nancy Rubins, Dorothy Wiley and the student artists of UC Davis’ Third World Forum engage with film, print and performance to confront who they were and what their work meant in a world of radical change. (Aug. 12–Dec. 5)

Together Again, 1960–2026: Perspectives from UC Davis’ Fine Arts Collection

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This exhibition is the inaugural presentation of the museum’s new ongoing collection galleries and will remain on view long term. Legendary artists and alumni Wayne Thiebaud, Deborah Butterfield and Bruce Nauman are exhibited alongside important regional voices that were once overlooked. In spotlighting recent acquisitions, Together Again extends to the artists shaping Northern California today, including Sadie Barnette, Woody De Othello and Ruby Neri, and brings new artists, perspectives and histories into dialogue with works acquired in earlier decades. (Sept. 23–ongoing)

The Gift of Fashion: From the Maria Manetti Shrem Haute Couture Collection 

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This special exhibit showcases the art of Italian design through seven couture gowns and 16 pieces of jewelry designed by Roberto Capucci, Dolce & Gabbana, and Bulgari. These intricate, one-of-a-kind couture creations illustrate the intersection of aesthetics and functionality and tell the story of philanthropist and fashion icon Maria Manetti Shrem. 

The exhibition is organized by the Maria Manetti Shrem Institute for Sustainable Design, Fashion and Textiles, and guest curated by Professor Tim McNeil and Maev Dunning, Graduate Student, Department of Design, UC Davis. (Oct. 14–January 30, 2027)