In previous years, the Campus Community Book Project concluded with the fall quarter. This year, the project runs the entire academic year — giving the UC Davis community more time to read Sherman Alexie's The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, and more time to discuss and ponder it and the issues it addresses.

Also, instead of having the author's address in December, the new format has Alexie's talk scheduled for April 11, four days after UC Davis’ annual Powwow.

The book project schedule picks up in winter quarter with a retrospective exhibition of works by Native American artist Ruth Blalock Jones, and two talks about Native American health.

The C.N. Gorman Museum, which features contemporary Native American and other indigenous art, is presenting Ruthe Blalock Jones: A Retrospective, Jan. 10 to March 16.

Creating in a range of media, including oil, acrylic, watercolor and printmaking, the internationally acclaimed Blalock Jones produces works that emerge from personal experiences with a focus on Native American women in dance attire, and depictions of ceremonial and social events.

Blalock Jones, of Delaware/Shawnee/Peoria descent and whose tribal name is Chu-Lun-Dit, formerly served as professor and art director at Bacone College, Muskogee, Okla.

An artist talk and reception is planned from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15. The museum is in 1316 Hart Hall; regular hours are noon-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday.

Other programs:

• Wednesday, Jan. 11 — “Integrated Health Delivery System Utilizing Community Clinics,” a presentation by Britta Guerrero, executive director of the Sacramento Native American Health Center. 12:10-1 p.m., 1222 Education Building, 4610 X St., Sacramento.

• Wednesday, Feb. 15 — “Cultural Competency and Community Clinic — Serving the Native American Community,” a presentation by Cibonay Cordova of the Sacramento Native American Health Center. 12:10-1 p.m., 1222 Education Building, 4610 X St., Sacramento.

All programs are open to the public, and all are free except the author's talk. The complete schedule is available online.

Author's visit

Alexie's talk is scheduled for 8 p.m. Wednesday, April 11, in Jackson Hall at the Mondavi Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available online, or by visiting or calling the Mondavi Center box office, (530) 754-2787 or (866) 754-2787. Box office hours: noon-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday, and one hour before ticketed events.

The book

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian is available at UC Davis Stores (formerly UC Davis Bookstores) for $9.99.

Read more about the book selection.