Exhibition Opening Day | The Space Between: Texture Studies by Denja Harris

“The Space Between: Texture Studies by Denja Harris explores the tension between control and surrender, seeking meaning in the space between what is and what is becoming. Through large-scale yarn paintings, soft sculptures, and video, I investigate how texture, form, color, and pattern evoke sensory and emotional responses. Each piece invites viewers to engage with the interplay of softness and structure and to find significance within the undefined spaces.

This work mirrors our collective human experience, an ongoing navigation of uncertainty, patience, and becoming. In this way, absence holds as much weight as presence.

This exhibition is about approaching the unknown with curiosity rather than resistance and using improvisation as both an initiation and a response. Layering and repetition are prominent throughout my work, reinforcing the cyclical nature of change and the unfolding process of becoming. The Space Between is an invitation to pause, reflect, and consider how we hold space for the unknown and, in doing so, how we shape and are shaped by it in return.” –Denja Harris

 

Plein Air Paint Out with OMA Artist Alliance: The Star Theater

Hosted by: Lorraine Cote

Paint the street view with this iconic theater. Hopefully the lights will come on during the end of our time. Parking and restrooms at the nearby Civic 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/

 

Plein Air Paint Out with OMA Artist Alliance: The Top Gun House

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/

 

Plein Air Paint Out with OMA Artist Alliance: Heritage Park & All Saints Church and Cemetery

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/

 

EXHIBITION CELEBRATION | NOVEMBER 2025

Join us for an evening of art and drinks as we celebrate the opening of our newest exhibitions:

The 2025/26 Artist Alliance Biennial

Francisco Eme: The Resistance of Echo & La Eco-Resistencia

A Fitting Pair: Irving J. Gill and Oceanside Architecture 1929–1936

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.

 

EXHIBITION OPEN HOUSE | A Different Lens

Join us on First Free Sunday for the closing celebration of The Art of Autism: A Different Lens.

 

The program will start with an inspiring conversation and Q&A between exhibition curator Debra Muzikar and neurodiversity consultant Alexander Plank, offering insights into the creative processes and perspectives behind the exhibition. Then, guests are invited to meet the artists, explore the gallery at their own pace, and dive deeper into the bold, expressive works.

Celebrate neurodiverse creativity through connection, insight, and discovery.

 

Plein Air Paint Out with OMA Artist Alliance: Buena Vista Lagoon & Nature Center

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/

 

Plein Air Paint Out with OMA Artist Alliance: Oceanside Harbor

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/

 

Plein Air Paint Out with OMA Artist Alliance: Guajome Lake

Hosted by: Lorraine Cote

It’s just beautiful all along the lake shore with water fowl, children, and lovely water vistas. Parking is $3 (bring ones) and 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/

 

SPECIAL EVENT | Gallery Walkthrough with Matt Devine

In this meet-and-greet with artist Matt Devine, learn about his immersive installation Walk with Me.

Matt will lead a brief tour of the gallery while in conversation with OMA’s Director of Exhibitions and Collections, Katie Dolgov. Questions are encouraged.

Leave behind the chaos of modern life and step into a tranquil space where the restorative qualities of nature take center stage.

This program is free with regular museum admission.

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