Soft Power in Practice: A Conversation with the 2026 San Diego Art Prize Recipients

Join us for an afternoon with Danielle Dean, Ingrid Hernández, and Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio, the three extraordinary artists honored with the 2026 San Diego Art Prize. Moderated by curator Lara Bullock, Ph.D., this panel accompanies Soft Power: On Color, Time, and Resistance, an exhibition that invites viewers to look more closely at the quiet yet powerful forces shaping identity, environment, and belief. Each recipient is recognized for sustained excellence in creativity, professional achievement, and meaningful contributions to the region’s arts ecosystem.
Each artist will be introduced by the local collectors who champion their work, including architects Jim Brown and Isabel Dutra, Alonso Elias and Patty Fontes of Collection Elias-Fontes, and Christine E. Jones, Manager of Art, Film and Creative Industries at the SD County Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs, before sharing an intimate look into their practice, process, and the inspiration that drives them.
Presented by Oceanside Museum of Art in partnership with San Diego Visual Arts Network (SDVAN), this gathering is a celebration of the artists, collectors, and advocates whose vision and dedication continue to shape a thriving visual arts community across San Diego County and beyond.
Ticket Prices:
Member: $35
Nonmember: $50

Drawing Discovery Week with Mark Kistler

Calling all artists ages 6–7 and 8–14! Come learn to draw with legendary arts educator and professional illustrator Mark Kistler!
Mark Kistler is an award-winning illustrator and educator known for bringing the joy of drawing to generations of children and adults. With decades of experience in cartoon illustration and art education, Mark’s dynamic teaching style inspires confidence, imagination, and skill development in artists of all ages.

Drawing Discovery Week: Ages 6–7

August 3–7 | 9:00–10:00am

Ticket Price: $99

Drawing Discovery Week: Ages 8–14

August 3–7 | 10:30am–1:30pm

Ticket Price: $299

Drawing Discovery Week: Ages 8–14 (Short Day)

August 3–7 | 10:30am–12:30pm

Ticket Price: $199

Students will build confidence, creativity, and drawing skills while exploring imaginative themes and creating incredible artwork alongside one of the most beloved drawing teachers of all time. Many of Mark’s former students have even gone on to animate films like Frozen, Shrek, and Star Wars! Don’t miss this chance to learn illustration from a seasoned pro!
Space is limited. Register today!

Timelapse Forms Reception at OMA West

Celebrate the newest exhibition at OMA West, Timelapse Forms. Enjoy champagne and charcuterie as you mingle with artists and art lovers at OMA’s Annex Gallery, located inside the Seabird Resort in downtown Oceanside, at 101 Mission Avenue, Oceanside, CA 92054.
Ticket Prices:
Free

Self Compassion Through Art Journaling with Lea Seigen Shinraku

A 4-Class Creative Growth Series

Dates and Times:
Monday, September 28, 2026 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Monday, October 5, 2026 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Monday, October 12, 2026 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Monday, October 19, 2026 6:00 pm–7:30 pm
Discover a joyful, creative approach to personal growth through this nurturing four-class art journaling series. Designed to make the inner work of self-development feel lighter, sweeter, and more accessible, this program blends meditation, creative expression, and meaningful reflection in a supportive, judgment-free environment.
Led by Lea Seigen Shinraku—a licensed therapist, group facilitator, Zen practitioner, and lifelong artist—this series draws on over 15 years of professional experience combined with science-based self-compassion practices. With deep roots in both the healing arts and visual creativity, Lea offers a warm, grounded approach that welcomes participants exactly as they are.
In this series, you will: create a criticism-free zone in your life through art journaling; discover and explore the fundamentals of self-compassion; build comfort with uncertainty in a changing world; practice self-compassion in a playful, creative, and embodied way.
Each class includes guided meditation, experiential teaching, art journaling, and group discussion—inviting a spirit of curiosity, creativity, and care into everyday life. No art experience is necessary. These simple, accessible creative practices are truly about the heart, not artistic skill. All sessions will be recorded, and registered participants will receive temporary access to class recordings for flexible viewing.
Whether you’re seeking personal renewal, creative exploration, or new tools for emotional well-being, this series offers a gentle, inspiring path forward—through both art and self-compassion.
Students are responsible for purchasing their own materials: watercolor set (you can choose the palette you prefer); watercolor paper or pad (any watercolor pad of a similar size with approximately 30 pages works well).
Ticket Prices:
Adult: $200
Member: $160
Student: $175

 

CANCELED: Beyond Burnout: Art Journaling for Stress Relief

We regret to share that Beyond Burnout: Art Journaling for Stress Relief, beginning on July 13, has been canceled.
The good news: Lea will return with her blockbuster 4-week series, Self Compassion Through Art Journaling, beginning on Monday, September 28, at 6:00pm!
Purchase tickets now at bit.ly/journalwithlea.

Virtual Art Share with OMA Artist Alliance | December

If you’re looking for fellowship but can’t make it in person to OMA, join our Virtual Art Share series 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.

How to Participate:

Email your file (JPEG or PNG) to Theo, dehartt+artshare@gmail.com, with “OMA Virtual Art Share” in the subject line of your email.
This online event is hosted on Zoom, join the meeting here.
Meeting ID: 884 8509 1576

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.

Virtual Art Share with OMA Artist Alliance | November

If you’re looking for fellowship but can’t make it in person to OMA, join our Virtual Art Share series 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.

How to Participate:

Email your file (JPEG or PNG) to Theo, dehartt+artshare@gmail.com, with “OMA Virtual Art Share” in the subject line of your email.
This online event is hosted on Zoom, join the meeting here.
Meeting ID: 884 8509 1576

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.

Virtual Art Share with OMA Artist Alliance | October

If you’re looking for fellowship but can’t make it in person to OMA, join our Virtual Art Share series 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.

How to Participate:

Email your file (JPEG or PNG) to Theo, dehartt+artshare@gmail.com, with “OMA Virtual Art Share” in the subject line of your email.
This online event is hosted on Zoom, join the meeting here.
Meeting ID: 884 8509 1576

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.

Virtual Art Share with OMA Artist Alliance | September

If you’re looking for fellowship but can’t make it in person to OMA, join our Virtual Art Share series 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.

How to Participate:

Email your file (JPEG or PNG) to Theo, dehartt+artshare@gmail.com, with “OMA Virtual Art Share” in the subject line of your email.
This online event is hosted on Zoom, join the meeting here.
Meeting ID: 884 8509 1576

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.

Virtual Art Share with OMA Artist Alliance | August

If you’re looking for fellowship but can’t make it in person to OMA, join our Virtual Art Share series 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.

How to Participate:

Email your file (JPEG or PNG) to Theo, dehartt+artshare@gmail.com, with “OMA Virtual Art Share” in the subject line of your email.
This online event is hosted on Zoom, join the meeting here.
Meeting ID: 884 8509 1576

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.

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