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Oakland Museum of California Announces Events & Programs for September & October, 2016

(OAKLAND, CA)—The Oakland Museum of California welcomes fall with a range of engaging hands-on activities, community celebrations, and enlightening programs in September and October.  

In its final months, OMCA’s groundbreaking exhibition Altered State: Marijuana in California continues to evoke exciting marijuana-themed content, including the upcoming panel discussion Perspectives on Legalizing Marijuana on August 27, exploring decriminalization, legalization, and cannabis policy in a moderated conversation. As a part of the Museum’s Makers & Tasters series, don’t miss the in-gallery Lost + Found Zine Release Party with Rock Paper Scissors on September 2, inspired by OMCA’s newest exhibition Oakland, I want you to know… 
 
OMCA’s annual Dias de los Muertos celebration on October 16 will honor loved ones lost with healing traditions, altar installations, and hands-on family activities. Join former Black Panther Party members as the Black Panther Party 50th Anniversary Host Committee presents the 50th Anniversary Commemoration & Conference at OMCA October 20–23. For more information, visit museumca.org
 
CALENDAR EDITORS PLEASE LIST: 
FAMILY EVENTS; COMMUNITY EVENTS; ART EVENTS; FOOD EVENTS
 
Perspectives on Legalizing Marijuana
Saturday, August 27, 2016 at 2 pm 
With the topic of cannabis policy frequently in the news as the election nears, join us at OMCA for a panel inspired by special exhibition Altered State: Marijuana in California, exploring decriminalization, legalization, what the difference is, and why it matters. Hear from an expert panel of speakers in a moderated conversation as they disentangle these two different approaches to policy and their implications. Invited panelists will share perspectives on how current policy is implemented and enforced and how it impacts Oakland and the greater Bay Area. Confirmed panelists include Amanda Reimain, Manager of Marijuana Law and Policy at the Drug Policy Alliance (DPA); Tsion Sunshine Lencho, Attorney and Consultant at Supernova Collective Advocate; and Timothy Birch, Oakland Police Department Research and Planning. Tickets are available at museumca.org
 
Friday Nights @ OMCA 
Every Friday, 5–10 pm
September 2, 9, 16, 23, and 30
October 7, 14, 21, and 28
Get your Oakland groove on at Friday Nights @ OMCA with Off the Grid food trucks, music, and more! Join OMCA every Friday for a family-friendly take on a festive night market. Enjoy the best in Bay Area curbside cuisine from gourmet food trucks, local beer, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages at the Blue Oak beer garden, live music, and dance lessons. Get creative at family-friendly drop-in workshops, learn from local foodies in the Makers & Tasters Series, and enjoy special guest performers and events. On October 28, Friday Nights @ OMCA will include dance instruction on the Thriller music video dance from the Bay Area Flash Mob in the 10th Street Amphitheater. Gallery admission is half-price for adults and free for ages 18 and under.
 
Makers & Tasters Series | Lost + Found Zine Release Party
Friday, September 2, 2016, 6–8 pm
Join an in-gallery release party for the new zine Lost + Found, created in collaboration with Rock Paper Scissors Collective and inspired by exhibition Oakland, I want you to know… Groove to the tunes of an in-gallery DJ and make your own zine in a workshop led by the Rock Paper Scissors Collective. Exploring responses to the themes of home, loss, and the shifting landscape of Oakland, the zine features personal stories from community members who were interviewed at festivals and events ranging from the YMCA of the East Bay’s summer camp to the Malcolm X Jazz Festival. The zine also includes images from the community, original artwork, and illustrations. Lost + Found will be available for free in the Oakland, I want you to know… exhibition. Included with Museum admission. 
 
First Sundays @ OMCA | September 2016
Sunday, September 4, 2016, 10 am–6 pm
Enjoy a visit to the Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences. Check out the popular exhibition Altered State: Marijuana in California, the first-ever museum exhibition to explore the many ways that people consider cannabis. Don’t miss special exhibition Oakland, I want you to know… featuring artwork exploring the changes in Oakland and how communities are responding. The whole family will love Bees: Tiny Insect, Big Impact in the Gallery of California Natural Sciences. Check out the LGBT History Tour at noon, the Architecture Tour at 1 pm, and the California History Tour at 1 pm. Pick up a treat for yourself or a loved one in the OMCA Store and enjoy a lunch or
snack in Blue Oak café. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Your contribution helps us provide access to other visitors in the community.
 
Tour | Architecture of the Museum 
Sunday, September 4, 2016, 1 pm
Sunday, October 2, 2016, 1 pm
Experience OMCA’s remarkable mid-century modernist landmark building with the guidance of the Museum’s expert members of the Council on Architecture. Built in 1969 with a design by Kevin Roche and 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. 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, this truly Californian indoor/outdoor
design still delights and attracts visitors today. Free as a part of First Sundays @ OMCA. Meet in front of the Ticketing Desk on Level 2.
 
Tour | LGBT History
September 4, 11, 18, and 25, 12 pm 
In honor of Oakland Pride month, celebrate with a Docent Tour of the Gallery of California History focused on LGBT history in California. Explore the legacy of early LGBT leaders in San Francisco such as José Sarria and contemporary issues such as Proposition 8. Free as a part of First Sundays @ OMCA. Meet in front of the History Gallery on Level 2.
 
Ask an Expert | Beau Kilmer of the RAND Drug Policy Center
Friday, September 9, 2016, 6:30–8 pm
Got burning questions about marijuana’s connection to addiction, crime control, and illicit markets? Are you curious about the risks and benefits of marijuana legislation? Join the final installment of Ask an Expert with Dr. Beau Kilmer, Co-Director of the RAND Drug Policy Research Center, whose research includes estimating the size of illegal drug markets and assessing the consequences of alternative marijuana policies. Meet Dr. Kilmer during “office hours” in Altered State: Marijuana in California and get your cannabis policy inquiries answered. Included with Museum admission. During Friday Nights @ OMCA, from 5 to 10 pm, admission is half-price for adults, free for ages 18 and under. Admission for Members is always free.
 
Pop-up Talk: Robert Raich on Medical Cannabis
Friday September 16, 2016, 7–7:30 pm
Join OMCA in the “Political Pot” section of special exhibition Altered State: Marijuana in California for a talk by Oakland-based attorney Robert Raich. Raich, a renowned expert on medical cannabis law who took both of the landmark cases to the Supreme Court, will talk about the history of regulation specifically in Oakland. Included with Museum admission. During Friday Nights @ OMCA, from 5 to 10 pm, admission is half-price for adults, free for ages 18 and under. Admission for Members is always free.
 
Bike Tour | Oakland on Two Wheels
Sunday, September 18, 2016, 10 am
Explore Oakland’s diverse and rich patchwork of neighborhoods by cycling through them with an experienced guide from OMCA. On select Sundays each month, from May through October, OMCA Docents lead bike tours of this eclectic city; destinations include downtown Oakland, the port area, Lake Merritt, and Fruitvale. Free. Meet in front of the Museum’s Oak Street entrance at 10 am. Bring your own bikes, helmets, repair kits, and water.
For more information and to make a reservation, call 510-318- 8470 or [email protected].
 
First Sundays @ OMCA | October 2016
Sunday, October 2, 2016, 10 am–6 pm
Enjoy a visit to the Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences. Check out special exhibition Oakland, I want you to know… featuring artwork exploring the changes in Oakland and how communities are responding. The whole family will love Bees: Tiny Insect, Big Impact in the Gallery of California Natural Sciences. Check out the Architecture and California History Tours, both held at 1 pm. Pick up a treat for yourself or a loved one in the OMCA Store and enjoy a lunch or snack in Blue Oak café. Suggested donation: $5 per person. Your contribution helps us provide access to others. 
 
Fall Teacher Feature 
Friday, October 14, 2016, 4–7 pm
Explore OMCA’s Galleries of California Art, History, and Natural Sciences during this special evening featuring lively ideas and light refreshments. Learning Initiatives staff assist you in discovering new opportunities for engaging your students in the art and culture of California. View special exhibitions All Power to the People: Black Panthers at 50 and Oakland, I want you to know… Plus, enjoy hands-on activities and examine classroom materials teachers can use to prepare students for their visits. This event is free for teachers and chaperones. Please RSVP online or by calling 510-318-8460.
 
Bike Tour | Oakland on Two Wheels 
Sunday, October 16, 2016, 10 am
Explore Oakland’s diverse and rich patchwork of neighborhoods by cycling through them with an experienced guide from OMCA. On select Sundays each month, from May through October, OMCA Docents lead bike tours of this eclectic city; destinations include downtown Oakland, the port area, Lake Merritt, and Fruitvale. Free. Meet in front of the Museum’s Oak Street entrance at 10 am. Bring your own bikes, helmets, repair kits, and water. For more information and to make a reservation, call 510-318-8470 or [email protected].
 
22nd Annual Days of the Dead Community Celebration
Sunday, October 16, 2016, 12–4:30 pm
OMCA comes alive for the 22nd annual community celebration honoring Dias de los Muertos 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 mercado. Enjoy performances ranging from contemporary popular music to folkloric dance to mariachi. Join in a 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. Enjoy live performances featuring Gabriela Sepúlveda, Mariachi Tapatio, Ballet Folklorico Costa de Oro de San Lorenzo, and Bang Data at the 10th Street Amphitheater and the Main Stage at the OMCA Garden. A selection of festive food highlighting the Bay Area’s diversity of cuisines will be available for purchase from Off the Grid food trucks. Entry includes Museum admission. Tickets will be available online at museumca.org in September. 
 
Black Panther Party 50th Anniversary Commemoration & Conference
October 20–23, 2016
Join former Black Panther Party members this October for a conference and celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Party’s founding. Presented by the Host Committee for the 50th Anniversary Commemoration of the founding of the Black Panther Party, a historically significant organization that has had profound national and local impacts, the gathering takes place at OMCA and Laney College, both located in Oakland, California, home base of the Party. Review the Black Panther Party legacy and celebrate its historical significance in the black community, and consider the question Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. raised so long ago: “Where do we go from here?” Registration information and conference details at bpp50th.com
 
Pop-up Talk: Kyle Mizono on Hot Tub Comedy
Friday, October 21, 2016, 7–7:30 pm
Join comedian Kyle Mizono for a short routine delivered in the Hot Tub Lounge in the Gallery of California History. Originally from San Francisco, Mizono has performed at SF Sketchfest, Bridgetown Comedy Festival, and Riot LA. She most recently appeared on Viceland’s Flophouse and NPR’s This American Life. Mizono currently lives in Los Angeles where she maintains a large collection of Beanie Babies. Included with Museum admission. During Friday Nights @ OMCA, from 5 to 9 pm, admission is half-price for adults, free for ages 18 and under. Admission for Members is always free.
 
Weekly Tours in September and October 
Join an OMCA Docent for in-depth tours of the Museum’s gallery’s throughout the month. Learn about California Land, People, and Creativity on the California Art Tour, held on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month and every Sunday at 2 pm. The California History Tour is held on the first, third, and fifth Sundays of the month at 1 pm, exploring the overarching concept of “Coming to California.” At 2 pm on the third Saturday of the month and 1 pm on the second and fourth Sundays of the month, OMCA’s California Natural Sciences Tour focuses on a “Changing California,” presenting seven real places throughout the state depicting the diversity of climate, geology, habitats, ecosystems, and wildlife in California. Every Friday and Saturday at 1 pm, an OMCA Highlight Tour introduces visitors to the Museum’s history, architecture, and collections.  
 
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 $5. Presented in partnership with Off the Grid: Lake Merritt @ OMCA. Friday Nights @ OMCA is made possible in part by generous support from Bank of America, the Oakland Museum Women’s Board, The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation, and the Koret 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. Free admission for children provided by the Bernard Osher Foundation. The Lunar New Year Community Celebration is made possible in part by generous support from Macy’s and the Oakland Museum Women’s Board. museumca.org/family
 
ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) brings together collections of art, history and natural science under one roof to tell the extraordinary stories of California and its people. OMCA’s groundbreaking exhibits tell the many stories that comprise California with many voices, often drawing on first-person accounts by people who have shaped California’s cultural heritage. Visitors are invited to actively participate in the Museum as they learn about the natural, artistic and social forces that affect the state and investigate their own role in both its history and its future. With more than 1.9 million objects, 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.
 
VISITOR INFORMATION
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland. Museum admission is $15.95 general; $10.95 seniors and students with valid ID, $6.95 youth ages 9 to 17, and free for Members and children 8 and under. 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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