ThursDates at OMCA with Mia Pixley & Crochet Jam
ThursDates at OMCA | Pop-Up Performance with Mia Pixley, Finger-Knitting Crochet Jam with Ramekon O’Arwisters, Music Set by DJ Mark DiVita, and Gallery Chats
January 29, 2026 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults 18+
Ease into an evening of creativity and connection at ThursDates, where music, movement, and hands-on art come together in the warm after-hours shine of OMCA. Start with Crochet Jam, a relaxed, no-rules finger-knitting experience rooted in African American weaving traditions, where you can weave, chat, and unwind at your own pace. In the same gallery, lose yourself in the meditative sounds of Mia Pixley, whose cello, voice, and spoken word combine classical and experimental influences to create stirring, transformative melodies. All the while, DJ Mark DiVita fills Town Fare with eclectic beats, setting a vibrant and inviting atmosphere with cocktails, bites, and mingling among new friends or old.
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 our Special Exhibitions and our Galleries of California Art and History, and are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. This is a night made for lingering, discovering, and celebrating creativity, community, and culture in every form.
Program Schedule:
5–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | Great Hall and the Galleries of California Art and History
5:30–7:30 pm Finger-Knitting Crochet Jam with Ramekon O’Arwisters | Gallery of California Art
5:30–7:30 pm Music Set with DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare Café
6–6:30 pm Live Musical Performance with Mia Pixley | Gallery of California Art
7–7:30 pm Live Musical Performance with Mia Pixley | 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
Mia Pixley, Ph.D., is a psychologist, composer, performer, conservationist, mother, and water-lover who often has more ideas than time. Mia enjoys exploring the resonance between ourselves, the natural world, and the underworld. She has performed on GRAMMY award-winning records and alongside GRAMMY award-winning artists on stage. Mia delights in interdisciplinary exploration and discovery of all kinds. Her sound can be described as Abbey Lincoln, meets Esperanza Spalding, meets Laurie Anderson.
Sculptor and meditation instructor, Ramekon O’Arwisters explores the impact of art and spirituality on issues of social justice, race, and culture. In 2012, Ramekon founded Crochet Jam (crochetjam.com), a community art event steeped in the African-American tradition of weaving in a calm and non-judgmental environment without rules or limitations.
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.
