Arts & Culture

Most objects in the world function to organize and simplify our daily tasks. Without these tools, humans would be operating much more inefficiently. However, it is also often suggested that the appearance of an object may be of equal importance to its function, as form and function are often intertwined. Thus the goal of any designer is essentially to create a useful and aesthetically pleasing product.

The end of every UC Davis fall quarter is often marked by excitement for the break and the anticipation for what the new year will bring. We're officially two weeks into winter quarter and with midterms just around the corner, it's time to check out the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts' 2009-2010 season lineup before the quarter kicks up and tickets sell out.

AT THE MOVIES

Although Davis is reputable for its small town ambiance, the spirit and inspiration of its residents have greatly impacted the overall attitude and conventions of thinking in the art world. Robert Arneson was one of these individuals.

Ah, the budget cuts. Where else can we put all the pain and misery other than channeling it through a little artwork?

ART / GALLERY

I wanted an iPod this past Christmas, but I didn't get one. It's a shame - my current one is old, has a broken screen and can't fit much on it. I probably could have used the Christmas money I got instead toward a new iPod, but once money's in my hand I'd rather just keep it. I'm sure Apple could sympathize with my reasoning.

The UC Davis Design Museum is proud to present this winter's exhibit entitled "From Our Land", an interpretative traveling exhibition. The Japanese history of agriculture in this country from the 19th century to the present can be seen in Walker Hall from Jan. 11 to Mar. 7 every day from noon to 4 p.m. or noon to 2 p.m. on Sundays, free of charge.

Last year, the ASUCD Entertainment Council brought everything from Islands, (500) Days of Summer and Art Brut. A new year and a new quarter bring new events to campus.

Grammy-winning classical pianist Emanuel Ax will be performing in Jackson Hall of the Mondavi Center on Saturday, December 5th at 8 p.m. Tickets are $65.00 for general admission and $32.50 for students.

As a Los Angeles native, my trips back and forth from Davis to home are a bit of a jaunt. The brief Thanksgiving break required far more driving than vacationing last weekend - and a whole new round of traveling is coming up next week.

What: Davis Art Center Holiday Sale

This isn't southern, bluesy jazz with melancholy saxophones and classic slow, swaying drumbeats. This is spontaneous, improvised, recreated and not really even jazz at all. So what can you expect when the band doesn't even know what they're about to play as they take the stage?

On a nearly annual basis, UC students face unexplained tuition increases and most are unsure of how the funds are used. The most recent decision to increase fees by 32 percent sparked significant controversy and complaints among students and faculty alike.

In many college towns, Davis included, Thursdays have developed a new moniker for those students without Friday classes: Thirsty Thursday. Tonight will give new definition to the term as Starting Six comes to Davis to perform their club banger "Thirsty," among other songs.