[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.

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