ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Gold Beams Game Night
ThursDates at OMCA | Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing, Gold Beams Game Night, Music Set by DJ Mark DiVita, and Gallery Chats
February 5 from 5:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Adults 18+
Ease into the cozy, after-hours atmosphere of ThursDates at OMCA as Gold Beams—in partnership with The Black Neighborhood, Regulars Only, and Timothy B.—hosts Game Night. Known for cultivating warm, welcoming environments for Black creatives and the broader community, Gold Beams brings their signature mix-and-mingle approach to the Museum. Sip drinks and enjoy bites from Town Fare as OMCA takes on a softer nighttime glow.
Providing the soundtrack for the evening, DJ Mark DiVita spins soulful, vibrant selections that keep the mood unhurried and inviting. All the while, Sketchboard Co. carves out space for guests to tap into their creativity with uninstructed live figure drawing sessions in the Gallery of California Art.
We welcome all skill levels, including those who have never drawn before and want to try drawing. Art supplies and clipboards will be available for use, and your artwork will be yours to take home or exchange with others. Nude or partially clothed models representing the diversity of the Bay Area will be posing in the galleries for times ranging from 2 to 20 minutes. Since drawing will take place in the galleries, please be mindful of space and bring only the following media from home: sketchbooks (max size 9×12 inches) and pre-sharpened enclosed graphite, charcoal, or conté pencils.
Every ThursDates at OMCA, you can engage more deeply with the Museum’s galleries through 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.
Program Schedule:
5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art
5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries
5:30–7:30 pm Gold Beams Game Night | Town Fare
5:30–7:30 pm DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare
6:35–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Art Viewing | 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
Sketchboard is a BIPOC figure drawing collective, curating eclectic, diverse, and affordable events in the Bay Area over the last 10 years. Our mission is to feature the bodies of people at the intersection of multiple identities, offer living wages to our art models, and create an inclusive environment for the artists in our community.
The Gold Beams production company produces unique, weird, and fun events that you definitely want to go to. Made for Black creatives and the Black community at large, their signature event, Second Mondays, is an open mic/family reunion-type communion. Their mission is to curate spaces that support Black creators making careers from their art.
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.
