Tag: Youth

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.

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
RSVP 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.

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.

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!
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STEAM FAIR – A Free Family Day

Saturday, April 18th 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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Frame 41

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

Are you a Scientist? Volunteer at the STEAM FAIR!

We are looking for professional scientists, engineers, naturalist and tech experts to help spark that same curiosity and support children engage in fun science activities to celebrate Earth Day at the Junior Center of Art and Science STEAM Fair!

ASK:  We are looking to recruit volunteers who are professionals and experts in the STEM field to help us facilitate a STEAM station. We would offer an orientation on how to lead your respective STEAM station.

Our goal is to pair your expertise with hands-on discovery to show students (ages 6 – 13) that science isn’t just in a textbook—it’s in the real world. Deadline to sign up is Monday, March 23

  • DATE: Saturday, April 18
  • TIME: 11 AM – 2 PM
  • WHERE: Junior Center of Art and Science, 558 Bellevue Ave at Lake Merritt (Oakland, CA)
  • GOAL: Lead a “Discovery Station” featuring a simple experiment or demonstration related to your field.
SUPPORT OUR WORK TODAY
SUPPORT OUR WORK TODAY
Sign up to volunteer
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

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

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

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

Wild Botanicals

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NOW OFFERING SINGLE DAY SESSIONS!

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!
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Time and Place: Poetry and Bookmaking Workshop for Families

Sept 6th 2
Time and Place: Poetry & Bookmaking Workshop. A Family Workshop. Saturday, September 6th 10am-12pm

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.

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
Register TODAY

A Home After All Workshop

This community workshop is part of our Home After All gallery exhibit. Learn more about Home After All.

Meet the Artist

IMG 0097

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.

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.


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

Time and Place: Poetry and Bookmaking Workshop for Teens

Aug 16th
Time and Place: Poetry & Bookmaking Workshop. A Teen Workshop. Saturday, August 18th 10am-12pm

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.

Book your RENTAL
Book your RENTAL
Register TODAY

A Home After All Workshop

This community workshop is part of our Home After All gallery exhibit. Learn more about Home After All.

Meet the Artist

IMG 0097

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.

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.


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.

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
Sign up for newsletter
Sign up for newsletter

Tend : Share : Grow

Saturday May3rd 6:00 8:00 pm

Tend : Share : Grow is an open dialogue forum with the Sprout & Bloom artists: Lana Williams, Alex Arzt, and Sigrid Hubbell. Come join these artists as they talk “shop” about plants, flowers, shrubs, trees, and all the many forms of gardening care that are a part of their art practice, and daily life. Patrons are welcomed and encouraged to share their knowledge and experience with plants and gardening.

The Sprout & Bloom exhibition is on view now until May 23. 

The Junior Center of Art and Science (JCAS) is a 501c nonprofit dedicated to cultivating curiosity and creative exploration through the arts and sciences. Our gallery space is curated to connect professional artists with our local creative community. Our exhibits showcase local, emerging artists and include hands-on community workshops—because art is meant to be experienced, not just observed. Your participation directly empowers emerging artists and makes inspiring exhibitions and programs possible for all.

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