Relax over a steaming cup of coffee while engaging in lively conversations with local fellow artists and explore the captivating exhibitions at OMA for free. OMA's Artist Alliance extends a warm invitation to sculptors, painters, photographers, and artists of all backgrounds to join in the experience.

Origin Stories: What Shaped Your Artistic Voice?

Explore the experiences, places, or people that formed your visual language.

Audience Takeaway: A short journaling prompt to reflect on their own creative beginnings.

Presenter Prompt: Tell a story from your early life that still influences your art today. Presenter to be determined*

*Please submit your name and website to cathy@artstudiosandiego.com to be selected as a presenter.

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.

FEBRUARY TOPIC: WHAT IS YOUR "WHY" 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

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!

Ticket Prices:

Artist Alliance Member: Free

There are many views to paint including the mission, the rose garden and the cemetery. While there are trees and shady spots available, it may be helpful to have your umbrella handy. Parking is ample and free and there are restrooms 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

BEYOND THE BUS: JO ANN ROBINSON AND THE REAL STORY OF THE MONTGOMERY BUS BOYCOTT

The North County African American Women’s Association, Oceanside Public Library, and Oceanside Museum of Art are partnering to present a special Black History Month program on February 21. The free event will take place from 2:00–5:00pm at Oceanside Museum of Art.

Attendees will experience a free play reading of “The Black Women Did it” by Anita Yellin Simons performed by local actors with a special narrator, Ted Lange (“Isaac” from “The Love Boat”). Following the reading, there will be a community discussion led by Dr. India Pierce, Black Studies professor at MiraCosta College. A reception will follow.

Attendees must register for free tickets prior to the event.

Ticket Prices:

Free

This event is currently at capacity, but we’d love to welcome more guests if space opens up. A waitlist line will open in person 15 minutes before the event, and we’ll begin offering any available spots at 2:00pm on a first come, first served basis to those who are present when called. Please note that waitlisted guests are not guaranteed admission to the panel. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to info@oma-online.org.

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.

Suitcase Abstract Expressionism

Energetic, spontaneous, and thickly applied brushstrokes define Abstract Expressionism. Try it on a smaller scale in this studio experience. Create a mini Jackson Pollock or a petite Lee Krasner.

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:

Saturday, February 28, 2026 9:30am-11:00am

Saturday, March 7, 2026 9:30am-11:00am

Saturday, March 14, 2026 9:30am-11:00am

Saturday, March 21, 2026 9:30am-11:00am

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