OMA's Artist Alliance is thrilled to present 31 artworks in their second exhibition collaboration with Brooks Theatre Gallery in Downtown Oceanside. Selected by juror and gallery director Carol Naegele, many of the artworks are loosely themed to the title Spirited, exploring the winter spirit in any form that may take. This exhibition features artwork by Deena Altman, Laurie Batter, Josephine Behrend, Micki Brown, Dana Edwards, Deborah Fitzpatrick, Laura Green, Judy Judy, Linda Kelson, Chunhee Kim, Lauren LeVieux, Aishwarya Niraula, Lisa Passin, Arlette Stella Poland, Viktoria Romanova, Safa Salman, Eun Jung Song, and Krista Timberlake.

The Brooks Theater Gallery is located in the lobby of the historic Sunshine Brooks Theater in the heart of Oceanside’s Cultural District. With year-round exhibits curated to relate to the themes of Oceanside Theatre Company (OTC)’s main stage and youth productions, the gallery is seen by artist lovers, theater goers, music lovers, tourists, and the Oceanside community. Artist Open Houses for each exhibit offer an opportunity for the public to meet the artists and enjoy the exhibit cost free. The Artist Open Houses, often coinciding with Oceanside’s First Friday Art Walk, include ambient music, an artist-at-work on a new piece, and light nibbles.

OTC is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization. The mission of Oceanside Theatre Company is to produce professional theatrical productions for the entertainment and enrichment of our community; to present educational opportunities in the arts for children and adults; and to provide a venue for expansion of artistic endeavors in North San Diego County.

Juror Carol Naegele has a BA in Fine Arts and an AA in Theatre Technical Arts. Carol says of her career, “I have loved using my imagination and art background to design costumes, props and sets for educational and professional theater. I became involved with Oceanside Theatre Company at the Brooks Theater as a Board member. I currently teach Theater Design workshops (sets, props, costumes, and lighting design) for OTC’s annual Summer Youth Theatre Academy. 

“I became the Brooks Theater Gallery curator 10 years ago. I had the opportunity to create a vibrant, inviting and exciting space that showcases fine art from artists throughout southern California. From the beginning, my vision for the Gallery is to create a partnership between visual art and performing art–a synergy that enriches the experience of both art lovers and theater-goers.

“As a juror, my role is to have an understanding and vision of the overall story arch of an exhibition. I am seeking the cohesive whole that explores, enriches and excites the mind and eye. I look for visual storytelling, a thread that leads the viewer from the first, introductory art piece to the final art piece that grounds the whole. Each piece I choose is vital and connected.”