Exhibitions

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.

The San Diego Art Prize is dedicated to the idea that the visual arts are a necessary and rewarding ingredient of any world-class city and a building block of the lifestyle of its residents. Conceived to promote and encourage dialogue, reflection, and social interaction about San Diego’s artistic and cultural life, this annual award honors artistic expression. The San Diego Art Prize, a cash prize with exhibition opportunities, spotlights artists in the San Diego to Ensenada, Mexico, region whose outstanding achievements in the field of visual arts merit the recognition.

Join us this month as we celebrate the three 2026 winners of San Diego Art Prize: Danielle Dean, Ingrid Hernández, and Tatiana Ortiz-Rubio. Come create art projects inspired by their award-winning work!

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!

PLEASE NOTE: An RSVP does not guarantee a table, seat, or supplies. Tables and materials are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are open to everyone, including guests who discover the event and walk in from the street. 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

Thank you for taking a moment to RSVP—it helps us gauge interest and plan for each month’s event!

Join us at Oceanside Museum of Art for a fun, family-friendly drawing adventure with renowned artist Mark Kistler! In this hands-on workshop, participants of all ages will learn to draw a variety of lively cartoon characters using easy-to-follow techniques. Little hands and older minds are equally welcome, making this a perfect activity for families, kids, and anyone looking to unleash their creativity.

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.

All materials are included in the workshop fee, so just bring your enthusiasm and get ready to create!

Ticket Prices:

Adult: $75

Member: $55

Space is limited. Register today!

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.

Join us for Studio Arts, when OMA transforms into an artist’s studio, offering skill-building workshops led by distinguished professor and arts educator Robin Douglas. Explore media, techniques, & creativity in a supportive, skill-building environment.

Landscapes in Segments

Inspired by the bright colors, swirling brushstrokes, and juxtaposition of sections of Hockney paintings, create your favorite landscape at this Studio Arts Workshop!

All supplies and light refreshments for each workshop are included in the cost. A break for lunch and relaxed discussion will occur midday. Please bring your own bagged lunch or feel free to visit one of the restaurants close by on our provided list.

Ticket Prices:

Adult: $100

Member: $70

Space is limited. Register today!

Paint docks, trails, trees and water fowl at this lovely O'side 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:

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

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

Changing Terrain: Regional Artists Interpret Our Landscape

Soft Power: On Color, Time, and Resistance (2026 San Diego Art Prize exhibition)

Discover and connect with fellow artists, dedicated curators, and a vibrant community as you explore the art and stories of Southern California artists in two new exhibitions at OMA.

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.

This month's presenter has yet to be determined!

*To be selected as a future presenter, please submit your name and website to cathy@artstudiosandiego.com.

Ticket Prices:

Artist Alliance Member: Free

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.

SEPTEMBER TOPIC: WRITING AN ARTIST STATEMENT (AND HOW IT'S DIFFERENT FROM AN ARTWORK 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

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.

Lively Life Drawing

Don’t miss out on the chance to practice working with a live model! During this art workshop, a special guest will pose continuously while you use a variety of drawing and painting techniques to create your 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!

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