After much excitement and hard work the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) has reopened and revamped their Gallery of California Natural Sciences! I had the pleasure of being commissioned by the OMCA last year to create illustrations that would create an interactive, stop-motion animation for the Oakland section of the gallery. This Friday night event was full of music, drinks, food trucks, and meeting many people in the area. It was very cool to see all of the work that had been done since the sneak peek a few months ago. It was very cool to say the least to see my work in a museum being used to educate and play with. It was SO different to see the "Robots" being played with. Up until that point I have only seen people LOOK at my work and usually telling people not to touch the work. This time I stood and watch children and adults alike make funny videos with the illustrations of the robots. I couldn't help but to just stare, watching other people make the robots move and have a life of their own. They are out of my hands and in yours, for you to play, create and have a great time with, really a very different experience. Surreal might be the best word.
So the nest time you are in the Bay Area, go to the Oakland Museum of California and check out this gallery in addition to the other two HUGE galleries they have. The OMCA might just be the best kept secret in the area. Here is the link to the Natural Science, here.
Take care and have fun! Until next time!