ThursDates at OMCA with Photography Workshop & Scavenger Hunt with Black Film Guild
ThursDates at OMCA | Photography Workshop and Scavenger Hunt with Black Film Guild, Game Night, Music set from DJ Mark DiVita, and Gallery Chats
February 12 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults 18+
Step into a relaxed ThursDates evening where creativity, conversation, and community unfold throughout the Museum. Settle in for a unique in-gallery photography workshop led by director, photographer, and editor Walter Wallace, Executive Director of the Black Film Guild. Designed for photographers of all levels, the experience blends hands-on instruction* with guided exploration of OMCA’s photography collection—led by Gallery Chats Facilitator Avril Angevine—before closing with a playful photo scavenger hunt that invites collaboration and fresh perspective.
As the night unfolds, enjoy table games, cocktails, and bites curated by Town Fare, while DJ Mark DiVita provides a smooth, soulful soundtrack that keeps the atmosphere warm and unrushed.
In addition, every ThursDates at OMCA offers a rich gallery experience with Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Unlike traditional tours, these conversations invite you to ask questions, share perspectives, and engage with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience. Gallery Chats take place in all of our galleries—including our Special Exhibitions—and are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. Join us for an evening made for learning, creating, lingering, and connecting.
*While a limited number of cameras will be available, visitors are encouraged to bring their favorite photographic devices. iPhone camera instruction will also be provided.
Program Schedule:
5–8 pm Table Top Games | Town Fare
5:30–6:40 pm Black Film Guild Photography Demonstration + Gallery Chat | Gallery of California Art
5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries
5:30–7:30 pm Music Set with DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare
7:10–7:45 pm Black Film Guild Photography Scavenger Hunt + Wrap-up | Gallery of California Art
About ThursDates
Every Thursday, January through March, step into OMCA’s warm after-hours glow. Experience a rotating mix of intimate performances, live figure drawing sessions, game nights, and more—designed just for adults. Or sip a signature cocktail and grab a light bite in Town Fare by Michele McQueen, all to a soundtrack of local Oakland artists and DJs.
Whether you’re exploring the Museum with a date, catching up with friends, or are coming solo and looking to meet someone new, you’ll find connection, inspiration, and creative surprises, week after week.
Accessibility
Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is committed to providing programs that are accessible, welcoming, and inclusive of our community. Wheelchairs, sensory inclusive devices, and additional amenities are available for checkout on a first come, first served basis at the Ticketing Desk. To request other accommodations, like American Sign Language (ASL), Cantonese, Spanish or another language interpreter, please email [email protected] at least three weeks before the event.
Performer BIOS
Black Film Guild is a non-profit organization founded by Walter Wallace that was ignited by the collective spirit of passionate artists. Rooted in the dynamic City of Oakland, the Black Film Guild is a 100% volunteer-based organization with over 500 local artists determined to shape a brighter future for aspiring filmmakers and creators. At its heart, the Black Film Guild is a hub of education dedicated to nurturing local Bay Area talent and equipping them with the technical expertise required to thrive in the world of photography and filmmaking. With a vast array of cutting-edge cameras and state-of-the-art lighting, the Guild provides the perfect canvas for artistic minds to flourish and unleash their creative potential and ignite a passion for authentic representation and diverse narratives within the film industry.
Avril Angevine is an OMCA Gallery Chat Facilitator and a lifelong art aficionado with a particular interest in modern, contemporary, and California art and photography. She speaks on art subjects at various locations in the Bay Area, including the OLLI programs at Santa Clara University, Dominican College, San Francisco State, and the Fromm Institute. Avril has a BA in English and an MA in Comparative Literature from UC Berkeley and has taught English and Humanities at local colleges. She is also a museum guide at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, and the Oakland Museum of California.
Renowned across the Bay Area, DJ Mark DiVita has carved a niche as the go-to DJ for events that radiate soulful, sexy, and vibrant energy. With roots in Hip-Hop culture dating back to 1986, when he first discovered its magic as a grade schooler, Mark embodies the essence of a True Skool Hip-Hop edu-tainer. His eclectic sounds and captivating sets draw in music lovers from all walks of life, making each event a celebration of unity and rhythm. When he’s not behind the decks, you can find Mark embracing his roles as a devoted father, husband, and creative force in his design studio.
Sponsor
Major support for ThursDates at OMCA is provided by The Oakland Museum Women’s Board.
