Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation

Film Night: Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts
2026-01-08 17:00 - 19:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Ontario Museum of History & Art, 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762, United States
Experience an evening screening of Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts, presented in conjunction with the exhibition For Race and Country: Buffalo Soldiers in California. The film examines Black soldiers’ service, segregation, and identity, highlighting their lasting impact on California and the nation. A facilitated discussion will follow the screening to explore the film’s themes and their connection to the current exhibition.
Light refreshments provided.

Introductory Clay Class: Wheel Throwing
2026-01-09 17:30 - 18:30 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Friday, January 9, 2026 •5:30-6:30 PM or 7:30-8:30 PM • In person • $75
The perfect way to get your hands dirty, relax, and have fun! In this one-hour introductory class, you’ll learn the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Advance registration required.

Nature’s Way Fine Silver Pendant with Despina “Espie” Buoncristiani
2026-01-10 11:00 - 15:30 | The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Craft, 5131 Carnelian Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91701, United States
Discover the beauty of the natural world and learn how to capture it in fine silver. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll create reusable molds from organic materials that reveal extraordinary detail. Once your mold has cured, you’ll use it to form your own unique pendant with Art Clay Fine Silver. Each piece will be kiln-fired and finished with a patina to bring out every delicate feature.
We’ll explore the extensive Maloof Gardens for inspiring organic forms, or you may choose from a curated selection of botanicals provided by the instructor. Your workshop fee includes tool use, a two-part mold compound (enough for one impression), 7g of Art Clay Silver, a sterling silver jump ring, and a leather cord for your finished pendant—plus a detailed instruction sheet to support continued exploration at home. Please bring a sack lunch. For more information, www.malooffoundation.org

Second Saturday Docent Tour
2026-01-10 15:00 - 15:30 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Saturday, January 10, 2026 • 3:00 PM • In Person
On the second Saturday of each month, AMOCA’s docents offer a guided look into one of our current exhibitions. January’s tour will focus on Fired in Revolution: Ceramics from the People’s Republic of China. Second Saturday tours are free with museum admission.

Closing Reception and Conversation for The Hard-Edged Genius of Karl Benjamin: Selections from the Family Collection
2026-01-11 14:00 - 16:00 | Chaffey Community Museum of Art, 217 S. Lemon, Ontario, CA, 91761
A Conversation with Beth Benjamin moderated by Wendy Slatkin and Timothy LeBlanc at 3 PM
Don’t miss the final opportunity to view this exhibition celebrating the diversity and creativity of noted Claremont painter Karl Benjamin on his 100th birthday. At 3 PM, Karl’s daughter Beth will provide insight into her father’s creative and artistic processes drawn from her time with him in his studio. Moderated by exhibition curator Dr. Wendy Slatkin and exhibition installer Timothy LeBlanc.

Winter Clay Classes @ The Studio
2026-01-12 12:00 - 17:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
January -February 2026 • Days and Times vary • In Person
6-week ceramic courses for adults meet once a week and encourage development of ceramic skills, including hand-building, wheel throwing, and more!

Artist in Residence Information Session
2026-01-13 12:00 - 13:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • 12:00 – 1:00PM • Virtual
Join us for a conversation with AMOCA staff, alongside current/former resident artists, to learn more about the 2026-2027 Artist in Residence program. Applications open January 31, 2026.

Artisan Pinch Pot Workshop with Pottery Artist Christine Schwandt
2026-01-17 10:30 - 14:00 | The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Craft, 5131 Carnelian Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91701, United States
Join pottery artist Christine Schwandt for an engaging, hands-on pinch pot workshop designed for all skill levels. Discover the traditional technique of pinch pottery as Christine guides you through shaping clay using your hands as the primary tools.
You’ll begin with a simple lump of clay, learning how to form, refine, and personalize your vessel. Christine will demonstrate methods for adding texture and decorative elements, encouraging your own creative approach throughout the process. All materials are provided.
After you complete your piece, Christine will take care of the firing and glazing, ensuring a finished pot that is both beautiful and durable. Completed pieces will be available for later pick-up.
Come ready to create in a supportive, inspiring environment and enjoy a memorable pottery experience with Christine Schwandt. Please bring a sack lunch.

The Store of Sturtevant’s The Store of Claes Oldenburg
2026-01-17 11:00 - 2026-05-17 16:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
The exhibition, consisting of clay paintings, ceramics, and soft sculptures, began as an idea during Reniel Del Rosario’s undergraduate career at UC Berkeley. He was introduced early on to the work of Elaine Sturtevant, who became an inspiration for him in his clay-based art practice. It was through Sturtevant that Del Rosario learned about Oldenburg’s The Store, an iconic work in Pop Art history. Using plaster as his medium, Oldenburg mimicked consumer goods as mundane as cigarettes, undergarments and blueberry pie. Sturtevant’s version also used plaster, whereas Del Rosario’s presentation focuses on clay as the primary medium, along with some soft textile-based sculptures (which mimic original Oldenburg and Sturtevant soft sculptures).

After years of thinking that originality was the key to making anything ‘good,’ it amazed me that copying the already-existent did something that an original could not: critically play with its history and value. Sturtevant’s project had copied as much of Oldenburg’s as possible, from the medium, to the appropriated subjects, to the installation. It almost echoed a duplication; however, it did not. That was the most memorable part of her rendition—it was wrong many, many times. The colors were off, the sizes were wrong, key works or components were missing, works that were never part of Oldenburg’s The Store were incorrectly added, and many works had abnormalities that the originals did not. Comparing them to the original Oldenburg’s, I experienced moments with each work spotting the differences, drawing me in closer with each mistake, intentional or not. The appropriation was just the vehicle Sturtevant had used to make a point about privilege in the art world and who amongst her circle got recognition. It was that usage of the already existent to make a critique that made me acknowledge how appropriating, or ‘bootlegging’ as I like to refer to it, is less like duplicating and more akin to layering—adding a new cover, but still holding the original history, reference, and value underneath. – Reniel Del Rosario

Imitations have been part of Del Rosario’s life. He was born and raised in the Philippines where bootlegs of consumer products are abundant in the country’s public markets. As a child raised in the Bay Area, he was exposed to bootlegs and knock-offs in the city’s flea markets. Fraudulent goods persist in every corner of our consumerist society, from high fashion to everyday goods. These derivative, often poorly crafted copies, are perceived as symbols of unoriginality, poverty, and piracy. In a world full of riffs, borrowing, and theft, ‘being first’ is a virtuosic goal. In this work, Del Rosario ponders whether these goals of originality are in fact virtuosic or even realistically achievable in our media and image saturated world. By copying a copy, Del Rosario’s intention is not to simply prove that he can accurately mimic a work. Rather, he is interested in observing whether the original has changed in physical and/or perceptual ways through his imitations. Oldenburg’s The Store and Sturtevant’s The Store of Claes Oldenburg are decades old projects that have aged and changed in public perception. Their complete documentations are dispersed in private archives, often difficult to search and to pull as complete exhibition records as the works now live across multiple collections and institutions. Both bodies of work have transformed despite the artists never touching them again. Del Rosario’s bootlegs comment on the fact that their original counterparts were made by well-established artists within a friendly circle of heavyweight artist friends and art dealers. His versions are not replacements for Sturtevant or Oldenburg’s works—they are the contemporary alternatives for the criticisms they once presented.
Oldenburg’s The Store and Sturtevant’s The Store of Claes Oldenburg will be on view in the Igal & Diane Silber Vault Gallery at AMOCA from January 17–May 17, 2026.

Studio Saturdays: Dream World Collage
2026-01-17 12:00 - 15:00 | Ontario Museum of History & Art, 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762, United States
Drop in and create a colorful collage with artist, Krafty Sunflower that reflects your hopes for a better future. Using magazines, found drawings, and colored paper, imagine a world filled with peace, respect, and acceptance of all people. Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream of equality and justice, this hands-on activity invites participants of all ages to express their own vision for a kinder, more inclusive world.
All materials are provided for this drop-in workshop.

Opening Reception: Compulsion and The Store
2026-01-17 16:00 - 18:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Saturday, January 17, 2026 • 4:00 – 6:00PM • In Person
Join us for the opening reception for AIR 2026: Compulsion and The Store of Sturtevant’s The Store of Claes Oldenburg: Reniel Del Rosario. Admission to the event and Museum galleries is complimentary with advance registration.

Museum Meet Cute
2026-01-24 15:00 - 16:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Saturday, January 24, 2026 • 3:00 – 4:00PM • In Person • $15 / $10
Exhibition Manager Pam Aliaga will lead a tour of Fired in Revolution: Ceramics from the People’s Republic of China and offer two signature boba drinks, created in house, to complement the exhibition. Pre-registration is required.

Introductory Clay Class: Hand Building
2026-01-30 17:30 - 19:30 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Friday, January 30, 2026 •5:30-7:30 PM • In person • $75
In this evening introductory class, you’ll learn the basics of hand building, using air dry clay. You’ll craft your own whimsical garden gnome, perfect for your patio, desk, or bookshelf. Are you an AMOCA member? Join this class for free — we’ve set aside six complimentary seats in this just for members!

Natural Fiber Basket with Kim Oakley
2026-01-31 10:30 - 14:00 | The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for Arts and Craft, 5131 Carnelian Street, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91701, United States
Discover the art of basket weaving in this engaging introductory workshop led by Kim Oakley. Perfect for beginners, this hands-on experience introduces essential techniques using natural materials. During the workshop, participants will also step inside the Maloof historic home for a special visit to view Alfreda Maloof’s baskets, including examples dating as early as the 1930s. Participants will then create their own unique baskets while exploring the creative process in a supportive and welcoming environment. Enjoy an afternoon of craftsmanship, creativity, and community.
Your material fee will cover everything you need to create your basket, including scissor snips for precise cutting, a weaving needle, and a selection of natural fibers that allow you to personalize your design. All tools and materials are yours to take home, giving you the opportunity to continue exploring basket weaving after the workshop.
Do not miss this opportunity to learn a timeless craft and leave with a beautiful handwoven piece of your own creation. Please bring a sack lunch. For more information, visit: www.malooffoundation.org

Generations of Creativity: The Art of the Svenson Family Opening Reception
2026-02-01 14:00 - 16:00 | Chaffey Community Museum of Art, 217 S. Lemon, Ontario, CA, 91761
This exhibition presents a wealth of rarely seen works of art by sculptor John Edward Svenson and his family – David and Kazumi + John and Sharon. The works are created in a wide variety of media from traditional carved wooden sculpture to mixed media and neon. The scale ranges from a 9’ totem pole newly carved by David to diminutive glass works by Kazumi. Curated by David Svenson, this exhibition is a unique opportunity to view the legacy of renowned Pomona Valley sculptor John Edward Svenson and his artistic progeny. Join us on February 1st, 2PM-4PM, to enjoy our opening reception to view the brilliance of the Svenson family.

First Thursdays: Buffalo Soldiers History Discussion
2026-02-05 16:00 - 17:30 | Ontario Museum of History & Art, 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762, United States
Join the Museum for an afternoon discussion of the exhibition For Race and Country: Buffalo Soldiers in California. In this introductory lecture, we will examine the legacy of the Buffalo Soldiers and highlight the individuals and communities working to preserve their memory.
Light refreshments will be provided.

First Friday; Pay What You Can Day
2026-02-06 11:00 - 16:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
First Fridays
Friday, February 5, 2026 • 11:00 AM –4:00PM • In Person
Thanks to generous support from AMOCA’s Board of Directors, Museum admission for First Fridays at AMOCA is pay what you can. On the First Friday of each month, visit the Museum and choose your own ticket prices!

Valentine Heart Frames – A Family Workshop
2026-02-07 11:30 - 13:30 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Valentine Heart Frames – A Family Workshop
Saturday, February 7, 2026 • 11:30AM – 1:30PM • In Person • $15/$10
AMOCA invites you to join us for a one day Valentine workshop to craft a heart shaped frame to show off your favorite polaroid. Whether to hold a photo of a loved one, a cute pet or even of yourself, this handmade gift will be the perfect Valentine!

Studio Saturdays: Black History Month Collective
2026-02-07 12:00 - 16:00 | Ontario Museum of History & Art, 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762, United States
Celebrate Black History Month at the Museum and engage with local artists through interactive activities, creative projects, and inspiring conversations that honor and explore Black heritage and culture.

Hostile Terrain 94 - Exhibition Walk-through, Book Sale/Signing, and Reception
2026-02-10 10:30 - 14:00 | Wignall Museum of Contemporary Art, Chaffey College, 5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91737-3002, United States
Tuesday, February 10, 1030am-2pm
Exhibition walk-through with Dr. Jason De Léon and Michael Wells – 1030-1130am;
Book sale/signing – 1130-1230pm;
Reception – 1230-2pm.

Hostile Terrain 94 is a participatory exhibition created by the Undocumented Migration Project (UMP), a non-profit organization that focuses on the violent social process of immigration and raises awareness through research, education, and outreach.
In 1994, the United States Border Patrol launched the immigration enforcement strategy known as “Prevention Through Deterrence” (PTD). With heightened security measures at urban points of entry, undocumented migrants were forced to traverse extremely treacherous environments, land dubbed as “Hostile Terrain” by U.S. Border Patrol.
PTD failed to deter border crossers and, instead, millions of people have attempted to migrate through the US-Mexico border since the 1990s. By using this tactic, the U.S. government has attempted to shift the blame onto the harsh environment, weaponizing the land as a natural killing field. As a result of this policy, more than 8,100 people have died on the US-Mexico border, largely from dehydration and hyperthermia, while attempting the journey through California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. PTD is still the primary border enforcement strategy being used on the US-Mexico border today.
Migrant death at the border is both systemic and systematic. Policies such as PTD, along with the use of detention centers and obstacles in attaining asylum, have created a system that has traumatized thousands of people in the name of immigration control.

Curator Walk-Through: Fired in Revolution
2026-02-13 13:00 - 14:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Curator Walk-Through: Fired in Revolution
Friday, February 13, 2026 • 1:00 – 2:00PM • In Person • Free w/Admission
Join guest curator Jamie Kwan on a walk-through of Fired in Revolution: Ceramics from the People’s Republic of China. Kwan will talk about the exhibition, share details about the collection, and discuss how the concept for the show came to a realization.

Introductory Clay Class: Wheel Throwing
2026-02-13 17:30 - 18:30 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Introductory Clay Class: Wheel Throwing
Friday, February 13, 2026 •5:30-6:30 PM or 7:30-8:30 PM • In person • $75
The perfect way to get your hands dirty, relax, and have fun! In this one-hour introductory class, you’ll learn the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Advance registration required.

Second Saturday Tour
2026-02-14 15:00 - 15:30 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Second Saturdays Tour
Saturday, February 14, 2026 • 3:00 PM • In Person
On the second Saturday of each month, AMOCA’s docents offer a guided look into one of our current exhibitions. February’s tour will focus on AIR 2026: Compulsion. Second Saturday tours are free with museum admission.

Ontario Art Walk: Celebrating Paper Arts
2026-02-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Ontario Museum of History & Art, 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762, United States
The Ontario Art Book Fair is just around the corner. Preview artists and browse zine and art print vendors during the Ontario Art Walk at the Museum. Spend time in the curated reading room to explore the world of artist books and zines and join in hands-on activities. Complimentary refreshments will be provided. Save the date for the Ontario Art Book Fair, taking place on Saturday, March 28.

Ontario Art Walk: A Lovely Valentine’s Evening at CCMA
2026-02-21 18:00 - 21:00 | Chaffey Community Museum of Art, 217 S. Lemon, Ontario, CA, 91761
Join us for a night of love and laughter at the upcoming Ontario Art Walk celebrating Valentine’s Day. We are excited to welcome back Retro Rentals Blind Box Stickers for mystery blind-box sticker packs and exclusive matching sticker sets only available at CCMA. We will also be joined by artist vendor Squidney’s Treasures. Participate in our arts and community corner and opportunity drawings as well as an art sale.

So Cal Museums Free-For-All @ AMOCA
2026-02-22 11:00 - 16:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
So Cal Museums Free-For-All @ AMOCA
Sunday, February 22, 2026 • 11:00 AM -6:00 PM • In Person
Enjoy free admission to AMOCA—with advance registration—on Sunday, February 22 as part of SoCal Museums (SCM)‘s Free-for-All day. AMOCA is open 11 AM-4 PM on February 22; last entry is at 3 PM.

Museum Open House for Educators
2026-02-26 16:00 - 18:00 | Ontario Museum of History & Art, 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762, United States
The Museum invites local teachers and educators to a free professional development event. Discover hands-on access to K-12 educational resources, programs, and teaching tools designed to bring history, art, and culture alive in your classroom. Meet Museum staff and explore what we have to offer you and your students.

Foam Block Printing – A Family Workshop
2026-02-28 11:30 - 12:30 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Foam Block Printing – A Family Workshop
Saturday, March 28, 2026 • 11:30 AM -12:30 PM • In Person • $15/$10
Discover the story of block printing and create your own foam print as we explore our current exhibition, Fired in Revolution! Learn the basic techniques of relief printing through foam paper for this easy and accessible workshop perfect for the whole family.

First Friday; Pay What You Can Day
2026-03-06 11:00 - 16:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
First Fridays
Friday, March 6, 2026 • 11:00 AM –4:00PM • In Person
Thanks to generous support from AMOCA’s Board of Directors, Museum admission for First Fridays at AMOCA is pay what you can. On the First Friday of each month, visit the Museum and choose your own ticket prices!

In The Green
2026-03-06 20:00 - 22:00 | Ophelias Jump Productions, 2009 Porterfield Way unit i, Upland, 91786
IN THE GREEN tells the origin story of one of Medieval history’s most powerful and creative women: Hildegard von Bingen. Before she became a healer, a composer, an exorcist, and finally a saint, she was a young girl locked in a cell with her mentor, Jutta. This new musical by Grace McLean is the tale of two women and the journey that leads one to embrace death, and the other to celebrate the beauty and blemishes of a fully lived life.
This musical includes adult themes. Parental guidance is recommended for children under 13 years old.
