HONORING THE PENCE GALLERY

HONORING THE PENCE GALLERY

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 56 (Wednesday, March 25, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E265] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE PENCE GALLERY ______ HON. MIKE THOMPSON of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, March 25, 2026 Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Pence Gallery for their 50 years of dedicated service to the arts and commitment to fostering creativity in our Davis community. The Pence Gallery's story began in 1968 when Joe and Hazel Pence gifted their former dental office and the surrounding property to the City of Davis. A consortium of arts patrons successfully secured the building from the city to use as a gallery, leading to the establishment of a nonprofit arts organization named in the Pences' honor. The Pence Gallery Association was formed in 1975 and incorporated in 1976 by a small group of community leaders, UC Davis professors, and artists. The Pence Gallery has occupied the D Street location in downtown Davis since its inception, and is managed by a volunteer Board of Directors, a Director-Curator, and an Assistant Director. While the Pence Gallery remains on city-owned property, it operates as an independent nonprofit and receives no city funding for building or operational expenses. The Pence Gallery's commitment to our community is clear from their facility and programming. In 2005, the gallery unveiled its current facility through a capital campaign. The modern building, designed by San Francisco architects Wayne Barcelon and Darlene Jang, features over 4,500 square feet and stands on the original site. The facility includes three distinct gallery spaces including the Andresen Learning Center Gallery, the Dowling Community Gallery, and the Coldwell Banker Main Gallery. Each area is designed to showcase diverse contemporary artworks throughout the year. Approximately 20,000 people visit annually, enjoying exhibits, programs, artist talks and lectures, and events, including the monthly 2nd Friday ArtAbout. Since 2011, the Pence Gallery has been voted the best art gallery in Yolo County. The Pence Gallery has rightfully been recognized for supporting the development of local and regional artists. The gallery offers several calls for artists each year, including the Emerging Artist Award, Slice: A Juried Exhibit of Regional Art, Exhibit It!, and the Night Market for young people ages 16 to 25. Throughout its history, many regional artists now recognized nationally exhibited at the Pence Gallery early in their careers. The Pence Gallery's dedication also extends to arts education and community engagement. The gallery evolved into an educational resource for elementary, high school, and university students through its internship program and ArtSmart program. The Pence Gallery brings adults of all abilities artistic stimulation and an opportunity to experiment, discover, and create under the guidance of talented local and regional artists. Since 2006, the Pence Gallery has hosted the Pence Gallery Garden Tour annually on the first Sunday in May, a Davis- wide self-guided tour of gardens celebrating innovation, beauty, and creativity in the outdoors. The gallery has also contributed to the scholarly documentation of Northern California art and culture through research and catalogue publication. Mr. Speaker, we thank the Pence Gallery for their 50 years of dedication to the arts and our community. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor them here today as they celebrate this milestone anniversary. ____________________