Animated Frights & Delights: Halloween GIFs

My Stop Motion Movie(25)

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.

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.

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.

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

Sip & Draw: Pastel Pals

drawing of Poseidon, blue skinned creature with orange hair and beard

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.

marco.garcia

Kico Le Strange is an Oakland-based visual artist with a multidisciplinary practice that consists of performance, garment construction, illustration, soft sculpture, and installation.

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.

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

Circles & Mandalas: A Full Moon Art Workshop

Screenshot+2025 02 21+at+9.56.18 PM

Let’s celebrate the arrival of Mid-Summer with Circles and Mandalas! This month’s full moon occurs on Lunar Lammas (Mid Summer), so we celebrate the harvest and the fullness of the year by making circle shaped art. Many cultures around the world celebrate this occasion by baking round bread, gathering in a circle, honoring the harvest and the moon. 

Create your own circular-shaped art to honor your personal journey and that of the collective. We will draw from a variety of collage materials, paint, hot glue and beyond to create 2D or 3D circles, mandalas, moons, mobiles and more. Get creative and crafty while connecting in a circle of Oakland community!

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.

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.

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.

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

Create & Protest: Community Poster-Making Event!

Saturday, April 26 12 - 3 PM
Junior Center of Art and Science 
558 Bellevue Ave. Oakland, CA

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 screen printing 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 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.

Yael Levy is a mixed media artist, storyteller, printmaker and art teacher based in Berkeley, CA. She believes the creative process to be its own reward and the act of making an incredible tool for healing and growing.

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.

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

Artful Cards: A Digital Art Workshop

Example of the kind of graphic that can be made in the workshop. A digitally drawn rainbow unicorn with rainbow in the backgroundwith text arched over the rainbow reading "Having A Magical Day"

Unleash your creativity in our engaging Digital Art Card Creation class! This hands-on workshop is designed for adults who want to explore the exciting world of digital art while crafting beautiful, personalized cards for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner, this class welcomes everyone. Throughout the course, you will learn essential digital art techniques, and by the end of the class you will have completed multiple digital art cards that showcase your individual style and creativity. Join us for a fun and inspiring experience, where you’ll not only develop your art skills but also connect with fellow art enthusiasts!

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.

Headshot of a white woman with blue eyes and pink hair, smiling.

Zoe Oliver-Grey is an Oakland-based visual artist, with a focus on painting and digital arts. Zoe teaches Creative Technology classes and camps with Junior Center for ages 7-13.

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.

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

Print & Sip- Linoleum Edition

June 14 6-9 
Second Saturdays at the Lab
558 Bellevue Ave. Oakland, CA

Discover a fun and creative way to upcycle fabrics while giving new life to stained or worn textiles. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn the art of linocut printing—a relief printmaking technique where designs are carved, inked, and printed onto fabric or paper.

This community class covers the full process, from transferring your image and carving the linoleum block to inking and printing. You’ll create your own custom prints and take home tips for easy at-home printing. Perfect for all experience levels. We will have paper and plain tote bags for you to use, but feel free to also bring in your own garments as well. This guided art-making experience offers plenty of flexibility, allowing you to explore and create at your own pace.

A smiling photo of a white woman with grey hair in braids and glasses with chunky yellow earrings on and a colorful top.

Kelly DeFayette has been showing art in the Bay Area for the past 25 years, while painting is her main passion, her art background encompasses all of the disciplines. She is focused on color theory and shape, which translates into whatever medium she is working with.

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@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.

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

Zen & Tonic: A Sip & Make Terrarium Workshop

Photo of three glass terrariums with lush green foliage inside them.

Join us for a fun and hands-on terrarium workshop where you’ll design and build your very own glass terrarium to take home! Using a mix of air plants, succulents, soil, rocks, sand, and decorative elements, you’ll learn the art of layering and composition to create a thriving miniature ecosystem.

Throughout the class, you’ll explore different terrarium styles and techniques, gaining the confidence to experiment and personalize your creation. This workshop is a perfect opportunity to connect with nature, express your creativity, and learn plant care tips.

By the end of the session, you’ll have a beautiful, low-maintenance terrarium to brighten up your space and bring a touch of greenery indoors.

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.

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@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.

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

PROJECT UTER at the LAB

Join us for a presentation of PROJECT UTER, a huge collaborative drawing on the struggle for reproductive justice by Tonina Matamalas and Carles Garcia O’Dowd, a sister project of the Beehive Design Collective.

The gigantic portable mural will be on display from Feb 19 – Feb 22 11 – 5pm, culminating in a presentation on Saturday, Feb 22 from 4-6pm, before it heads off to another stop. You don’t want to miss this opportunity!!

From Carles: 

This project took almost two years to make, it maps out the complexities and forces that operate when it comes to deciding over our own bodies. It started amidst huge protests in Spain for the right to access safe abortions. We interviewed people about the issue and slowly crafted a mind map that was then translated to drawings. Each scene represents a “small” picture, and interconnects with every other scene to give us the “big picture “. We have been giving oral storytelling presentations with it around the world ever since. This project was a huge learning experience and one I’m deeply proud of.

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

Micro Bouquets: A Sprout & Bloom Workshop

Celebrate spring with ecologically grown, freshly harvested, Oakland-grown botanicals! In this workshop, you’ll explore the unique textures, scents, and forms of flowers, herbs, and seed pods grown by our host, Sigrid Hubbell, just two miles from JCAS. Drop-in to design a micro bouquet to take home and tend. All botanicals and small glass vases provided. No experience necessary and children are welcome!

A Sprout & Bloom Workshop

This community workshop is part of our Sprout and Bloom gallery exhibit. Learn more about Sprout and Bloom.

Be sure to also check out Container Gardening 101 with Lana Williams on May 17th!


Sigrid Hubbell

Awestruck by the endless diversity, adaptations, and resilience of the natural world, Sigrid Hubbell spends the majority of her time in her urban garden cultivating flowers, herbs, food, medicine, and habitat. Growing and preserving the botanicals that comprise her work, she observes the vivid lessons revealed by natural rhythms. She hopes that noticing the contour of a leaf, the color of a petal, or the plumage of an individual seed invokes deep appreciation for the elegant intelligence and healing qualities of plants.


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

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.

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

Print & Sip: Explore Gelli Printing & Mixed Media Art

Experience the revolutionary technique that transformed monoprinting! Gelli printing is an easy, addictive way to create stunning monoprints—no printing press required.You’ll be amazed by the fine-art quality prints you’ll make with affordable materials. We will play with plants, stencils and stamps to create textures, patterns and shapes and even some photo transfers! Gelli prints offer endless possibilities for expression and exploration resulting in unique layered prints. They also require some patience between layers, so while we wait for things to dry, we can sip on our wine.

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.

Yael Levy is a mixed media artist, storyteller, printmaker and art teacher based in Berkeley, CA. She believes the creative process to be its own reward and the act of making an incredible tool for healing and growing.

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

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.

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