BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) - ECPv6.15.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://museumca.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260205T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260205T200000 DTSTAMP:20260420T110531 CREATED:20260120T220643Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260204T182836Z UID:10002243-1770310800-1770321600@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Gold Beams Game Night DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Jessa Calderon & Good Fire Pop-Up Talks and Demos\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursDates at OMCA | Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing\, Gold Beams Game Night\, Music Set by DJ Mark DiVita\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdults 18+\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEase 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. \n\n\n\nProviding 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. \n\n\n\nWe 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. \n\n\n\nEvery 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gold Beams Game Night | Town Fare \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare \n\n\n\n6:35–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing  & Art Viewing | Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS\n\n\n\nSPECIAL EXHIBITION TICKETS\n\n\n\nFree Member Tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout ThursDates \n\n\n\nEvery 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. \n\n\n\nWhether 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility \n\n\n\nOakland 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformer BIOS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Sketchboard\n \n 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Gold Beams\n \n 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About DJ Mark DiVita\n \n 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsor\n\n\n\nMajor support for ThursDates at OMCA is provided by The Oakland Museum Women’s Board. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/thursdates-at-omca-with-sketchboard-co-live-figure-drawing-trivia-night-2-5-26/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Gallery Chats at OMCA,Thursday After Hours,Town Fare Cafe,Ticketed ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/5N2A7552-Enhanced-NR-1-Social-Media-Use.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260212T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260212T200000 DTSTAMP:20260420T110531 CREATED:20260120T221740Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T205041Z UID:10002245-1770915600-1770926400@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Photography Workshop & Scavenger Hunt with Black Film Guild DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Jessa Calderon & Good Fire Pop-Up Talks and Demos\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursDates at OMCA | Photography Workshop and Scavenger Hunt with Black Film Guild\, Game Night\, Music set from DJ Mark DiVita\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdults 18+\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nStep 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. \n\n\n\nAs 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. \n\n\n\nIn 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. \n\n\n\n*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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5–8 pm Table Top Games | Town Fare \n\n\n\n5:30–6:40 pm Black Film Guild Photography Demonstration + Gallery Chat | Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Music Set with DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare \n\n\n\n7:10–7:45 pm Black Film Guild Photography Scavenger Hunt + Wrap-up | Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS\n\n\n\nSPECIAL EXHIBITION TICKETS\n\n\n\nFree Member Tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout ThursDates \n\n\n\nEvery 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. \n\n\n\nWhether 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility \n\n\n\nOakland 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformer BIOS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Black Film Guild\n \n 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Avril Angevine\n \n 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About DJ Mark DiVita\n \n 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsor\n\n\n\nMajor support for ThursDates at OMCA is provided by The Oakland Museum Women’s Board. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/thursdates-at-omca-with-photography-workshop-scavenger-hunt-with-black-film-guild/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Gallery Chats at OMCA,Thursday After Hours,Town Fare Cafe,Ticketed ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Black-Film-Guild_Workshop-shot-2.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260219T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260219T200000 DTSTAMP:20260420T110531 CREATED:20260120T220908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T215017Z UID:10002244-1771520400-1771531200@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Jessa Calderon & Good Fire Pop-Up Talks and Demos\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursDates at OMCA | Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing\, Trivia Night: Black History\, DJ Set by Mark DiVita\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdults 18+\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSettle into ThursDates at OMCA with a signature cocktail in hand as DJ Mark DiVita lays down soulful selections that set the tone for an easygoing night of connection and play. This Thursday\, gather in Town Fare for a Black History–themed trivia night\, inviting friendly competition\, shared knowledge\, and lively conversation. Over in the Gallery of California History\, Sketchboard Co. is back again to offer visitors uninstructed live figure drawing sessions. \n\n\n\nWe 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. \n\n\n\nIn 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. With music\, drinks\, and a relaxed after-hours atmosphere\, it’s an evening designed for learning\, laughter\, and basking in good company. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California History5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries5:30–7:30 pm DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare6:15–7:15 pm Trivia Night: Black History | Town Fare6:35–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing  & Art Viewing | Gallery of California History \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS\n\n\n\nSPECIAL EXHIBITION TICKETS\n\n\n\nFree Member Tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout ThursDates \n\n\n\nEvery 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. \n\n\n\nWhether 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility \n\n\n\nOakland 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformer BIOS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Sketchboard\n \n 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n DJ Mark DiVita\n \n 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 edutainer. 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsor\n\n\n\nMajor support for ThursDates at OMCA is provided by The Oakland Museum Women’s Board. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/thursdates-at-omca-with-sketchboard-co-live-figure-drawing-trivia-night-2-19-26/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Gallery Chats at OMCA,Thursday After Hours,Town Fare Cafe,Ticketed ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/DSF8793-Enhanced-NR-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260221T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260221T160000 DTSTAMP:20260420T110531 CREATED:20251219T224848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T234049Z UID:10002228-1771671600-1771689600@museumca.org SUMMARY:25th Annual Lunar New Year at OMCA: Year of the Horse DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Jessa Calderon & Good Fire Pop-Up Talks and Demos\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGallop into the Year of the Horse this February as we mark the 25th anniversary of OMCA’s Annual Lunar New Year Celebration! Guests can expect a full day of vibrant performances\, family-friendly storytelling\, hands-on activities\, delicious food from local AAPI chefs\, and opportunities to support AAPI artisans\, all while basking in community connection.   \n\n\n\nAs we come together to uplift AAPI communities across the Bay Area\, the Museum is excited to welcome Oakland’s one-and-only seiji oda to the Garden Stage. Their signature ambient and mindful lofi-hyphy sound will fill the garden alongside several other performances spanning Korean\, Pilipino\, Vietnamese\, and Chinese traditions. From wishing trees and zodiac quests to K-pop dance lessons and Gallery Chats\, this milestone celebration invites visitors of all ages to connect\, reflect\, and welcome the Year of the Horse together.  \n\n\n\nFestival access starts at 11 am; activities and performances start at 12 pm. Parking is available in OMCA’s Oak Street Garage for a day rate of $10; Limited street parking is available around the museum. 7. ASL Interpretation for OMCA Garden stage will be provided. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGET TICKETS\n\n\n\nmember TICKETS\n\n\n\n\nAll complimentary advance reservations for members are sold out. A limited number of free member tickets will be available onsite on the day of the event. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSchedule of Events \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPERFORMANCES\n\n\n\nGARDEN STAGE * \n\n\n\n12–12:20 pm Opening Celebration: Usher in the New Year and chase evil spirits away with a lucky lion dance by LionDanceME. \n\n\n\n12:45–1:30 pm Nanta\, Samgomu\, and Pan-Gut Performances: Experience the rhythms and dynamic movements of Hansamo’s Nanta\, Pungmul & Dance Teams.  \n\n\n\n1:35–2:05 pm  Music & Meditation with seiji oda: Drop into this Bay-Area-grown blend of mindfulness and lofi-hyphy beats paired with optional movement and breathing exercises for all levels. \n\n\n\n2:35–3:20 pm Kulintang Music and Filipino Dance Performances with KULARTS: Enjoy contemporary kulintang music by Kulintang Dialog\, Pilipino folk dances by AGOS Youth Program\, and diasporic Pilipino dances by Alleluia Panis Dance Theater. \n\n\n\n3:30–4 pm  Closing Celebration: Energetic performance by UC Berkeley’s Vietnamese Student Association Lion and Dragon Dance Team for good luck and prosperity in the New Year. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSTORYTIME\n\n\n\nLECTURE HALL\, LOWER LEVEL ** \n\n\n\n1-2 pm  Enjoy a reading of Anzu the Great Kaiju with author Benson Shum and learn how he makes and illustrates books! \n\n\n\n2:30-3:30 pm  Join Oakland Public Library for a Lunar New Year family storytime with songs\, movement\, and fun! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nACTIVITIES \n\n\n\nMID LEVEL TERRACE\, MID LEVEL \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm  Shop and enjoy local artisanal goods and sweet treats by Sunnie Creative\, A Jar of Pickles\, JIĀ HOME CO.\, Oakland Fortune\, Alice St. Bakery Cafe\, Fabula Tea\, and Little Moon Bakehouse. \n\n\n\nGARDEN\, LOWER LEVEL \n\n\n\n12–4:00 pm  Create a horse puppet and decorate a red envelope. \n\n\n\nKORET PLAZA\, LOWER LEVEL \n\n\n\n12–4:00 pm  Write a new year wish for your community and add it to our collective Year of the Horse wishing tree! \n\n\n\n12:30–3:30 pm Oakland Chinatown’s very own Town Print Shop pops up at OMCA today. Experience live screen printing and grab a limited edition Year of the Horse print to commemorate the Museum’s 25th Anniversary Lunar New Year celebration (while supplies last). \n\n\n\nAMPHITHEATER\, LOWER LEVEL \n\n\n\n12:30–1:30 pm and 2:30–3:30 pm  Get ready to dance and learn official K-Pop choreography for two different songs with dance instructor Alice Park. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGALLERY ACTIVITIES\n\n\n\nGARDEN AND KORET PLAZA\, LOWER LEVEL \n\n\n\n12–4:00 pm  Pick up a self-guided Lunar New Year Zodiac Animal Quest activity sheet and search for zodiac animals in our galleries.  \n\n\n\nALL GALLERIES\, LOWER\, MID\, UPPER LEVELS \n\n\n\n1–3:00 pm  Gallery Chats at OMCA takes an informal approach to the traditional museum tour by encouraging meaningful conversations and fresh interpretations to connect with the artwork\, artifacts\, and stories in our galleries. Visitors are invited to chat\, ask questions\, and connect with our OMCA facilitators who combine content knowledge with lived experience to encourage meaningful dialogue and fresh interpretations of our exhibitions. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFOOD AND BEVERAGES\n\n\n\nFOOD VENDORS\, UPPER LEVEL\, OAK STREET PLAZA \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm  Enjoy a delectable variety of food offerings from Bay Area AAPI chefs\, including D’Grobak\, Pintoh Thai\, House of Phin\, and Pho Vy Vietnamese Cuisine. \n\n\n\nTOWN FARE CAFE\, MID LEVEL \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm  Enjoy cuisine and beverages that pay tribute to Chef Michele’s Southern roots and Oakland upbringing while bringing together flavors from the diverse cultures within the local community. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*If raining\, performances will move to the James Moore Theater\, Lower Level. \n\n\n\n**Limited seating. Doors open 15 minutes before each storytime. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout the performers and partners\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n LionDanceME\n \n As seen on America’s Got Talent\, this is LionDanceME\, fresh off of a world lion dance championship in Malaysia! They made history by having the first female in the world to win the Western Lion King title\, and continue to keep the cultural art of dragon and lion dance alive through youth programs at over 30 different schools in San Francisco. You can check out their showcase every Saturday at 4pm in the heart of Chinatown on Grant Avenue! \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Hansamo \n \n Hansamo is a non-profit organization of Korean-American students and parents in the Bay Area committed to promoting the beauty of the Korean language and Korean culture. Through performances and volunteer efforts that share these traditions\, Hansamo contributes to the enrichment of the community’s cultural diversity and awareness. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n KULARTS\n \n Founded in 1985\, KULARTS is the main presenter of contemporary and tribal Pilipino Arts in the United States. The mission of KULARTS is to inform and expand the understanding of American Pilipino culture through works that address contemporary issues in the community. KULARTS objectives are to nurture the artistic development of Pilipino American artists\, and preserve the spirit and integrity of ancient Pilipino art forms through research\, education\, and documentation. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n seiji oda\n \n seiji oda is a Japanese-American rapper and producer from Oakland. His signature sound “lofi-hyphy” combines ambient soundscapes with his Bay Area hyphy roots. This juxtaposition represents seiji’s unorthodox approach to creating music that feels both familiar and futuristic. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Cal VSA Lion and Dragon Dance Team\n \n Cal VSA Lion Dance\, founded in 2012 through the Vietnamese Student Association’s Culture Show\, is UC Berkeley’s one and only student-run lion dance team. Earnestly serving the local Bay Area community for the past 11 years\, they’ve developed a tight-knit team of students and alumni connected by culture\, passion\, and comradery.  \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Benson Shum\n \n Benson Shum is an award-winning children’s book author and illustrator. Among his many books for young readers is Anzu the Great Kaiju\, an ABA Kid’s Indie Next Pick and awarded for Outstanding Achievement in Social Emotional Literature by the Children’s Literature Council of Southern California (CLCSC). Aside from writing and illustrating\, Benson is also a Disney Animator at the Walt Disney Animation Studios\, where he has worked on such films as Frozen 1 and 2\, Big Hero 6\, Moana\, Encanto\, and Zootopia 1 and 2. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Oakland Public Library\n \n With its Main Library on 14th Street and seventeen branch libraries around the Town\, the Oakland Public Library empowers all people to explore\, connect\, and grow. Their services include the Second Start Adult Literacy Program\, a Tool Lending Library\, the African-American Museum and Library at Oakland (AAMLO)\, and the Oakland History Center located on the 2nd Floor of the Main Library. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Alice Park\n \n Alice Park has been teaching her interpretation of official K-Pop choreography since 2022 at various Bay Area dance studios\, including City Dance\, In the Groove Studios\, and Enjoy Dance Studio.  She is a member of the K-Pop project group Groobeu (Groo브)\, a K-Pop dance cover group that releases K-Pop covers filmed in public and performs at various live events. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Town Print Shop\n \n Town Print is an Oakland-based and AAPI-owned print shop serving the community since 2009\, specializing in screen printing\, digital printing\, and embroidery on a wide range of apparel and textiles. Town Print proudly partners with artists\, businesses\, schools\, and organizations to bring their brands and creative ideas to life. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\n\n\nOMCA Lunar New Year is made possible in part by generous support from the Oakland Museum Women’s Board. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/25th-annual-lunar-new-year-at-omca-year-of-the-horse/ LOCATION:OMCA Great Hall\, 1000 Oak\, Oakland\, California\, 94607 CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Live performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/6U4A9517-Enhanced-NR-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260226T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260226T200000 DTSTAMP:20260420T110531 CREATED:20260120T222417Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T215039Z UID:10002246-1772125200-1772136000@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Watermelon Couch Pop-Up Talk & Art Making w/ That Art Party DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Jessa Calderon & Good Fire Pop-Up Talks and Demos\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursDates at OMCA | Watermelon Couch Pop-Up Talk\, Art Making w/ That Art Party\, DJ Set by La Femme Papi\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAdults 18+\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nUnwind into a reflective and creative ThursDates evening at OMCA\, where conversation\, art-making\, and music unfold at an easy pace. Spend time with The Watermelon Couch\, a traveling exhibition and interactive project that transforms lived experience into shared knowledge. Join creator James Shields alongside cooperative development leader Adrionna Fike inside our special exhibition Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain for a thoughtful pop-up discussion that draws on years of stories gathered from Black farmers and communities across the country to explore themes of local agriculture\, collective power\, and sustainable futures.In Town Fare\, That Art Party invites BIPOC adults into a playful\, pressure-free art experience rooted in joy\, care\, and creative release. Designed to loosen perfectionism and invite connection\, the space encourages crafting simply for the pleasure of it. Throughout the evening\, La Femme Papi sets the tone with a warm\, expansive DJ set that centers joy and healing. \n\n\n\nIn 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. This is a night made for celebrating creativity\, community\, and culture in every form. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Drop-In Art Making w/ That Art Party | Town Fare \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm DJ Set w/ La Femme Papi | Town Fare \n\n\n\n6:30–7:15 pm Watermelon Couch Pop-Up Talk | Great Hall Entrance \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS\n\n\n\nSPECIAL EXHIBITION TICKETS\n\n\n\nFree Member Tickets\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout ThursDates \n\n\n\nEvery 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. \n\n\n\nWhether 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAccessibility \n\n\n\nOakland 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 visitor@museumca.org at least three weeks before the event.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformer BIOS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About James Shield\n \n James Shield is an artist\, designer\, and educator based in Oakland. Specializing in illustrations\, murals\, soft sculpture\, and coloring books\, his journey into art began after being laid off from his corporate job following his graduation from Howard University. In 2009\, he decided to pursue his passion for art as his “real job\,” a turning point that led him through a rich tapestry of professional and personal experiences. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Adrionna Fike\n \n Adrionna Fike is a cooperative developer with Cooperation Richmond and a former co-owner of Mandela Grocery Cooperative in West Oakland. She designs and facilitates cooperative education using art-based and popular education methods. Her work makes cooperative models practical\, memorable\, and grounded in daily personal and community practice. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Naomi Fierro Peña\n \n Naomi Fierro Peña (she/her/ella) is a queer\, Mexican-American artist\, facilitator\, and community-curator who specializes in creating artful wellness spaces for BIPOC adults. After a decade as an educator—teaching ethnic studies\, bilingual social studies\, and leading DEI initiatives at Lick-Wilmerding High School—Naomi redirected her passion into founding That Art Party. As Founder & CEO\, she’s on a mission to help BIPOC adults ritualize creative self-care and break free from perfectionism and toxic grind culture. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About La Femme Papi\n \n La Femme Papi is a non-binary\, first-generation Salvadoran American DJ\, youth worker\, and community healer. They were born and raised in San Francisco’s Mission District (Yelamu)\, the unceded ancestral land of the Ramaytush Ohlone people. Their work centers joy and healing for immigrants\, as well as queer and trans people of color dedicated to collective liberation. They’re the current resident DJ at Clutch the Pearls\, a QTBIPOC drag cabaret in the Mission\, and have held residencies with iconic Bay Area parties including Soulovely\, Puti Club\, and Queer Qumbia. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsor\n\n\n\nMajor support for ThursDates at OMCA is provided by The Oakland Museum Women’s Board. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/thursdates-at-omca-with-watermelon-couch-pop-up-talk-art-making-w-that-art-party/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Gallery Chats at OMCA,Thursday After Hours,Town Fare Cafe,Ticketed ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/Watermelon-Couch.png END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR