BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) - ECPv6.15.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) 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:20240310T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20241103T090000 END:STANDARD 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:20250717T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250717T163000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20250515T202458Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250715T170810Z UID:10002165-1752750000-1752769800@museumca.org SUMMARY:Member Preview for Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Member Preview Hours\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou’re invited to the Member Opening for OMCA’s newest exhibition! Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain navigates the braided histories of displacement\, resistance\, and resilience within Black American communities in Oakland and the East Bay. Through works from the OMCA permanent collection alongside new commissions by artist Adrian Burrell\, architect June Grant with blinkLAB architecture\, as well as the Archive of Urban Futures and Moms 4 Housing\, the exhibition traces how Black communities have creatively resisted dispossession and reimagined spaces of home and belonging. Reserved tickets are highly encouraged but not required for Member Preview Hours. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRESERVE MEMBER TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nMajor support for Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain 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\n\n*Header image: Marion Coleman\, Homes On Fire\, 2014\, Textile\, Hayward Area Historical Society \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\nSponsors\n\n\n\nMajor support for Born of the Bear Dance: Dugan Aguilar’s Photographs of Native California is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation and the Oakland Museum Women’s Board. This project was also made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. URL:https://museumca.org/event/member-preview-for-black-spaces-reclaim-remain/ CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Opening,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Homes-on-Fire-e1747332754145.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250717T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20250717T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20250515T202556Z LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T180704Z UID:10002164-1752775200-1752786000@museumca.org SUMMARY:Member Preview Evening Celebration for Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Member Preview Celebration\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue to popular demand\, our evening celebration is at capacity. We are thankful for the overwhelming support and excitement around this new exhibition. We still have availability for the Daytime Preview Hours from 11–5 pm\, or join us at Friday Nights for the public opening! \n\n\n\nBlack Spaces: Reclaim & Remain navigates the braided histories of displacement\, resistance\, and resilience within Black American communities in Oakland and the East Bay. Through works from the OMCA permanent collection alongside new commissions by artist Adrian Burrell\, architect June Grant with blinkLAB architecture\, as well as the Archive of Urban Futures and Moms 4 Housing\, the exhibition traces how Black communities have creatively resisted dispossession and reimagined spaces of home and belonging. \n\n\n\nWe will be celebrating with the curators and collaborators who have helped make this exhibition possible. Join us for light bites\, live music\, and a cash bar. \n\n\n\nRSVP required for the evening celebration. Capacity is limited. QUESTIONS? Email membership@museumca.org or call 510-318-8520. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSOLD OUT\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nMajor support for Black Spaces: Reclaim & Remain 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\n\n*Header image: Marion Coleman\, Homes On Fire\, 2014\, Textile\, Hayward Area Historical Society \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\nSponsors\n\n\n\nMajor support for Born of the Bear Dance: Dugan Aguilar’s Photographs of Native California is provided by the Henry Luce Foundation and the Oakland Museum Women’s Board. This project was also made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. URL:https://museumca.org/event/member-preview-evening-celebration-for-black-spaces-reclaim-remain/ CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Opening,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Homes-on-Fire-e1747332754145.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251026T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251026T160000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20250912T202455Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251026T114604Z UID:10002218-1761476400-1761494400@museumca.org SUMMARY:31st Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration DESCRIPTION:Your browser does not support the video tag.\n \n \n \n \n\n Your browser does not support the video tag.\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \nThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 31st Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBuy your ticket for this year’s celebration. $10 for all-inclusive festival and gallery access. Members and children under 12 are free with advance reservations. Tickets are sold out. \n\n\n\n\nSOLD OUT\n\n\n\n\nASL Interpretation for OMCA Garden and Amphitheater stage will be provided.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis fall\, OMCA invites you to the 31st annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration\, honoring the vibrant traditions of this beloved cultural holiday. The day begins with a procession led by members of the Día de los Muertos Committee\, welcoming all to take part in a meaningful gathering of remembrance and community. \n\n\n\nExperience a full day of connection through hands-on activities\, live music\, delicious food\, and the powerful presence of danza and ceremonia. Explore the Museum campus to view beautifully crafted ofrendas created by community members\, each one a heartfelt tribute to loved ones and ancestors. Visit the mercado to support local artisans offering handmade goods\, altar items\, and Día de los Muertos–inspired art. Guests are also encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy OMCA’s gardens throughout the day. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOpening Ceremony\n\n\n\nGarden\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n11:15 am Procession to the Garden led by the Día de los Muertos Committee for the dedication of the central ofrenda  \n\n\n\n11:30 am–12:00 pm Opening Ceremony with Calpulli Ome-Tekpatl*  \n\n\n\n12:00–12:05 pm Formal Welcome featuring Mistress and Mister of Ceremony* \n\n\n\n*In addition to ASL interpretation\, these portions of the program include Spanish and Nahuatl interpretation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformances\n\n\n\nGarden Stage **\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n12:10–12:50 pm Performance by The John Santos Sextet \n\n\n\n1:00–1:10 pm Poetry Reading by Oakland Youth Poet Laureate\, Myra Estrada \n\n\n\n1:20–1:50 pm Performance by Mariachi Luz de Oro de Berkeley \n\n\n\n2:00–2:10 pm Poetry Reading by Oakland Youth Poet Laureate\, Cael Dueñas-Lara \n\n\n\n2:20–2:50 pm Performance by DíaPaSón \n\n\n\n3:15–3:45 pm Performance by Combo Tezeta \n\n\n\n3:45-4:00 pm Closing Palabras and Four Directions  \n\n\n\n** If raining\, Garden performances will move to the James Moore Theater\, Lower Level \n\n\n\nAmphitheater ***\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n12:45–1:30 pm CANCELED Bachata Lesson with Angélica Medina & Jahaira Fajardo (In Lak’ech Dance Academy) \n\n\n\n2:25–3:00 pm Poetry Readings by Tino V.H. Jr.\, Camila Elizabet Aguirre Aguilar\, and Esperanza Cabrales \n\n\n\n*** If raining\, Amphitheater poetry readings will move to the Lecture Hall\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nTraditional Cleansing\n\n\n\nPatio 3\, Mid Level \n\n\n\n12:30–3:30 pm Receive a limpia\, which is a traditional ritual to heal heavy emotions\, like loss\, and rebalance one’s health and relationships. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nActivities\n\n\n\nLillie Education Center\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm Visit In Recognition of Our Community Roots which honors the departed educators\, community activists\, artists\, and museum volunteers of our East Bay communities. This ofrenda\, or ‘offering altar’\, was created in remembrance of their fruits of labor that gave rise to a myriad of valuable programs and community organizations that continue to enhance our lives.  \n\n\n\nMid Level Terrace and 12th St Plaza\, Mid and Lower Levels \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm Support Bay Area Latinx vendors at our mercado\, which is inspired by the mercados in Mexico where people go to buy Día de los Muertos items for their altars and homes.  \n\n\n\nGarden\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm Join artisan Irma Ortiz for a sugar skull demonstration and decorate your own!  \n\n\n\n12–4 pm Create colorful masks and miniature ofrendas at our hands-on art stations. \n\n\n\nGarden\, Mid Level \n\n\n\n12–4 pm Learn how tortillas are made at this demonstration station.   \n\n\n\nLecture Hall\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n12:30–3 pm Enjoy interviews from current and past Día de los Muertos Committee members and learn about the legacy of honoring Day of the Dead traditions for 31 years at OMCA.  \n\n\n\nGalleries of California Art\, History\, and Natural Sciences\, All Levels \n\n\n\n1–3 pm Regular Gallery Chats Facilitators will be available to engage in conversation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMercado Vendors\n\n\n\nArt by Luna \n\n\n\nCasa de la Fiesta \n\n\n\nChris Granillo Art  \n\n\n\nCorazón Mestizo \n\n\n\nDave Of The Dead Arts \n\n\n\nFrida’s Ofrenditas \n\n\n\nRainbow Turtle Jewelry \n\n\n\nThe Designing Chica \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFood and Beverages\n\n\n\nOak Street Plaza\, Upper Level \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm Enjoy sweet and savory tamales\, atole\, and cafe de olla from La Guerrera’s Kitchen\, pan de muerto from Bakery El Sol\, ice cream from De La Creamery\, and tacos\, quesadillas\, sopes\, tostadas\, and aguas frescas from Taca-Brona.  \n\n\n\nMid Level \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm Town Fare by Chef Michele McQueen; OMCA Store\, featuring The Xocolate Bar  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOfrendas\n\n\n\nBerkeley Mental Health \n\n\n\nDREAMS: Desired Reproductive Health Access for Maternal Services\, Alameda County Public Health Department \n\n\n\nFirst Exposures \n\n\n\nHomies Empowerment \n\n\n\nLa Clínica de la Raza\, Casa del Sol \n\n\n\nLatina Leaders \n\n\n\nMontera Latino Male Achievement \n\n\n\nOMCA’s Día de los Muertos Committee \n\n\n\nRichmond High School Alma Latina-Danza Tonatzi \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn Recognition of our Community Roots\n\n\n\nOn view September 24–November 30\, 2025 \n\n\n\nLower Level\, near the entrance to the Gallery of California Natural Sciences \n\n\n\nFree \n\n\n\nThis ofrenda (or altar) is dedicated to the departed educators\, community activists\, artists\, and museum volunteers of our East Bay communities who\, in their lifetime\, offered their time\, talents\, and knowledge for the enrichment of their communities. We honor them and recognize that the fruits of their labor gave rise to a myriad of valuable programs and community organizations that continue to enhance our lives\, including the diverse programming at the Oakland Museum of California.  \n\n\n\nWe\, the members of the Oakland Museum’s Día de los Muertos Committee\, have selected the symbol of the Tree of Life as the theme of this year’s ofrenda. With roots reaching back to pre-Columbian Mesoamerica\, the Tree of Life continues to represent the heavens (home of the divinities)\, the earth (home of humankind)\, and the underworld (home of the dead).   \n\n\n\nThe Tree of Life is a motif found in many cultures and beliefs around the world. It often symbolizes that life and death are equal partners in the continuation of life. We invite you to reflect on your family roots and your connections to our community.  \n\n\n\nThis installation was created in conjunction with the Oakland Museum of California’s annual commemoration of the Day of the Dead celebration by members of the Museum’s volunteer Día de los Muertos Committee. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOakland Museum of CaliforniaDía de los Muertos Committee\n\n\n\nLuz Alvarez Martinez\, Chrissy Cano\, Bea Carrillo-Hocker\, Juanita Chavez-Gordon\, Alicia Diaz\, Sheyla Duarte\, Isaac Emrick\, Angelita M. Finlayson\, Arnoldo García\, Judi García\, Luz A. Islas Rosales\, Carolina Juárez\, Lisa Lemus\, Micaela Mariscal\, Alejandra Martinez\, Juliane Monroe\, Annette Oropeza\, Isabela Pérez\, Rebecca Recco\, aa Valdivia \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n31.ª Celebración Anual del Día de los Muertos\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n26 de octubre de 2025\, 11 am-4 pm\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCompre su entrada para la celebración de este año. $10 con todo incluido para el festival y el acceso a la galería. Gratis para miembros y niños menores de 12 años con reservación. Las entradas están agotadas. \n\n\n\n\nentradas Agotadas\n\n\n\n\nSe proporcionará interpretación de lengua de señas estadounidense (ASL) en el escenario ubicado en el jardín y el anfiteatro del OMCA. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEste otoño\, OMCA te invita a la 31.ª Celebración Comunitaria Anual del Día de los Muertos\, que honra las vibrantes tradiciones de esta querida festividad cultural. El día comienza con una procesión encabezada por miembros del Comité del Día de los Muertos\, que invita a todos a participar en una significativa reunión de conmemoración y comunidad. \n\n\n\nDisfruta de un día lleno de conexión a través de actividades prácticas\, música en vivo\, deliciosa comida y la poderosa presencia de la danza y la ceremonia. Explora el campus del Museo para ver ofrendas bellamente elaboradas por miembros de la comunidad\, cada una con un sentido homenaje a tus seres queridos y antepasados. \n\n\n\nVisita el mercado para apoyar a los artesanos locales que ofrecen productos hechos a mano\, artículos para el altar y arte inspirado en el Día de los Muertos. También se anima a los visitantes a traer un picnic y disfrutar de los jardines de OMCA durante todo el día. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEl Programa\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCeremonia de Apertura\n\n\n\nJardín\, nivel inferior \n\n\n\n11:15 am Procesión al jardín encabezada por el Comité del Día de los Muertos para la dedicación de la ofrenda central \n\n\n\n11:30 am–12:00 pm Ceremonia de apertura con Calpulli Ome-Tekpatl* \n\n\n\n12:00–12:05 pm Bienvenida formal a cargo de los maestros de ceremonia Juanita Chavez-Gordon y Arnoldo García* \n\n\n\n*Además de la interpretación en ASL\, estas partes del programa incluyen interpretación en español y náhuatl. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPresentaciones\n\n\n\nEscenario del jardín**\, nivel inferior \n\n\n\n12:10–12:50 pm Presentación de The John Santos Sextet \n\n\n\n1:00–1:10 pm Lectura de poemas a cargo de poeta laureado juvenil de Oakland\, Myra Estrada \n\n\n\n1:20–1:50 pm Presentación de Mariachi Luz de Oro de Berkeley \n\n\n\n2:00–2:10 pm Lectura de poemas a cargo de poeta laureado juvenil de Oakland\, Cael Dueñas-Lara \n\n\n\n2:20–2:50 pm Presentación de DíaPaSón \n\n\n\n3:15–3:45 pm Presentación de Combo Tezeta \n\n\n\n3:45-4:00 pm Palabras de cierre y Cuatro Direcciones \n\n\n\n**En caso de lluvia\, las presentaciones se trasladarán al teatro James Moore\, nivel inferior \n\n\n\nAmphitheater ***\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n12:45–1:30 pm CANCELADO Clase de salsa y bachata con Angélica Medina y Jahaira Fajardo (In Lak’ech Dance Academy) \n\n\n\n2:25–3:00 pm Lectura de poemas a cargo de Tino V.H. Jr.\, Camila Elizabet Aguirre Aguilar\, y Esperanza Cabrales \n\n\n\n***En caso de lluvia\, las presentaciones se trasladarán a la Sala de conferencias\, nivel inferior \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLimpia Tradicional \n\n\n\nPatio 3\, nivel superior \n\n\n\n12:30–3:30 pm Reciba una limpia\, que es un ritual tradicional para sanar emociones pesadas\, como la pérdida\, y reequilibrar la salud y las relaciones personales. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nActividades\n\n\n\nLillie Education Center\, nivel inferior \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm  Visite En Reconocimiento a Nuestras Raíces Comunitarias\, que honra las vidas de aquellos educadores\, activistas comunitarios\, artistas y voluntarios del museo de nuestras comunidades de East Bay. Esta ofrenda se preparó en recuerdo de los frutos de su labor dieron lugar a una enorme cantidad de valiosas organizaciones y programas comunitarios que continúan mejorando nuestras vidas. \n\n\n\nTerraza de nivel intermedio y 12th St. Plaza\, nivel intermedio y nivel bajo \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm Apoye a los vendedores latinos del East Bay en nuestro mercado\, inspirado en los mercados de México donde la gente compra artículos del Día de los Muertos para sus altares y hogares. \n\n\n\nJardín\, nivel inferior \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm La artesana Irma Ortiz mostrará el proceso de elaboración de las calaveras de azúcar\, ¡únase para decorar su propia calavera! \n\n\n\n12–4 pm Cree máscaras coloridas y ofrendas en miniatura en nuestras estaciones de artesanías. \n\n\n\nJardín\, nivel intermedio \n\n\n\n12–4 pm Aprenda cómo se hacen las tortillas en esta estación de demostración. \n\n\n\nLecture Hall\, nivel inferior \n\n\n\n12:30–3 pm Disfrute de entrevistas a miembros actuales y antiguos del Comité del Día de los Muertos y conozca la tradición de honrar las costumbres del Día de los Muertos que celebramos en el OMCA hace 31 años. \n\n\n\nGalerías de Ciencias Naturales\, Historia y Arte de California\, todos los niveles \n\n\n\n1–3 pm Habrá moderadores regulares de Conversaciones de galería dispuestos a conversar. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nVendedores del Mercado\n\n\n\nArt by Luna \n\n\n\nCasa de la Fiesta \n\n\n\nChris Granillo Art  \n\n\n\nCorazón Mestizo \n\n\n\nDave Of The Dead Arts \n\n\n\nFrida’s Ofrenditas \n\n\n\nRainbow Turtle Jewelry \n\n\n\nThe Designing Chica \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nComidas y Bebidas\n\n\n\nOak Street Plaza\, nivel superior \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm Saboree tamales dulces y salados\, atole y café de olla de La Guerrera’s Kitchen\, pan de muerto de Bakery El Sol\, helado de De La Creamery y tacos\, quesadillas\, sopes\, tostadas\, y aguas frescas de Taca-Brona. \n\n\n\nNivel intermedio \n\n\n\n11 am–4 pm Cafetería Town Fare de la chef Michele McQueen; Tienda OMCA\, con The Xocolate Bar  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOfrendas\n\n\n\nBerkeley Mental Health \n\n\n\nDREAMS: Desired Reproductive Health Access for Maternal Services\, Alameda County Public Health Department \n\n\n\nFirst Exposures \n\n\n\nHomies Empowerment \n\n\n\nLa Clínica de la Raza\, Casa del Sol \n\n\n\nLatina Leaders \n\n\n\nMontera Latino Male Achievement \n\n\n\nOMCA’s Día de los Muertos Committee \n\n\n\nRichmond High School Alma Latina-Danza Tonatzi \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEn Reconocimiento a Nuestras Raíces Comunitarias\n\n\n\nDel 24 de septiembre  al 30 de noviembre de 2025 \n\n\n\nNivel inferior\, cerca de la entrada de la Galería de Ciencias Naturales de California \n\n\n\nGratis \n\n\n\nEsta ofrenda (o altar) está dedicada a aquellos educadores\, activistas comunitarios\, artistas y voluntarios del museo de nuestras comunidades de East Bay que se nos adelantaron en el viaje final y que\, a lo largo de sus vidas\, ofrecieron su tiempo\, sus talentos y su conocimiento para enriquecer a sus comunidades. Les rendimos homenaje y reconocemos que los frutos de su labor dieron lugar a una enorme cantidad de valiosas organizaciones y programas comunitarios que continúan mejorando nuestras vidas\, lo que incluye la diversa programación del Oakland Museum of California.  \n\n\n\nNosotros\, los miembros del Comité del Día de los Muertos del Oakland Museum of California\, hemos seleccionado el símbolo del Árbol de la Vida como tema de la ofrenda de este año. El Árbol de la Vida\, cuyo origen se remonta a la Mesoamérica precolombina\, sigue representando el cielo (hogar de los dioses)\, la tierra (hogar de los humanos) y el inframundo (hogar de los muertos).   \n\n\n\nEl Árbol de la Vida es un concepto que se puede encontrar en muchas culturas y creencias en todo el mundo. Suele simbolizar que la vida y la muerte son socios igualitarios en la continuidad de la vida. Lo invitamos a reflexionar sobre las raíces de su familia y sus conexiones con nuestra comunidad.  \n\n\n\nEsta instalación fue creada con motivo de la conmemoración anual del Día de los Muertos en el Oakland Museum of California por miembros del Comité del Día de los Muertos del museo\, formado por voluntarios. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOakland Museum of CaliforniaComité del Día de los Muertos\n\n\n\nLuz Alvarez Martinez\, Chrissy Cano\, Bea Carrillo-Hocker\, Juanita Chavez-Gordon\, Alicia Diaz\, Sheyla Duarte\, Isaac Emrick\, Angelita M. Finlayson\, Arnoldo García\, Judi García\, Luz A. Islas Rosales\, Carolina Juárez\, Lisa Lemus\, Micaela Mariscal\, Alejandra Martinez\, Juliane Monroe\, Annette Oropeza\, Isabela Pérez\, Rebecca Recco\, aa Valdivia \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nHighlights\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n Please accept statistics\, marketing cookies to watch this video. \n\n\n\n\n\n\nCELEBRATING 30 YEARS OF DÍA DE LOS MUERTOS AT OMCA\n\n\n\nIn collaboration with the Oakland Museum of California’s volunteer Día de los Muertos Committee\, we transform our campus into a sacred space for our annual community celebration\, which brings together people from Oakland and across the Bay Area. Visit OMCA every October to join in the celebration! \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nArtist Bios\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Calpulli Ome-Tekpatl\n \n Coming from Hayward\, Calpulli Ome-Tekpatl is led by Jefe Hugo who has 26 years within the danza community. The group has been established for 8 years and their danzantes continue to practice Conquista\, Conformidad\, y Unión. Conquista refers to the practice of making new connections by meeting new people; Conformidad is the practice of humility\, while Unión speaks to the unity shared amongst the people \nCalpulli Ome-Tekpatl\, procedente de Hayward\, está dirigido por el Jefe Hugo\, que lleva 26 años en la comunidad de la danza. El grupo se fundó hace 8 años y sus danzantes siguen sosteniendo el lema: Conquista\, conformidad y unión. Conquista se refiere a la práctica de establecer nuevas conexiones conociendo gente nueva; la conformidad es la práctica de la humildad\, mientras que unión habla de la unidad que se comparte con las personas. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n The John Santos Sextet\n \n Seven-time Grammy nominee\, SFJAZZ Resident Artistic Director (2013 & 2014)\, 2012 San Francisco Latino Heritage Arts Awardee\, and US Artist Fontanals Fellow\, John Santos and his stellar Sextet are one of the premier Afro-Latin Jazz musical groups in the United States. \nFar more than a master percussionist\,John Santos is an internationally renowned multi-Grammy-nominated percussionist and San Francisco native and has been a constant presence in the center of the rich Bay Area music scene for 50 years! He is a prolific Afro-Latin bandleader\, composer\, teacher\, writer\, producer\, and cultural activist who has performed and recorded with countless musical giants including Dizzy Gillespie\, Tito Puente\, Max Roach\, Cachao\, McCoy Tyner\, Bobby Hutcherson\, Joe Henderson\, and Omar Sosa. \nJohn Santos\, siete veces nominado al Grammy\, director artístico residente de SFJAZZ (2013 y 2014)\, ganador del San Francisco Latino Heritage Arts 2012 y becario estadounidense Fontanals\, y su estelar sexteto son uno de los principales grupos musicales de jazz afrolatino de los Estados Unidos. \nMucho más que un maestro percusionista\, John Santos es un percusionista de renombre internacional nominado a varios premios Grammy y originario de San Francisco\, y ha tenido una presencia constante en el centro de la rica escena musical del Área de la Bahía durante 50 años. Es un prolífico director de banda\, compositor\, profesor\, escritor\, productor y activista cultural afrolatino que ha actuado y grabado con innumerables gigantes de la música\, como Dizzy Gillespie\, Tito Puente\, Max Roach\, Cachao\, McCoy Tyner\, Bobby Hutcherson\, Joe Henderson y Omar Sosa. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Angélica Medina & Jahaira Fajardo\n \n Angélica and Jahaira are the founders of In Lak’ech Dance Academy\, a queer and POC-led Afro-Latin dance studio based in Oakland. Their mission is to co-create a community of Queer\, Trans\, and allied dancers to celebrate resilience\, nurture collective strength\, and heal from oppression. Angélica is a Queer Chicanx dancer and professional therapist. In Lak’ech is a fusion of Angélica’s passion for therapy and dance. Jahaira was born and raised in NYC\, and was born to Dominican parents. Jahaira holds a Masters of Arts in Psychology and a Masters of Public Health. Jahaira is also a highly regarded speaker and educator about Afro-Latin dance as a medium to understand history\, social justice\, and trauma healing. \nAngélica y Jahaira son las fundadoras de In Lak’ech Dance Academy\, un estudio de baile afrolatino dirigido por personas queer y de color con sede en Oakland. Su misión es cocrear una comunidad de bailarines queer\, trans y afines para celebrar la resiliencia\, fomentar la fuerza colectiva y sanar la opresión. Angélica es bailarina y terapeuta profesional queer y chicanx. In Lak’ech es una fusión de la pasión de Angélica por la terapia y la danza. Jahaira nació y creció en Nueva York\, su madre y su padre son dominicanos. Tiene un máster en Psicología y un máster en Salud Pública. También es una respetada oradora y educadora de la danza afrolatina como medio para entender la historia\, la justicia social y la curación de los traumas. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n DíaPaSón\n \n DíaPaSón is an ensemble of performing artists who\, in the interest of empowering voices and building resilience in our communities\, delve deeply into son jarocho music and poetry. Active in the rich sonero community of the Bay Area\, DíaPaSon artists  have studied the son art form with internationally renowned master artists from Mexico who often perform in its programs and collaborate in their projects. The ensemble has appeared on national and international stages and is under the directorship of María de la Rosa. \nDíaPaSón es un conjunto de artistas interpretativos que\, con el fin de empoderar las voces y fomentar la resiliencia en nuestras comunidades\, profundizan en la música y la poesía del son jarocho. Los artistas de DíaPaSón\, activos en la rica comunidad sonera del Área de la Bahía\, han estudiado el género del son con artistas maestros de México de renombre internacional\, que a menudo actúan en sus programas y colaboran en sus proyectos. El conjunto ha actuado en escenarios nacionales e internacionales y está bajo la dirección de María de la Rosa. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Mariachi Luz de Oro de Berkeley\n \n Mariachi Luz de Oro is a completely student-run Mariachi band made up of students from all years\, majors\, and ethnic backgrounds at the University of California\, Berkeley. The group\, first established in 2013\, studies and performs traditional and modern Mexican folk music. Their mission is to preserve the art form of Mariachi\, and to help share the beauty of Mexican culture on UC Berkeley’s campus. \nMariachi Luz de Oro es una banda de mariachis dirigida completamente por estudiantes y formada por estudiantes de todos los años\, especializaciones y orígenes étnicos de la Universidad de California en Berkeley. El grupo\, creado por primera vez en 2013\, estudia e interpreta música popular mexicana tradicional y moderna. Su misión es preservar la forma artística del mariachi y ayudar a compartir la belleza de la cultura mexicana en el campus de la Universidad de California en Berkeley. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Combo Tezeta\n \n Combo Tezeta have been bringing the vibe to many Bay Area’s music venues including The Chapel\, The Brick and Mortar\, The Sweetwater\, Hardly Strictly Bluegrass fest in Golden Gate Park\, The Ivy Room\, Eli’s Mile High club and in April this year the Great American Music Hall. They have also toured up and down the West Coast playing clubs and festivals\, most memorably with Satan’s Pilgrim and Thomas Lauderdale of Pink Martini in 2023. Combo Tezeta has also opened for a prolific show put on by Noisepop in G.G.Park\, featuring Thundercat and Lee Fields and the Expressions. \nCombo Tezeta viene compartiendo su estilo en muchos locales de música del Área de la Bahía\, como The Chapel\, The Brick and Mortar\, The Sweetwater\, el festival Hardly Strictly Bluegrass n Golden Gate Park\, The Ivy Room\, el club Eli’s Mile High y\, en abril de este año\, el Great American Music Hall. También han hecho giras por la costa oeste tocando en clubes y festivales\, sobre todo con Satan’s Pilgrim y Thomas Lauderdale de Pink Martini en 2023. Combo Tezeta también ha sido telonera de un prolífico espectáculo de Noisepop en G.G.Park\, con Thundercat y Lee Fields and the Expressions. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Poets\n \n Tino V.H. Jr.: Tino V. H. Jr. is a Mexican-American teaching artist\, spoken word poet and the editor in chief of The Poet’s Bookshelf. Born and raised in Oakland\, CA. He has represented poetry teams for cities like Santa Cruz and Berkeley\, CA\, on national stages. Most recently\, he traveled to the Bigfoot Poetry Festival with the 2023 Berkeley Slam team\, where they took third place. You can find The Poet’s Bookshelf on Substack. \nTino V. H. Jr. es un artista docente mexicano-estadounidense\, poeta de la palabra hablada y editor en jefe de The Poet’s Bookshelf. Nació y creció en Oakland\, California. Ha representado a equipos de poesía en ciudades como Santa Cruz y Berkeley\, California\, en los escenarios nacionales. Más recientemente\, viajó al Bigfoot Poetry Festival con el equipo del Berkeley Slam de 2023\, donde quedaron en tercer lugar. Puede encontrar The Poet’s Bookshelf en Substack. \nCamila Elizabet Aguirre Aguilar: Camila Elizabet Aguirre Aguilar is a Xicana warrior\, educator\, and poet. Camila has slammed since the age of fourteen and competed in the 2017 National Poetry Slam on Team Oakland. For over fifteen years\, Camila has performed and workshopped spoken word poetry with youth; teaching for nonprofit organizations such as Bay Area Creative and the New Literary Project. Her work centers justice\, empowerment\, and healing. Camila recently received her MFA in Creative Writing at St. Mary’s College of California. \nCamila Elizabet Aguirre Aguilar es una guerrera\, educadora y poeta xicana. Camila ha participado en slams desde los catorce años y compitió en el National Poetry Slam de 2017 con el equipo de Oakland. Durante más de quince años\, Camila ha interpretado y realizado talleres de poesía hablada con jóvenes; ha enseñado en organizaciones sin fines de lucro como Bay Area Creative y New Literary Project. Su trabajo reúne la justicia\, el empoderamiento y la sanación. Camila obtuvo recientemente un máster en Escritura Creativa en el St. Mary’s College de California. \nEsperanza Cabrales: Esperanza Cabrales (she/they) is a queer Xicana slam poet\, teaching artist with Bay Area Creative\, crafter of beaded earrings\, zines maker\, recurring Berkeley Slam scorekeeper\, and aspiring polyglot based in unceded Muwekma Ohlone territory\, colonized and known today as Oakland\, California. Self-referencing as a 1.5 generation Mexican-American\, she was raised in the San Joaquin Valley where she began to write poetry in 2014 and hasn’t stopped since. \nEsperanza Cabrales (ella/elle) es una poeta queer xicana de slam\, artista docente en Bay Area Creative\, artesana de pendientes de cuentas\, creadora de fanzines\, anotadora recurrente del Berkeley Slam y aspirante a políglota afincada en el territorio no cedido de Muwekma Ohlone\, colonizado y conocido hoy como Oakland\, California. Se autodefine como mexicana-estadounidense de generación y media; creció en el valle de San Joaquín\, donde comenzó a escribir poesía en 2014 y no ha parado desde entonces. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n \n \n Youth Poets\n \n Myra Estrada: Myra is an African American and Mexican female teaching artist and poet. She is Oakland’s 2021 Youth Poet Laureate and has since then performed across the Bay Area in spaces such as the DeYoung Museum\, Ella Baker Center\, Youth Speaks\, and The Oakland Public Library. She hopes to represent those who have walked the sacred grounds of Oakland before her and the brown babies that will come after her. \nMyra es una artista docente y poeta afroestadounidense y mexicana. Es una joven poeta laureada en Oakland en 2021 y desde entonces ha actuado en el Área de la Bahía en espacios como el Museo DeYoung\, el Centro Ella Baker\, Youth Speaks y la Biblioteca Pública de Oakland. Espera representar a quienes han caminado por los terrenos sagrados de Oakland antes que ella y a los bebés morenos que vendrán después de ella. \nCael Dueñas-Lara: Mexican-American born and raised and currently residing in the vibrant community of Oakland California\, Cael Dueñas-Lara writes poetry as an outlet to teach others the perspective of a male of color living in Oakland. Cael work aims to flip the narrative\, which is often portrayed through a lens of deficit and violent stereotypes. \nCael Dueñas-Lara\, nacido y criado mexicanoestadounidense y actualmente residente en la vibrante comunidad de Oakland\, California\, escribe poesía como medio para enseñar a otros la perspectiva de un hombre de color que vive en Oakland. La obra de Cael tiene como objetivo cambiar la narrativa\, que a menudo se describe a través de una lente de estereotipos deficitarios y violentos. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\n\n\nThe 31st Annual Día de los Muertos Community Celebration is made possible in part by generous support from the Oakland Museum Women’s Board.La 31.ª Celebración Comunitaria Anual del Día de los Muertos es posible en parte gracias al generoso apoyo del Consejo de Mujeres del Oakland Museum of California. URL:https://museumca.org/event/31st-annual-dia-de-los-muertos-community-celebration/ LOCATION:OMCA Campus\, 1000 Oak St\,\, Oakland\, California\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Live performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/DSCF8127-e1757708530993.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251106T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251106T163000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20251006T204127Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251006T204552Z UID:10002220-1762426800-1762446600@museumca.org SUMMARY:Member Preview for Good Fire: Tending Native Lands DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMember Preview Hours\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou’re invited to the Member Opening for OMCA’s newest exhibition! Good Fire: Tending Native Lands explores the past\, present\, and future of fire in California through Native practices. For centuries\, Native communities have used intentional\, low-intensity fires to renew the land and support biodiversity. This tradition was disrupted by colonial laws and fire suppression\, leading to today’s destructive megafires. Good Fire shows how Native communities are reviving these vital practices to cultivate more resilient landscapes and uphold traditions. Reserved tickets are highly encouraged but not required for Member Preview Hours. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRESERVE MEMBER TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDon’t miss the opening celebration on Thursday\, November 6\, 6-9 pm. Join us for an evening of celebration with live music\, delicious bites\, and festive refreshments—an inspiring preview honoring the vital knowledge of Native California communities that you won’t want to miss! RSVP required. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nMajor support for Good Fire: Tending Native Lands 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\n\n*Header image: Steven Saiz (Hupa) uses liquid fuel from a drip torch to spread fire. Photo by Maddy Rifka. URL:https://museumca.org/event/member-preview-for-good-fire-tending-native-lands/ CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Opening,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/unnamed-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251106T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20251106T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20251006T204103Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251029T201027Z UID:10002219-1762452000-1762462800@museumca.org SUMMARY:Member Preview Evening Celebration for Good Fire: Tending Native Lands DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMember Preview Evening Celebration\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDue to popular demand\, our evening celebration is at capacity. We are thankful for the overwhelming support and excitement around this new exhibition. We still have availability for the Daytime Preview Hours from 11–5 pm. \n\n\n\nBe among the first to experience this powerful exhibition alongside the curators\, collaborators\, and community members who brought it to life. Join us for an evening of celebration with live music\, delicious bites\, and festive refreshments—an inspiring preview honoring the vital knowledge of Native California communities that you won’t want to miss! \n\n\n\nGood Fire: Tending Native Lands explores the past\, present\, and future of fire in California through Native practices. For centuries\, Native communities have used intentional\, low-intensity fires to renew the land and support biodiversity. This tradition was disrupted by colonial laws and fire suppression\, leading to today’s destructive megafires. Good Fire shows how Native communities are reviving these vital practices to cultivate more resilient landscapes and uphold traditions. \n\n\n\nRSVP required for the evening celebration. Capacity is limited. QUESTIONS? Email membership@museumca.org or call 510-318-8520. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAT CAPACITY\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCan’t make the Member Preview Evening celebration?Join us for our Daytime Preview Hours from 11–5 pm and experience OMCA’s newest exhibition before it opens to the public! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nMajor support for Good Fire: Tending Native Lands 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\n\n*Header image: Steven Saiz (Hupa) uses liquid fuel from a drip torch to spread fire. Photo by Maddy Rifka. URL:https://museumca.org/event/member-preview-evening-celebration-for-good-fire-tending-native-lands/ CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Opening,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/unnamed-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260108T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260108T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20251211T223050Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T234907Z UID:10002229-1767891600-1767902400@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Mahjong Game Night DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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 and Experimental Dance ft. Paz Hidalgo and Quinn\, Mahjong Game Night\, DJ Set by China G\, 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 the warm\, after-hours glow of the 2026 ThursDates season with a signature cocktail\, laid-back beats from DJ China G\, and the kind of unhurried energy that allows connection and creativity to flourish. This Thursday\, DJ China G will be setting a groove-worthy atmosphere in Town Fare for a Mahjong (麻将) game night\, all while Sketchboard Co. hosts enchanting unrestricted live figure drawing sessions in the Gallery of California Art. Models Paz Hidalgo and Quinn animate each session\, bringing gentle butoh dance and experimental movements to their poses. \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 also 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 our Special Exhibitions and our Galleries of California Art and History\, and are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | Great Hall and the Galleries of California Art and History  \n\n\n\n5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing ft. Paz Hidalgo + Quinn| Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Mahjong | Town Fare \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm DJ China G | Town Fare \n\n\n\n6:35–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing ft. Paz Hidalgo + Quinn | Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGET 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 DJ China G\n \n DJ China G (Elyssa Pon) is a California native and long-time San Francisco resident who has been a powerhouse in the LGBTQIA+ nightlife scene for over 25 years. An internationally recognized DJ and club promoter\, she co-founded and headlined the legendary queer/lesbian party Rebel Girl (2000–2009) and helped manage Cockblock (2016). Her work has earned her features in the San Francisco Bay Guardian and SF Weekly for her contributions to music and community culture. \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-experimental-dance/ 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:20260110T103000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T113000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20251212T221420Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251223T214809Z UID:10002237-1768041000-1768044600@museumca.org SUMMARY:Basketry Demonstration & Conversation with Jennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk) DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBasketry Demonstration & Conversation with Jennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin Mewuk basket weaver Jennifer Bates for a special basketry demonstration and conversation exploring the artistry\, techniques\, and traditions of California Native basketmaking. Jennifer will share her personal practice\, discuss the plants and materials used in traditional basketry\, and walk audiences through key steps of gathering\, cleaning\, splitting\, and preparing materials. Enjoy an up-close look at her artistry\, learn the difference between twined and coiled techniques\, and take part in a lively Q&A. \n\n\n\nAs part of this program\, attendees are also invited to explore OMCA’s new exhibition Good Fire: Tending Native Lands\, which highlights Indigenous knowledge\, cultural burning\, and stewardship practices across California. \n\n\n\nThis program is a part of our exhibition programming for Good Fire: Tending Native Lands on view at OMCA from November 7\, 2025\, through May 31\, 2026. This program is designed for people aged 12 and up; there is limited capacity and tickets are required. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGET TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Jennifer Bates\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk) is a traditional Mewuk basket weaver and cultural consultant with nearly 50 years of experience preserving and teaching Central California Native arts. A founding board member and former long-standing chair of the California Indian Basketweavers Association\, she has represented California’s basketry traditions at institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and curated numerous exhibitions across the state. Jennifer’s work spans cultural education\, arts leadership\, and community advocacy\, and she continues to share her deep knowledge through workshops\, demonstrations\, and public presentations. \n\n\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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/basketry-demonstration-conversation-with-jennifer-bates-northern-sierra-mewuk/ LOCATION:OMCA Lecture Hall\, 1000 Oak\, Oakland\, California\, 94607 CATEGORIES:Gallery Chats at OMCA,Workshop,Ticketed,Conversation / Lecture,Family,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/webp:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Jennifer-Bates_Basket.webp END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T143000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20251218T221727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T234845Z UID:10002238-1768048200-1768055400@museumca.org SUMMARY:Introductory Basketry Workshop with Jennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk) DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIntroductory Basketry Workshop with Jennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk)\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nIn this introductory workshop\, led by Jennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk) and her apprentice\, Jeannette Innerarity (Ione Band of Miwok)\, attendees will explore basketry materials\, learn foundational techniques\, and be guided through weaving a basket base. All materials will be provided. This intimate workshop emphasizes close instruction\, cultural context\, and an opportunity to learn directly from two experienced weavers. \n\n\n\nThis workshop is a part of our exhibition programming for Good Fire: Tending Native Lands on view at OMCA from November 7\, 2025\, through May 31\, 2026. This workshop is designed for people aged 12 and up; capacity is very limited\, and tickets are required. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSOLD OUT\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Jennifer Bates\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk) is a traditional Mewuk basket weaver and cultural consultant with nearly 50 years of experience preserving and teaching Central California Native arts. A founding board member and former long-standing chair of the California Indian Basketweavers Association\, she has represented California’s basketry traditions at institutions such as the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian and curated numerous exhibitions across the state. Jennifer’s work spans cultural education\, arts leadership\, and community advocacy\, and she continues to share her deep knowledge through workshops\, demonstrations\, and public presentations. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Jeannete Innerarity\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJeannette Innerarity is Northern Sierra Miwok and a citizen of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. Jeanette honors those who came before her by actively prioritizing and embodying Miwok knowledges and ways of being\, including basketweaving with her mentor Jennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk)\, learning and implementing Miwok language\, participation in traditional food gathering and preparation as well as crafting traditional Miwok regalia\, game sets and acorn cooking implements.  \n\n\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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/introductory-basketry-workshop-with-jennifer-bates-northern-sierra-mewuk/ LOCATION:OMCA Learning Center\, 1000 Oak\, Oakland\, California\, 94607 CATEGORIES:Gallery Chats at OMCA,Ticketed,Conversation / Lecture,Family,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/basket-workshop-1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260115T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260115T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20251211T222934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T234813Z UID:10002230-1768496400-1768507200@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Diana Gameros ft. Patrick Wolff DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursDates at OMCA | Pop-Up Performance with Diana Gameros ft. Patrick Wolff\, Black Vines Wine Tasting\, 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\nSlip into the easy cadence of ThursDates with an evening that blends music\, flavor\, and community. Begin by exploring a curated tasting from Black Vines*\, featuring wines crafted by Black-owned wineries\, paired with tasty bites from Town Fare. As you wander\, DJ Mark DiVita sets a smooth\, soulful backdrop that gently fills the cafe. Later\, settle in for an intimate set by acclaimed singer-songwriter Diana Gameros\, joined by Patrick Wolff on clarinet and saxophone\, offering reflective melodies rooted in stories of home and belonging. It’s a night designed for lingering conversations\, quiet discoveries\, and the pleasure of experiencing art\, music\, and culture at your own pace. \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 our Special Exhibitions and our Galleries of California Art and History\, and are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. It’s a night designed for lingering conversations\, quiet discoveries\, and the pleasure of experiencing art\, music\, and culture at your own pace. \n\n\n\n*  Separate on-site ticket purchase from Black Vines required to participate \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | Great Hall and the Galleries of California Art and History  \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Wine Tasting with Black Vines | Town Fare \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Music Set with DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare \n\n\n\n6–6:30 pm Pop-Up Performance with Diana Gameros | Gallery of California History \n\n\n\n7–7:30 pm Pop-Up Performance with Diana Gameros  | Gallery of California History \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nGET 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 Diana Gameros\n \n Diana Gameros is a singer\, guitarist\, pianist\, composer\, songwriter\, lead teaching artist with the Lullaby Project\, and a core member of the Immigrant Orchestra. Born and raised in Juárez\, México\, she immigrated to the United States as a teenager. Over the last decade in the Bay Area\, she has released three albums featuring original songs in Spanish and English\, as well as interpretations of Mexican classics. Diana has also been recognized multiple times by NPR’s Tiny Desk Contest and was the subject of a documentary film\, Dear Homeland. Her music has led her to perform alongside prominent artists such as Joan Baez\, Natalia Lafourcade\, and the San Francisco Symphony. Diana received the 2023 Music Award Grant from the Gerbode Foundation to record her latest album\, Volver a la Luz. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Black Vines\n \n Black Vines is a showcase for winemakers and an opportunity for guests—those new to wines or seasoned tasters—to celebrate African American culture. It is also a gathering place where trade connections are made and community fellowship is real. Proceeds from the event benefit Bay Area charities. \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-diana-gameros-ft-patrick-wolff/ 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/Diana-Gameros_Performance-shot_by-Cristina-Isabel-Rivera-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260122T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260122T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20251211T223344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T204158Z UID:10002232-1769101200-1769112000@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n ThursDates at OMCA | Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing\, Trivia Night\, 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\nUnwind in the gentle pulse of ThursDates at OMCA with a signature cocktail and smooth beats fromDJ Mark DiVita\, setting the perfect backdrop for a relaxed evening of creativity and connection. This Thursday\, make new connections with a “Spaces of Belonging” trivia night in Town Fare\, while Sketchboard Co. hosts uninstructed live figure drawing sessions in the Gallery of California History.  \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 our Special Exhibitions and our Galleries of California Art and History\, and are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. A night of discovery\, inspiration\, and playful exploration awaits\, inviting you to linger\, connect\, and experience the Museum in a new\, imaginative way. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | Great Hall and the Galleries of California Art and History  \n\n\n\n5:30–6:15 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing  | Gallery of California History \n\n\n\n6:15–7:15 pm Trivia — Spaces of Belonging | Town Fare Café \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm DJ Mark DiVita  | Town Fare Café \n\n\n\n6:35–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing  | 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 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/ 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:20260129T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260129T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20251211T223730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T204423Z UID:10002233-1769706000-1769716800@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Mia Pixley & Crochet Jam DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursDates at OMCA | Pop-Up Performance with Mia Pixley\, Crochet Jam with Ramekon O’Arwisters\, 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 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. \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 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. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | Great Hall and the Galleries of California Art and History  \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Crochet Jam with Ramekon O’Arwisters| Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Music Set with DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare Café \n\n\n\n6–6:30 pm Live Musical Performance with Mia Pixley | Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n7–7:30 pm Live Musical Performance with Mia Pixley  | 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 Mia Pixley\n \n 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. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Ramekon O’Arwisters\n \n 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. \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-mia-pixley/ 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/Mia-Pixley_Headshot_by-Michael-Pelgram.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260205T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260205T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 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 Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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:20260525T080923 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 Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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:20260525T080923 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 Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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:20260525T080923 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 Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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:20260525T080923 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 Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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 BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260305T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260305T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20260212T003740Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260212T215334Z UID:10002277-1772730000-1772740800@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing ft. Burlesque and Drag & Mahjong Game Night DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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 ft. Burlesque and Drag Performances\, Mahjong with The Mahjong Project\, Music Set by DJ Lady Ryan\, 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\nRelax into the easy\, after-hours pulse of ThursDates at OMCA as the Museum forms an intimate hub of creativity\, culture\, and connection. This Thursday\, Town Fare becomes a gathering point with signature cocktails and mahjong with The Mahjong Project. As you play\, DJ Lady Ryan provides the perfect soundscape for mingling. All the while\, Sketchboard Co. hosts uninstructed live figure drawing in the Gallery of California Art with a twist that’s sure to inspire. Models Nella and Q punctuate the drawing sessions with burlesque and drag performances\, infusing the Museum with movement\, expression\, and a celebratory sense of Bay Area creativity.  \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 ft. Nella & Q | Gallery of California Art \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm The Mahjong Project | Town Fare \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm DJ Lady Ryan | Town Fare \n\n\n\n6:35–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing ft. Nella & Q  | 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 \n About Nicole Wong & The Mahjong Project\n \n Nicole is a writer and audio producer based in Oakland. While cleaning out her parents’ garage\, she rediscovered the mahjong table they’d brought over with them when they immigrated to the US. She started working on The Mahjong Project in 2019—part instructional guide\, part oral history project—to document her family’s house rules for playing and map its style into the broader history and diaspora of the game itself. Today\, Nicole shares and plays the game with others as a means to preserve her Chinese-New Zealand family history and cultural legacy. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About DJ Lady Ryan\n \n DJ Lady Ryan is a Bay Area favorite—inspiring a sense of safety\, joy\, and belonging through her deep musical intuition and presence as a dedicated professional. Whether she’s serving as the official DJ for the WNBA’s Golden State Valkyries\, hosting one of her celebrated Soulovely or Sweetspot community events\, or gracing the airwaves of 91.7 KALW in San Francisco\, DJ Lady Ryan inspires movement. She was voted the Best DJ in the Bay Area in 2023 by the Bay Area Reporter Magazine and was honored by the City of Oakland for her leadership in the LGBTQ music and arts community. Lady Ryan has also shared the stage with legendary artists such as Diana Ross\, George Clinton\, and Erykah Badu! \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-ft-burlesque-and-drag-mahjong-game-night/ 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/2026/02/2026-01-29-OMCA-ThursDates-Formally-Thursday-After-Hours-©-Christine-Cueto-DSCF3621-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260312T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20260212T003804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T211223Z UID:10002279-1773334800-1773345600@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Jessa Calderon & Good Fire Pop-Up Talks and Demos DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursDates at OMCA | Good Fire: Tending Native Lands In-Gallery Pop-Up Series ft. Jessa Calderon\, Tiśina Ta-till-ium Parker\, Saif Azzuz\, Alice Lincoln-Cook\, and Dr. Brittani Orona; Music from WELIVEINPARADISE; Pop-Up Market ft. Ihoo Taloowa Beads; 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\nThis Thursday\, experience the latest exhibition Good Fire: Tending Native Lands through a series of intimate\, in-gallery pop-up talks\, performances\, and demonstrations. The evening opens with a musical set by Tongva\, Chumash\, and Yoeme artist Jessa Calderon\, whose songs and poetry channel Indigenous resilience and community healing. Interwoven between performances\, experience pop-up talks and demos with regalia maker Tiśina Ta-till-ium Parker\, artist Saif Azzuz\, and basketry and cultural fire specialists Alice Lincoln-Cook and Dr. Brittani Orona\, each offering hands-on insights into art\, land stewardship\, and ancestral practices. \n\n\n\nOutside the gallery\, Town Fare becomes a hub for immersive sound with WELIVEINPARADISE\, blending live electronics and ambient textures\, while Ihoo Taloowa Beads offers handcrafted adornments rooted in Chickasaw traditions and the stories of the land. Throughout the evening\, guests can sip cocktails\, enjoy bites\, and let the music guide them through an unhurried exploration of creativity\, culture\, and connection. \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\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5–7:30 pm Vendor: Ihoo Taloowa Beads | Great Hall Entrance \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Live Music + DJ Set w/ WELIVEINPARADISE | Town Fare \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n5:40–6 pm Live Music w/ Jessa Calderon | Great Hall—Good Fire \n\n\n\n6–6:15 pm Pop-Up Talk w/ Tiśina Ta-till-ium Parker | Great Hall—Good Fire \n\n\n\n6:15–6:30 pm Pop-Up Talk w/ Saif Azzuz | Great Hall—Good Fire \n\n\n\n7–7:30 pm Pop-Up Talk + Demo w/ Alice Lincoln-Cook + Dr. Brittani Orona  | Great Hall—Good Fire \n\n\n\n7:30–7:50 pm Live Music w/ Jessa Calderon | Great Hall—Good Fire \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 Tiśina Ta-till-ium Parker\n \n Tiśina Ta-till-ium Parker is a California Indigenous [cis] fem\, traditional regalia maker\, fire keeper\, textile designer\, and community cultural art activist. Tiśina’s people are Yosemite Southern Sierra Miwuk/Kutzadika’a Mono Lake Paiute\, from her grandfather’s lineage\, and Kashia Pomo & Coast Miwuk\, from her grandmother’s lineage. Tiśina was born and raised in her sacred tribal homeland of Yosemite/Mariposa. Born into a strong Indigenous lineage\, Tiśina has practiced ceremony with her Yosemite/Mariposa tribal community since birth. She descends from a powerful matriarchy of notable California basketmakers\, including her great-great-grandmother\, Lucy Telles\, and her grandmother\, Julia Parker. Tiśina currently serves on tribal council with the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation\, is active in cultural fire work with the Little Fires cultural burn program in Yosemite National Park. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Saif Azzuz\n \n Saif Azzuz is a Libyan-Yurok artist who resides in Pacifica\, CA. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in Painting and Drawing from the California College of the Arts in 2013. Azzuz has had solo presentations at the Blaffer Art Museum and the ICA San Francisco\, and his work is in selected public collections including the Rennie Museum\, de Young Museum—Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco\, Gochman Family Collection\, Facebook\, North Carolina Museum of Art\, Kadist\, University of St. Thomas\, Stanford Health Care Art Collection\, and UBS Art Collection. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Alice Lincoln-Cook\n \n Alice Lincoln-Cook (Karuk) draws on a lifetime of work as an independent artist\, traditional basket weaver\, culture bearer\, and cultural fire expert. She is passionate about teaching the practices she grew up with to help others manage ancestral lands and waters in a good way—that is healthy for her people and her culture. Prior to serving as the President and Board Member with the California Indian Basketweavers Association (CIBA)\, Alice taught basket weaving to California Native tribal members and worked with local schools\, non-profits\, and state and federal agencies throughout the Pacific Northwest. Since obtaining her Basic 32 Red Card firefighting certification\, Alice has become a sought-after speaker at universities\, conferences\, and Basic 32 fire training programs both in California and nationally. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Brittani Orona\n \n Dr. Brittani R. Orona is a Hupa environmental public humanities scholar and an Assistant Professor of Native American Studies at University of California\, Davis. Her academic focus is on environmental studies and humanities\, California Indian Studies\, and abolition ecology in California and the American West. Orona has worked in the museum and cultural resources management fields as a curator and consultant for 18 years. She is Hupa\, and an enrolled member of the Hoopa Valley Tribe. Orona is guest curator of OMCA’s latest exhibition Good Fire: Tending Native Lands. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Paradise Maquetaurie\n \n Paradise Maquetaurie is a two-spirit artist based in San Francisco whose work merges live electronics\, improvisational music\, and projection-mapped visuals into immersive storytelling environments. Performing as WELIVEINPARADISE\, she blends club and ambient soundscapes with field recordings\, video art\, graffiti\, emerging technologies\, pop influences\, and Taíno/Yoeme histories to create deeply engaging performances. A vital force in the Bay Area’s underground queer and trans electronic music community for over six years\, her work has appeared at Outside Lands\, Oaklash\, Gays Hate Techno\, Weaving Spirits Pride 2025\, and countless clubs\, renegades\, and underground spaces. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Ellissa Thompson and Ihoo Taloowa Beads\n \n Ellissa Thompson is a Chickasaw artist\, cultural practitioner\, and land steward whose beadwork reflects the teachings of her heritage and the landscapes that shaped her. An enrolled citizen of the Chickasaw Nation with family ties to Ada\, Oklahoma\, she was born and raised in the East Bay. Her business\, Ihoo Taloowa Beads\, is grounded in cultural continuance. Bringing together tradition\, contemporary expression\, and the stories of the plants\, waters\, and lands that inspire her work. Each piece is created with intention and the understanding of adornment as medicine\, identity\, and connection. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Jessa Calderon\n \n Jessa Calderon (Tongva\, Chumash Yoeme) is a songwriter\, published author\, poet\, hip-hop artist\, basket weaver\, paddler\, hypnotherapist\, massage therapist\, energy worker\, and offers guided meditations. Jessa is also part of the Dream Warriors society and encourages her community and youth to find physical\, mental\, and spiritual healing by sharing her words\, music\, and practices. She has the honor to work with community and youth from many Nations\, helping them unleash their creative potential and 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\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-jessa-calderon-good-fire-pop-up-talks-and-demos/ 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/2026/02/6U4A6490-Enhanced-NR-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260319T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260319T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080923 CREATED:20260212T003746Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260312T200330Z UID:10002278-1773939600-1773950400@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing ft. Burlesque and Belly Dance & Trivia Night DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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 ft. Burlesque and Belly Dance Performances\, Trivia Night: Stories of Resilience\, 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\nStep into ThursDates at OMCA and let the evening unfold at the pace of connection. In Town Fare\, DJ Mark DiVita sets the atmosphere with incredible grooves perfect for cocktails and conversation. Guests are invited to test their wits with Trivia Night: Stories of Resilience\, celebrating creativity\, community\, and unexpected insights. \n\n\n\nMeanwhile\, the Gallery of California History comes alive with Sketchboard Co.’s uninstructed live figure drawing sessions\, where models Andy Rose and Rachel Sanders will interweave spellbinding burlesque and belly dance performances between poses.  \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 ft. Andy Rose + Rachel Sanders | Gallery of California History \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm DJ Mark DiVita | Town Fare \n\n\n\n6:15–7:15 pm Trivia Night: Stories of Resilience | Town Fare \n\n\n\n6:35–7:30 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 \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 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-ft-burlesque-trivia-night/ 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/2026/02/2026-02-05-OMCA-ThursDates-Formally-Thursday-After-Hours-©-Christine-Cueto-DSCF4156-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260326T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260326T200000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260212T003801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T203447Z UID:10002280-1774544400-1774555200@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with The Bay Area Book Festival DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThursDates at OMCA |  OMCA and The Bay Area Book Festival Present: Maw Shein Win ft. Live Music Performance by SPRINGTWIN\, Free-Writing Workshop\, and Open Mic Storytelling\, Plus 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 storytelling\, art-making\, and music unfold at an easy\, welcoming pace. OMCA and the Bay Area Book Festival team up this Thursday to present Maw Shein Win\, Burmese American poet and inaugural poet laureate of El Cerrito\, for a collaborative program that moves through the Museum. The evening begins with a performance by SPRINGTWIN (Win and guitarist Danny Allen)\, followed by a drop-in writing workshop in the Gallery of California History\, inviting guests to reflect on personal and collective histories through free-writing exercises. The program culminates in Town Fare with an open mic\, where participants can share their writings while enjoying cocktails and bites. All the while\, DJ La Femme Papi provides soulful\, expansive music throughout the evening\, creating a warm and immersive soundtrack for the night.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. 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\n5:30–5:45 pm Live Music Performance w/ SPRINGTWIN | Gallery of California History \n\n\n\n5:45–6:45 pm Free Writing Workshop w/ Maw Shein Win | Gallery of California History \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm DJ Set w/ La Femme Papi | Town Fare \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n7–7:30 pm Open Mic w/ The Bay Area Book Festival  | Town Fare \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 The Bay Area Book Festival\n \n The Bay Area Book Festival is a vibrant celebration of literature\, diversity\, and progressive ideas\, drawing over 20\,000 people to its flagship weekend event in Downtown Berkeley each year. In addition to this major festival\, the Bay Area Book Festival hosts monthly events and year-round programming in venues throughout the region\, making it a dynamic\, community-driven hub for authors\, readers\, and literary advocates across the Bay Area. Their mission is to uplift and honor the full spectrum of literary voices\, with particular care for those who have been historically excluded or marginalized\, while encouraging reading\, creative expression\, and critical thinking across all ages and backgrounds\, fostering understanding\, resilience\, and collective action. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Maw Shein Win\n \n Maw Shein Win’s latest full-length poetry collection\, Percussing the Thinking Jar (Omnidawn\, 2024)\, was shortlisted for the Northern California Book Award in Poetry. Her previous full-length collection\, Storage Unit for the Spirit House (Omnidawn\, 2020)\, was longlisted for the PEN America 2021 Open Book Award\, shortlisted for the Golden Poppy Award for Poetry\, and nominated for the Northern California Book Award in Poetry. She is the inaugural poet laureate of El Cerrito\, CA\, the 2025 Berkeley Poetry Festival Lifetime Achievement Awardee\, and a 2025 Recipient of the Nomadic/San Francisco Foundation Literary Award. Win’s previous collections include Invisible Gifts and two chapbooks\, Score and Bone and Ruins of a Glittering Palace. She teaches poetry in the MFA Program at the University of San Francisco and in the Low Residency MFA Program at Dominican University. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Danny Allen\n \n Danny Allen is a singer\, songwriter\, guitarist\, and producer living in Oakland\, California. He’s played all over the US and Europe both as a solo performer and as a touring guitarist. Danny isn’t tied to one genre—he simply loves songs\, and sonics that move and inspire him. He has a deep love for the American songbook and loves to perform standards. He also has a deep appreciation of punk rock\, and early country music. He hopes you’re doing well! \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-the-bay-area-book-festival/ 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/2026/02/Bay-Area-Book-Fest_speaker-shot.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260424T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260310T180837Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T204753Z UID:10002287-1777050000-1777064400@museumca.org SUMMARY:Friday Nights at OMCA with CO-LLAB Choir DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLive Music by CO-LLAB Choir\, Hip Hop Dance Lesson with Samara Atkins\, DJ Set by AMAL\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCelebrate an evening of powerful vocals\, dynamic movement\, and genre-spanning sounds this Friday Nights at OMCA. The Garden Stage will be transformed as CO-LLAB Choir presents an uplifting set of contemporary music and original compositions performed with a live band. Featuring standout soloists alongside the full ensemble\, the Oakland-based choir brings rich harmonies and collaborative spirit to every song. \n\n\n\nOver in the Amphitheater\, a Hip-Hop dance lesson with Samara Atkins offers an engaging\, all-levels experience rooted in accessible\, dynamic movement. From warm-up to choreography\, the class creates space for dancers of all ages and abilities to move with confidence and joy. \n\n\n\nRounding out the night\, AMAL curates a genre-spanning music set—from funk and house to R&B\, disco\, global grooves\, and future beats—blending styles seamlessly to keep the energy flowing across the dance floor. \n\n\n\nAlongside an exceptional event experience\, Friday Nights at OMCA also feature a dynamic gallery offering with Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour\, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation\, ask questions\, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art\, History\, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum and Special Exhibition admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5:30–6:30 pm Hip-Hop Dance Lesson with Samara Atkins | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by CO-LLAB Choir | Garden Stage \n\n\n\n6:45–8:50 pm DJ Set by AMAL | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Friday Nights:\n\n\n\nThe Town’s favorite block party\, Friday Nights at OMCA\, is back for the 2026 season\, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family\, friends\, or neighbors. From April–October\, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music\, interactive activities\, Off the Grid food trucks\, and\, with a Museum ticket\, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.  \n\n\n\nFuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets\, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside\, near the Koi Pond\,  purchase beer\, wine\, cocktails\, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden\, picnic tables\, blankets\, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games\, engaging museum programs\, and a vibrant community atmosphere\, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy\, week after week. \n\n\n\nOMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted\, and event details and performances are subject to change. \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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCO-LLAB Choir\n\n\n\nSamara Atkins\n\n\n\nAMAL\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOff the Grid Food Truck Lineup\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\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 CO-LLAB Choir\n \n CO-LLAB Choir is an Oakland-based contemporary vocal ensemble for adults working with vocal artists and singer-songwriters to bring their music to life in a vocal ensemble setting. The ensemble co-arranges and co-writes music together as well as collaborates with professional artists on studio recordings and performances. The choir has performed at venues and festivals such as Super Bowl 60\, Outside Lands\, the Oakland Coliseum\, the Fox Theater\, SFJazz\, Shoreline Amphitheatre\, Yoshi’s\, Bandcamp Oakland\, Empire Records\, Yerba Buena Gardens Festival\, MOAD\, Berkeley Rep\, the Academy of Sciences\, the Empress Theatre in Vallejo\, the Paramount\, and the Vermont in LA. The CO-LLAB Choir is currently touring\, recording\, and performing with the artist LaRussell and works regularly with Empire Records on studio recordings. CO-LLAB Choir is directed and founded by longtime Oakland music educator and artist\, Cava Menzies. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Samara Atkins\n \n Oakland-born Samara Atkins uses Hip-Hop and street dance as an arts practice to both connect with the world and as a vehicle to cope\, celebrate\, heal\, and express joy. Samara is a co-founder and co-director of the all-female dance company Mix’d Ingrdnts\, is a member of the GRAMMY-Award winning music group Alphabet Rockers\, and is a seasoned teaching artist at Destiny Arts Center. Samara brings a beautifully hype and fun energy to her dance style that invites and encourages people of all ages to get up and be moved. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About AMAL\n \n AMAL is a DJ\, music curator\, and event producer based out of Oakland\, California. With music at the center of her work and creations\, Amal’s multifaceted sound\, inspired by her Egyptian and Bay Area roots\, holds no genre boundary. From R&B to future beats\, soul to world\, house to hip-hop\, and everything in between – Amal’s work holds a common thread of building feeling\, connection\, and community. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC\, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP\, and Townsend Public Affairs. \n\n\n\nLearn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor. \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-co-llab-choir/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Free,Friday Nights at OMCA,Live performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/4.24.26_CO-LLAB-CHOIR_1-e1773100981123.jpeg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260508T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260508T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260417T205134Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T205504Z UID:10002291-1778259600-1778274000@museumca.org SUMMARY:Friday Nights at OMCA with Elujay DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLive Music by Elujay\, R&B Dance Lesson with Sara Templeton\, Music Set with DJ Harmonyy\, Spring Teacher Night\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis Friday Night at OMCA\, Elujay ignites the Garden Stage with his live band\, delivering a genre-blending sound that weaves together alternative R&B\, jazz\, soul\, house\, and dream pop. Known for his honey-toned vocals and introspective songwriting\, his performance promises a rich\, immersive musical experience rooted in Oakland and resonating far beyond. Keeping the energy flowing\, DJ Harmonyy brings an electrifying set filled with feel-good tracks and infectious rhythms.  \n\n\n\nGuests are encouraged to step into their groove with Sara Templeton\, leading a beginner-friendly R&B dance lesson. Blending smooth grooves\, Hip-Hop foundations\, and expressive choreography\, this session invites dancers of all levels to learn new moves and build confidence on the dance floor. \n\n\n\nEarlier in the evening\, OMCA’s Annual Spring Teacher Night is back! In celebration of our school communities\, educators and principals are invited to unwind in a dedicated lounge space\, connect with fellow educators\, and explore the Museum’s galleries and resources. The gathering highlights OMCA’s school programs and exhibitions like Good Fire: Tending Native Lands and Students on Strike\, while offering a chance to experience the vibrant Friday Nights atmosphere. \n\n\n\nAlongside an exceptional event experience\, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour\, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation\, ask questions\, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art\, History\, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n4:30–7 pm Spring Teacher Night Check-In and Lounge | California Room\, Lower Level \n\n\n\n5:30–6:30 pmR&B Dance Lesson with Sara Templeton | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by Elujay | Garden Stage \n\n\n\n6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by DJ Harmonyy | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Friday Nights:\n\n\n\nThe Town’s favorite block party\, Friday Nights at OMCA\, is back for the 2026 season\, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family\, friends\, or neighbors. From April–October\, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music\, interactive activities\, Off the Grid food trucks\, and\, with a Museum ticket\, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.  \n\n\n\nFuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets\, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside\, near the Koi Pond\,  purchase beer\, wine\, cocktails\, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden\, picnic tables\, blankets\, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games\, engaging museum programs\, and a vibrant community atmosphere\, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy\, week after week. \n\n\n\nOMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted\, and event details and performances are subject to change. \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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nElujay\n\n\n\nSara Templeton\n\n\n\nDJ Harmonyy\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOff the Grid Food Truck Lineup\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\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 Elujay\n \n Elujay is a singer\, songwriter\, producer\, and director from Oakland whose sound fluidly blends alternative R&B\, jazz\, soul\, house\, and dream pop. A multi-instrumentalist with a honey-toned voice and forward-thinking production style\, he has released multiple critically acclaimed projects over the past four years\, toured internationally\, and secured major TV placements. His latest offering\,  A Constant Charade\, with tracks like “Hyundai” and “Flotilla\,” showcases his ability to pair pacifying vocals with restless and inventive production that nods to early ’80s soft rock\, drum’n’bass\, and house without losing its soulful core. \nAs JEMS!—a duo alongside J. Robb—Elujay expands his sonic palette with rhythmic experimentation and left-field R&B in projects like Gems in the Cornerstore and Gems in the Cornerstore 2. With each release\, Elujay continues refining a sound that feels both deeply Oakland-rooted and globally resonant. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About DJ Harmonyy\n \n DJ Harmonyy\, also known as the love DJ (with two yy’s)\, is a California-based female DJ with a household name who has built a brand around energy\, intention\, and human connection. Known for her ability to move effortlessly across live performances\, festivals\, club events\, and corporate gatherings\, she—by design—operates completely outside of traditional categories. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Sara Templeton\n \n Sara is a SF-based choreographer\, teacher\, and dancer. She started her professional career as a Hip-Hop dancer and later expanded her expertise to include modern\, ballet\, Dunham technique\, and the dance forms associated with her Puerto Rican heritage. Sara has choreographed for both stage and film and currently teaches at studios around the Bay Area. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC\, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP\, and Townsend Public Affairs. \n\n\n\nLearn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor. \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-elujay/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Free,Friday Nights at OMCA,Live performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5.8.26_Elujay_1-1-scaled-e1776459286186.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260515T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260515T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260417T205012Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T182003Z UID:10002292-1778864400-1778878800@museumca.org SUMMARY:Friday Nights at OMCA with La Cumbiamba Colombiana & Combo Tezeta DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLive Dance by La Cumbiamba Colombiana\, Live Music by Combo Tezeta\, Music Set by DJ Olga T\, Live Figure Drawing by Sketchboard Co.\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis evening\, Friday Nights at OMCA brings vibrant rhythms\, rich cultural traditions\, and dance-floor energy to the Garden Stage. La Cumbiamba Colombiana kicks off the evening with a lively dance performance celebrating the roots of Colombian cumbia\, weaving together ancestral steps and Afro-Caribbean influences in a colorful\, high-energy showcase. Then\, Combo Tezeta\, whose psychedelic take on cumbia\, chicha\, and música tropical blends surf rock textures with hypnotic Latin rhythms\, takes the stage to create an irresistibly danceable atmosphere that bridges past and present. \n\n\n\nOver in the Amphitheater\, DJ Olga T delivers a dynamic set filled with Latin rhythms\, Afrobeats\, R&B\, and soulful house. Known for her seamless genre-spanning mixes and infectious energy\, she’ll keep the crowd moving and the vibes flowing all night long. \n\n\n\nIn the galleries\, Sketchboard Co. is here to help guests scratch their creative itch with uninstructed live figure drawing. \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. A costumed model representing the diversity of the Bay Area will be posing in the Gallery of California Art 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\nAlongside an exceptional event experience\, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour\, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation\, ask questions\, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art\, History\, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt. \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\n6–6:30 pm Live Dance by La Cumbiamba Colombiana | Garden Stage \n\n\n\n6:45–7:45 pm Live Music by Combo Tezeta | Garden Stage \n\n\n\n6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by DJ Olga T | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n6:45–7:30 pm Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing | Gallery of California Art* \n\n\n\n* Paid gallery admission required \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Friday Nights:\n\n\n\nThe Town’s favorite block party\, Friday Nights at OMCA\, is back for the 2026 season\, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family\, friends\, or neighbors. From April–October\, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music\, interactive activities\, Off the Grid food trucks\, and\, with a Museum ticket\, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.  \n\n\n\nFuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets\, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside\, near the Koi Pond\,  purchase beer\, wine\, cocktails\, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden\, picnic tables\, blankets\, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games\, engaging museum programs\, and a vibrant community atmosphere\, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy\, week after week. \n\n\n\nOMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted\, and event details and performances are subject to change. \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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLa Cumbiamba Colombiana\n\n\n\nCombo Tezeta\n\n\n\nDJ Olga T\n\n\n\nSketchboard Co.\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOff the Grid Food Truck Lineup\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\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 Co.\n \n Sketchboard Co. 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 La Cumbiamba Colombiana\n \n La Cumbiamba Colombiana is a non-profit folkloric group established in 2014 with the mission of preserving Colombian heritage\, culture\, and folklore in San Francisco and the Bay Area. Best known for showcasing the traditional Colombian Cumbia\, a rhythm that was declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of all Colombians\, the group proudly represents empowerment\, resilience\, and freedom through their dances. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Combo Tezeta\n \n Based out of the Bay Area\, Combo Tezeta plays a highly danceable blend of instrumental Cumbias\, Chichas\, and Musica Tropical inspired by the late 60’s and early 70’s era of psychedelic Peru. \nCombo Tezeta has performed at many local venues as well as toured up and down the West Coast. Recent highlights include 2024’s The Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival\, Noise Pop’s Summer of Music Fest (w/Thundercat)\, two performances in the Great American Music Hall\, and opening for Los Mirlos of Peru and Los Bitchos from the UK. Their growing momentum is demonstrated as they headline their own shows and are increasingly requested to open for other high-profile artists as they travel through the Bay Area. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About DJ Olga T\n \n Olga T\, a Puerto Rican lover of all things music\, community\, and human connection through rhythm and beats\, was born in NYC and raised in San Francisco\, and has an explosive style of DJing that never fails to grab your attention on the dance floor. A Northern Californian legend known for masterfully transitioning through nearly every genre of music while creating live unrehearsed remixes\, Olga T consistently delivers a uniquely infectious excitement to the audience. DJing for the past 20 years while producing iconic Bay Area events year-round in addition to teaching DJ classes\, creating exclusive remixes\, edits and mixtapes is Olga T’s full-time passion. Go to www.soundcloud.com/djolgat to explore a plethora of mixtapes of various music genres created by DJ Olga T. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC\, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP\, and Townsend Public Affairs. \n\n\n\nLearn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor. \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-la-cumbiamba-colombiana-combo-tezeta/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Free,Friday Nights at OMCA,Live performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5.15_La-Cumbiamba-Colombiana_1.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260517T130000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260517T163000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260414T182909Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T182540Z UID:10002290-1779022800-1779035400@museumca.org SUMMARY:Spotlight Sundays: Earth Seed Screening with People’s Kitchen Collective and Emory Douglas DESCRIPTION:Your browser does not support the video tag.\n \n \n \n \n\n Your browser does not support the video tag.\n \n \n \n\n \n \n \nThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSpotlight Sundays: Earthseed Screening with People’s Kitchen Collective and Emory Douglas\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n1–3 pm | Documentary Screening | James Moore Theater \n\n\n\n3–4:30 pm | Collective Presentation and Gathering | OMCA Garden \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin us for a special gathering showcasing stories of survival and resilience through food culture and ancestral wisdom with People’s Kitchen Collective (PKC) and Understory. This event will begin with a screening of the documentary Earth Seed: A People’s Journey of Radical Hospitality by filmmaker Fox Nakai and PKC. Rooted in Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series and the legacy of the Black Panther Party’s community engagement strategies\, this film maps the Earth Seed pilgrimage through five regions of California. \n\n\n\nAfter the screening\, we will gather in OMCA’s Garden where Jocelyn Jackson\, co-founder of PKC\, will lead us in a series of Earth Seed testimonies and spoken word musings by fellow PKC co-founders Võ Hải and Sarai Bordeaux. Then we will welcome special guest speaker\, revolutionary artist\, and former Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party\, Emory Douglas\, to share on the power of community collectives.  \n\n\n\nImmerse yourself in their inspiring stories while enjoying nourishing food by worker-owned Understory\, and play to win a curated “go-bag” containing unique pieces inspired by the Parable series. Radical Hospitality is a powerful strategy toward strengthening our interconnectedness. We welcome you to share in this unifying community experience. \n\n\n\n\nGeneral TICKETS\n\n\n\nMEMBER TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout  People’s Kitchen Collective\n\n\n\nPeople’s Kitchen Collective (PKC) works at the intersection of art and activism as a food-centered political education project. Based in Oakland\, our crew and creative practices reflect the diverse histories and backgrounds of the city.  Written in our families’ recipes are the maps of our migrations and stories of our resilience. From this foundation\, we create immersive experiences that honor the shared struggles of our people. We believe in radical hospitality as a strategy to address the urgent social issues of our time. \n\n\n\nAbout  EARTH SEED\n\n\n\nLed by PKC\, EARTH SEED is rooted in Octavia E. Butler’s Parable series and the legacy of the Black Panther Party for Self Defense. By enacting radical hospitality as a survival practice\, we deepen our relationships with BIPOC activists\, artists\, educators\, farmers\, youth\, and elders. EARTH SEED centers a pilgrimage through California from present-day Los Angeles to Mendocino Woodlands from March – June 2023. PKC visited with people and places building models for survival and our collective future. Spanning across the native lands of the Tongva\, Yokut\, Mutsun\, Ohlone\, Miwok and Pomo tribes in California\, each part of the pilgrimage focuses on a different element (Earth\, Fire\, Water\, Air\, Wood). \n\n\n\nAbout Understory\n\n\n\nUnderstory was founded in 2020 by Lily Fahsi-Haskell\, Jenabi Pareja\, Nino Serrano\, and Florencio Esquivel to address the impact the COVID-19 pandemic was having on workers of color within the restaurant industry. With diverse backgrounds as chefs\, artists\, and movement organizers\, they dared to create a collaborative restaurant model that centers worker agency\, access\, inclusion\, and radical community care. Their governance model ensures decisions are made collectively\, cultivating trust\, accountability\, and empowerment. \n\n\n\nAbout Jocelyn Jackson\n\n\n\nJocelyn is a cook\, activist\, and artist working at the intersection of food\, art\, and social justice. Her current projects include Executive Producer of the Life is Living Festival\, JUSTUS Kitchen co-creating healing food experiences for Black women\, and co-founder of People’s Kitchen Collective. Jocelyn is co-lead artist\, co-director\, writer\, and executive producer of PKC’s documentary film project\, EARTH SEED: A People’s Journey of Radical Hospitality. It is a practice in collective survival inspired by Octavia Butler and the Black Panther Party. Jocelyn just completed her Chef-in-Residency at the Museum of the African Diaspora in SF. \n\n\n\n About Sarai Bordeaux\n\n\n\nSarai is a poet\, scholar\, educator\, facilitator\, and model. She holds a MA of Education in Equity and Social Justice focused on liberatory and transformational learning experiences. She has been connected with People’s Kitchen Collective for over ten years\, serving as a conceptual partner\, as well as front of house and logistics for gatherings.  Sarai is the current Poet Laureate of Eureka\, Ca and her most recent publication appears in When We Exhale: An Anthology of Black Women Rooted In Ancestral Medicine from Black Freighter Press. Her work can also be found in Patrice Lumumba: An Anthology or Writers on Black Liberation.  \n\n\n\nAbout Võ Hải\n\n\n\nHải is a queer Việt passionate about traditional food(ways)\, home(land)\, and partum care\, whose family and ancestors are from southern Việt Nam – Mỹ Tho and Chợ Gạo. A guiding proverb for Hải towards community organizing is “Một cây làm chẳng nên non\, ba cây chụm lại nên hòn núi cao”. It translates to one tree provides little strength\, three trees together allow us to reach high mountains – that when we come together\, we can achieve anything and change the world. Hải is a member of the QTViệt Cafe Collective dedicated to Queer and Trans Việt liberation. \n\n\n\nAbout Emory Douglas\n\n\n\nEmory Douglas attended City College of San Francisco where he majored in commercial art. He was the Revolutionary Artist and Minister of Culture for the Black Panther Party from February 1967 until the early 1980’s. Douglas’s iconic art and design concepts were staples of the more than 530 Black Panther Newspapers\, communicating the politics of the BPP and the concerns of the community in an easy-to-understand\, immediate visual form. His art was meant to be an inspiring call to oppressed and colonized peoples. Douglas continues to produce political art that captures the power and urgency of global social justice. \n\n\n\n\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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/spotlight-sundays-earthseed-screening-with-peoples-kitchen-collective-and-emory-douglas/ LOCATION:OMCA Lecture Hall\, 1000 Oak\, Oakland\, California\, 94607 CATEGORIES:Spotlight Sundays,Ticketed,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/FSTOPpk040323-140.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260522T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260522T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260417T204821Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T204752Z UID:10002293-1779469200-1779483600@museumca.org SUMMARY:Friday Nights at OMCA with Pacific Mambo Orchestra DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLive Music by Pacific Mambo Orchestra\, Music Set by Dj Sizzle\, Salsa Dance Lesson with Ramón Ramos Alayo\, OMCA Members’ Lounge\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA is set to kick off your weekend with bold Latin sounds\, vibrant dance\, and nonstop rhythm. Pacific Mambo Orchestra takes over the Garden Stage with an electrifying live performance\, blending mambo\, salsa\, Latin jazz\, and big band tradition into a high-energy vibe that’s both timeless and fresh. Known for their explosive stage presence and world-class musicianship\, the Grammy Award-winning ensemble delivers a powerful\, dance-ready experience. \n\n\n\nKeeping the energy alive\, Dj Sizzle spins a lively mix of cumbia\, reggaeton\, salsa\, merengue\, Hip-Hop\, R&B\, and global beats\, curating a feel-good soundtrack that keeps the dance floor moving. \n\n\n\nGuests are invited to step into the rhythm with Ramón Ramos Alayo who will lead a salsa dance lesson rooted in Cuban tradition. With an emphasis on connection\, musicality\, and joyful expression\, this session welcomes dancers of all levels to build confidence and add a little extra flavor to their moves. \n\n\n\nOn the Upper Level Terrace the Museum welcomes its Members to a special Members’ Lounge. Members can enjoy light refreshments\, sidewalk chalk\, family-friendly games\, and a bingo give-away featuring awesome OMCA merch! It’s the perfect way to mingle with fellow OMCA enthusiasts all while overlooking the Garden buzzing with Friday Nights energy. \n\n\n\nAlongside an exceptional event experience\, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour\, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation\, ask questions\, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art\, History\, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt. \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 Member Lounge | Upper Level Terrace \n\n\n\n5:30–6:30 pm Salsa Dance Lesson with Ramón Ramos Alayo | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by Pacific Mambo Orchestra | Garden Stage \n\n\n\n6:45–8:45 pm Music Set by Dj Sizzle | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Friday Nights:\n\n\n\nThe Town’s favorite block party\, Friday Nights at OMCA\, is back for the 2026 season\, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family\, friends\, or neighbors. From April–October\, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music\, interactive activities\, Off the Grid food trucks\, and\, with a Museum ticket\, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.  \n\n\n\nFuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets\, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside\, near the Koi Pond\,  purchase beer\, wine\, cocktails\, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden\, picnic tables\, blankets\, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games\, engaging museum programs\, and a vibrant community atmosphere\, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy\, week after week. \n\n\n\nOMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted\, and event details and performances are subject to change. \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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPacific Mambo Orchestra\n\n\n\nDj Sizzle\n\n\n\nRamón Ramos Alayo\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOff the Grid Food Truck Lineup\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\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 Pacific Mambo Orchestra\n \n Pacific Mambo Orchestra (PMO) is a Grammy Award-winning Latin big band from San Francisco that has become one of the leading forces in keeping the great mambo and Latin jazz orchestra tradition alive in the 21st century. Founded in 2010 by pianist Christian Tumalan and trumpeter Steffen Kuehn\, the 19-piece ensemble gained international recognition after winning the 2014 Grammy Award for Best Tropical Latin Album with its debut release\, launching the band onto major stages around the world. Combining the spirit of Tito Puente\, Machito\, and the classic mambo orchestras with bold original compositions and modern arrangements\, PMO delivers explosive\, high-energy performances marked by virtuoso musicianship and powerful big band sound. From major jazz festivals to concert halls across the United States\, Europe\, Canada\, and Latin America\, Pacific Mambo Orchestra has earned a reputation for unforgettable live shows that celebrate the past\, present\, and future of Latin big band music. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Dj Sizzle\n \n Dj Sizzle is an artist and producer based in California\, where she splits her time between The Bay Area and Los Angeles. She is the co-founder and director of Cumbiaton\, an intergenerational cultural movement that celebrates Afro-Latin culture\, community\, and self-expression. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Ramón Ramos Alayo\n \n Ramón Ramos Alayo was selected by the Cuban government to study dance in Santiago de Cuba at age eleven. In 1990\, he earned a master’s degree in contemporary and folkloric dance and dance education from Havana’s National School of Art. As a graduate specializing in folkloric and contemporary dance\, he was a principal dancer with several prominent Cuban dance companies\, including Danza del Caribe and Narcisco Medina Contemporary Dance Company\, touring throughout Europe\, Belize\, and Canada. His success continued after relocating to the U.S. in 1997; he has performed as a dancer with numerous outstanding companies\, including Robert Henry Johnson\, Kim Epifano\, Sara Shelton Mann\, Zaccho Dance Theatre and Robert Moses’ Kin. Ramon currently teaches Cuban popular dance\, Afro-Cuban modern dance\, and children’s movement at several local dance studios and schools. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC\, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP\, and Townsend Public Affairs. \n\n\n\nLearn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor. \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-pacific-mambo-orchestra/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Free,Friday Nights at OMCA,Live performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5.22.26_Pacific-Mambo-Orchestra_3-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260522T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260522T193000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260310T215416Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T204752Z UID:10002289-1779471000-1779478200@museumca.org SUMMARY:Friday Nights at OMCASpecial Members Lounge DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\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\nJoin us Friday\, May 22 for our rescheduled Member Lounge! \n\n\n\nCalling all Members! You’re invited to a special Member Lounge on the Upper Level Terrace\, overlooking our Garden\, in celebration of you! Mingle with fellow OMCA enthusiasts while enjoying light refreshments\, games\, and bingo\, where we’ll be giving away some amazing items from the OMCA Shop. Bring your friends and family\, and enjoy Friday Nights together! \n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid \n\n\n\nFriday\, May 22 | 5-9 pm \n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA is set to kick off your weekend with bold Latin sounds\, vibrant dance\, and nonstop rhythm. Pacific Mambo Orchestra takes over the Garden Stage with an electrifying live performance\, blending mambo\, salsa\, Latin jazz\, and big band tradition into a high-energy vibe that’s both timeless and fresh. In the Amphitheater\, step into the rhythm with Ramón Ramos Alayo who will lead a salsa dance lesson rooted in Cuban tradition. With an emphasis on connection\, musicality\, and joyful expression\, this session welcomes dancers of all levels to build confidence and add a little extra flavor to their moves. Keeping the energy alive\, Dj Sizzle spins a lively mix of cumbia\, reggaeton\, salsa\, merengue\, Hip-Hop\, R&B\, and global beats\, curating a feel-good soundtrack that keeps the dance floor moving. Throughout the evening\, Gallery Chats invite visitors to join meaningful conversations with OMCA facilitators\, offering fresh perspectives on the museum’s exhibitions. It’s not just a Friday night—it’s your Friday night at OMCA. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nEVENT DETAILS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omcaspecial-members-lounge-4-2026/ LOCATION:OMCA Garden\, 1000 Oak Street\, Oakland\, California\, 94607\, United States CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Free,Friday Nights at OMCA,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/DSF7836-e1755734501535.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260529T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260529T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260417T204706Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260513T174718Z UID:10002294-1780074000-1780088400@museumca.org SUMMARY:Friday Nights at OMCA with Non Stop Bhangra DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLive Music and Dance by Non Stop Bhangra\, DJ set by Lychy Jelly\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis Friday Night at OMCA turns up the energy with vibrant rhythms\, cultural celebration\, and nonstop movement. Non Stop Bhangra takes over the Garden Stage with an immersive\, high-energy experience celebrating the music and dance of Punjab\, India. Featuring live drumming\, DJs\, dance performances\, and interactive lessons\, this joyful\, all-ages dance party invites everyone to jump in\, let loose\, and feel the beat. \n\n\n\nKeeping the vibes flowing\, Lychy Jelly delivers a powerful DJ set rooted in sound that hits with the intensity of a festival mainstage and yet has the familiar warmth of home. This duality\, coupled with the duo’s electric stage presence\, pulls the crowd into an experience that feels massive and yet profoundly intimate. \n\n\n\nAlongside an exceptional event experience\, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour\, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation\, ask questions\, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art\, History\, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n5–8 pm Live Music and Dance by Non Stop Bhangra | Garden Stage \n\n\n\n6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by Lychy Jelly | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Friday Nights:\n\n\n\nThe Town’s favorite block party\, Friday Nights at OMCA\, is back for the 2026 season\, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family\, friends\, or neighbors. From April–October\, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music\, interactive activities\, Off the Grid food trucks\, and\, with a Museum ticket\, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.  \n\n\n\nFuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets\, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside\, near the Koi Pond\,  purchase beer\, wine\, cocktails\, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden\, picnic tables\, blankets\, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games\, engaging museum programs\, and a vibrant community atmosphere\, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy\, week after week. \n\n\n\nOMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted\, and event details and performances are subject to change. \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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNon Stop Bhangra\n\n\n\nLychy Jelly\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOff the Grid Food Truck Lineup\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\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 Non Stop Bhangra\n \n Non Stop Bhangra (NSB) is an award-winning event production and collective that transforms spaces into vibrant celebrations\, sharing the energy of Punjabi music and dance with global audiences through immersive cultural experiences. Over the past 21 years\, NSB has produced\, collaborated\, and performed at over 1\,000 events across museums\, festivals\, performing arts centers\, nightclubs\, and landmark venues—including the Oakland Museum of California—while building community and fostering cross-cultural connections. \nIn 2023\, NSB co-launched Bhangra & Beats Night Market\, the largest outdoor cultural destination for South Asian arts in the Bay Area\, voted San Francisco’s Best Night Market (Editor’s Pick\, 48 Hills)\, received two Certificates of Honor from the city of San Francisco and co-presented the city’s first official Diwali celebration. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Lychy Jelly\n \n Lychy Jelly is the San Francisco-based DJ duo of Rushil and Diksha\, partners in life and behind the decks. Their sets weave together global EDM genres\, including House\, Baile Funk\, Bass\, and more\, blended with Pop and Desi anthems they grew up loving. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC\, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP\, and Townsend Public Affairs. \n\n\n\nLearn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor. \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-non-stop-bhangra-2/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Free,Friday Nights at OMCA,Live performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/5.29.26_NSB_12-scaled.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260605T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260605T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260513T232210Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T190321Z UID:10002301-1780678800-1780693200@museumca.org SUMMARY:Friday Nights at OMCA with Oakland Rising DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nLive Music by Oakland Rising\, Night on the Town with Alameda County Community Food Bank\, DJ Set by FELA KUTCHii\, Drag Storytime with Per Sia\, and Gallery Chats\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nThis Friday Night at OMCA\, Oakland Rising takes over the Garden Stage with a dynamic live set rooted in the city’s cultural legacy. Known for lush harmonies\, original music\, and soulful reinterpretations of classics\, the collective brings together some of Oakland’s most exciting emerging voices in a celebration of collaboration and community. \n\n\n\nKeeping the rhythm alive\, FELA KUTCHii delivers a genre-fluid DJ set blending soulful grooves\, global influences\, and feel-good energy. Her sound invites guests on a vibrant journey designed to move both body and spirit\, creating a shared sense of joy on the dance floor. \n\n\n\nThroughout the evening\, Alameda County Community Food Bank (ACCFB) hosts Night on The Town\, featuring interactive experiences for all ages that center community and food justice. From a hands-on art corner and game zone to resource-sharing and special activities\, this lively space invites guests to connect and engage with meaningful local initiatives. \n\n\n\nFamilies can also gather for a joyful Drag Storytime with Per Sia\, reading The Rainbow Parade by Shane Jordan and Rick Hendrix. Through colorful storytelling and themes of acceptance and self-expression\, this uplifting experience celebrates the power of community and inclusion. \n\n\n\nAlongside an exceptional event experience\, Friday Nights at OMCA also features Gallery Chats from 5:30–7:30 pm. Moving beyond the traditional museum tour\, Gallery Chats invite visitors to engage in conversation\, ask questions\, and connect with OMCA facilitators who blend content expertise with lived experience to spark meaningful dialogue and new perspectives. Gallery Chat facilitators can be found in OMCA’s Great Hall Special Exhibitions and the Core Galleries of California Art\, History\, and Natural Sciences. Gallery Chats are included with Museum admission. Facilitators float between galleries throughout the night and can be seen wearing a blue “Let’s Chat” shirt.  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nProgram Schedule: \n\n\n\n5–8 pm ACCFB Night on The Town | Garden \n\n\n\n5:15 pm Drag Storytime with Per Sia | Garden \n\n\n\n5:30–7:30 pm Gallery Chats | All Galleries \n\n\n\n6:30–7:30 pm Live Music by Oakland Rising | Garden Stage \n\n\n\n6:45–8:45 pm DJ Set by FELA KUTCHii | Amphitheater \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nJoin our email list to stay in the loop about Friday Nights at OMCA!\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nAbout Friday Nights:\n\n\n\nThe Town’s favorite block party\, Friday Nights at OMCA\, is back for the 2026 season\, inviting the Bay to kick off the weekend with the crew—whether family\, friends\, or neighbors. From April–October\, join us every Friday at 5 pm for a free evening of live music\, interactive activities\, Off the Grid food trucks\, and\, with a Museum ticket\, exclusive late-night access to our galleries and special exhibitions.  \n\n\n\nFuel your night with a rotating lineup of Off the Grid food trucks stationed along 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets\, serving up bold flavors and local favorites. Inside\, near the Koi Pond\,  purchase beer\, wine\, cocktails\, and refreshing non-alcoholic options to sip while exploring. In the Garden\, picnic tables\, blankets\, and a dazzling view of Lake Merritt welcome you to settle in with your meal. With games\, engaging museum programs\, and a vibrant community atmosphere\, it’s the perfect setting for making memories marked with unmistakable Oakland energy\, week after week. \n\n\n\nOMCA also offers a $10 flat-rate parking in the OMCA Garage until 10 pm. Please note that outside alcohol is not permitted\, and event details and performances are subject to change. \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. Learn more about our accessibility options. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nPerformers\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOakland Rising\n\n\n\nFELA KUTCHii\n\n\n\nDrag Storytime with Per Sia\n\n\n\nAlameda County Community Food Bank\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nOff the Grid Food Truck Lineup\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\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 Oakland Rising\n \n Oakland Rising is a collective of standout emerging artists from Oakland committed to sharing the stage\, honoring the city’s rich cultural legacy\, and channeling their energy into bringing light to this world. In the eighteen months since launching\, they have performed at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass\, The Kennedy Center\, The Mountain Winery\, and more\, supporting artists ranging from Rhiannon Giddens to Sheila E. Oakland Rising is led by three artists—August Lee Stevens\, B DeVeaux\, and Naima—who headline their own shows and write their own music. The band often features cameos from other rising artists from Oakland.\n \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About FELA KUTCHii\n \n Rooted in Oakland\, FELA KUTCHii is an award-winning DJ and soundscape curator\, as well as the official DJ for Oakland Soul SC. Her work centering Black sonic traditions and radical joy grounds sound in memory\, identity\, and emotional connection. Through genre-fluid\, intention-driven sets\, she bridges time and space to cultivate community and move bodies and spirits. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Per Sia\n \n San Francisco’s current Drag Laureate\, Per Sia\, is a first-generation Trans Mexican American drag artist raised in South Central Los Angeles\, with drag roots in San Francisco’s Mission District. Her multidisciplinary practice spans performance\, curation\, television\, and storytelling\, presented in spaces ranging from local bars to major museums\, including the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco and the Oakland Museum of California. A graduate of the University of California\, Santa Cruz\, she is a co-founder of Drag Story Hour and an educator with Children’s After School Arts\, with work featured on KQED Arts\, National Public Radio\, and CNN. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n \n \n\n \n \n \n About Alameda County Community Food Bank\n \n Alameda County Community Food Bank’s mission is to partner with the community to end hunger and its root causes. They believe that food is a basic human right and envision an Alameda County where all people are nourished and thriving. They are committed to providing food with dignity and choice right now\, while also working to re-imagine the system that has created food insecurity in the first place. \n\n \n \n \n\n \n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nFriday Nights at OMCA with Off the Grid is sponsored by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and Bank of America. Additional support provided by OAKLAND ROOTS AND SOUL SC\, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP\, and Townsend Public Affairs. \n\n\n\nLearn more about becoming a Friday Nights at OMCA sponsor. \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\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events URL:https://museumca.org/event/friday-nights-at-omca-with-oakland-rising/ LOCATION:OMCA campus CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Family,Free,Friday Nights at OMCA,Live performance ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/6.5_Oakland-Rising_1.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260611T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260611T160000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260428T173502Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T180635Z UID:10002298-1781175600-1781193600@museumca.org SUMMARY:Member Preview Hours for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMember Preview Hours\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nYou’re invited to the Member Opening for OMCA’s newest exhbition! Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is the first major museum exhibition to celebrate the work of beloved Bay Area artist Mildred Howard. Spanning Howard’s five-decade practice\, Poetics of Memory brings together her renowned collages\, found-object sculptures\, and immersive installations that explore memory\, identity\, and the African American experience. New and never-before-seen pieces punctuate the exhibition\, while archival materials from Howard’s Oakland studio illuminate the cultural currents and lived experiences that shape her practice. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nRESERVE MEMBER TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nDon’t miss the opening celebration on Thursday\, June 11\, 6-9 pm. Join us for an evening of celebration with live music\, delicious bites\, and festive refreshments—an inspiring preview honoring the vital knowledge of Native California communities that you won’t want to miss! RSVP required. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nMajor support for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is provided by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Additional support is provided by Ann McKeever Hatch\, Polaris Fund\, Rosemary Chang in memory of Ted Buttner\, F. Noel Perry\, and the Sanger Family Foundation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*Header image: Mildred Howard\, Blackbird in a Red Sky\, 2002. Plate glass\, blown elements\, stainless steel flashing\, and wood. Installation view\, Museum of Glass\, Tacoma. Photo by Duncan Price. Courtesy of Museum of Glass. URL:https://museumca.org/event/member-preview-hours-mildred-howard/ CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Opening,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/12_Mildred-Howard-Blackbird-in-a-Red-Sky.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260611T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260611T210000 DTSTAMP:20260525T080924 CREATED:20260428T173512Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260520T180436Z UID:10002297-1781200800-1781211600@museumca.org SUMMARY:Member Preview Opening Celebration for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory DESCRIPTION:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night\n\n \n \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nMember Preview Opening Celebration\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nBe among the first to experience Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory—the first major museum survey of the beloved Bay Area artist whose five-decade practice powerfully explores memory\, identity\, and the African American experience. Join the artist\, curators\, and community for an opening celebration with live music\, bites\, and refreshments—an inspiring evening honoring Mildred Howard’s enduring impact. \n\n\n\nSpanning Howard’s five-decade practice\, Poetics of Memory brings together her renowned collages\, found-object sculptures\, and immersive installations that explore memory\, identity\, and the African American experience. New and never-before-seen pieces punctuate the exhibition\, while archival materials from Howard’s Oakland studio illuminate the cultural currents and lived experiences that shape her practice. \n\n\n\nRSVP required for the evening celebration. Capacity is limited. QUESTIONS? Email membership@museumca.org or call 510-318-8520. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nreserve MEMBER TICKETS\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nCan’t make the Member Preview Evening celebration?Join us for our Daytime Preview Hours from 11–4 pm and experience OMCA’s newest exhibition before it opens to the public! \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nReturn to Events\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nSponsors\n\n\n\nMajor support for Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory is provided by the Oakland Museum Women’s Board and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Additional support is provided by Ann McKeever Hatch\, Polaris Fund\, Rosemary Chang in memory of Ted Buttner\, F. Noel Perry\, and the Sanger Family Foundation. \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n*Header image: Mildred Howard\, Blackbird in a Red Sky\, 2002. Plate glass\, blown elements\, stainless steel flashing\, and wood. Installation view\, Museum of Glass\, Tacoma. Photo by Duncan Price. Courtesy of Museum of Glass. URL:https://museumca.org/event/member-preview-opening-celebration-mildred-howard/ CATEGORIES:Ticketed,Opening,Members ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://museumca.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/12_Mildred-Howard-Blackbird-in-a-Red-Sky.jpg END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR