Programs: All Ages

FREE | Each month OMA welcomes friends and neighbors on Free First Sundays from 12-2pm to join in Art For All, our fun hands-on art-making experience led by artists and cultural partners from our community.

Sunprint Banners

This in-house project on July 6 invites participants to create magical, sun-powered prints using natural objects and light! Soak up the summer sun and combine science and art to watch your designs develop in real time using special sun-sensitive cyanotype paper.

Whether you’re new to art or have your own creative flow, Art For All is the time to let your imagination soar. Visit our current exhibitions to spark your creativity! Explore different art-making materials through creative projects at each session while learning from local and regional artists. Check back each month to see what we’re up to next!

These informal drop-in workshops are open to all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided free of charge, while supplies last.

 

Join Artist Alliance from home or wherever you are with refreshments of your choice, and enjoy some conversation with fellow artists! Sculptors, painters, photographers, and artists of all disciplines are welcome. Take part in this conversation via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Content Advisory: This is a supportive peer group for artists of all experience levels, engaging with a broad range of subject matter, including but not limited to: artificial intelligence, anime, landscapes, various forms of sculpture, photography, portraiture, figurative work, LGBTQ themes, sexuality, politics, and war. Because the artwork and discussions may include mature or sensitive content, participants under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have explicit guardian permission to attend. If any participant—adult or underage—prefers to avoid potentially triggering content, we are happy to accommodate by scheduling their presentation earlier in the session to allow for a timely and respectful departure.

Hosted by: Lorraine Cote

Paint boats, restaurants, the lighthouse, pedestrians, or a friendly seal. Park in the second row of spots for free, restrooms are available.

Open to All Levels!

Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter or just starting your artistic journey, this event is for you! Beginners and experienced painters can find fresh inspiration in the urban and natural landscape.

How to Participate:

1. Register for the event on the San Diego Plein Air Painters Meetup Group site: https://www.meetup.com/painter-86/
2. Bring your painting supplies, easel, and canvases. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for the California sun!

This is a non-instructional event. Paint to your heart's content and enjoy the dynamic surroundings.

Become an Artist Alliance Member:

Join and learn more about Artist Alliance and the activities at Oceanside Museum of Art at: https://oma-online.org/membership/

 

FABULOUS FIBER is a dazzling celebration of textile artistry, where tradition meets innovation in a vibrant display of texture, color, and creativity. This immersive exhibition brings together contemporary works crafted with both time-honored and cutting-edge techniques, from quilting and tufting to felting, embroidery, weaving, beading, crochet, basketry, and beyond. Each piece breathes new life into fiber art, transforming familiar crafts into bold, modern expressions.

Learn more about FABULOUS FIBER: https://oma-online.org/fabulous-fiber/

Join us Saturday, August 23, from 5:00–7:00pm for an evening of art and drinks as we celebrate the opening of our newest exhibitions The Space Between: Texture Studies by Denja Harris, FABULOUS FIBER, and Surf Art: Exploring Southern California's Coastal Culture. Discover and connect with fellow artists, dedicated curators, and a vibrant community as you explore the art and stories of Southern California artists in three new exhibitions at OMA.

 

FREE | Each month OMA welcomes friends and neighbors on Free First Sundays from 12-2pm to join in Art For All, our fun hands-on art-making experience led by artists and cultural partners from our community.

Surfboard Stories

Inspired by Oceanside’s surf culture, join us on August 3 to decorate mini surfboard cutouts with paint, stencils, and personal symbols. Ride the creative wave with us!

Whether you’re new to art or have your own creative flow, Art For All is the time to let your imagination soar. Visit our current exhibitions to spark your creativity! Explore different art-making materials through creative projects at each session while learning from local and regional artists. Check back each month to see what we’re up to next!

These informal drop-in workshops are open to all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided free of charge, while supplies last.

 

Join Artist Alliance from home or wherever you are with refreshments of your choice, and enjoy some conversation with fellow artists! Sculptors, painters, photographers, and artists of all disciplines are welcome. Take part in this conversation via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Content Advisory: This is a supportive peer group for artists of all experience levels, engaging with a broad range of subject matter, including but not limited to: artificial intelligence, anime, landscapes, various forms of sculpture, photography, portraiture, figurative work, LGBTQ themes, sexuality, politics, and war. Because the artwork and discussions may include mature or sensitive content, participants under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have explicit guardian permission to attend. If any participant—adult or underage—prefers to avoid potentially triggering content, we are happy to accommodate by scheduling their presentation earlier in the session to allow for a timely and respectful departure.

Hosted by: Lorraine Cote

There are docks, trails, trees and water fowl at this lovely spot. Ample parking and restrooms available inside the nature center.

Open to All Levels!

Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter or just starting your artistic journey, this event is for you! Beginners and experienced painters can find fresh inspiration in the urban and natural landscape.

How to Participate:

1. Register for the event on the San Diego Plein Air Painters Meetup Group site: https://www.meetup.com/painter-86/
2. Bring your painting supplies, easel, and canvases. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for the California sun!

This is a non-instructional event. Paint to your heart's content and enjoy the dynamic surroundings.

Become an Artist Alliance Member:

Join and learn more about Artist Alliance and the activities at Oceanside Museum of Art at: https://oma-online.org/membership/

 

Artist Alliance members, along with their guests, are welcome to engage in a group art share and critique, aimed at fostering professional growth. Not yet part of the alliance? No worries, you can join either before the event or on-site!

This exhibition will explore art that has emerged from the surf-culture lifestyle and surfing’s influence on artists. Everyone who has experienced the feeling of riding a wave understands just how hard it is to describe that incredible sensation, referred to as “stoke”. It seems that only through creative self-expression can surfer-artists capture the essence of stoke and the inspiration that can be found between the surfer and the wave. Artists who surf may take this creative energy in many directions and may explore subjects outside of surfing and surf culture. This joint exhibition will feature a variety of media, from traditional art making methods to works in resin, murals, surfboards, graphic art, sculpture, or fabric, all with the goal to convey the creative power that all artists experience, on or off the wave.

Learn more about Surf Art: Exploring Southern California's Coastal Culture: https://oma-online.org/surf-art/

Join us Saturday, August 23, from 5:00–7:00pm for an evening of art and drinks as we celebrate the opening of our newest exhibitions The Space Between: Texture Studies by Denja Harris, FABULOUS FIBER, and Surf Art: Exploring Southern California's Coastal Culture. Discover and connect with fellow artists, dedicated curators, and a vibrant community as you explore the art and stories of Southern California artists in three new exhibitions at OMA.

 

2025 Oceanside Plein Air Festival

Painting Southern California in the Open Air September 6 - 13, 2025

Come together to celebrate creativity and the natural environment with artists of various skills to take over our beautiful city with plein air painting. There will be Artist Workshops, Artist Networking Events, Easel Sales, Quick Paint Challenges, and Awards during the Festival. Artwork created during the Festival will also be up for selection for our Plein Air Exhibition that will run through November 2025 at OMA.

 

 

FREE | Each month OMA welcomes friends and neighbors on Free First Sundays from 12-2pm to join in Art For All, our fun hands-on art-making experience led by artists and cultural partners from our community.

Plein Air Painting Party

On September 7, celebrate the outdoors with a plein air painting experience. Grab a brush, pick your view, and express the beauty of Oceanside’s surroundings through color and creativity in the open air.

Whether you’re new to art or have your own creative flow, Art For All is the time to let your imagination soar. Visit our current exhibitions to spark your creativity! Explore different art-making materials through creative projects at each session while learning from local and regional artists. Check back each month to see what we’re up to next!

These informal drop-in workshops are open to all ages. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult. All materials are provided free of charge, while supplies last.

 

Join Artist Alliance from home or wherever you are with refreshments of your choice, and enjoy some conversation with fellow artists! Sculptors, painters, photographers, and artists of all disciplines are welcome. Take part in this conversation via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Content Advisory: This is a supportive peer group for artists of all experience levels, engaging with a broad range of subject matter, including but not limited to: artificial intelligence, anime, landscapes, various forms of sculpture, photography, portraiture, figurative work, LGBTQ themes, sexuality, politics, and war. Because the artwork and discussions may include mature or sensitive content, participants under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have explicit guardian permission to attend. If any participant—adult or underage—prefers to avoid potentially triggering content, we are happy to accommodate by scheduling their presentation earlier in the session to allow for a timely and respectful departure.

Join Artist Alliance from home or wherever you are with refreshments of your choice, and enjoy some conversation with fellow artists! Sculptors, painters, photographers, and artists of all disciplines are welcome. Take part in this conversation via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Content Advisory: This is a supportive peer group for artists of all experience levels, engaging with a broad range of subject matter, including but not limited to: artificial intelligence, anime, landscapes, various forms of sculpture, photography, portraiture, figurative work, LGBTQ themes, sexuality, politics, and war. Because the artwork and discussions may include mature or sensitive content, participants under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have explicit guardian permission to attend. If any participant—adult or underage—prefers to avoid potentially triggering content, we are happy to accommodate by scheduling their presentation earlier in the session to allow for a timely and respectful departure.

Hosted by: Lorraine Cote

The Museum and park is open and there should be plenty of parking in the main lot on Peyri Dr. as well as access to restrooms.

Open to All Levels!

Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter or just starting your artistic journey, this event is for you! Beginners and experienced painters can find fresh inspiration in the urban and natural landscape.

How to Participate:

1. Register for the event on the San Diego Plein Air Painters Meetup Group site: https://www.meetup.com/painter-86/
2. Bring your painting supplies, easel, and canvases. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for the California sun!

This is a non-instructional event. Paint to your heart's content and enjoy the dynamic surroundings.

Become an Artist Alliance Member:

Join and learn more about Artist Alliance and the activities at Oceanside Museum of Art at: https://oma-online.org/membership/

 

Join Artist Alliance from home or wherever you are with refreshments of your choice, and enjoy some conversation with fellow artists! Sculptors, painters, photographers, and artists of all disciplines are welcome. Take part in this conversation via a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Content Advisory: This is a supportive peer group for artists of all experience levels, engaging with a broad range of subject matter, including but not limited to: artificial intelligence, anime, landscapes, various forms of sculpture, photography, portraiture, figurative work, LGBTQ themes, sexuality, politics, and war. Because the artwork and discussions may include mature or sensitive content, participants under the age of 18 must either be accompanied by a parent or guardian or have explicit guardian permission to attend. If any participant—adult or underage—prefers to avoid potentially triggering content, we are happy to accommodate by scheduling their presentation earlier in the session to allow for a timely and respectful departure.

Hosted by: Lorraine Cote

Paint the cute umbrellas and Victorian architecture, guests enjoying their pie, the steers views, or the nearby pier views. Free parking at the lot at the corner of Seagaze and S Cleveland drives or metered street parking. Public restrooms available nearby at the pier.

Open to All Levels!

Whether you're a seasoned plein air painter or just starting your artistic journey, this event is for you! Beginners and experienced painters can find fresh inspiration in the urban and natural landscape.

How to Participate:

1. Register for the event on the San Diego Plein Air Painters Meetup Group site: https://www.meetup.com/painter-86/
2. Bring your painting supplies, easel, and canvases. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for the California sun!

This is a non-instructional event. Paint to your heart's content and enjoy the dynamic surroundings.

Become an Artist Alliance Member:

Join and learn more about Artist Alliance and the activities at Oceanside Museum of Art at: https://oma-online.org/membership/

 

Artist Alliance members, along with their guests, are welcome to engage in a group art share and critique, aimed at fostering professional growth. Not yet part of the alliance? No worries, you can join either before the event or on-site!