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Oakland Museum of California Announces Events & Programs for September & October

 

(OAKLAND, CA) August 16, 2018— The Oakland Museum of California announces its events and special programs in September and October, including the 24th Annual Days of the Dead Celebration on Sunday, October 21 from 12–4:30 pm. Participate in craft activities, shop local vendors at the garden mercado, view ofrendas, and more in this annual healing tradition.

Celebrate Oakland Pride with LGBTQ+ History and Art Tours and learn about artists and activists from the LGBTQ+ community in the Bay Area, every Sunday in September. Engage in the conversation on art and politics with A Question of Faith, part of the widely-anticipated For Freedoms Federation’s 50 State Initiative this fall. The Friday Nights @ OMCA Summer Season continues through October, with the galleries open late until 10 pm, Off the Grid food trucks, and garden access for picnics, every Friday from 5–10 pm. For more details, visit museumca.org.

 

CALENDAR EDITOR PLEASE LIST:
FAMILY EVENTS; MUSIC EVENTS; COMMUNITY EVENTS; ART EVENTS; FOOD EVENTS

 

Friday Nights @ OMCA Summer Season

Every Friday, 5–10 pm

September 7, 14, 21, 28

October 5, 12, 19, 26

The Summer Season of Friday Nights @ OMCA means the galleries are open until 10 pm, gardens are open for picnics, live music outside, and the Off the Grid food truck market expands onto Oak Street. Enjoy half-price admission, hands-on activities for kids, and a lineup of live music and dance from local performers that changes weekly—all alongside your favorite food trucks from Off the Grid. Bring friends and family for a taste of local music, food, and culture at the Oakland Museum of California every Friday Night!

 

Weekly Highlights Include:

 

Tour | J.B. Blunk: Nature, Art & Everyday Life

First and Third Saturdays through September 9

September 1

12–12:45 pm

Explore the exhibition J.B. Blunk: Nature, Art & Everyday Life with a Docent as your guide. Discover northern California’s best kept secret in design and craft: J.B. Blunk (1926–2002), a mid-century artist whose connection to nature governed his daily life. Included with Museum admission.


Tour | Architecture of the Museum

September 2

1–2 pm

Experience OMCA’s remarkable mid-century modernist landmark building with the guidance of the Museum’s expert members of the Council on Architecture. This tour shares with you a few of the highlights of the incredible building, from views of Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland from atop a three-tiered roof garden to the serene Koi Pond, and a truly Californian indoor/outdoor landmark. Built in 1969 with a design by Kevin Roche, with landscaping by Dan Kiley, the Museum recently completed a major renovation and expansion project overseen by San Francisco-based firm Mark Cavagnero Associates, which honors Roche and Kiley’s original vision of a vibrant urban park and public space. Meet in front of the Ticketing Desk on Level 2.

Included with suggested donation of $5 as a part of First Sundays @ OMCA.


First Sundays @ OMCA

September 2 & October 7

10 am–6 pm

Be sure to visit Take Root: Oakland Grows Food to unearth what motivates local urban farmers and gardeners. Share your love for Oakland’s hometown team in the pop-up installation Homegrown Heroes: Oakland A’s at 50 and experience all that our Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences have to offer. Pick up a treat for yourself or a loved one in the OMCA Store. Enjoy a lunch or snack in Blue Oak café. Spend a day with us and find out why TripAdvisor reviewers call OMCA “a hidden gem.”

Suggested donation for general admission: $5 per person. No advance online tickets are available for First Sundays. Your contribution helps us provide access to other visitors in the community. Presented in partnership with the Oakland Public Library, City of Oakland Parks and Recreation, and California Historical Society.

LGBTQ+ History and Art Tours

Every Sunday in September

September 2, 9, 16, 23, & 30

12 pm

During Oakland Pride month in September, OMCA offers special Docent-led tours of the Gallery of California History or the Gallery of California Art. Come learn about the legacy of early LGBTQ+ leaders in San Francisco such as José Sarria and contemporary Californian issues such as Proposition 8. Included with Museum admission.

 

A Question of Faith

September 10–November 4, 2018

Engage in the conversation on art and politics when the Oakland Museum of California takes part in the widely-anticipated For Freedoms Federation’s 50 State Initiative this fall. Founded by Hank Willis Thomas and Eric Gottesman, the project is one of the largest creative collaborations in the history of the country. Hundreds of cultural, educational, and public sites will inspire political participation through the arts leading up to the midterm elections.

 

From September 10 to November 4 throughout Oakland, view A Question of Faith, a temporary public artwork by artist Chris Johnson on billboards and bus shelters—as well as OMCA’s campus—that remixes photographs by acclaimed 20th century documentary photographer Dorothea Lange with a quote by American Transcendentalist Theodore Parker. This artwork reflects upon the role of faith and history in politics, and provides a platform to share views at the Museum’s interactive chalkboard installation.

 

Consider the impacts of politics today and reflect on the role of artists in civic dialogue. Participate in a hands-on art workshop, and hear from City of Oakland Cultural Affairs Manager Roberto Bedoya in conversation with Chris Johnson as they discuss the project in depth. Exercise your rights and register to vote onsite at the Museum during Friday Nights @ OMCA. For more information on the national initiative, visit forfreedoms.org.

 

Bike Tours | Fruitvale and Downtown

September 16

10 am 

Explore Oakland’s diverse and rich patchwork of neighborhoods by cycling through them with an experienced guide from OMCA. On select Sundays from June through October, OMCA Docents lead bike tours of this eclectic city. On this date, explore Fruitvale or Downtown Oakland.

 

Fruitvale Tour
The Fruitvale tour travels from the Museum, through the old Clinton neighborhood, crosses over to the Embarcadero, then along the Embarcadero to Fruitvale Ave, up 35th Ave to the Peralta House, then back through Jingletown and along East 12 th St. to the Museum. Along the way you might hear about Moses Chase, Thomas Badger, Gale Wagner, Ygnacio Peralta, Charles May, and C. Thomas Patten.

 

Downtown Tour
Visit downtown locations that recall important figures from Oakland’s history. Explore colorful characters and infamous murders. We’ll hear the story of Horace Carpentier and how he committed the most lucrative crime in Oakland’s history! Discover architectural gems along the way. This fun adventure will cover about six flat miles over approximately two hours. The Downtown Tour will be led by Oakland Public Library librarians. In addition, the tour will include a behind-the-scenes stop at the Oakland Main Library. Library cards will be offered for free for California residents.

 

Meet in front of the Museum’s Oak Street entrance at 10 am. Bring your own bikes, helmets, repair kits, and water. In partnership with the Oakland Public Library. 

 

Around the Block: A Day of Neighborhood Stories

September 29

11 am–5 pm

Go beyond the walls of the Oakland Museum of California to experience Around the Block: A Day of Neighborhood Stories. Visit five engaging pop-up projects within a three-block radius of OMCA, for one day only on Saturday, September 29, 2018. Explore dynamic and interactive events created by artists and community organizers through shared storytelling, literature, dance, art, performances, and photography.

 

Listen, learn, and contribute your own story to these discussions about the many important issues facing Oakland today, including cultural legacy, gentrification, homelessness, and processing emotions around loss of life. Pick up a map at OMCA to find your way to each of the five locations and be a part of a special one-day celebration of Oakland’s culture.

 

Tour | Architecture of the Museum 
October 7

1–2 pm

Experience OMCA’s remarkable mid-century modernist landmark building with the guidance of the Museum’s expert members of the Council on Architecture. This tour shares with you a few of the highlights of the incredible building, from views of Lake Merritt and downtown Oakland from atop a three-tiered roof garden to the serene Koi Pond, and a truly Californian indoor/outdoor landmark. Built in 1969 with a design by Kevin Roche, with landscaping by Dan Kiley, the Museum recently completed a major renovation and expansion project overseen by San Francisco-based firm Mark Cavagnero Associates, which honors Roche and Kiley’s original vision of a vibrant urban park and public space. Meet in front of the Ticketing Desk on Level 2.

Included with suggested donation of $5 as a part of First Sundays @ OMCA.


24th Annual Days of the Dead Community Celebration 

October 21

12–4:30 pm

Join us as OMCA comes alive for the 24th annual community celebration honoring Days of the Dead traditions. Craft activities, tasty food, dance and music groups, colorful ofrendas, and ceremonia bring the community together for this healing tradition. Watch demonstrations of traditional Mesoamerican arts and cooking, and browse Days of the Dead merchandise by local artisans for your home altar at our garden mercado. Enjoy performances ranging from contemporary popular music to folkloric dance to mariachi. Join in the opening procession to open the celebration led by Aztec dancers and Days of the Dead committee members. View community-created altars throughout the OMCA Gardens paying homage to loved ones lost.

 

Bike Tour | African American History Tour 

October 21

10 am

Explore Oakland’s diverse and rich patchwork of neighborhoods by cycling through them with an experienced guide from OMCA. On select Sundays from June through October, OMCA Docents lead bike tours of this eclectic city. Explore African American History in Oakland on a special bike tour, held in collaboration with Walk Oakland, Bike Oakland (WOBO). Hear vivid stories illustrating African-American life in Oakland over the last 150 years. Learn about the Pullman porters’ union, see historical Black Panthers’ sites, and visit other significant landmarks of African-American history in Oakland. Meet in front of the Museum’s Oak Street entrance at 10 am. Bring your own bikes, helmets, repair kits, and water. Pre-registration through WOBO is required, stay tuned for details. 

 

ABOUT FRIDAY NIGHTS @ OMCA

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) presents Friday Nights @ OMCA, a regular evening series every Friday from 5 to 10 pm, in partnership with Off the Grid: Lake Merritt @ OMCA—the first major food truck market in the East Bay. Friday Nights @ OMCA features extended Museum hours, in-gallery programming, a beer garden from Blue Oak café, live music, dancing, hands-on family activities, and more. Gallery admission is half-off for adults, free for ages 18 and under. Event parking in the Museum garage is $7. Presented in partnership with Off the Grid: Lake Merritt @ OMCA. Friday Nights @ OMCA is made possible in part by generous support from the Koret Foundation, Bank of America, the Oakland Museum Women’s Board, and The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. museumca.org/friday-nights-omca

 

ABOUT OMCA FAMILY

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to being a welcoming and lively place for multi-generational Bay Area families to visit, learn, and engage through OMCA Family, with art activities, storytelling, and hands-on, drop-in projects throughout the Museum. OMCA’s other family-friendly offerings include free Family Guides to the Galleries available at ticketing desks, free activity Books & Blankets available for check-out anytime the Museum is open, and three large annual festivals: Lunar New Year in February, the Summer Reading Celebration in August with the Oakland Public Library, and the Days of the Dead Celebration in October. OMCA Festivals are made possible in part by generous support from the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and the Koret Foundation. museumca.org/family

 

ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA

The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) tells the many stories that comprise California, creating the space and context for greater connection, trust, and understanding between people. Through its inclusive exhibitions, public programs, educational initiatives, and cultural events, OMCA brings Californians together and inspires greater understanding about what our state’s art, history, and natural surroundings teach us about ourselves and each other. With more than 1.9 million objects, OMCA brings together its multi-disciplinary collections of art, history, and natural science with the first-person accounts and often untold narratives of California, all within its 110,000 square feet of gallery space and seven-acre campus. OMCA is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California’s dynamic cultural and environmental heritage for visitors from the region, the state, and around the world.

 

VISITOR INFORMATION

Museum admission is $15.95 general; $10.95 seniors and students with valid ID, $6.95 youth ages 9 to 17, and free for children 8 and under and Members. There is a $4 charge in addition to general admission pricing for special exhibitions. OMCA offers onsite underground parking, with validation for Museum visitors, and is conveniently located one block from the Lake Merritt BART station, on the corner of 10th Street and Oak Street. The accessibility ramp is located at the new 1000 Oak Street main entrance. Regular hours are 11 am to 5 pm, Wednesday through Sunday, 11 am to 9 pm Fridays. museumca.org

 

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