Artist Alliance | Sparks Gallery Reception

Join OMA’s Artist Alliance at Sparks Gallery for the reception of Elemental on Sunday, May 25, from 5–8pm. OMA’s Artist Alliance is thrilled to present 38 artworks in their third exhibition at Sparks Gallery in San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter downtown. Selected by juror Sonya Sparks, many of the artworks are loosely themed to the title, Elemental, work that explores the vibrancy and vitality of the core elements—earth, air, fire, and water—that shape the world around us. The exhibition aims to evoke the raw, powerful essence of these elements, revealing their interconnectedness with life and the environment. The Elemental theme highlights how these fundamental components permeate our daily existence, inspire creativity, and foster growth, yet also have the capacity for destruction and transformation.

Exhibition Opening Day | Art of Autism: A Different Lens

This community partnership between Oceanside Museum of Art and celebrates and champions neurodivergent artists while raising awareness about how people think, learn, perceive, and contribute their unique perspectives to the world we share. The exhibition and associated community programs will provide a robust platform for neurodivergent artists to share their self-expression and expose neurotypical audiences across Southern California to accomplishments by the visual artists featured while building understanding and support for the broader autism community. These programs will help audiences better understand our differences and unique perspectives, demonstrating how the arts physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally bridge communities.

 

PATRON PARTY | Special Event

Exclusively for OMA members at the Patron, President’s Circle, Founder’s Circle, Millennium Club, and Director’s Circle levels, please join us for some all-American burgers, hot dogs, and thirst-quenching refreshments to celebrate your loyalty and generous support and for an insider’s update from Executive Director Maria Mingalone. Attire is summer casual.

Not yet a Patron, President’s Circle, Founder’s Circle, Millennium Club, and Director’s Circle level member? Join or upgrade today!Please RSVP by May 9, 2025.

 

NETWORKING EVENT | Storytelling with Authenticity

Join us to network with event industry professionals from the Southwest region while highlighting OMA as a unique event and meeting space at this Event Industry Networking and Education Event in collaboration with Professional Convention Management Association.

During this evening of meaningful connections, inspiring conversations, and learning, speaker Jerry Beers  will present Taking the Stage: Storytelling with Authenticity, an introduction to the art of purpose-driven storytelling for public speaking for better communication, collaboration, and innovation.

Craft cocktails, mocktails, and delicious hors d’oeuvres from three local gourmet caterers are included with your ticket.

EVENT SCHEDULE

4:00-5:00pm – Arrivals, Networking, Apps & Drinks

5:00-5:15pm – Welcome Announcements, Venue and Sponsor Introductions

5:15-6:00pm – Educational Programming

6:00-6:30pm – Closing Comments & Networking

Visit southwest.pcma.org/events to register and use code OMAVENUE for $20 off!

 

Untold Stories: Black Artists Behind Mainstream Hits | SPECIAL EVENT

This year’s Black History Month program at Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) will celebrate and explore the untold stories of Black artists who have contributed significantly to mainstream culture, particularly in animation, film, theater, and music.

Our three featured speakers represent three different generations and have all experienced the reality of being the “only one” in their careers, navigating moments that forced them to become racially aware. Through this multi-genre exploration, we hope you’ll gain a deeper insight into the power of storytelling and the importance of representation in the arts.

North County African American Women’s Association (NCAAWA), Oceanside Public Library (OPL), and OMA are proud to partner on the presentation of this community discussion.

Featured Artists & Speakers:

-Marshall Toomey: An animator, artist, and author, Marshall will share insights from his upcoming book and reflect on his journey in the animation industry and elsewhere. He will also read a short excerpt from his unpublished work, offering attendees a unique glimpse into his experiences. Marshall is currently an exhibiting artist at OMA.

-Laura Williams: Voice actor from The Lion King, a piano prodigy, and daughter of O’side community-renowned Arts Commissioner Karen Williams Graham. Laura will perform a song from The Lion King, sharing her experience as the voice of young Nala and the impact it has had on her and her family’s lives.

-Kevin “Blax” Burroughs: As the Artistic Director of Oceanside Theatre Company, Kevin “Blax” Burroughs is an award-winning multi-hyphenate theater artist with expertise in directing, choreography, lighting design, and performance. As the youngest artistic director of a professional theater in San Diego County, Kevin has worked with notable companies such as Moonlight Stage Productions, Cygnet Theatre, New Village Arts, and San Diego Musical Theatre. He will also graciously perform a song live.

-Elaine Swann, Moderator: One of the nation’s most recognized lifestyle and etiquette experts, Elaine is the founder of The Swann School of Protocol, an institution dedicated to enriching lives through etiquette and social courtesies. She is a sought-after keynote speaker, corporate etiquette trainer, and author of Let Crazy Be Crazy. Elaine will lead this engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

NOVEMBER | Artist Alliance Quarterly Critique

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!

AUGUST | Artist Alliance Quarterly Critique

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!

MAY | Artist Alliance Quarterly Critique

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!

EXHIBITION CELEBRATION | AUGUST 2025

Join us 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

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.

 

EXHIBITION CELEBRATION | MAY 2025

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

Mary Jhun: In Losing Sleep I Painted

Art of Autism: A Different Lens

Ventana Huichola

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.

 

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