You'll See Davis

[youllseedavis-blog]

We Have Seen Davis

Last Friday marked the end of our eight-week adventure into the cultural world of Davis. For our final, we were given photos of Davis landmarks and instructed to locate them downtown. Assembled into a group of four, my fellow students and I grabbed some photos and began to divide them amongst ourselves. I immediately grabbed the photo the 3rd Street mural “Still Life with Billie Holliday,” and was off on my bike pedaling towards downtown. Side note:  my bike may be one of the worst to ever grace the streets of Davis, and therefore as much as I tried to ride in haste I was terribly unsuccessful.

My slow pace allows me, however, to take in my surroundings. I see familiar sights: Central Park, Burgers and Brew, many murals and sculptures, and locals milling about (even in the rain). I stop in front of Ms. Holliday’s mural and park my bike. I take out my phone and started to take an awkward selfie when a man offered to take the picture for me. I thanked him and posed beneath the mural—indeed one of my favorites from the art walk—and soon after I was on my way back to Olson Hall. I sensed that I was probably one of the first to be done and I wished that I would have brought my wallet with me to stop at a café for some hot chocolate. Oh well!

Once we had all returned to Olson we presented our findings to each other. I enjoyed my fellow student’s pictures quite a lot, and I was pleased that I remembered quite a lot of them from our jaunts downtown. Even though this class is very different from my other classes—no strong acid and bases to memorize like in Chemistry, no code problems to decipher like for Biology—it is very clear that I learned a great deal during these eight weeks. I learned that Davis’ fame as being a college town is an unfair understatement of what it is has to offer. We are more than a University of California; we are a Quintessence of California, a unique and fresh example of the exuberance of this state. I am proud to be a resident of this city, and hope to be both a consumer and producer of its culture for years to come. 

Thank you for seeing Davis with me. I hope you have enjoyed the (bicycle) ride!

[coolturaldavis]

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...

[youllseedavis-blog]

I do often make restaurant choices based on ambience. In my hometown, my only options for restaurants are fair-priced chains (like Chili's) or ridiculously expensive hoity-toity bistros. I am enjoying the fact that in Davis there is some in-between. With places like Burgers and Brew, Crepeville, and Thai Canteen, I have definitely been eating well here in Davis. Wish me luck for next year when I will live even closer to all of this tasty food! I must learn restraint. I also cracked up at the Spongebob reference. Too funny!

[paradoxicallypensive-blog]

Last Friday, on Valentine’s day, we were graced by a visit from Rob Salas, one of the founders and artistic directors of the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble.

Around five years ago, Rob, at that time working on a BA in theatre at Irvine, visited Davis and saw a production of Hair in the arboretum,...

[youllseedavis-blog]

I would really love to see an amphitheater in Davis as well. So much of Davis life happens outdoors, it only makes sense for our theater to be open-air too. 

[youllseedavis-blog]

Visiting the Visistor's Bureau

Last Friday’s outing brought us to the familiar E street to visit the Yolo County Visitor’s Bureau.  It was a beautiful day in Davis—a postcard day, as those in the tourism business might say. We step inside a sunny and spacious office and take a seat in front of the display (shown above). As we settle in Executive Director Alan Humason begins his talk on the cultural offerings Yolo County that not only locals but also visitors are enticed to enjoy.

Yolo county is fairly small—a little over 200,000 residents, I believe—and mainly rural. Its largest city is Davis, but also includes Woodland, Winters, and West Sacramento (I’m sensing a theme here). Its latest claim to fame is recent use of the abbreviation of Yolo to mean “You Only Live Once,” used by annoying preteens and uninformed elderly alike. Like Don Saylor, Humason expressed minor distaste for this new trend, and he states that he tries to stay away from using the term as much as possible. Still, there are many things in Davis that you may only have the chance to do “once”: experience one of the country’s best farmers’ markets, go the Bicycling Hall of Fame, or skydive over colorful fields.

In particular, Sacramento is attempting to be the capital city for the “Farm to fork” movement. This movement champions the use of regional crops in local restaurants. Declaring yourself as the capital of anything is a bold statement, but it is possible that it will catch on. Davis-area restaurants are also incorporating “Farm to Fork” elements. Davis residents—by attending the Farmers’ Market—can also take part in this movement.  I know that I personally (once I have my own kitchen) will be purchasing a lot of my produce there.

Humason is also trying to market Yolo as an alternative to San Francisco or Sacramento. When all the hotels in those areas are full, visitors are directed to stay in hotels in Yolo County.  This is a smart angle for tourists who have already seen other parts of California—San Francisco, Los Angeles, or Yosemite—and and are ready to explore something new. In addition, Humason is trying to promote agritourism. Currently, there are many regulations preventing agricultural companies from setting up tourism. Humason believes that this is not right—California is an agricultural state, we should be proud to show off our farms. Hopefully in the future agritourism will become more accessible to interested visitors.

A main tourism attraction of Yolo County is the wine industry. Yolo offers high-quality wine and wine tasting—at a fraction of the cost of Napa vineyards. This brings a lot of people to the area, who after a day of tasting may venture into downtown Davis for a bite to eat. Also, he also tries to arrange for Yolo county wines to pour at events in San Francisco. This offers wineries great exposure, and brings even more visitors to the county. Humason states that that is his primary goal for the Visitors Bureau—draw people in. Not a bad goal, for once they get a taste of Yolo, they won’t want to leave. 

[outandaboutindavis]

Last Friday, I had the chance to investigate the Davis HeartAbout with a few friends. The 2nd Friday ArtAbout is a self-guided artwalk that happens on the second Friday of each month in Downton Davis. It’s an opportunity for local businesses to showcase their goods while hosting viewings of works...

[youllseedavis-blog]

I love in Davis you can “discover” live bands. I had a similar experience my first weekend in Davis.  My friends and I were out exploring downtown when we kept hearing music nearby. We turned a corner and there was a giant stage set up in the middle of the street! The band was really good and we even got to meet and them and take a picture with them.  Just another priceless downtown experience! It’s awesome that you got the chance to meet so many different people. It’s a good example of how culture can really bring people together. All in all, sounds like a great night! 

[youllseedavis-blog]

More Culture than You Can SHAKEspeare a Stick At

 - I apologize for the terrible pun in the title - 

Last Friday’s excursion did not lead us to another exciting downtown Davis scene but rather the all-too familiar Olson hall. There we found ourselves transported to a world unlike any other you find today—the world of Shakespeare. Rob Salas, artistic director of the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble, was kind enough to meet with us to explain to us the short history of the ensemble, the ventures they partake in today, as well as their plans for the future. Through his talk I gained yet another new insight about the offerings of our little city. It seems that every week the cultural world of Davis widens more and more.  

The Davis Shakespeare Ensemble has its beginnings in the summer of 2010 when they put on a play in the gazebo of the arboretum. Salas explains that each successive show became more and more popular. Their summer shows became a prominent city outing. Their growing popularity allowed the ensemble to add educational programs and a summer program, Camp Shakespeare. In addition, they now perform at other festivals, presenting both Shakespearian and original works. Most exciting of all, they now perform at Davis Veterans’ Memorial Theater instead of the Arboretum. The demand for their performances was greater than the gazebo could accommodate.

The ensemble also has another dream as well: they hope to turn Davis Shakespeare Ensemble into Davis Shakespeare Festival, after the style of the many other popular Shakespeare festivals throughout the country. These festivals offer what is known as "Destination Theater," and they bring much prosperity and life to the towns that host them.  This aligns with Davis' larger movement towards becoming a Destination Town. John Natsoulas reflected on this topic as well. He wishes for Davis to be a destination city for art. Whether it’s for our art or theater, the aim is to draw people in, showing them what we have to offer. In my opinion Davis is already well on its way to becoming a destination town. Over the summer my family and our friends will make regular trips to Davis for the farmers market and the various other Saturday afternoon attractions. Though we may never have the draw of a trendy metropolis like San Francisco, I believe that people respond to the sincerity and whimsicality that Davis exudes.

Finally, Salas answers a question that has long plagued me: Why go the theater, when the movies are cheaper and more easily accessible?  Personally, I have never been a fan of theater because I have difficulty becoming immersed in the action. It is more apparent to me that what I am watching is not reality and therefore I cannot lose myself to the story. Salas' argument for theater is that it more personable and more innately human. It reminds us what is like to actually communicate with other people, and that these stories—even Shakespeare’s, hundreds of years old—are eternal. This is why theater is such a popular medium, and according to Salas, always will be. I am proud that Davis is part of the tradition that brings these old stories to new audiences every year. 

[citynittygritty]

More proof that Davis is beautiful, even in the rain!!

[youllseedavis-blog]

These are beautiful pictures! Where can I find this walkway? I also found Davis fairly pleasant in the rain (which is high praise from someone who hates all forms of precipitation). I love that they had the Farmer’s Market anyway—just goes to show you that Davis-ites are committed to their culture!

[citynittygritty]

The squirrels on campus are so cute! Sometimes I think they’re a bit too comfortable with people though haha!

[imjinvolved]

I have to agree that the squirrels on campus are absolutely adorable! Although it sometimes feels like they are a little comfortable with bikers. I can’t count the times I have had to swerve my bike to avoid running over a squirrel, and usually the swerving makes nearly hit a human….

[youllseedavis-blog]

This is my favorite picture I've seen all day. The squirrels are one of my favorite things about Davis, actually. I want to hug all of them and name them all George. I definitely do not mind sharing our town with them, even when they dart in front of my bike.

[youllseedavis-blog]

A Visit to Supervisor Saylor

For last week’s cultural adventure, we swam—I mean biked—our way to the Yolo County City of Davis office to meet with District 2 supervisor Don Saylor. It was quite a rainy day—good news for Californians worried about the drought, bad news for bikers. Upon entering the office, I breathed a sigh of relief before plopping down in a chair and laying my gloves out to dry on the table in front of me. As I contemplated just how wet my pants were, I began to wonder what a politician would have to say about their city’s culture. Before Friday, I never would have imagined that there were links between politics and culture—these are separate ideas, no? I looked around at my fellow classmates seated and wondered if anyone else was equally confused.

Don Saylor (formed Davis mayor and school board member) then joins us at our rectangular table. He is soft-spoken and composed when he speaks, yet somehow his passion is entirely evident.  He explained to us how the culture of Davis evolved and how politics have influenced it.  And slowly I begin to understand that the purveyors of culture are not only the artists whose work we enjoy or the business owner whose café we frequent, but the politicians representing the city. For without them, there would be no city in which to find culture.

As a former member of the Davis School Board, Saylor was able to talk in length about the culture created by Davis’ many distinguished public schools. Saylor explains that the people of Davis have made a commitment to improving their school system, and it shows. Local schools demonstrate immense support for the arts, music, and theater (while other school districts have cut these programs entirely). The effect of this is two-fold. First, the people of the community are able to enjoy the products of the students’ hard work by attending orchestra performances or theater shows. Second, allowing students to take such a strong role in a city’s culture creates participative and forward-thinking citizens to continue the tradition of cultural offerings for years to come.

Saylor also spoke about Davis’ growing poetry scene. He explained that he made a campaign promise that if elected he would install a Davis city Poet Laureate. This is highly unusual for a city this small. When I attended the Celebration of Amiri Baraka I was able to hear poems from both the current and former poet laureates, both of which do Davis proud! I absolutely love that we have a poet laureate—it only adds to Davis’ wonderfully quirky charm, and it wouldn’t have been possible without Saylor’s influence.

My favorite story that Saylor shared with us is that of the water tank next to I-80. It was built to fill its normal utilitarian purpose, but the Saylor was given freedom as to how it would be painted. Others wanted to paint it a tan and have it fade into the background, others wanted to slap DAVIS, CA across it to attract possible tourists/In-N-Out enthusiasts. But Saylor had another idea. We wanted to make it a mural designed by local painters Same Sun. Two times per year, the shadows align so that you can read the message “The Sun Shines upon Us All.” Instead of making something gaudy and awful, we’ve made something subtle and profound.

 What a Davis thing to do.

[imjinvolved]

Last week I had the great privilege of visiting the Hattie Weber Museum located near Central Park.

When I attempted to locate this museum I almost went to the wrong building. When I imagine a museum, I think of an enormous building with either a large sign saying “MUSEUM” or a building with lots...

[youllseedavis-blog]

I also appreciated the non-pompous atmosphere of the museum. It definitely had a quirky, relatable vibe. I personally am not the biggest fan of history, but it is definitely easier to get into when it feels more personal. 

[inanutshell-galaxy-life-blog]

I came to Davis blindingly. I came here by a recommendation and I accepted Davis’ offer of admittance without seeing the school. Davis was a good school, with a lot of student satisfaction, and with a good international relations program. Needless to say, I knew nothing about Davis.

Last Friday,...

[youllseedavis-blog]

I noticed the theme of women in Davis history as well. I am proud of that tradition, and of course let’s try to continue it! I also noticed the theme of strong student involvement in our (recent) history. Dingemans spoke about a radical student who later went on to become the mayor of Davis. It is examples like these that are a reminder of how Davis and UC Davis often share a common history. 

[youllseedavis-blog]

There's Something for Everyone at the Hattie Webber

Last Friday my classmates and I had the pleasure of enjoying a personal tour of the Hattie Webber Davis museum. The building itself is quaint if even a tad easy to miss, which of course only adds to its endless charm. The sign above the door to the museum reads “Library,” due to the fact that that it was converted from Davis’ first public library—even the building itself is historical! The museum is open Wednesdays and Saturdays in accordance with the Davis Farmers’ Market. After filling up on kettle corn, apple cider, and hummus many farmers’ market attendees find their way to the museum to peruse the latest exhibits and artifacts. Later they can stretch out in the sun and spend some time in the Davis Central Park, the most popular park in Davis. Sounds like a great Saturday afternoon to me!

Artifacts from Davis’ very early history. These could be, like, decades old.

On to the museum itself. When you first step aside, you may feel a tad overwhelmed due to the staggering amount of artifacts the curators have so carefully collected. But do not fear! Museum Director Dennis Dingemans steps in guide you through. As I mentioned before, we were incredibly fortunate to have had the chance to enjoy a private tour with Dingemans. It is clear that he is very knowledgeable about Davis history, as well as very passionate. 

A patchwork of ribbons won by Davis folk for having the biggest animals at the county fair—any animal. Pick one.

Dingemans starts by explaining some of the important commercial periods of Davis history. From agriculture to ranching to railroading, the city has thrived by many different types of businesses. Most recently is its distinction as the University Farm—that is, hosting a University of California. I couldn’t help but swell with pride as Dingemans explains how Davis came to win that battle and its successes thereafter—and I wasn’t even there! It is clear that the spirit of Davis’ history is contagious. 

A fully-functioning record player. Also doubles as a super snazzy piece of furniture. Ah, the good ol’ days.

After explaining several exhibits throughout the museum, we are then let to roam free and examine the artifacts closer. My favorites include the above record player as well as the type-writer, which you are allowed to play with (and because I am five years old I definitely did). Other notable artifacts include some very fashionable dresses and hats. As someone who is interested in how styles and sewing techniques evolve over time, I found these especially interesting. Just goes to show that there is something for everyone at the Hattie Weber!

A dress on display. Tim Gunn thinks you can “Make it work.”

Overall, I very much enjoyed my time at the Hattie Webber Museum.  It is so immensely important that we try to preserve our history so that future generations may better understand where they come from and how they got there. Davis did not spring up out of the dirt after it was decided that this would be the site of a new UC—it has a story as rich and complex as any other city’s, perhaps even more so. So the next time you find yourself at the farmers’ market, take a stroll over to the Hattie Weber Museum!

[imjinvolved]

Today as a class, we were able to travel through Davis looking at various sculptures and murals. The Transmedia Art Walk has the word Transmedia because along with looking at the art, viewers can use theirs phones to scan the plaque next to the art and it will link them to a video about the art...

[youllseedavis-blog]

Even though I had not been thinking about it on our walk, you are right about the tour being free art. Many times I have decided not to participate in a cultural activity because it was too expensive. Plays, museums, and restaurants can all take a toll on your pocketbook, but we saw all that fabulous art at no charge! Also, my interpretation of Stan, the Submerging Man was that he was a scuba diver because he appears to be wearing a mask. Who knows! I enjoyed your interpretation of Hidden Treasures. You are right, the mural is not so hidden anymore!

[youllseedavis-blog]

ART WALK

Last Friday my classmates and I took the Transmedia Art Walk in downtown Davis. As the first of its kind in the country, the tour includes over 40 sculptures and murals, all within walking distance of each other.  Many of the works are imbedded with RFID technology that allows viewers to share their thoughts on the piece by uploading a song, poem, or any other type of reflection. These reflections can then be enjoyed by later Art-Walkers. The result is somewhat of a time capsule for future generations, who will have a record of not only our art but our collective responses to the art. It’s a very compelling concept that I hope will find its way into more cities in the future.

For now, though, here is a selection of some of my favorite works from Friday’s tour. 

“It can happen NOW… TO YOU,” Bill Waul.

I chose to feature this mural first (the rest are in the order of how we saw them) because it had the greatest effect on me. It was actually fairly difficult to find, almost as if the artist wanted you to be as surprised as the woman in the mural. It reminds me a bit of pop-art, a style not often seen in murals. 

“Stan the Submerging Man,” Finley Fryer

Next is a sculpture that I have spoken about before as it located in front of the John Natsoulas Gallery. I will never tire of good ol’ Stan. He brings a burst of color and life to our little town. 

“Wolf Pipe,” Lisa Reinerston

I found this sculpture very interesting because it almost appears as if the woman is trapped in the stone, yet she appears very peaceful. The rich red clay coloring feels very naturalistic. 

“The Signs and Wonder of the Interdimensional Warrior,” Alex Reisfar

This mural is one of the most randomly beautiful works of art I have ever seen. It is sprawled across the side of an unassuming building in downtown, looking like a vivid dream come to life.  

“Windows,” Kerry Rowland-Avrech

A lovely, adorable, and incredibly well-painted mural of a store-front window. Could have fooled me! 

“Hidden Treasures,” Myron Stephans

This is another one of my favorites, and without a doubt one of the most beautiful murals in downtown. Even up close, I was still not convinced that this was a painting!

“Still Life with Billie Holiday,” Guy Diehl

Emotional yet effortless, this mural has young people wondering, “Who is Billie Holiday?”

“Splash,” Kerry Rowland-Avrech

I am calling Splash out as the most fun mural in the tour. I only wished it was located in a more well-trafficked area!

“Guardians of the Grape,” James Chaffee

Beautiful coloring and an interesting texture makes me wish that this wasn’t next to the Taco Bell. 

“Taking the Scenic Route,” Mark Rivera

Unfortunately I was not able to capture this mural in its entirety, but this small section gives you an idea of how delightful it is. It even doubles as a ramp! 

“Trout Surf,” Wes Horn

I am always a fan of art you can sit on, especially near the end of the tour. This mosaic piece is a real charmer, and pretty comfortable.

 “The Keeper,” Jeff Downing

My favorite aspect of this sculpture is that its shadow looks like a giraffe. Another well-crafted piece that Davis is lucky to have.

We interrupt your regular programming to show you this picture of a dog we found. Thank you.

“Great Angel,” Cedric Wentworth

This gothic-looking sculpture looks like it belongs on a cathedral in Italy, but we’ll take it too!

“Stealth Angel,” Finley Flyer

The second angel-inspired sculpture on the tour brings me good memories—one of my first nights out in downtown my friends and I posed around it like Charlie’s Angels after seeing a concert in the street. It just goes to show that public art can affect a city’s people is even very subtle ways, because now every time I see this sculpture I smile.

  All in all, I very much encourage everyone to take the Transmedia Art Walk. It was a fun afternoon filled with a lot of laughs, some confusion, and many discoveries. 

[nataliadaraselia-deactivated201]

I was immediately excited when I found out we were to be exploring an art gallery. I happen to be a bit of a hobby artist but I was never really aware of the professional art world. It was also interesting to learn about Mr. Natsoulas’ interesting journey to where he is now, as well as about the...

[youllseedavis-blog]

I agree with you about the architecture. It just kept going up and up! It is a feat of engineering and of artistic creativity. The eclectic upper levels were my favorite as well. It was interesting to see so many different types of arts all jumbled together! I find your mathematical approach to art very intriguing. I, too, find photorealistic paintings beautiful, but the emotions of more abstract pieces tend to be stronger and more affecting. Each style definitely has its merits. I also agree with your interpretation of public art making a city feel more cozy or comfortable. It reminds you that the human spirit and all its creativity is alive and well, even when economic times are hard. 

[youllseedavis-blog]

The John Natsoulas Gallery

Last Friday I had the pleasure of visiting the John Natsoulas Gallery in downtown Davis. Located at the busy intersection of 1st and E, the gallery is the center of all of my personal favorite places to eat in Davis: Thai Canteen, Sugar Daddies, the Melt, CREAM, etc. Yet somehow I had never taken notice of it—most likely owing to the distraction created by the awe-inspiring giant sculpture in front. The sculpture itself is without a doubt the most recognizable of downtown’s many works of public art (a more detailed post coming soon).

The aforementioned giant sculpture. He sees all in Davis…

Upon entering you are greeted by the smell of coffee grinds wafting from the small café attached to the gallery. There you may find locals enjoying a cup or UC Davis students working on their laptops—an example of Davis’ many “café culture” landmarks. To the left is the front room of the gallery where you may browse various art books and show information. This is also where I found one of my favorite pieces in the gallery—a small but richly colored painting of a microscope (typical of biology student, I know). This room opens out onto the large show room where many events are held (see previous post). Clean white walls and glowing natural light make this space feel inviting and polished. Walking around the gallery I often found myself mulling over the idea of one day having an art collection of my own. It’s an investment, really (that’s what I’ve heard anyway). Such is the beguiling power of an art gallery—once inside you suddenly feel like a rich and cultured aristocrat with perfect taste in art. You point nonchalantly at one of the thousand-dollar paintings in the ground floor exhibit and yawn “I guess I’ll take that one.”

My first purchase as an esteemed art collector. This speaks to me on a personal level.

As you wind your way through the many carefully constructed floors of the gallery (once a quaint house) you find works of many different genres and tastes. Some I cannot say I was too fond of (oh, hello sculpture from floor 3, I will be expecting you in my next nightmare) and some where sublime. I particularly enjoyed the landscape show on floor two, especially knowing that the painter is a local artist-by-night who was so flabbergasted that Natsoulas gave him a show he thought it was a joke. I’m sure many young artists greatly appreciate the confidence-boosting pleasure of having just one measly painting hung in the fourth-floor staircase of the local gallery. This is support for the arts that is immediate and does not require changes the California’s state budget. Galleries like these therefore add rich flavor to a town’s culture while also aiding local talented artists.

A sculpture bathed in the gallery’s natural light.

So head down to the John Natsoulas Gallery today! Just look for the giant sculpture. If you hit the Whole Foods, you’ve gone too far.  

[culturecow]

The Davis Farmer’s Market shows the merging of Davis’s agrarian culture with it’s downtown culture.  It is a great place for people to meet, enjoy wonderful food and in general, just relax.  It is always really cool to see all the vendors who sell anything from produce to jewelry.    

[dwilderone]

The apple juice there was the best I have ever had. I definitely recommend it.

[youllseedavis-blog]

Love the apple juice too! Also they use to sell entrees from Ciocolat during the Wednesday market and they are SO good! The Farmer’s Market is a great way for the people of Davis to demonstrate that they support local businesses rather than big box stores.