Rancho Cucamonga Community & Arts Foundation

DIY: Decoupage Serving Dish
2025-12-19 15:00 - 16:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Pomona Valley Pride, 235 West Mission Blvd., Pomona, California, 91766, United States
Add a touch of charm to your home with this hands-on D.I.Y. craft! In this creative workshop, you’ll design your very own serving dish using the art of decoupage—layering beautiful paper designs, patterns, or images onto a surface for a polished, decorative finish. Whether you prefer elegant florals, vintage vibes, or modern flair, this is your chance to craft a piece that’s uniquely yours.
All materials provided. No experience necessary.

The Nutcracker - Inland Pacific Ballet
2025-12-19 19:30 - 21:30 | Fox Performing Arts Center, 3801 Mission Inn ave., Riverside, California, 92501, United States
A Holiday Tradition Your Family Will Treasure!

Experience the magic of the holidays with family and friends at southern California’s most spectacular production of The Nutcracker from critically acclaimed Inland Pacific Ballet. This annual production tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets.

The Nutcracker comes to life in this magnificent ballet with beautiful sets, dazzling costumes, Tchaikovsky’s classic score, and more than 80 dancers on stage. Toy soldiers, life-sized dancing dolls, falling snow, a fantastic dream with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, gingerbread characters, and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy stir the imagination. This is family entertainment at its best!

Additional performances Dec 13-14 at Bridges Auditorium, Pomona College in Claremont.

Family Activity: Storytime in the Gallery
2025-12-20 11:30 - 12:30 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
Join us for storytime in the gallery in partnership with the Pomona Public Library! Children will enjoy a story and complementary age-appropriate art activity while viewing AMOCA’s exhibition In Their Hands: The Evolution of Mata Ortiz Pottery. Pre-registration is encouraged.

Studio Saturdays: Storytime in the Galleries The Buffalo Soldier
2025-12-20 12:00 - 14:00 | Ontario Museum of History & Art, 225 Euclid Ave, Ontario, CA, 91762, United States
Step into the galleries for a special reading of The Buffalo Soldier by Sherry Garland, illustrated by Ronald Himler. Follow the powerful story of a young man who, after gaining his freedom, joins an all-Black cavalry regiment and helps shape American history. After the reading, visitors are invited to participate in a hands-on art activity and guided reflection inspired by the themes of resilience, land, and identity. This program is open to all ages, with content designed especially for those ages 8 and up.
The program begins promptly at the stated time. Please plan to attend the full duration of the program. Registration is recommended but not required. All materials are provided.

Duke Ellington's Nutcracker Suite
2025-12-20 19:00 - 21:00 | Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91739, United States
2 Performances Only!

Delight in the sounds of the Nutcracker with the flair that only Sir Duke Ellington could orchestrate. You will be enthralled with the sounds of a live Big Band Orchestra and the sights of delightful dancers swinging their way into the holiday season. Join us for a celebration of this signature holiday piece of music arranged by an American treasure, Duke Ellington.

First Friday; Pay What You Can Day
2026-01-02 11:00 - 2026-01-03 16:00 | American Museum of Ceramic Art, 399 N. Garey Ave, Pomona, 91767
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!

Butcher Paper Zines
2026-01-03 15:00 - 16:30 | Pomona Valley Pride, 235 West Mission Blvd., Pomona, California, 91766, United States
Big, bold, and unapologetically lo-fi—this zine explores the art of creating with butcher paper. From wall-sized posters to spontaneous street publications, learn how to turn cheap rolls into powerful, large-format storytelling tools.

Film Night: Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting on Two Fronts
2026-01-08 17:00 - 19:00 | 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.
