I'd like this post to be about what I've gained from this class. It's pretty much a quick summary of my experiences.
There are two main aspects I want to expand on. The first is pretty obvious - the cultural offerings of the City of Davis.
This class has… given me exposure to prominent cultural hubs in Davis, like John Natsoulas Gallery.
This class has… given me exposure to cultural events like ArtAbout Fridays and poetry nights.
This class has… really showed me what downtown Davis has to offer.
This class has… showed me what value art holds for Davis and the Davis community, like art from the Transmedia Art Walk.
This class has… helped me familiarize myself with downtown Davis. Not only do I have a mental map of all of the streets, but now I also know where restaurants and stores are located on that mental map.
This class has… made me realize that Davis is not just a small town with cows and college students (although those two components account for a large part of what Davis is).
This class has… introduced me to cafes and restaurants like Mishka's and Delta of Venus.
This class has… taught me that a community is what brings culture to a town. The Davis community has brought to life the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, the weekly farmer's market, and has preserved the Varsity theatre. It truly is a wonderful community and I'm glad to be a part of it.
Another aspect that I'd like to reflect on is that this class has helped me get to know all of you better :) (cheesy, but true). As some of you know, I commute from the Sacramento area, so I haven't been able to get to know some of you via the dorms. And this class has provided me several opportunities to get to know you guys better.
A few things I (or we) have learned about some of us:
We've learned that Hanni and Annie visit John in his gallery practically every week.
We've learned that Conor is a super model, especially when it comes to modeling in front of benches that look like dogs.
I learned that Natalia doesn't like to ride her bike in downtown Davis. (I don't blame her - driving in downtown Davis is a bit scary, too).
I've learned that quite a few of us enjoy theatre and have somehow been a part of it during our high school career. I think it would be pretty awesome if we could all go to a Davis Shakespeare Ensemble production together. Or some theatre production, I think that would be fun!
I've learned that Sabrina is an avid political science major. She is pursuing her goal here in Davis by becoming involved with ASUCD.
We've learned that Samantha is very passionate and dedicated about the equestrian sport.
Neha is very passionate about Bhangra. (I'd love to see you perform one day!)
Daniel is very passionate about bacon… at least, that's my impression.
We all like the Splash mural and we're all super fascinated with the squirrels on campus.
I could go on, but I think I've already said quite a lot. Let me leave you with this last thought (one that I've been waiting to say):
After taking this class, I think it's safe to say that we are one cultured bunch! ;D
So I was able to make it to part of the painting of the “Art Garage.” I planned my attire very poorly and the clothes I wore I was not willing to get paint on, so I didn’t participate in the actual painting. Instead I grabbed my phone and photographed the process. Of…
I really like how you related this back to prehistoric times. I would not have thought of that! But it's very true. I think that does show some aspect of human nature. Humans just have an instinct for art. Nowadays it might seem like people are leaning more towards sciencey stuff and forgetting/ignoring art. But I think art can be broadly defined and includes all of these scientific innovations. In a sense, we haven't actually changed too much.
I like how you guys were able to capture group photos! In my group, we decided to split up, and that worked for us, but it would have been nice to have taken a group picture. Oh! I totally forgot! I wanted to take a photo of all of us with Dr. Andy :/ Well, at least we have the Splash mural photo, with most of us in it.
I think these photos represent various elements of Yolo County. One is the natural aspect, like vineyards and the landscape. The other is the City of Davis. Any visitor or student could enjoy a bike ride down by the arboretum or have a cup of joe at Mishka's. Yolo County seems to have a perfect balance of city, suburban, and rural life.
With our final meeting just hours away, I find it astonishing at how quickly the quarter has progressed. (I do realize that we aren't done yet, but this is 8 out of 10 weeks successfully completed and I'd say that's pretty close to done). Anyway, I think now is an appropriate time to reminisce on the memories this class has given me.
I remember our very first meeting in the teeny, tiny room in Hart Hall that could only hold 18 people. I remember hoping that this class wasn't just going to be a textbook "this is the history of Davis" sort of class. I really wanted to go on field trips and yes! that is exactly what we did. I think this class was really cool in that aspect.
Our first trip was to John Natsoulas Gallery. This place has now become a sort of landmark in my mind. Lots of cultural offerings take place in the gallery and it is conveniently located near the entrance to downtown Davis. Though it is no longer home to Stan the Submerging Man :( , it is still an eminent part of the culture of Davis.
We then took the Transmedia Art Walk. I will always stop to look at these art sculptures and paintings now. I'm just curious about them and feel a small connection to them.
The next week we went to the Hattie Weber Museum and that's where we learned about the history of Davis. It was such a fun and visual way to learn about Davis' history. I felt as though I had experienced decades of Davis in just one short and enjoyable hour.
Later, we saw Don Saylor. It was a cold and wet day but we were warmly welcomed by Mr. Saylor. He explained to us how Davis is a caring community and one that invests in many art and cultural projects.
The week after that, we learned all about the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble from Rob Salas. I look forward to attending one of their shows in the future. And I think it'd be fun if we all could go as a group!
And last week we visited the Yolo County Visitors Bureau. I went into greater detail about it in my previous post.
This post ended up being longer than expected.. And I still haven't really explained all of the memories I have from this class, but maybe that will be another post.
Anyway, now we have our scavenger hunt! Woo! May the best team win!
Hopefully this isn’t too creepy or illegal, but I was biking through town the other day and I passed by these two houses that were particularly intriguing so I was compelled to take a few pictures for the blog. Part of the attraction was their contrast to the neighboring houses which I...
Lol I know what you mean about feeling like a creeper! Sometimes I want to take pictures of certain things too but I don't want to seem suspicious or anything. But I'm glad you captured these houses. They look very beautiful, even without any contrasting houses around them. Art is much better appreciated when it is accessible, and your example of architecture perfectly illuminates that idea.
Our penultimate (I love that word) meeting for this class was last week at the Yolo County Visitors Bureau, located in downtown Davis. Whether it be families or students, the Yolo County Visitors Bureau (henceforth referred to as YCVB) is the perfect place to start when it comes to learning about the Davis area and Yolo County as a whole.
While it is an office, it is decorated with trinkets that represent the many faces of Yolo County, including Davis. It has a myriad of flyers and maps and brochures and pamphlets. There are bus schedules for the Yolo Bus service and there are magazines about the best wineries in the area. From the finest and most unique eateries to the various attractions, the YCVB is the place to go for those who don't know what to do or where to start.
I looked at the YCVB's website and was pleased to find so much information about the opportunities available to locals and visitors. If anyone is unable to make a visit to the office, he or she should definitely check out the website. http://www.yolocvb.net
However, if they are able to go to the office, not only will they find what I have previously described, but they will be met with a man who knows quite a lot about Yolo County and its offerings. Alan Humason is the executive director of the YCVB and shared with us lots of information about what he does and what Yolo County entails.
The YCVB is a showcase of what "only living once" is all about. It is a wonderful resource to visit and I think all adventure-seeking students should check it out.
I spent last Friday night in the streets of downtown Davis with a few new friends. It was such a fun and casual night and I don't think I've ever experienced anything like it.
We ventured into the night looking for places that participated in Davis' 2nd Friday ArtAbout. We visited the Boheme Hip Used Clothing store and had a little fun in the photo booth they had set up.
After that, we traveled to the Delta of Venus.
We wanted to see Austin Greene's photography, which was displayed in the little cafe. The restaurant seemed small but it had a vibrant vibe. Greene's photography was displayed in the cafe and it was wonderful to see how this local business was supporting a local artist and his work.
We later went to John Natsoulas Gallery but it was apparently reserved for a private party. On the bright side (literally) I got to see Stan the Submerging Man at night! He looked dazzling.
Then we went to Logo's Books where there was a live band! It was such a wonderful experience to hear them playing and singing.
That night, the streets were filled with families and couples and groups. It was a busy night with lots of people roaming about.
Davis is a cute little town during the day, and a lively city at night.
I’m actually live blogging this, which is rather cool. The speakers can answer your question directly, and in goes the typed response!
The speaker, artistic director Rob Salas begins by explaining how this ensemble got started. At first, it was mostly a UC Davis students based theater group. The...
Yay for live blogging! Haha. You pretty much captured everything he said. And that's interesting about that girl who went to Carnegie Mellon to study stage tech. You're right - some people do dedicate their careers to the BTS of productions.
Last weekend, through the pouring rain, my equestrian team traveled to Stanford to our final show of the season before Regionals. This experience was a great one in itself, loving horses and my team as I do, but it was also interesting from the perspective of this class. Many intriguing comparisons can be made about the culture and atmosphere of Stanford versus Davis, on a normal as well as equestrian plane. It is obvious that for each school and team, there is a great love of our sport and chosen animal companions, but (biased as this probably is) I do believe there is a difference in the attitude of the Davis team specifically that could have to do with our origin here. The down to earth, rural atmosphere and culture of this city seems to bring our team a great connection to both each other and our goal in being equestrians, and I think it is interesting to be able to notice this specifically when we go to competitions away from our own city and school.
I really love your passion for horses and the equestrian sport! I think it's awesome how you've made your hobby a huge part of your life. And it is interesting to be able to notice differences between cities and their respective cultures. Like, you wouldn't expect a huge difference in the atmosphere but there is.
Last Week we were able to meet Rob Salas from the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble. He is the Artistic Director of the organization, and founded it along with Gia Battista. Earlier in the quarter when I attended Stories on Stage, she was one of the readers, but was unable to present to the class last...
Your post was a perfect snapshot of our meeting last week with Rob Salas. His presentation of the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble was a very clear and enjoyable one. The history of the DSE is a prime example of how a thought can turn into a wonderful actuality. Keep dreaming and doing!
I recently realized the importance that music and interior design can have on one's experience of a place. A few days ago I went to a restaurant with my dad and it was an odd, mixed experience I had.
The restaurant was old-fashioned, with dark wooden cupboards and shelves filled with little trinkets. One of the walls appeared to be made of brick. The architectural structure reflected that of an older diner. The style of the food served there was homemade, like cornbread and biscuits and pot pies. Almost everything about the place seemed cozy and warm, except for two elements.
1. Music What did not suit this place's identity was the music. While waiting for our food, I heard the latest tunes of a pop radio station. I heard Miley Cyrus, P!nk, Passenger, etc. These songs did NOT fit this restaurant. You'd expect something more mellow and definitely older - maybe songs from the 80s, jazz songs, melodies of Ray Charles, or something like that.
2. Entertainment Another thing that didn't suit the restaurant was the flatscreen TV airing the Winter Olympics. For one, you wouldn't expect a flatscreen TV in a place like this. Two, you also wouldn't expect to see live sports on the TV. It just didn't fit.
And that's when I thought about the aspects that contribute to a place's atmosphere.
When you go to Hooters or Chili's or Red Robin or a bar and grill type of place, you expect the atmosphere to be loud with people laughing, sports games on flatscreen TVs, and the sound of glasses clinking.
When you go to fancy fine dining you expect a dimly lit room where the waiters are all dressed in an ironed white shirt with neat black slacks. The background music is soft and sweet, and most likely live. (I imagine that one episode of Spongebob where they turn the Krusty Krab into a fine dining eatery).
And then you go to casual restaurants where your waiter is perky and friendly and the target audience is anyone who wants food - little kids, families, couples, elders, business people, etc.
I never gave much thought to what contributes to a restaurant's aura. And I think that's because it usually seems natural. We expect a certain place to be a certain way. I only noticed the music and the TV because they didn't seem to fit. Isn't it weird how we're used to places following a set standard? It's funny how things just don't feel right when they don't reflect what we expect.
So I haven't actually been to any well-known, fancy plays like Phantom of the Opera or any Shakespeare reenactments. The only plays I have been to are the ones my high school had. To be fair though, these plays were actually really good. I have some great memories from these plays.
Some of the plays my high school theatre department produced were Sinbad the Sailor, Frankenstein, Cinderella, Did Someone Say Murder? and Sleeping Beauty. My favorite of all of these is Sinbad the Sailor. Maybe it's because many of my friends were in it. Or because it was a silly version with lots of dancing and lip-synching. Or because sophomore year was just the best. Regardless of why, it was a splendid production!
Looking back, I of course remember the plot of the plays and my memories associated with them, but what I also realize is that these plays brought the community together. The shows weren't just for the high school students, but for the elementary school students, the middle school students, families in the area, local businesses, and pretty much everyone in the community. It wasn't a high school play, it was the high school play. Everyone would come to enjoy an evening of entertainment put together by members of the high school.
I recently found out that Beauty and the Beast is going to be the spring play this year, and luckily, I'll be on spring break to go and watch it. Some friends and I have already planned to attend the play. It wasn't even a question as to whether we should go or not; it was an obvious yes!
I can see how places like the Varsity Theatre hold some sentimental value in people's hearts and why some people, like Mr. Saylor, would fight to keep them. Theaters just play an important role in an area's culture.
I was happy to be a part of UC Davis wears red day last Friday! It was great coming together to support heart health! A little over 2,000 people showed up that day to be part of this great picture; and even though we did not break a record, we still spread the word about how much we cared. The fact that everyone came out to stand in the rain showed our unconditional dedication and support! It was awesome that Davis decided to join in with the rest of the nation on the first Friday of February for National Wear Red Day! It was exciting to be a part of something that other people were joining in on all around the country! Yet, this picture not only represents awareness of heart health, it also illustrates a community coming together to make a difference. It shows how connected our Davis community is. This could not have happened without the support of every person who came! This support we give to each other, the way we come together as a community to make a statement in the rain or shine, come together to support the arts and the schools, come together to make this city a great place to live in, exemplifies the culture of Davis. As Aggies, we have a big heart!
I wanted to be a part of the event but I had class then :/
But I was so glad that members of UCD and the Davis community came together and showed support for heart health. I love the initiative taken to show support and although we did not break the record, I think what matters is that we tried. Aggies do have a big heart! :)
From the moment I first saw Don Saylor he completely earned my respect. I was with the first arrivals when we searched for the right room. Don Saylor appeared and kindly pointed us in the right direction. I thought he would be very official and uptight, but he was very laid back and open. This was...
We had the same reaction. His reception of us was very welcoming and without a doubt friendly. He was very laid back and made the meeting casual and comfortable. I also agree that he is the epitome of a servant leader. He has done so much for the Davis community and I'm glad he's a member of the Yolo County Board of Supervisors because now he can benefit the entire county as well. Politicians often do have negative connotations but Mr. Saylor was quite the opposite! It's always nice to see someone in politics who truly cares about something. Your description was also very well-written and I enjoyed reading it.
As I was walking to my car on the fourth level of the Hutchinson parking garage, I was captivated by this view. The photo I took really doesn't capture what I saw. The sky was shades of purple and blue and the sun was slightly above the horizon. Birds were flying around and making the weird noises they make. The field was brightly lit and the adjacent water tower was standing tall, almost as if on watch. The contrast between the dark of the trees and the befalling night with the setting sun and the lighted fields along with the softly colored sky just made me feel so good. It was a breathtaking view, and again, the photo doesn't do it justice at all.
These are some pictures I took from a few of my outings in Davis.
I went with some friends through the bike tunnel (on Richards Blvd.) and later we spent some time in the garden-like area right next to Whole Foods. There are lots of different plants and trees. It's such a relaxing place - perfect to just rest and enjoy an afternoon.
I also traveled through Central Park and found another garden area. There I found the "Cnawan Stone" (also known as "Dancing People") sculptures by Sandra Shannonhouse.
Davis is Cooltural @coolturaldavis - Tumblr Blog | Tumgag
