stories that connect us: Selections from the OMA Collection
Curated By Danielle Deery
february 8–august 31, 2025
![Janet Cooling, Untitled [Two Figures with Purple Pink Orange Skies], 1980s. Oil on canvas, 39.5 x 51.5 in. Gift of Maria Cozzi](https://oma-online.org/wp-content/gallery/stories-that-connect-us/Janet-Cooling-Untitled-Two-Figures-with-Purple-Pink-Orange-Skies-1980s.-Oil-on-canvas-39.5-x-51.5-in.-Gift-of-Maria-Cozzi.JPG "Janet Cooling, Untitled [Two Figures with Purple Pink Orange Skies], 1980s. Oil on canvas, 39.5 x 51.5 in. Gift of Maria Cozzi")
The growing collection of over 300 works of art at Oceanside Museum of Art reflects the museum’s devotion to preserving the art and stories of Southern California artists. The Stories that Connect Us: Selections from the OMA Collection, is a sampling of works from 35 artists ranging in style from portraiture to abstraction that highlights the diverse genres of art OMA has presented over the past 28 years. This exhibition explores narratives surrounding the development of the museums exhibitions and the relationships they have formed with artists and collectors. Many of the featured artists such as James Hubbell, Ethel Greene, Italo Scanga, Roland Reiss, Jen Trute, and William Glen Crooks and have had groundbreaking exhibitions at OMA. Additional artists, such as John Baldessari, Richard Allen Morris, Gail Roberts and Robin Bright, examine the special focus OMA has on collecting prominent artists from San Diego and the important role the museum plays in the artistic growth and education of regional art.
About the Curator
Danielle Deery is an independent curator and former Director of Exhibitions at Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA). She has curated 32 exhibitions at OMA including James Hubbell: In Search of Shadows (2013), Intersections: Charles Arnoldi (2013) and Tony DeLap: Selections from 50 Years (2013). While at OMA Deery served as Curator/Director of Marketing (2013-2014), Director of Exhibits and Marketing (2011-2013) and Assistant Director (2008-2011). Recently, Deery curated Endangered: Exploring California’s Changing Ecosystems (2020) at Escondido Center for the Arts and Tangible Memories at La Jolla Historical Society (2019). Deery also has experience in the academic setting as Adjunct Assistant Art History Professor (2008-2014) and Interim Gallery Director (2008) at Fullerton College and Adjunct Assistant Professor of Museum Studies at Irvine Valley College (2013). She lives in North County San Diego, teaches art to kids in her home Rainbow Art Studio, serves as a board member for the San Diego Museum Council and writes a Blog for the organization called Museum Fun with my Kids. Deery received her BA from Hobart and William Smith College and her MFA from California State University, Fullerton.
EXHIBITION CELEBRATION
Saturday, March 1, 2025, 5:00-7:00pm
(Members free, Visitors $15)