The Basement Gallery and Open Walls Collective, two student-led organizations at UC Davis, are collaborating to host a senior show for graduating student artists at the Pence Gallery on June 7. The exhibition will feature a wide range of mediums and voices, marking the first time The Basement Gallery has curated a space outside its usual basement venue. Open Walls Collective previously worked with the Pence Gallery on an interactive exhibition, and the event is supported by Education Director Katharine Schultz, a UC Davis alumna and former Basement Gallery member.
This collaboration matters because it provides graduating art students with professional exhibition experience, bridging the gap between academic training and real-world gallery practice. By partnering with a local institution like the Pence Gallery, the organizations aim to establish lasting connections between the undergraduate community and regional art entities, preparing students for careers in the art world. The show represents a significant expansion of the senior show tradition, offering more space and visibility for emerging artists.