Junior Center of Art and Science
We are now open on Saturdays from 10am – 3pm
From water colors, to animal encounters, there is always a surprise waiting for you at the Junior Center!
Be sure to check out the Saturdays at the Lab page for more info on our upcoming workshops! We have an exiting selection of offerings for creatives across age groups and interests. Register today!
The Junior Center has finally reopened after three years of extensive repairs from two fires. Join us on Saturday, September 28th at 6pm to celebrate our legacy and support our future programming.
From Ashes to Art features 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 and throughout the East Bay. Sliding scale is available for all our offerings, and 60% of families take advantage of the scholarships we provide.
Experience our beautifully renovated space on Lake Merritt. At From Ashes to Art, you can enjoy drinks and dancing under the twinkling lights of our lakeview decks, participate in a Virtual World Building experience with our talented Teaching Artist Judit Navratil, explore the gallery for your next work of art, and visit the Trash Falcon exhibit in the Bellevue Room.
Your support makes a huge difference for East Bay youth and will help us expand opportunities for our community. We hope to see you there!
The Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) is pleased to invite you to LOVELAB, a celebration of our teaching artists both past and present for their immense contribution to our organization, student body, families, and the broader community. This exhibition is a love letter to the unique perspective and artistic diversity of our JCAS community, which is the driving force behind everything we do. Join us in honoring and appreciating the creativity, dedication, and passion that these remarkable individuals have brought to our programs.
Our opening reception on Saturday, August 10th will feature a curated display of their work, alongside interactive installations and performances. Experience firsthand the vibrant spirit and artistic excellence that has shaped our community. Your presence will help us pay tribute to these inspiring artists and celebrate the collaborative journey that has enriched the lives of many.
Can’t make it for the Opening Reception? Stop by anytime during our open hours until September 6th to view the exhibition.
Some works will be for sale. Don’t miss this opportunity to directly support arts education in our community.
Saturday 8/17 • 10am-12pm • Ages 12-17 • $10-25 sliding scale
Drawing: Make, Create, and Repeat is a drawing class focused around the idea of repetition. The class uses repetition as a tool to learn drawing as well as a method of expression art-making. Drawing techniques will include both drawing from observation and from memory/imagination. In this class we will talk about the meaning behind repetition and why we would utilize it in art making. We’ll learn how repeating can help show important ideas and compare different elements. We’ll also see how repetition can tell a story about time, movement, and change.
Saturday classes are back at JCAS!
Join us July 13th from 10am-12pm for Intro to Procreate
Using iPads and physical art supplies, students will create their own short animated stories! Students will create physical characters using clay, paper, pencils and paints and then upload images of their creations to iPads. Once uploaded into Procreate, students will be able to add digital embellishments, and create an animated short story starring their character!
This workshop is for ages: 9-13
$10-$20 sliding scale,
Welcome back!
We’re thrilled to be in our space again after completing the first week of camp. Seeing Bill, our legacy instructor, back in action guiding carpentry students and watching our young artists take flight has been emotional for all of us. The building is radiant with light, creativity, and the spirit of summer fun.
Please save the date for our grand reopening extravaganza in September. We’ll be hosting a series of Saturday programs, including adult and family workshops, animal visits, and more, as we gear up for this special event.
We can’t wait to welcome you back!
Happy Pride! Come celebrate with the Junior Center of Art and Science!
Junior Center Teaching Artist Marco Garcia AKA Kico Le Strange, and friend Cy Berspace, will be reading 3 LGBTQIIA+ children books, one of which will be Julian The Mermaid. After story time, Kico will guide the young creatives through an oceanic craftmaking excursion; making sea crowns!
Let’s learn, express, and celebrate together!!!
Story time: 10-10:45am
Crafting time: 11am-12pm
All ages welcome!
Join us for Rising From The Ashes; a benefit concert for the Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) Building Repair Fund. As many know, our treasured home on Lake Merritt has suffered damage from two fires. Your attendance and contributions will directly support the final stages of our reconstruction efforts.
With your generous support, we will reach our goal of not only rebuilding but revitalizing our beloved venue, infusing it with a renewed sense of purpose and vibrancy for the whole community. ‘Rising from The Ashes’ is more than just a concert; it is a testament to the unwavering spirit of resilience that unites us all.
You won’t want to miss this exciting night! The Rough Edges are a Classic Rock cover band specializing in high energy, deep-cut gems from the 1970s. The band features Juliana Birnbaum (vocals), Fausto DeSousa (percussion), Frank Gilbert (guitar), Harry Gray (guitar, vocals), Michael Hannah (bass, vocals), Fred Riley III (vocals) and Neil Sachs (drums, vocals).
Mark your calendars for December 16th! We are throwing a Benefit Concert w/ the Rough Edges at the Berkeley Art House. More info and tickets coming soon!
Dear Junior Center of Art and Science Community,
Over the past two years, the Junior Center of Art and Science (Junior Center) has grown by leaps and bounds. This is true even in the face of a global pandemic and two separate and unfortunate fires at our beloved building on the shores of Lake Merritt. Clive Worsley, who recently stepped down from his role as Executive Director, guided our organization through that second fire to achieve renewed stability and reinvigorated programming.
Today, the Junior Center’s Board of Directors is thrilled and delighted to announce that Cybele Gerachis, who has served as Program Director since 2017, is stepping into the role of Interim Executive Director.
Cybele brings more than 20 years of experience as an arts administrator, educator, and artist in the Bay Area. She started at the Junior Center in 2014 as a Teaching Artist, engaging students in vibrant art workshops at 35 Oakland schools. As Program Director, Cybele has developed 21st century arts integrated programs, forged lasting community partnerships, and co-curated countless gallery exhibits at the Center. Her commitment to accessible, inclusive, and interdisciplinary learning experiences is evident in her vision for the Junior Center as a community space where creativity and exploration are paramount.
We are excited that Cybele has agreed to serve in this new capacity. As many of you know, she has always brought to her work a mix of inspiring leadership and a deep understanding of the creative learning potential of our youth. As Interim ED, Cybele is eager to sustain the Junior Center’s essential value to our community as we prepare to return to our building in Summer or Fall of 2023. We are confident that her expertise and proven dedication to our mission will serve our youth and our organization well.
We are deeply grateful for this smooth transition and for your continued support during this time of change. As an organization dedicated to serving the interests of youth throughout Oakland and beyond, we are committed to cultivating their curiosity and creative exploration through the arts and sciences for generations to come.
Onward and upward,
Heidi Quan, Board President
