Wayne Thiebaud Influencer

THROUGH NOV. 12 Since an artist’s legacy is manifested through the work of those they inspired, curators at the Manetti Shrem Museum are celebrating the titular Sacramento painter’s 100th trip around the sun by forgoing the traditional retrospective in favor of something more forward-looking. Only 15 of the 90 pieces displayed in Wayne Thiebaud Influencer: A New Generation are by the UC Davis professor emeritus—the rest are by his former students and other artists influenced by his work. In addition to Thiebaud’s signature food paintings, such as Sun Fruit (pictured), expect to find a regal portrait of his late wife (and frequent subject) Betty Jean hung adjacent to Canticle, a 2008 diptych by British painter Lynette Yiadom-Boakye that depicts two stately black women in vibrant-hued suit jackets. Other works include a series starring Krazy Kat by Vonn Cummings Sumner, one of Thiebaud’s last TAs who was introduced to the comic strip character by his former teacher. Masks required; advance reservations recommended. Free. Hours vary by day. Manetti Shrem Museum. 254 Old Davis Rd. Davis. 530-752-8500. manettishremmuseum.ucdavis.edu

Thiebaud painting courtesy of the Manetti Shrem Museum, © 2021 Wayne Thiebaud