Call for Artists: UC Davis Studio Art Senior Exhibition at the Pence Gallery
Opening Reception: June 7 | Exhibition Location: Pence Gallery, Downtown Davis
Open Walls, in partnership with the Pence Gallery, invites graduating Studio Art majors from UC Davis to apply for a curated group exhibition highlighting emerging voices in contemporary art. This exhibition marks Open Walls’ second collaboration with the Pence—and for the first time, we will be utilizing their main gallery space, offering an expanded platform for senior artists to present their work in a professional and highly visible setting.
The Pence Gallery has been a pillar of the regional arts community for over 30 years, recognized for its commitment to supporting both emerging and established artists through exhibitions, programming, and educational outreach. Located in the heart of downtown Davis, the gallery attracts a wide audience of collectors, curators, and community members alike.
The exhibition will open with a public reception on June 7, featuring live music, refreshments, and a panel discussion with working artists and creative professionals. The panel will offer real-world insights into life after graduation, touching on topics such as building a sustainable practice, navigating the business of art, and staying connected to one’s creative vision post-college.
Selected artists will receive:
Exhibition of their work in the Pence’s main gallery, a professional nonprofit space
Participation in a public opening with strong community and arts sector engagement
Access to a career-focused artist panel designed to support the transition beyond school
Exposure in one of Davis’s most respected venues for contemporary art
This exhibition is both a celebration and a launchpad—an opportunity to present your work professionally and step confidently into your next chapter as a practicing artist.
Applications are now open via our website. Space is limited—early submission is encouraged.