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A Sustainable Groove: 50 Years of the Whole Earth Festival

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Mar 12 – Aug 1, 2019
Shields Library Lobby – Left Side of Main Staircase

Combining treasures from the University Archives and items on loan from the Whole Earth Festival Archive, this exhibit presents a journey through 50 years of the Whole Earth Festival, one of the longest-running annual traditions on the UC Davis campus.

The Whole Earth Festival began in 1969 when an art class taught by Jose Arguelles held an “Art Happening” on the UC Davis campus. The students used art to teach visitors about activism, wellness, and the environment in an interactive and creative way. Following the United Nations’ declaration of “Earth Day” in 1970, the second “Art Happening” was renamed “Whole Earth.” Embracing the values of acceptance, expression, sustainability, community, and inclusivity, the festival continues today as a student-run, free three-day event attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually on Mother’s Day weekend. Stop by the lobby of Shields Library to celebrate five decades of the Whole Earth Festival through an exhibit of historical posters, photographs, ephemera, and even a “Karma Patrol” T-shirt.

Posters

The words Whole Earth Festival in decorative handlettered style surround an abstract image coming out of a saxophone played by a figure at right. Below the image, text reads: April 29, 30 & May 1, U.C. Davis Quad. List of festival activities include: music, dancing, crafts faire, food, art show, education on holistic health, and more. Let's Join Together "On the Road to Our Survival"

Poster, probably 1983 (David Kupfer Collection, D-247)

Hand-drawn poster with text 1994 Whole Earth Festival, Cultivating Rhythms of Revelation, A Celebration of Spring, May 6, 7, and 8. Contains image of the sun, the moon, and a tree.

Poster, 1994 (David Kupfer Collection, D-247)

Poster with a line of people in silhouette with fists raised against bands of multiple colors. Text reads Whole Earth Festival, May 10, 11, 12, 2002, Power to the Peaceful. A celebration of spring on the UC Davis quad. Bring own plates, cups, and utensils.

Poster, 2002 (Whole Earth Festival Collection, AR-118)

Poster in blue, green, and white with stylized abstract lettering and images of a woman embracing the earth, the UC Davis water tower and Domes, and two people sitting on a mushroom. Text reads Whole Earth Festival, "Sustainalovability". Alcohol free and zero waste event. 40th anniversary. May 8,9,10, 2009, UC Davis Quad.

Poster, 2009 (Whole Earth Festival Collection, AR-118)

Photographs

Black and white photograph with four students. See caption.

Students hanging out on bed on the Quad, 1970 (Department of Medical Illustration Photographs of UC Davis, AR-224)

Black and white photograph of two women outdoors with trees in the background. See caption.

Women shopping during Whole Earth Week, 1970 (Department of Medical Illustration Photographs of UC Davis, AR-224)

Black and white photograph of people outdoors in the grass, grouped together. A man and a woman dance holding a small child.

Family dancing, 1981 (California Aggie Photographs, AR-200)

Black and white photograph of a female-presenting clown with children outdoors with a covered dome made of metal bars in the background.

Clown playing with children in front of Karma Dome, 1981 (California Aggie Photographs, AR-200)

Black and white photograph of people circling around a pole with long ribbons attached to the pole.

Maypole dancers, 1983 (California Aggie Photographs, AR-200)

A black and white photograph of a person doing a one-handed head stand with a skateboard in the other hand.

Freestyle skateboarder at the festival, 1986 (California Aggie Photographs, AR-200)

Black and white photograph of Jerry Brown on stage behind a banner reading Viva Brown '92 with a tightly packed audience in the foreground.

Jerry Brown, campaigning for President, at the festival, 1992 (Neil Michael Axiom Photograph Collection, AR-195)

Female student sitting in the grass reading a book in front of a three-panel display with art and pottery to either side.

Student with display on overpopulation, 1970 (Department of Medical Illustration Photographs of UC Davis, AR-224)

Festival Map

Map of the Whole Earth Festival on and around the Quad at UC Davis titled Where You At?

Festival map from program, 2003 (David Kupfer Collection, D-247)

Exhibit from
Curated by Kevin Miller