Author: Rachel Holmstrom

YOU’RE INVITED From Ashes to Art: Reopening Fundraiser

Saturday, Sept. 28 6pm
at The Junior Center 558 Bellevue Ave

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!

BUY TICKETS TODAY!

LOVELAB: Celebrating our Creative Educators

The Junior Center of Art and Science is celebrating our teaching artists both past and present…

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.

Drawing: Make, Create, and Repeat

Saturdays at the Lab continue with DRAWING: Make, Create, and Repeat

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.

REGISTER TODAY

Intro to Procreate

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,

REGISTER TODAY

WE’RE BACK!

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!

DRAG STORY TIME + CRAFTING

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!

Please RSVP on Eventbrite to attend.

RISING FROM THE ASHES: THE ROUGH EDGES LIVE FOR JCAS

RISING FROM THE ASHES:
THE ROUGH EDGES LIVE FOR JCAS

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.

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HOW YOUR SUPPORT HELPS:

  • Contributes to the creation of specialized areas within our facility, such as dedicated labs, studios, or interactive exhibits, to ensure that the space remains relevant and equipped to meet the evolving needs of the community. 
  • Ensures the continuation of affordable access to arts and science integrated classes such as Carpentry, Creative Coding and Fashion Design through our sliding scale and scholarship funds.
  • Supports the restoration of a space that serves as a platform for fostering creativity and innovation among youth and adults alike.

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).

Let the power of music and community uplift us as we embark on the next chapter of our shared story, revitalizing our home and reaffirming our commitment to fostering creativity and connection within our community.
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Save the Date! Rising from the Ashes: Rough Edges Live for JCAS

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!

Cybele Gerachis taking over as Interim Executive Director

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

Sip & Make Rescheduled! Buy Tickets Today!

We will be gathering at 1528 Webster, a gorgeous co-working space in Oakland. While the event will take place outside on the veranda, we still strong encourage attendees to be vaccinated.

Price of admission is on a sliding scale from $45 – $75

Price includes all materials and supplies, along with one glass of wine.

Additional glasses and wine tasting may be purchased for a donation.

No experience necessary. All proceeds benefit youth arts and science education in Oakland.

Purchase tickets at: www.tinyurl.com/wineandwatercolors

Join us Thursday, Sept 29th from 6:00 – 8:00pm to celebrate art & community engagement! Our very own Teaching Artist, Joey Rose, will be guiding attendees through a beautiful still-life watercolor painting activity. Get the creative juices flowing with wine tasting and light snacks.