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Shields Library is closed through January 1. Requests for books, digitization services, and interlibrary loan will be fulfilled after the new year.

Art in the Library

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More than 300 pieces of art on display

The UC Davis Library’s collection of fine art includes pieces from some of the most significant artists ever to live and work in Northern California. Among the art on display at Shields Library are works by former faculty members of the UC Davis Art Studio Department William T. Wiley, Robert Arneson and Roy De Forest.

We are much indebted to the artists and donors who have made our library facilities such an enjoyable environment.

Highlights from the Collection

line art of a man's head splattered with color

Son of Sam

By Robert Arneson

This lithograph is located in the Nelle Branch Room on the second floor of Shields Library.

ceramic rubber ducks on waves descending a wooden staircase

Ducks Descending Staircase

By David Gilhooly

This ceramic and wood sculpture is located in the north side of the Shields Library lobby, near Archives and Special Collections.

a human in the boat

The Scribe

By Arthur Gonzalez

This mixed media sculpture is located in the Shields Library lobby, near Archives and Special Collections.

Seven female dancers standing in a mural walled room with pillars

La Galleria

By David Hollowell

This painting is located on the south wall of the Main Reading Room on the second floor of Shields Library.

Colorful painting of large bird face surround by abstract shapes

Wondering Where the Lions Are, Bird of Paradise?

By George Longfish

This painting is located in the Shields Library lobby, near the Circulation Desk.

warmly colored abstract shapes

River Dancing

By Brenda Louie

This painting is located on the west wall of the Main Reading Room on the second floor of Shields Library.

Rainbow surrounded by a variety of animal depictions of primarily whales and deer

Whales Over the Rainbow

By Maija Peeples

This painting is located on the west wall of the Shields Library lobby, near the entrance.

Colorful blocky painting of a city with a woman and dog sitting by a table in the foreground

San Francisco Interior

By Roland Petersen

This painting is located on the first floor of Shields Library, southeast corner.

Man in a pointed hat holding a palette

Unkl Scam

By William T. Wiley

This lithograph is located in the hallway outside the conference room on the first floor of Shields Library.

Want to see more?

Download this walking tour guide and take a visit to Shields Library to view our extensive collection in person.

Shields Library Art Guide (pdf)

Hours Study Spaces Print, Scan, Copy Events & Workshops Exhibits Library Tours Accessibility & Safety

Shields Library Art Guide

Download this walking tour guide and take a visit to Shields Library to view our extension collection in person.

Download Art Guide (pdf)

Art Questions?

For any questions related to the artwork in the Shields Library, please contact Kevin Miller, Head of Archives and Special Collections.

kcmiller@ucdavis.edu