From California to the World: Inside the Manetti Shrem Museum’s Winter Gala 2026
The Jan Shrem & Maria Manetti Shrem Museum opened its doors for its annual Winter Gala on January 24th, welcoming guests to the UC Davis campus for an evening of celebration. The night honored the artists, supporters, and families who have helped shape the museum into the dynamic cultural hub it is today.
Click below to watch our exclusive highlights from the evening, including behind-the-scenes moments and insider conversations with those helping bring the museum’s vision to life!
This fall, the Manetti Shrem Museum will celebrate its 10th anniversary. (Click here to find out more about their upcoming 10th Anniversary Gala!) For decades, UC Davis helped shape American art, but there wasn’t a museum space for the artists to present these works and for visitors to experience them in a dynamic way. This museum changed it all!
Since opening its doors, the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art has become a vibrant gathering place that sparks curiosity, introduces new ideas, and showcases cutting-edge contemporary art by local and international artists, as well as renowned 20th-century artists.
The building itself has earned global recognition, recently named one of the 25 best museum buildings of the past 100 years. It stands alongside institutions like the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou, and the Guggenheim Bilbao, and is one of only four museums in the United States to receive this distinction. It is also the only public university museum included on the list.
The evening’s theme, “From California to the World,” reflected what UC Davis does best. Ideas rooted locally are nurtured, expanded, and shared far beyond campus through artists and scholars, exhibitions and teaching, and the communities that carry those experiences forward.
One of the highlights of the night was the presentation of the Margrit Mondavi Arts Medallion, honoring individuals whose leadership and advocacy continue to elevate the arts at UC Davis.
This year’s recipients included Carol and Gerry Parker, longtime advocates and donors whose support is funding the museum’s landmark digitization initiative. Their work will make the museum’s archives and future collections accessible to audiences around the world.
The Robert Arneson Archive was also recognized for its vital role in preserving the legacy of one of California’s most influential artists. Established after Arneson’s passing, the archive safeguards an extraordinary record of his studio practice and supports ongoing scholarship that keeps his work and ideas in active conversation today. The Mondovi Arts Medallion was received by Tenaya Arneson, daughter of Robert Arneson and Sandra Shannonhouse, who established the Robert Arneson Archive alongside their son, Kirk Arneson.
Guests explored two new exhibitions during the evening, featuring sculptures by Oakland-based artist Sahar Khoury alongside standout works from the UC Davis Fine Arts Collection. The night also included a performance by rising star tenor Wonjin Choi, a dinner by McCalls Catering, and wines from Joseph Phelps.
Proceeds from the sold-out gala support the museum’s exhibitions and educational programs, ensuring that access to art at the Manetti Shrem Museum remains free for all.
To learn more about upcoming exhibitions and events like this, or to explore ways you can support this incredible museum that has made such an impact on students, artists, and visitors, click here! To find out more about their upcoming 10th Anniversary Gala, happening on November 19th, click here. We look forward to seeing you at the museum!
Photos by Drew Altizer
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