*SPECIAL EVENT* | OMA GALA 2026

Mark your calendars…

The Oceanside Museum of Art Gala returns July 18, 2026!

Cocktail Reception 5:30-7:00pm  |  Oceanside Museum of Art
Dinner and Dancing 7:30-10:00pm  |  Civic Center Plaza
Stay tuned for ticketing details!
Have questions in the meantime? Contact Karen Cook at karen@oma-online.org or 760-435-3727 for assistance. 

 

 

Community Open House

FIRST LOOK!

Join us at Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) for a Community Open House on Sunday, March 1, 2026, from 12:00–4:00pm to learn all about the Museum’s planned expansion into historic Fire Station No. 1 and get a sneak peek into the extended space. Enjoy free admission and free art workshops inspired by our Matrix Multiplied exhibition and the architecture of Irving J. Gill.
12:00–2:00pm: Free Art for All Art Workshops
2:00–3:00pm: Presentation  |  
In Our Backyard: Architectural Vision, Then and Now

Join us for a conversation with experts in their field about Oceanside’s history in the late 1920’s, the presence of bold modernist architecture designed by Irving J. Gill, and OMA’s plans for conscientious preservation and innovative adaptive reuse in sustaining a full city block of landmark Gill buildings.

This presentation strives to build awareness and pride in Oceanside’s cultural identity and legacy. It is an opportunity to learn about Gill’s significance within historical context and to embrace the Museum’s enduring commitment to vibrant community engagement.

Panelists include:

Ricardo Rabines, Safdie Rabines Architects

Kristi Hawthorne, Director of the Oceanside Historical Society

Heath Fox, Curator for the Irving J. Gill Foundation

The panel presentation is offered free of charge from 2:00 to 3:00 pm in the Groves Gallery. All are welcome.

3:00–4:00pm: Light Refreshments Provided
 

Summer Art Camp | Session 2

Get ready for a week of creativity, curiosity, and happy, paint-splattered hands. At Oceanside Museum of Art’s Summer Art Camp, kids get to spend their days making art, exploring ideas, and learning from our Gallery Educators in a welcoming Museum setting.
TWO UNIQUE WEEKS: SIGN UP FOR ONE OR BOTH!
LIMITED TO 25 SPOTS PER WEEK!
June 15–19, 2026 | 9:00am–3:00pm
June 22–26, 2026 | 9:00am–3:00pm
While both weeks visit the same exhibitions and explore similar big ideas, no two weeks are the same! Projects, subjects, and materials shift each week, so returning campers will enjoy fresh challenges. This allows returning campers to deepen their skills while creating entirely new artwork!

WHAT TO EXPECT
Campers will learn foundational art skills like drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and mixed media while also building confidence, problem-solving skills, and creative independence. Activities include drawing, designing and building cardboard “automata" machines inspired by the Aaron Kramer: Sense of Wonder exhibition, creating custom-printed tote bags inspired by the Matrix Multiplied: Hybrid Approaches to Printmaking exhibition, plein air watercolor painting, beach sketching, and so much more!
Beyond art techniques, campers practice observation, creative thinking, collaboration, and expressing their ideas visually. OMA's galleries are our inspiration labs, and every project encourages experimentation and trying something new (there’s no “right way” here!)
Each day includes a walk to the Oceanside Public Library (OPL) where free lunch is provided by the Lunch at the Library program if needed, otherwise kids can bring their lunch from home. OPL is our favorite neighbor and a great place to reset before heading back to the studio.
WAYS TO SAVE
Active OMA Members save BIG with 20% OFF Summer Art Camp registration, just enter your member email when registering! Learn more about OMA membership here.
Registration Prices:
Non-Member: $400
Member: $320 (20% off)
Early Bird: $360 (10% off)

Summer Art Camp | Session 1

Get ready for a week of creativity, curiosity, and happy, paint-splattered hands. At Oceanside Museum of Art’s Summer Art Camp, kids get to spend their days making art, exploring ideas, and learning from our Gallery Educators in a welcoming Museum setting.
TWO UNIQUE WEEKS: SIGN UP FOR ONE OR BOTH!
LIMITED TO 25 SPOTS PER WEEK!
June 15–19, 2026 | 9:00am–3:00pm
June 22–26, 2026 | 9:00am–3:00pm
While both weeks visit the same exhibitions and explore similar big ideas, no two weeks are the same! Projects, subjects, and materials shift each week, so returning campers will enjoy fresh challenges. This allows returning campers to deepen their skills while creating entirely new artwork!

WHAT TO EXPECT
Campers will learn foundational art skills like drawing, painting, printmaking, sculpting, and mixed media while also building confidence, problem-solving skills, and creative independence. Activities include drawing, designing and building cardboard “automata" machines inspired by the Aaron Kramer: Sense of Wonder exhibition, creating custom-printed tote bags inspired by the Matrix Multiplied: Hybrid Approaches to Printmaking exhibition, plein air watercolor painting, beach sketching, and so much more!
Beyond art techniques, campers practice observation, creative thinking, collaboration, and expressing their ideas visually. OMA's galleries are our inspiration labs, and every project encourages experimentation and trying something new (there’s no “right way” here!)
Each day includes a walk to the Oceanside Public Library (OPL) where free lunch is provided by the Lunch at the Library program if needed, otherwise kids can bring their lunch from home. OPL is our favorite neighbor and a great place to reset before heading back to the studio.
WAYS TO SAVE
Active OMA Members save BIG with 20% OFF Summer Art Camp registration, just enter your member email when registering! Learn more about OMA membership here.
Registration Prices:
Non-Member: $400
Member: $320 (20% off)
Early Bird: $360 (10% off)

SPECIAL EVENT | Swell Plates Dinner at Merenda

Join environmental anthropologist and Merenda co-owner Dr. Lauren Crossland-Marr for an evening inspired by the Francisco Eme: Future Rituals & La eco-resistencia  exhibition.

Drawing from Eme’s work and her own research, Dr. Crossland-Marr introduces environmental anthropology, a field that explores how humans understand and live within ecological systems.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026, 6–7PM

Merenda Wine Bar

3375 Mission Ave, Oceanside, CA 92058

$45 per person

 

An extension of  Visit Oceanside’s Swell Plate Series.

Artist Alliance Journaling for Creatives | Writing Your Mission Statement

In this virtual workshop series, artists are invited to turn their journal into a studio companion and idea incubator. Through interactive Zoom sessions we’ll explore simple, repeatable practices artists can use to generate content, clarify ideas, and deepen connection to their work.
JUNE TOPIC: WRITING YOUR MISSION STATEMENT
In this interactive journaling workshop, you’ll:
– Explore your core values and creative motivations
-Use guided journaling prompts to uncover your personal “Why”
-Shape words that inspire your art, fuel your career, and connect you with audiences
You will receive a Zoom link in the emailed RSVP confirmation receipt.
Ticket Prices:
Artist Alliance Member: Free

 

Plein Air Paint Out with OMA Artist Alliance: Buddy Todd Park

This is a small park with great views. There are lots of lovely mature trees, ocean vistas from the west side, playgrounds, and paths as well as plenty of shade. Parking is free 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:

Register for the event on the San Diego Plein Air Painters Meetup Group site: https://www.meetup.com/painter-86/
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 OMA Artist Alliance Member:

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

Coffee And Conversation With OMA Artist Alliance | JUNE

Relax over a steaming cup of coffee, and bring your artwork to share with your fellow Artist Alliance members! Each month one artist will have the opportunity to give a longer presentation, and practice sharing their work and ideas in front of a supportive group setting.
June’s presenter is Christina Rosenthal!
*To be selected as a future presenter, please submit your name and website to cathy@artstudiosandiego.com. Seeking presenter for July.
Ticket Prices:
Artist Alliance Member: Free

Art for All: Aaron Kramer’s Sense of Wonder

Join OMA’s Free First Sundays for Art for All! Each month, OMA welcomes friends and neighbors on Free First Sundays to join in Art for All, our fun hands-on art-making experience led by artists and cultural partners from our community.
Join artist and professional tinkerer Aaron Kramer as he teaches you how to build your own cardboard automata. Inspired by his exhibition at OMA, Sense of Wonder, you’ll get to leave with your own kinetic sculpture.
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. All levels welcome!
Ticket Prices:
Free

 

Taste of Art Workshop | Matisse and His Charming Cut-Out Collages

Kick off your weekend with a bite-sized happy hour version of our renowned Studio Arts workshops. Gather with friends in an artistic space designed to amplify your creative side.
Join arts educator Robin Douglas, as we dip our toes into the work of celebrated artists over drinks and nibbles, followed by a rapid demonstration of their styles. You’ll then be guided to interpret these artists and create your own singular, spectacular work of art. We’ll help you express your unique style and ensure you have a blast doing it.

Matisse and His Charming Cut-Out Collages

Channel Matisse at this workshop where you will use beautiful and organic shapes cut from brilliant Color Aid paper. Arrange and rearrange each of your shapes before adhering them to a sturdy background, ready for framing. Your very own original work of art!
All levels of experience are encouraged to participate. OMA provides food, drinks and supplies; all you have to do is get yourself out of work, grab your friends, and have fun!
Ticket Prices:
Adult: $65
Member: $50
Space is limited. Register today!

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