Free First THURSDAY | September 4 | 5-8pm

This month, we’re flipping the script! Since we’ll be closing early at 1:00pm on Friday, September 5 for a private event, we’re celebrating Free First Friday a day early.

Join us on Thursday, September 4 from 5:00-8:00pm for free admission, exciting new exhibitions, and all the O’side vibes. Plus, it’s the perfect chance to double up on fun at the MainStreet Oceanside Sunset Market.

We’ll see you soon!

Plein Air Festival Awards Celebration

Celebrate the culmination of the third Oceanside Plein Air Festival with fellow artists and art lovers. View and buy paintings selected for the 2025 Plein Air Festival Juried Exhibition, and purchase your own original work of art at the Plein Air Easel Sale. Join us as we recognize the outstanding paintings in various categories and award the winning prizes, including Best in Show judged by Peter Adams, Toni Williams, and OMA Executive Director Maria Mingalone. As we put a stamp on a week of outstanding creativity, gather with old and new friends alike to raise a glass to art and the natural environment in Oceanside’s third Plein Air Festival.

Free with Festival Registration

 

Plein Air Festival VIP Exhibition Pre Sale

Be among the first to experience the 2025 Plein Air Festival Exhibition and sip on mimosas before the crowds. Enjoy exclusive access to purchasing works by prominent plein air painters before the exhibition and sale opens to the public at noon.

 

The Big Teeny Tiny Friday Drop-In Workshop at OMA

While you prepare for Saturday's Plein Air Awards Ceremony, drop in to OMA on Friday to join the Teeny Tiny creation craze for a good cause. Submit your 5" x 5" masterpiece by 4:00pm on Friday to be eligible for a cash prize, announced at the Plein Air Awards Ceremony on Saturday, September 13. Submitted artwork will be considered a donation to OMA and will be for sale at $25 each. Unsold works may be moved into the 2026 Teeny Tiny Art Mart fundraiser taking place in February, 2026. All of the proceeds go directly towards providing thousands of students annually with transformative arts-based educational experiences. So, grab your art supplies and let your imagination soar—together we can make a big impact, one teeny tiny artwork at a time.

Learn more about OMA’s annual Teeny Tiny Art Mart fundraiser at www.oma-online.org/tiny
Artwork may be created in any medium on any substrate. 5" x 5" canvases will be provided while supplies last. Canvases do not need to be stamped.

Free with Festival Registration

 

Artist Networking Event | Paint Your Own Beer Coaster at Beer Town

Join us for a fun and casual evening of creativity and connection at Beer Town during Oceanside’s Plein Air Festival! Bring your own painting supplies and transform a blank coaster into a mini masterpiece while mingling with fellow artists and art lovers. Coasters provided, drinks and snacks available for purchase (no host). Whether you’re a seasoned painter or just looking to unwind and get inspired, this laid-back networking event is the perfect way to tap into the spirit of the festival.

Free with Festival Registration
Free to participate; no host - Enjoy Plein Air all day happy hour!

 

Plein Air Easel Sale | September 13

Directly across the street from the museum, peruse a stunning showcase of original works of plein air art in a variety of media created over the course of Oceanside's Plein Air Festival. Find the next gem for your collection at pricing accessible to any level of collector, or simply browse the hundreds of artistic interpretations of Southern California’s natural beauty created over the course of the preceding week. The sale will be open both before and after the Plein Air Festival Awards Celebration taking place just across the street at OMA, making it an exciting way to start or end your day of celebrating art in the open air. Love what you see? You can purchase paintings straight off the easel! OMA staff will be available to process payments.

Free with Festival Registration
Free to view, artwork prices vary.

 

Mission San Luis Rey Quick Paint Sale | September 10-13

Stop by our lobby for a special pop-up art sale featuring original works created during the September 9 Mission San Luis Rey Quick Paint Challenge! Discover fresh, on-the-spot plein air pieces capturing the beauty of this historic site, only available to purchase at OMA during the final days of the Plein Air Festival. All artwork sales will be processed through OMA’s front desk.

Free with Festival Registration
Free to view, artwork prices vary.

 

Plein Air Beginner’s Workshop with Toni Williams

Join us for a relaxed and welcoming introduction to plein air painting led by artist and 2025 Plein Air Festival juror/judge Toni Williams—creating art outdoors, inspired by the beauty of the natural world. This workshop is perfect for beginners and will cover the basics of composition, color mixing, and capturing light and atmosphere on location.

Artists must bring their own paints, solvents, brushes, palette, and surfaces to paint on. Toni will be instructing in oil paint. Artists are encouraged to explore options for outdoor painting equipment such as a moveable easel or pochade box. Park tables will also be available.

Stay safe! Please wear a hat, neck covering, and sunscreen, and bring plenty of drinking water.

 

North County Health & Wellness Fair

Come see us out in the sunshine! We’re excited to be part of the North County Health & Wellness Fair on Thursday, August 14 from 9:00am-1:00pm at the Oceanside Civic Center Plaza.
We’re all about wellness through art, and this community fair is the perfect place to share how creativity can help fuel your life. Check out some free health resources, visit the Downtown Farmer’s Market, and stop by our table for a dose of artful inspiration!

Event Details

Date: August 14th, 2025
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
Location: Oceanside Civic Center Plaza, 300 North Coast Highway
Admission: Free to the public

 

DECEMBER | Virtual Art Share with OMA Artist Alliance

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.

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