Category: Saturdays

CREATE & PROTEST

Saturday, April 25th 12:00 – 3:00 PM

Join us for Create & Protest, a FREE hands-on workshop where art meets activism. This all-ages gathering is a chance to raise your voice, stand up for immigrant rights and free speech, and connect with others through the power of art.

We’re protesting mass deportations and standing in solidarity with immigrant communities—and we’re doing it with bold visuals, loud messages, and collective energy.

WHAT’S HAPPENING:

  • Live printmaking with a professional artist! Bring your own T-shirts or tote bags, or make a poster—we’ll have paper and ink ready to go.
  • DIY protest station and zine making with all the materials you need: poster board, cardboard, paint, markers, and more.
  • Community connection: Meet others, share your story, amplify your message.

Whether you come with a message in mind or just want to create in solidarity, everyone is welcome. Youth are especially welcome to join to create posters for May Day!

Date: Saturday, April 26th

Time: 12pm – 3pm

Location: 558 Bellevue Ave. Oakland, CA (Lake Merritt)

Cost: Free!

Open to all ages – families, teens, and first-time protesters encouraged.

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.

See our other Saturdays at the Lab workshops

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@eastbaycreativelab.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.

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Book your RENTAL
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STEAM FAIR – A Free Family Day

Saturday, April 11th 11 AM – 2 PM
A Hands-On Family Celebration of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art & Math 🔬⚙️🎨

Join us for a day of curiosity, creativity, and discovery at the Junior Center of Art and Science / East Bay Creative Lab! This hands-on community event invites children ages 5–13 and their families to explore the exciting intersections of science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) through playful experimentation and creative problem-solving.

Throughout the day, families can roam between interactive stations led by local scientists, naturalists, artists, and makers, each offering a chance to tinker, test, build, and create.

Whether your child loves messy experiments, inventive building challenges, or artistic exploration, there will be something to spark every imagination.

Hands-On STEAM Stations

Young innovators can explore a variety of engaging activities, including:

  • Slime Chemistry Lab – Mix, measure, and experiment with the science of polymers.
  • Light-Up Circuits – Learn the basics of electricity by creating glowing creations.
  • Strawberry DNA Extraction – Discover the building blocks of life by isolating real DNA.
  • Robotics Challenges – Test problem-solving skills with hands-on robotics activities.
  • Cyanotype Sun Prints – Use sunlight and natural materials to create beautiful blueprints.
  • Water Filtration Engineering – Design and build your own water purification system.
  • More surprise stations led by local STEAM experts!

Each station invites kids to experiment, ask questions, and learn by doing.

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STEAM Passport Adventure

When you arrive, each child will receive a STEAM Passport.

Visit stations, collect stamps, and complete your passport to earn a small prize at the end of your adventure!

Who Should Attend

This event is perfect for:

  • Curious kids ages 5–13
  • Families looking for hands-on learning experiences
  • Young creators, scientists, engineers, and artists
  • Anyone who loves making, experimenting, and discovering

No prior experience required—just bring your curiosity!

Event Details

Location: Junior Center of Art and Science / East Bay Creative Lab
558 Bellevue Ave. Oakland, CA
Ages: 5–13 (families welcome)
Cost: Free
Format: Drop-in, explore at your own pace

Come Invent the Future With Us

At Junior Center, we believe that curiosity, creativity, and experimentation help young people imagine new possibilities for our world. Join us for a joyful day of learning, making, and community.

Bring the whole family and get ready to explore STEAM together!

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
RSVP today
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

Feathered Field Sketch

Bird sketches (1350 x 1080 px)
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Saturday, April 11th from 10:30 AM – 12 PM

Get to know your wild neighbors — the winged ones!

In this hands-on class, we’ll explore the fascinating birds of Lake Merritt and Oakland, from elegant egrets to bold black cormorants and busy little songbirds. A local naturalist will introduce us to who’s who in our local ecosystem — how they move, what makes their feathers unique, the patterns they wear, and the quirky behaviors that make each species special.

Then we’ll bring them to life on paper.

Using pencil, pen and ink, watercolor, and charcoal, students will experiment with different techniques to capture gesture, texture, pattern, and personality. We’ll practice quick observational sketches, study feather details, and create finished illustrations inspired by what we learn.

This class is all about sharpening your eye, loosening up your hand, and deepening your connection to the natural world right outside your door. Perfect for curious teens and adults who love art, nature, or both.

Bird sketches

All skill levels welcome — just bring your curiosity!

$20 – $40 sliding scale

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
buy tickets today
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

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.

Support our work
Support our work
Support our work

Clothing Swap & Block Printing

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Saturday, March 14th from 1-4pm

Teens & Adult clothing only please

Join us for a creative, community-centered clothing swap and upcycling workshop. Bring gently used clothing to trade, then transform your “new” finds into one-of-a-kind pieces at our block printing station.

Why We Swap

The fashion industry is responsible for roughly 8–10% of global carbon emissions, and the average American discards over 81 pounds of clothing every year. This event is a small but powerful way to rethink fashion, keep textiles out of landfills, and give clothing a second life through art.

All items not swapped will be donated to Serenity House in Oakland, supporting our local neighbors.

The Printing Station: Give Your Finds a New Look

Never tried block printing? Think of it as creating big, custom rubber stamps, so you can create your own patterns and decorations on your new clothes. We will provide specialized fabric ink and everything you need to customize your clothes:

  • Ready-to-Use: Choose from a collection of beautiful designs hand-carved by our Teaching Artists.
  • DIY Stamps: We’ll provide “soft-cut” linoleum blocks and carving tools so you can sketch and cut your own custom design to keep.
  • The Process: You’ll roll ink onto the raised surface of the block and press it firmly onto your fabric to create a permanent, wearable piece of art.

Details

  • Free to Swap, Suggested Donation for Printing: $10–$40 helps cover ink, carving blocks, and workshop supplies for those partipcating in block printing
  • What to Bring: Gently used teen/adult clothes (no kids clothes please) to swap and a sense of curiosity!
Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
RSVP TODAY
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

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.

A suggested donation of $10 – $40 helps cover materials and supplies. You can donate online or in person via Venmo, PayPal, or cash.

Support our work
Support our work
Support our work

Scrappy Birds Collage

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IMG 2246 Large

Saturday, March 14th from 10am-12pm

OPEN Studio: Scrappy Birds and Recycled Collage Creatures!

Ideal for ages 6+

Come visit us for our monthly open studio! Turn cardboard, paper scraps, and recycled treasures into bold, beautiful birds.

In this imaginative mixed-media class, young artists will design and build their own one-of-a-kind birds using recycled materials. We’ll transform painted cardboard, magazine clippings, scrap paper, and found textures into colorful wings, layered feathers, patterned bodies, and expressive faces.

Students will start by learning a little about real birds — their shapes, beaks, wings, and feather patterns — then use that inspiration to invent their own species or recreate a favorite local bird. We’ll paint cardboard backgrounds, cut and layer shapes, experiment with texture, and assemble everything into vibrant collage artworks.

Perfect for kids who love animals, building things, cutting, painting, and getting a little messy.

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
RSVP TODAY
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

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.

A suggested donation of $10 – $20 helps cover materials and supplies. You can donate online or in person via Venmo, PayPal, or cash.

Support our work
Support our work
Support our work

Couture Crafting

Get ready to join JCAS and artist Kelly DeFayette for a festive and unconventional holiday crafting workshop with a twist! This is not your grandma’s crafting class; we’re taking holiday decor to a whole new level. Embrace your inner artist and explore unique and modern ways to create with paper, found objects, and even lights!

What’s Included:
  • All necessary crafting materials and tools
  • Expert guidance and demonstrations
  • Inspirational ideas and templates
  • Drinks and snacks
There will be FIVE crafting stations!
  • Luminaries
  • Giant paper bag snowflakes
  • Handmade wrapping paper
  • Table & Door Decor
  • Ornaments

All proceeds go directly to supporting youth arts and science education in Oakland through the Junior Center of Art and Science.

Don’t miss this enchanting opportunity to catch up with friends and get a jump on your holiday preparations! Buy tickets today!

BUY TICKETS TODAY
BUY TICKETS TODAY
BUY TICKETS TODAY

Meet the Artist

Kelly DeFayette is a Bay Area colorist who works on wood panels in shapes that vary from the traditional, to circles, and then irregular and tessellating polygons. Very process driven, the shape of the panel informs the palette and the decisions of application. Exploring color is the focus, and the intersection of the craft of the object, the painting materials, and the palette chosen, result in the final piece. Moving from smaller tessellating works towards larger installations and groups of irregular shapes, she continues to push towards a more sculptural finish and to remove evidence of the maker’s hand from the finished work.

Kelly graduated from Munson-Williams-Proctor School of Art and moved to the West Coast to attend SFAI. She has lived in San Francisco since 1997 and has worked professionally in the Bay since 2003.

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.

See our other Saturdays at the Lab workshops

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@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.

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
Support our work
Missed out on this workshop? Join our mailing list to stay in the loop about SATURDAYS at the LAB!
Sign up for newsletter
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Sign up for newsletter

Name our Bearded Dragon Contest!

Name our Bearded Dragon Contest 2025 IG
Name our Bearded Dragon Contest 2025 Flyer

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

Celebrate Creek to Bay Day 2025 with us!

Creek to Bay Day 2025
Creek to Bay Day 2025

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 Center to 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.

Please RSVP so we can plan accordingly.

Contact us
Contact us
RSVP
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

Costume Designer’s Boot Camp

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Costume Designer’s Boot Camp (1080 x 1080 px)

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!

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
REGISTER TODAY

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.

See our other Saturdays at the Lab workshops

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@juniorcenter.org

Missed out on this workshop? Join our mailing list to stay in the loop about SATURDAYS at the LAB!
Sign up for newsletter
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Sign up for newsletter

Made in the East Bay: Fueling the next generation of artists, makers, and scientists

Made in the East Bay Square
event logo

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 the event

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.

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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

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  • $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.
Book your RENTAL
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BUY TICKETS TODAY

About the Art Sale

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.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

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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@juniorcenter.org

Support Our Work

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.

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
Support our work