Oakland Museum Of California Announces Live And Virtual Events And Programs For February 2022
Oakland, CA, January 31, 2022—Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) launches into February with a variety of in-person, outdoor and virtual events and programs. Visitors have a final chance to experience the acclaimed and popular exhibition, Mothership: Voyage Into Afrofuturism through February 27 and programs including a virtual Afro-Rithms from the Future Workshop, February 20 and Virtual Black History Field trip for K-6, February 18. OMCA’s 21st Lunar New Year Celebration will take place live and virtually Saturday, February 5, with a Lunar New Year Healing Circle online, February 8. The Lunchtime Sessions series continues Saturdays at Noon. Other news at OMCA includes Black History Month content in Art, History and Natural Science galleries, the return of Off The Grid Food Trucks Friday evenings and lunchtime Thursdays and Saturdays; new early bird garage access, and White Elephant Sale Preview February 27. For more details on upcoming programs and events, please visit museumca.org.
FINAL WEEKS OF MOTHERSHIP: VOYAGE INTO AFROFUTURISM
Mothership: Voyage Into Afrofuturism offers a powerful reason to gather and celebrate Black imagination. Experience the work of some of the central figures of this cultural phenomena—author Octavia E. Butler, avant-garde jazz musician Sun Ra, and filmmaker Kahlil Joseph. Explore contemporary artworks, a Dora Milaje costume from the film Black Panther, photography, and other historical objects. Experience a replica of the Mothership itself— musician George Clinton of Parliament Funkadelic’s Afrofuturistic vessel—to enjoy an otherworldly video installation, a curated playlist by DJ Spooky, and more. Learn about the connections between important figures of Afrofuturism and the ways in which Afrofuturism is present in our everyday lives. Exhibition closes Sunday, February 27.
On Sunday, February 20, 1-2:30 pm, AfroFuturist Podcast creators Lonny J. Avi Brooks and Ahmed Best will draw from their game, Afro-Rithms from the Future, for this unique transformational experience. Students, community organizers, educators, parents, or those who just want to develop tools for envisioning a more just world have this powerful opportunity to reimagine our collective California futures. Tickets priced on a sliding scale, $1-$20. Register at Afro-Rithms from the Future Workshop Tickets, Sun, Feb 20, 2022 at 1:00 PM | Eventbrite
Saturdays at Noon in February, OMCA’s free new program series Lunchtime Sessions: Music, Dance, and Storytelling continues in the 10th Street Amphitheater (near the Koi Pond on the Lower Level). Visitors are encouraged to grab their favorite picnic blanket, bring a lunch, and come together to delight in the joy of live performance. Artists and programs will be announced.
OMCA’s 21st Lunar New Year Celebration will take place live Saturday, February 5, 12–3 pm, to ring in the Year of the Tiger! Families will enjoy story time with author Oliver Chin, who recently launched a new graphic novel series Awesome Asian Americans. Toishan Benevolent Association Lion Dancers, live music by acclaimed Gamelan Sekar Jaya and award-winning Vân-Ánh Võ, take-home art activities, food truck bites, and more. In response to the ongoing incidents of violence targeting the AAPI community, all are welcome to join a special healing circle facilitated by Lotus Awakens. Register for the onsite program here.
An additional virtual healing circle will be held online Tuesday, February 8 at 6:30 pm. This virtual program is free with an RSVP! You will receive a zoom link upon registering. Check-out the full schedule of OMCA’s 21st Annual Lunar New Year Celebration offerings.
A Black History Month virtual performance designed for K-6 students will be streamed live online on Friday, February 18 at 10 am. Part of OMCA’s Virtual Field Trips series, Oakland a cappella group SoVoSó will lead students on a musical journey through themes related to the experiences of the African American community. Students will discover how music is a way to communicate the challenges and hopes of Black people—past, present, and future. https://museumca.org/virtual-field-trips
OMCA CALENDAR OF EVENTS—FEBRUARY 2022
Lunchtime Sessions: Music, Dance, and Storytelling
Saturdays at Noon in the 10th Street Amphitheater
Welcome to our free program series Lunchtime Sessions: Music, Dance, and Storytelling. Grab your favorite picnic blanket, bring your lunch, and join us as we come together to delight in the joy of live performance in our outdoor 10th Street Amphitheater (near the Koi Pond on the Lower Level). Discover a new favorite artist, catch up with friends and family, and enjoy an outdoor cultural event at OMCA.
Lunchtime Sessions are free and open to the public; tickets and reservations are not required. Food and beverages are not included. In order to maintain safety for all guests and staff, capacity may be limited. Please review our COVID-19 Health and Safety Information in advance of your visit. In the event of rain, this event will be cancelled.
Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday, February 5, 2022, 12–3 pm
Gather with us on OMCA’s campus to ring in the Year of the Tiger together! Families will enjoy story time with author Oliver Chin, who recently launched a new graphic novel series Awesome Asian Americans. Don’t miss the popular Toishan Benevolent Association Lion Dancers, live music by acclaimed Gamelan Sekar Jaya and award-winning Vân-Ánh Võ, take-home art activities, food truck bites, and more. In response to the ongoing incidents of violence targeting the AAPI community, all are welcome to join a special healing circle facilitated by Lotus Awakens. All activities are included with Museum admission. Capacity is limited. Please review OMCA’s Safe Community Agreements (see below) in advance of your visit. Register for the onsite program here.
Lunar New Year Celebration: Virtual Healing Circle
Tuesday, February 8, 2022, 6:30-7:30 pm
In response to the ongoing incidents of violence targeting the AAPI community, join us virtually to connect and reflect together in a Zoom healing circle facilitated by Kelsey “Lotus” Wong of Lotus Awakens and Christine Juang. This interactive healing experience will incorporate art, movement, meditation, reflection, and meaningful dialogue. Audiences of all ages, generations, identities, and life experiences are welcome to participate.
This virtual program is free with an RSVP! You will receive a zoom link upon registering. Check-out the full schedule of OMCA’s 21st Annual Lunar New Year Celebration offerings.
Afro-Rithms from the Future Workshop (Virtual)
Sunday, February 20, 2022, 1 pm – 2:30 pm
Join us for a virtual, guided workshop inspired by the concepts of Afrofuturism, held in correlation with OMCA’s special exhibition Mothership: Voyage Into Afrofuturism. In this 1.5 hour session, attendees will be provided with tools and strategies to envision a more just future, exploring radically inclusive narratives where Black futures matter and systemic racism is challenged. Dr. Lonny J. Avi Brooks and Ahmed Best from The Afrofuturist Podcast will lead participants in an activity inspired by their game, Afro-Rithms from the Future, which explores the idea of “shifting from a center of Western cultural views to alternative future worlds where Black and BIPOC cultural perspectives are at the forefront.” Students, community organizers, educators, parents, and curious visitors alike are invited to join in this powerful opportunity to reimagine our collective futures and develop tools for envisioning a more just world. Tickets priced on a sliding scale, $1-$20. Register at Afro-Rithms from the Future Workshop Tickets, Sun, Feb 20, 2022 at 1:00 pm | Eventbrite
Virtual Black History Field Trip for Grades K-6
Friday, February 18, 10 am
Experience this fun, interactive virtual performance that acknowledges a history of oppression and celebrates the dreams and contributions of African Americans. Oakland a cappella group SoVoSó will lead students on a musical journey through themes related to the experiences of the African American community. Students will discover how music is a way to communicate the challenges and hopes of Black people—past, present, and future. Recording of this virtual event will be available immediately after the live stream for classes that are not available or who would like to celebrate Black History beyond February 18. Available until June 30, 2022. Register at this link!
BLACK HISTORY MONTH IN ART, HISTORY AND SCIENCE GALLERIES
In addition to Mothership: Voyage to Afrofuturism, OMCA’s art, history and natural sciences galleries feature rich and varied content celebrating uniquely California perspectives for Black History Month. Check out works by Hank Willis Thomas, Chris Johnson, Rosie Lee Tompkins, Walter Gordon Phillips, Kota Ezawa, Arbie Williams, Binta Ayofemi, Philip Lindsay Mason and other artists throughout OMCA’s core galleries.
EXTENDED FRIDAY HOURS
OMCA will extend its Friday hours to 9 pm beginning February 11 to accommodate increasing attendance and in response to public requests for additional hours outside of the work week.
OFF THE GRID FOOD TRUCKS RETURN
End your week and indulge your weekend with the return of craveable meals, snacks and beverages from Off the Grid food trucks on 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets. Beginning February 4–including the February 5 Lunar New Year celebration–two to four trucks will welcome visitors and neighbors weekly for dinner Friday evenings from 5 to 8 pm and lunches on Thursdays and Saturdays from 11 am to 2 pm on 10th Street between Oak and Fallon Streets.
NEW EARLY BIRD GARAGE HOURS AND DISCOUNT
The OMCA garage located at 1000 Oak St. (with entrances on Oak and 12th Streets) will open at 6 am daily with a special early bird rate beginning February 1. The new, extended hours will feature an all-day, discounted flat rate of $20 (in before 10 am, out before 5 pm). Those parking before 8 am and leaving before 10 am will pay the regular incremental rate.
COVID-19 HEALTH AND SAFETY INFORMATION
As of February 1, 2022, following the Oakland City Council emergency ordinance, OMCA will require proof of vaccination for all onsite activities. This includes access to our galleries and special exhibitions, programs and events in the theater, cafe, and garden. For unvaccinated individuals, a document from a licensed medical professional verifying a medical exemption and a recent negative test (within 72 hours) will also be accepted for entry to the Museum.
Adults are required to show proof of vaccination along with their photo ID; children ages 12 and older and students on K-12 field trips must show proof of vaccination but are not required to provide an ID. Thank you for helping us protect each other and our community!
ABOUT THE OAKLAND MUSEUM OF CALIFORNIA
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) tells the many stories that comprise California, creating the space and context for greater connection, trust, and understanding between people. Through its inclusive exhibitions, public programs, educational initiatives, and cultural events, OMCA brings Californians together and inspires greater understanding about what our state’s art, history, and natural surroundings teach us about ourselves and each other. With more than 1.9 million objects, OMCA brings together its multidisciplinary collections of art, history, and natural science with first-person accounts and often untold narratives of California, all within its 110,000 square feet of gallery space and seven-acre campus. The Museum is a leading cultural institution of the Bay Area and a resource for the research and understanding of California’s dynamic cultural and environmental heritage for visitors from the region, the state, and around the world.
VISITOR INFORMATION
The Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is at 1000 Oak Street, at 10th Street, in Oakland. Museum admission is $16 general; $11 seniors and students with valid ID, $7 youth ages 13 to 17, and free for Members and children 12 and under. There is a $5 charge in addition to general admission pricing for special exhibitions in the Great Hall. OMCA offers onsite underground parking and is conveniently located one block from the Lake Merritt BART station, on the corner of 10th Street and Oak Street. An accessibility ramp is located at the 1000 Oak Street main entrance to the Museum. museumca.org
###