MERCED, CA— Join UC Merced in a celebration
of art, music, food and java when the campus presents Java Art Walk
from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, March 9. This special reception
marks the opening of the first-ever UC Merced Family Art Show,
running through April 30 and featuring the creative flair of UC
Merced students, staff, faculty and relatives of campus employees.
Approximately 140 pieces ranging from paintings and photographs
to ceramic pieces, jewelry and sculptures will be available for
viewing in the Valley Dining Commons and the Kolligian Library.
Within the dining commons venue is a display showcasing the pencil,
charcoal and colored pencil drawings of students in Professor Dunya
Ramicova’s beginning drawing class.
Among the other exhibitors are young children, experienced
professionals and amateur artists with previously hidden talents.
“It’s very exciting because many of these artists have been
creating for years, but have never shown their work to the public,”
said UC Merced Art Coordinator Gail Benedict, who is organizing the
exhibit. “When word went out that we were looking for artists to
participate, people started coming to me — almost like it was
a confession — to share their interest.”
Highlights of the evening reception also include a live
performance by the Midnight Flyers blues group and refreshments;
booths offering information about student admissions, university
relations and campus planning; and sales of UC Merced merchandise.
Following in the growing tradition of community art walks held
on Thursday evenings, Java Art Walks will be scheduled once or
twice a year to serve as the opening receptions for major art
exhibits on campus. Designed to bring the campus and community
together to share in a cultural experience, the events also will
help expose the work of regional artists and offer a chance for
visitors to explore the UC Merced campus.
Additional art exhibits will be scheduled throughout the year in
various venues around campus for the enjoyment of employees and
visitors alike.
The UC Merced Family Art Show runs from March 9 through April 30
at UC Merced, located at 5200 North Lake Road in Merced. Art work
is on display in the Valley Dining Commons and in the Kolligian
Library. The Java Art Walk opening reception is scheduled from 5
p.m. to 7 p.m. on March 9. Everyone is welcome to attend and the
event is free of charge. For additional information, please contact
UC Merced Art Coordinator
Gail Benedictat (209) 228-4566.
