ART AFTER DARK: Anatomy of the Surreal
October 24 | 7:00–11:00pm
Ticket Price: Member $65 | Nonmember $85 | All Access VIP: $175
Sponsorship: Muse (2 Tickets) $500 | Visionary (4 Tickets) $1,000 | Explore More Sponsorship Levels
OMA’s signature 21+ after-hours event, ART AFTER DARK transforms the Museum into a creative hub full of awe-inspiring wearable art costumes, live music, spooky-good libations, and the largest costume competition in North County. This year's event is inspired by our exhibition, David Adey: Sacrificial Bodies, and will include a highly anticipated costume competition. Come walk the runway, show off your creativity, and enter to compete for amazing prizes! A panel of renowned judges, including fashion icon Jan Arnold and puppet works master Tania Yager, will select the winners. Although it's not required to participate, all are welcome to join. Wear a costume, your favorite Halloween look, or some comfy clothes. However you show up, we're excited to see you there!
This year’s theme takes inspiration from the David Adey: Sacrificial Bodies exhibition, on view at OMA now through November 1. David’s work explores identity, fragmentation, technology, mortality, and what it means to inhabit a human body.
Where does Surrealism come in? It’s about taking the familiar and turning it on its head. Bodies stretching, fragmenting, multiplying, transforming, and becoming something uncanny, unexpected, and dreamlike. Check out our curated Spotify playlist to get in the mood, our Pinterest board for outfit inspiration, and our Instagram or Facebook post dissecting the theme!
There’s no one way to interpret the theme. You can go all out or keep it simple with a literal, abstract, or completely surreal look.

Costumes aren't required, but we encourage you to dress to the costume categories for a chance to win a prize in North County's biggest costume competition! Bring your surreal creation to the red carpet and enter one of three categories for a chance to win:
- Best Upcycled Design – Turn something old or unused into something extraordinary.
- Best Interpretation of David Adey: Sacrificial Bodies – Draw direct inspiration from the exhibition. Stop by OMA to see the work in person, find your favorites, and get inspired.
- Best Interpretation of the Theme: Anatomy of the Surreal – Channel your favorite Surrealist artist or interpret the body in a whole new way. Your options are endless!
Our judges will select their top costumes before turning to the audience to help crown the winner. We're excited to welcome three industry powerhouses as our judges: fashion icon Jan Arnold, puppet works master Tania Yager, and wearable art expert Lisa Berman!
Help support OMA's mission to bring people together to explore the art and stories of Southern California artists by becoming a sponsor or underwriter! Enjoy exclusive perks, recognition, and more.
Sponsorship Opportunities:
- Muse Sponsor – $500 (2 Tickets, Name Recognition)
- Visionary Sponsor – $1,000 (4 Tickets, Name Recognition)
- Conjurer Sponsor – $2,500 (4 Tickets, Marketing Promotions, Event Signage)
- Virtuoso Sponsor – $5,000 (8 Tickets, Marketing Promotions, Event Signage)
- Oracle Sponsor – $7,500 (12 Guests, Marketing Promotions, Event Signage)
Underwriting Opportunities:
- Costume Competition Prizes – $500 (3 Available)
- Step & Repeat Banner – $1,000
- Photobooth – $1,000
- Photography – $1,500
- Videography – $1,500
- Signature Cocktail – $2,500
- Entertainment – $2,500 (3 Available)
- Audio/Video Sponsor – $3,500
- Lounge Naming Opportunity – $5,000
- Bar – $5,000 (1 Available) or $2,500 (2 Available)
SPONSORSHIP
Stay tuned to learn how to lock in special perks while supporting the Museum's biggest art party of the year, or contact development@oma-online.org for assistance.
Can't attend ART AFTER DARK or want to contribute in another way? Donate today!
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