BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) - ECPv6.15.16.1//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://museumca.org X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/Los_Angeles BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20250309T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20251102T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20260308T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20261101T090000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0800 TZOFFSETTO:-0700 TZNAME:PDT DTSTART:20270314T100000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0700 TZOFFSETTO:-0800 TZNAME:PST DTSTART:20271107T090000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T123000 DTEND;TZID=America/Los_Angeles:20260110T143000 DTSTAMP:20260414T135953 CREATED:20251218T221727Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T234845Z UID:10002238-1768048200-1768055400@museumca.org SUMMARY:Introductory Basketry Workshop with Jennifer Bates (Northern Sierra Mewuk) DESCRIPTION:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 CREATED:20251211T222934Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260107T234813Z UID:10002230-1768496400-1768507200@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Diana Gameros ft. Patrick Wolff DESCRIPTION:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 CREATED:20251211T223344Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T204158Z UID:10002232-1769101200-1769112000@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night DESCRIPTION:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 CREATED:20251211T223730Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T204423Z UID:10002233-1769706000-1769716800@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Mia Pixley & Crochet Jam DESCRIPTION:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 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:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 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:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 CREATED:20260120T220908Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260210T215017Z UID:10002244-1771520400-1771531200@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with Sketchboard Co. Live Figure Drawing & Trivia Night DESCRIPTION:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 CREATED:20251219T224848Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T234049Z UID:10002228-1771671600-1771689600@museumca.org SUMMARY:25th Annual Lunar New Year at OMCA: Year of the Horse DESCRIPTION:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 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:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 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:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 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:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 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:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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:20260414T135953 CREATED:20260212T003801Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260218T203447Z UID:10002280-1774544400-1774555200@museumca.org SUMMARY:ThursDates at OMCA with The Bay Area Book Festival DESCRIPTION:OMCA Hosts: Hella Juneteenth “The Cookout”\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 END:VCALENDAR