A Wonderland of Scrooge, Carols and Dance / Art

“An American Leader, Cesar E. Chavez” is a display of 90 black-and-white images taken by six photographers who worked with the labor rights activist. The show spans more than 30 years, documenting the birth of the United Farm Workers union and Chavez’s role in the American Civil Rights Movement. The photographs capture Chavez as a young, charismatic leader to the days before his death. Through April 7. Anaheim Museum, 241 S. Anaheim Blvd. (714) 778-3301.

“The Waiting Room” is an interactive art installation by San Francisco artist Richard Kamler that examines the death penalty. The exhibition brings viewers into a chilling room where video interviews play on loop and an hour-by-hour account is given of a death row inmate’s activities as he or she awaits execution. There’s also a display showing their last meals glazed in lead. The exhibition deals with the emotional, visual, physical and social environment of a death row waiting room. Through Nov. 28. Guggenheim Gallery, Chapman University, 333 N. Glassell St., Orange. (714) 997-6729.

“Wind, Water and Light, the Legacy of Rex Brandt” is the first exhibition of paintings by the Newport Beach artist since he died in March. The show is a collection of more than 40 oils and watercolors. Brandt was one of the central postwar California Impressionist painters who was known for his landscapes and pristine vistas of Southern California. In addition to the paintings, the show will feature the artist’s personal sketchbooks. Through Feb. 28. Newport Harbor Nautical Museum, 151 E. Coast Highway, Newport Beach. (949) 673-7863.

Cal State Fullerton’s artist in residence James Rouvelle will be featured in Santa Ana. Although classically trained in music at Juliard, Rouvelle takes a detour into visual world, designing and constructing robotic devices called “bots.” His artwork consists of circuits that utilize micro-controllers. Rouvelle’s handmade devices look like arrays of electronics that make sounds and are programmed to behave as organisms. Dec. 2-Jan. 21. Grand Central Art Center, 121 N. Broadway, Santa Ana. (714) 567-7233.

More than 100 items drawn from one of the world’s largest collections of Egyptian artifacts are featured in “Egyptian Treasures From the British Museum.” The traveling survey includes traditional Egyptian fare: coffins and mummies, sculpture, paintings, jewelry, papyri and funerary objects. Through Jan. 2. Bowers Museum of Cultural Art, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana. (877) 250-8999 or (714) 567-3600.

The art of contemporary artist and master illusionist Tony DeLap is showcased in Newport Beach. The exhibition features 45 painting-sculpture hybrids and five free-standing sculptures of the artist. DeLap is known for his free-standing aluminum, fiberglass and resin sculptures that have evolved into complex art forms. Through Jan. 14. Orange County Museum of Art, 850 San Clemente Drive, Newport Beach. (949) 759-1122.