We have a new animal friend—a bearded dragon! Stop by to meet her and help us choose her name.
Saturdays, Sept 6 – Oct 4 10am – 4pm
This will also kick off a standing lunch with our reptiles. Stop by at noon for a live feeding!
The winning name will be displayed on a special plaque next to her enclosure, and the winner will also receive a special STEAM prize!
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
If you have any accommodation needs or concerns, reach out directly at contact@juniorenter.org
We are happy to announce that the Junior Center of Art and Science will be participating in Creek to Bay Day this year!
Creek to Bay Day is a day of watershed cleanups, education, and commitment to practices to keep our city and water clean, from creek, to bay, and beyond! Be part of a citywide day of action as we roll up our sleeves to clean and green Oakland’s creeks, shorelines, parks, and neighborhoods.
We’ll gather at 10:00 AM on Saturday,Sept 20th at our center (558 Bellevue Ave.). We’ll work alongside our neighbors at the Rotary Nature Centerto restore our shared outdoor spaces and Lake Merritt’s shoreline. Projects include trash removal, habitat restoration, and beautification.
The 30th annual Oakland Creek to Bay Day is part of California and International Coastal Cleanup Day. By participating, you’ll not only make a positive impact on our community but also help protect our creeks, bay, ocean, and beaches.
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
If you have any accommodation needs or concerns, reach out directly at contact@juniorenter.org
Do you love the spooky, fun, and magical spirit of Halloween? Have you ever wanted to bring a character to life, just like the amazing costume designers for your favorite movies and shows? Get ready to create your own incredible costume and be the star of the show!
Join us for a spooky and spectacular journey into the world of costume design! This boot camp is all about learning to bring your wildest costume ideas to life.
Upcycling Spells: Learn how to turn old clothes and forgotten treasures into amazing new costume pieces. You’ll be a master of transforming ordinary fabric into something extraordinary.
Your Ghoulishly Great Vision: Bring your own spooky or silly ideas, fabrics, and patterns. If you need extra–we have a cauldron full of materials to spark your imagination.
Guidance from the Costume Gurus: Our teachers and fashion mentors are like wizards of the sewing machine. They’ll be there to help you every step of the way, so you can turn your design dreams into a real, wearable masterpiece.
Don’t miss out on this chance to unlock your inner costume designer and make your Halloween dreams a reality. Join the Halloween Costume Designer’s Boot Camp and get ready to be the creative force behind your own costume!
Reserve your spot today and get ready for a hauntingly good time!
Saturdays at the Lab is a unique series of weekend art workshops connecting professional artists with our local community. Designed to foster creativity and collaboration, these hands-on sessions welcome participants of all skill levels to explore new techniques, exchange ideas, and experience the transformative power of art.
Every Second Saturday of the month, we unwind with a Sip & Make session, blending artistic exploration with a relaxed, social vibe.
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
Rediscover the Junior Center at Made in the East Bay,an evening celebrating creativity and curiosity. This one-night fundraiser supports the Junior Center for Art and Science mission to provide a place of belonging—where creativity flourishes and every young person has the opportunity to explore, create, and experiment.
Saturday, October 4, 2025, 6-9 pm at Junior Center for Art and Science in Lakeside Park 558 Bellevue Ave. Oakland, CA, 94610
About theevent
Enjoy our 3rd annual art sale featuring works by local artists, and don’t miss the youth art showcase—where you can explore the next generation of East Bay creators, thinkers, and changemakers.
Sample bites and drinks from all around Oakland, connect with the community, and experience the vibrant work of East Bay Artists.
Together, we’re building accessible, inclusive, and equitable programs that empower youth through hands-on exploration in the arts, science, and technology. All proceeds from the event benefit our scholarship programs.
TICKETS
$25 Early Bird
$35 General Admission
$50 Super Supporter Ticket – gets you 2 free drinks, plus knowing you have helped preserve a crucial cultural hub that fosters the growth of arts and science education in the community.
Made in the East Bay is a curated selection of art from local contemporary artists, all graciously donated and priced under $500.
Proceeds support scholarship opportunities for youth to attend our popular camps, after-school programs, and workshops. Each year, our programs reach over 5,000 young people and their families throughout the East Bay. Sliding scale is available for all our offerings, and 71% of families take advantage of the scholarships we provide.
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
Support our nonprofit gallery space and help us continue fostering creativity, community, and access to the arts. Your contribution directly empowers emerging artists and makes inspiring exhibitions and programs possible for all.
In this playful Halloween workshop, animation educator Zachary Sweet will guide you through creating a spooky, silly, or darkly funny animated greeting card GIF. No experience needed—just bring your creativity and a taste for the eerie. Learn simple animation techniques, visual storytelling, and how to export a looping GIF you can share with friends. Costumes welcome!
Your ticket includes all materials and refreshments, so just bring your creativity! This guided art-making experience offers plenty of flexibility, allowing you to explore and create at your own pace.
Meet the Artist
Zachary Sweet is a versatile artist recognized for his work as an animator, illustrator, and dedicated educator, particularly in the vibrant community of Oakland. His journey in the art world began as a self-taught artist, but has since furthered his skills with a Media Arts and Animation degree. Notably, he has earned acclaim for his award-winning animated short film, and his artwork has graced numerous displays in the Bay Area, reflecting his unique style and versatility.
About Saturdays at the Lab
Saturdays at the Lab is a unique series of weekend art workshops connecting professional artists with our local community. Designed to foster creativity and collaboration, these hands-on sessions welcome participants of all skill levels to explore new techniques, exchange ideas, and experience the transformative power of art.
Every Second Saturday of the month, we unwind with a Sip & Make session, blending artistic exploration with a relaxed, social vibe.
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
The Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) is a 501c nonprofit dedicated to cultivating curiosity and creative exploration through the arts and sciences. By blending creativity with experiential learning, we inspire big ideas and illuminate the everyday connections between art and science.
Your participation in these events not only nurtures your own creative potential but also supports our mission to provide equitable access to art and science programs for youth and families across Oakland and the greater East Bay Area. Learn more about us.
Join us for a fun night of drawing with our friends…soft pastels and booze. Soft pastels are a buttery delight to work with. Never worked with soft pastels before, no problem. Artist Kico Le Strange will be your soft pastel guru guide. nAlready a pro, that’s fantastic, come chill and draw with us. We will supply all the art materials: paper, soft pastels, blending stumps, pencils, erasers, and fixative. All concepts are welcome, from abstract to realism to just playing with the medium. Bring a homie, the more the merrier.
Your ticket includes all materials and refreshments, so just bring your creativity! This guided art-making experience offers plenty of flexibility, allowing you to explore and create at your own pace.
Meet the Artist
Kico Le Strange is an Oakland-based visual artist with a multidisciplinary practice that consists of performance, garment construction, illustration, soft sculpture, and installation.
About Saturdays at the Lab
Saturdays at the Lab is a unique series of weekend art workshops connecting professional artists with our local community. Designed to foster creativity and collaboration, these hands-on sessions welcome participants of all skill levels to explore new techniques, exchange ideas, and experience the transformative power of art.
Every Second Saturday of the month, we unwind with a Sip & Make session, blending artistic exploration with a relaxed, social vibe.
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
The Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) is a 501c nonprofit dedicated to cultivating curiosity and creative exploration through the arts and sciences. By blending creativity with experiential learning, we inspire big ideas and illuminate the everyday connections between art and science.
Your participation in these events not only nurtures your own creative potential but also supports our mission to provide equitable access to art and science programs for youth and families across Oakland and the greater East Bay Area. Learn more about us.
Wild Botanicals is now a series of Saturday workshops for youth ages 6–8. Each session stands on its own, but together they build a rich, creative journey through the intersections of ecology and art!
Discover the wonders of plants and animals right in our backyard. Young artists will experiment with watercolor, colored pencil, acrylic, and sculpture. They’ll make pigments from plants, explore native vs. non-native species, weave dream catchers and webs, and sketch local insects, flora, and fauna. Students will also keep field notebooks as they observe the vibrant habitat of Lake Merritt.
HOW TO ATTEND
No pre-registration is required! Simply stop by ten minutes before class starts (9:50am) to check-in and pay. Please note: check-in closes at 10:15 AM—no late entries.
Each workshop is $20 – $30 sliding scale.
No refunds will be allowed.
ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
You can indicate any accommodation needs or concerns when registering your child under the “Special Instructions about my child” section. You can also reach out directly at contact@juniorcenter.org
Meet the Artist
Denise Doyle is a lifelong Bay Area Mixed-Media Teaching Artist based in Oakland. She teaches classes, workshops and retreats for humans of all ages. Denise believes in the power of art as a pathway to deeper personal insight and profound transformation.
Missed out on this workshop? Join our mailing list to stay in the loop about SATURDAYS at the LAB!
Create and explore with us after school! Our classes are engaging hands-on fun for young artists, makers, and inventors aged 6-13. Classes are small, student-centered experiences where youth can build skills, experiment with a variety of media, and connect with their creative selves.
All classes take place at 558 Bellevue Ave. Oakland, CA.
Participants will combine poetry and drawing to create their own handmade books. We’ll explore simple bookbinding techniques, using stitching and folding to assemble personalized booklets to be filled with memories. Books will include drawings and free-verse poetry. The drawings will have a focus on linework, emphasizing confidence of line and contour drawing. There will be creative writing exercises focused on sensory descriptions of familiar spaces. The focus is on creative expression and blending words with visual art in a fun, low-pressure environment. This workshop is specifically for families.
Gracianne Kirsch is an Oakland-based queer and trans artist working in the mediums of painting, drawing, poetry, and video. Kirsch received their BA in Art Practice and Social Welfare at University of California Berkeley in 2022, and their MFA in Art Studio from University of California Davis in 2024.
Kirsch’s work has been shown at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, Basement Gallery at UC Davis, Pence Gallery, and Worth Ryder Gallery. Kirsch will be featured in an upcoming show at 120710 Art Space.
About Saturdays at the Lab
Saturdays at the Lab is a unique series of weekend art workshops connecting professional artists with our local community. Designed to foster creativity and collaboration, these hands-on sessions welcome participants of all skill levels to explore new techniques, exchange ideas, and experience the transformative power of art.
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
You can indicate any accommodation needs or concerns when registering your child under the “Special Instructions about my child” section. You can also reach out directly at contact@juniorcenter.org
The Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) is a 501c nonprofit dedicated to cultivating curiosity and creative exploration through the arts and sciences. By blending creativity with experiential learning, we inspire big ideas and illuminate the everyday connections between art and science.
Your participation in these events not only nurtures your own creative potential but also supports our mission to provide equitable access to art and science programs for youth and families across Oakland and the greater East Bay Area. Learn more about us.
Participants will combine poetry and drawing to create their own handmade books. We’ll explore simple bookbinding techniques, using stitching and folding to assemble personalized booklets to be filled with memories. Books will include drawings and free-verse poetry. The drawings will have a focus on linework, emphasizing confidence of line and contour drawing. There will be creative writing exercises focused on sensory descriptions of familiar spaces. The focus is on creative expression and blending words with visual art in a fun, low-pressure environment. This workshop is specifically for teenagers.
Gracianne Kirsch is an Oakland-based queer and trans artist working in the mediums of painting, drawing, poetry, and video. Kirsch received their BA in Art Practice and Social Welfare at University of California Berkeley in 2022, and their MFA in Art Studio from University of California Davis in 2024.
Kirsch’s work has been shown at the Manetti Shrem Museum of Art, Basement Gallery at UC Davis, Pence Gallery, and Worth Ryder Gallery. Kirsch will be featured in an upcoming show at 120710 Art Space.
About Saturdays at the Lab
Saturdays at the Lab is a unique series of weekend art workshops connecting professional artists with our local community. Designed to foster creativity and collaboration, these hands-on sessions welcome participants of all skill levels to explore new techniques, exchange ideas, and experience the transformative power of art.
We’re committed to making all programs at the Junior Center of Art and Science accessible and inclusive. Our spaces are wheelchair-friendly, and we welcome learners of all abilities and learning styles. If you or your child need accommodations, please let us know—we’re happy to help! Read our Accessibility Statement here.
You can indicate any accommodation needs or concerns when registering your child under the “Special Instructions about my child” section. You can also reach out directly at contact@juniorcenter.org
The Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) is a 501c nonprofit dedicated to cultivating curiosity and creative exploration through the arts and sciences. By blending creativity with experiential learning, we inspire big ideas and illuminate the everyday connections between art and science.
Your participation in these events not only nurtures your own creative potential but also supports our mission to provide equitable access to art and science programs for youth and families across Oakland and the greater East Bay Area. Learn more about us.
