Mission :
Kala Art Institute’s mission is to help artists sustain their creative work over time through its Artist-in-Residence and Fellowship Programs, and to engage the community through exhibitions, public programs, and education.
The heart of Kala’s mission as a vital, California art-making hub is supporting artists and engaging the community. Kala offers professional facilities to those working in and across print and digital media, new media, and performance. Artists at Kala are encouraged to work across disciplines, produce innovative artwork of the highest quality, and are given total freedom to realize their artistic vision using media that span the Gutenberg to digital eras. Kala offers access to equipment, time, and space to cultivate creative projects. Kala’s studios provide tools for printmaking, photography, video, performance, installation, and digital media. Kala fosters a fresh approach to experimentation, as artists investigate the interface of digital work, work made by hand, work made in the studio, performance-based work that engages the community and everything in between. A spirit of exchange and education is nurtured through all Kala’s community programs.
Kala’s creative community builds bridges between the intense art-making environment of the Kala studios, located in the historic Heinz ketchup factory in Berkeley and life outside the studio in Kala’s immediate neighborhood and far beyond. Additionally, Kala is committed to offering quality art education to the general public and public school children through its on-site program of classes and workshops, summer programs and its Artists-in-Schools program, established in 1991, providing multiple-week artist-led instruction to students in neighboring East Bay public schools.
Support Kala's Fund For the Future! Summer is going by way too fast and we're moving just as quickly through Kala's milestone 50th year! We have some exciting 50th anniversary initiatives well underway including building out a new 600 square…
Read More »Teen Studio Art Program Registration Open! (6th-12th) Join Kala’s Teen Studio Art Program for skill-based art-making, hands-on projects, and activities during the academic school year. Whether students are learning a new art practice or…
Read More »Where the Tree Grows: Kala Gallery is excited to present the exhibition Where the Tree Grows featuring new works by 2023-2024 Kala Fellowship and Media Residency artists: Chia Amisola, Alison Chen, Philip Crawford, Amy Elkins, John Yoyogi…
Read More »Camp Kala - Week Two Recap Last week, we welcomed participants to our first teen camp of the season, Teen Studio: Drawing from Life. While the teens enjoyed a variety of drawing exercises and skill-building projects throughout the week,…
Read More »CEC Artslink Fellow This month, 10 arts organizations throughout the US continued online residencies with artists from Afghanistan, Georgia, Poland, Romania, Tajikistan, and Ukraine in preparation for in person residencies in the fall this year.…
Read More »Welcome 2024-2025 Kala Fellowship Artists We are proud to welcome 2024-2025 Kala Fellowship artists! We are excited to announce our latest cohort of fellowship artists. Kala will support the six artists with a $3,000 stipend, unlimited…
Read More »West Berkeley Community Print Festival - Thank You! Thanks for coming to the second annual West Berkeley Community Print Festival! It felt great to open the doors to the community to celebrate printmaking and creativity. We loved the activity in…
Read More »KALA 50 is Open for Viewing and Bidding! As you all know, this is a big year for Kala ~ Kala is turning 50 ~ and you are all invited to join the festivities starting with the auction! KALA 50, Kala's annual art auction benefit is extra special…
Read More »KALA 50 - Art Auction Exhibition & Benefit is Open for Bidding Thank you for the great preview party turn out for the launch of KALA 50! We’re feeling the love as we begin celebrating Kala’s 50th anniversary and raising funds to…
Read More »Fellowship Call for Entry Artists who work in and across media and time-based art are encouraged to apply. We recommend submitting your application for the March 15th Fellowship deadline as we may not have the opportunity for an open call for…
Read More »Kala 50 Exhibition and Auction Benefit Mark your calendars for KALA 50 - Kala’s art auction exhibition, benefit, and 50th anniversary party! KALA 50, brings together Kala’s creative community and features the inventive and…
Read More »Grant News It's official - Kala is honored to be a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts grant (Artist Communities) in support of Kala's Fellowship residencies! NEA Chair Maria Roasario Jackson, PhD shares the good news about all the…
Read More »KALA 50 Auction Website Launch Mark your calendars for Kala's art auction benefit (March 21 - April 27) and 50th anniversary party (April 27)! We're planning an extra special event to celebrate this milestone - 50 years of supporting artists and…
Read More »Kala @ CODEX 2024 and The Embodied Press Reception Kala is hosting a gallery reception on Saturday, February 3rd , 3pm – 6pm for our current exhibition, The Embodied Press: queer abstraction and the artists’ book, curated by Anthea…
Read More »Kala @ CODEX 2024 Please stop by Kala’s table at the upcoming CODEX Book Art Fair. We'll have work by Gale Antokal, Lynn Beldner, Janine Brown, Lawrence Ferlinghetti, Corrine Hatt, Nancy Mintz, Katie Murken, Karen Olsen-Dunn, Carrie Ann…
Read More »The Embodies Press: queer abstraction and the artists' book - CODEX 2024 Reception There's a few more weeks to check out our current exhibition, The Embodied Press: queer abstraction and the artists' book curated by Anthea Black. It's on view…
Read More »Mark your calendars for KALA 50, Kala's spring auction exhibition and benefit, Thursday, March 21- Saturday, April 27, 2024. Planning is underway to make the auction this year really special to celebrate Kala's 50th anniversary and to raise funds to…
Read More »Thank You for Your Support! Thank you for your generosity and incredible support of Kala's annual fund and fund for the future. 142 people donated to Kala over the holidays and we raised $102,936 and counting. We're feeling lifted up by your…
Read More »Happy Holidays from Kala! We wish you all a joyous, peaceful, and creative holiday season! As we mark Kala's 50th anniversary, we celebrate Kala's rich history and thank you for supporting Kala's cultural programs and providing new…
Read More »Date & Time: Friday, December 15, 11am-12pm Location: Milvia/ Addison Windows outside at 2100 Milvia St, Berkeley, CA 94704 Join us for an artist reception for a new installation at the Milvia/ Addison Windows by NIAD artist Carlota Rodriguez…
Read More »Thank You + Fund for the Future Thank you for your generosity and contributions on Giving Tuesday and into December launching Kala's Fund for the Future and supporting Kala's mission and work. 42 people have donated so far and the first $10,000…
Read More »Kala @ SFMOMA Small Press Book Bazaar Date & Time: Thursday, Dec 7, 1-8pm Location: SFMOMA, 151 Third Street, San Francisco Cost: This event takes place on the First Thursday when museum admission is free to Bay Area residents. …
Read More »Gratitude + Fund for the Future November is a time to reflect on gratitude, celebrate with family and friends, and give thanks - and in that spirit we want to share our appreciation for each of you for being a part of Kala! November is also when…
Read More »Art Sales at Kala & Kala Gallery Holiday Schedule We’re super excited to introduce you to Sonya Castillo, Kala’s new Arts Sales & Collections Manager. Sonya is working in the print room selling art and managing Kala's extensive…
Read More »Embodied Press: queer abstraction and the artists? book - Curator Tour and Teen Zine Workshop Curator Tour with Anthea Black Date & Time: Thursday, Nov 9, 4-6pm Location: Kala Gallery Curator and critic Anthea Black will…
Read More »Embodied Press: queer abstraction and the artists? book - Curator Tour and Teen Zine Workshop Curator Tour with Anthea Black Date & Time: Tuesday, Nov 9, 4-6pm Location: Kala Gallery Curator and critic Anthea Black will…
Read More »Friends of Kala Membership Join or renew your membership to support Kala and receive a number of benefits. You can find the full range of membership choices on our website and some highlights below. Become a member at the level that is right…
Read More »Only a Few Spots Left - Enroll Now! The Expressive Print: Intro to Letterpress with Mary V. Marsh Saturdays, Oct 21 - Nov 4, 10am-3pm in the Kala Printmaking Studio Through examples and ideas, we will talk about combining words and images to…
Read More »Join us in welcoming and celebrating 2023-2024 Media Arts Fellows and Jen Cole Artist-In-Residence Award Recipient! We're excited to announce our latest cohort of Media Arts Fellows - Chia Amisola, Charles Lee, Amy Elkins and Shantré…
Read More »With your support we did it - we raised $80,604 in Aug/Sept. 112 people contributed to the end of the fiscal year campaign and together we reached our goal - thank you! These funds will help Kala to continue to support artists, engage the community,…
Read More »Support Kala Today! Thank you, thank you, thank you to all who have contributed so far to Kala's end of the fiscal year fundraising challenge. We are making great progress on our goal to raise $80,000 before Sept 30th. We have raised $71,000 in…
Read More »Dig and Rise: Artist Talk + Performance + Closing Reception Artist Talk + Performance + Closing Reception Date and Time: Thursday, September 21 5:30-7:00pm Artist Talk 7:00-8:00pm Performance by Lani Asunción & Closing Reception Join us…
Read More »Support Kala Today! Thank you for helping to get the ball rolling for Kala?s end of the fiscal year fundraising challenge. Our goal is to raise $80,000 before Sept 30th to invest in supporting artists and creative exchange. In three weeks with your…
Read More »Dig and Rise Artist Events We?d love to see you at upcoming events with 2022-2023 Kala Fellowship and Media Arts Fellowship Artists in connection with the Dig and Rise exhibition. Dig and Rise celebrates diverse voices and research, with a focus on…
Read More »Register for After School & Teen Studio Programs After School Studio starts next week - it's not too late to sign-up! After School Studio, 1st-5th grades, is a great way for kids to engage in skill-based instruction, hands-on projects, and…
Read More »Support Kala August 24, 2023! As August speeds on by, we're reaching out to Kala's community for some end of the fiscal year support. We love that the spirit of creativity and collaboration is alive and well at Kala as we wrap up Kala's 49th year…
Read More »What's New in the Neighborhood Opening reception in front of the mural on Sunday, Sept 10, 4-6pm! There’s a new mural across the street from the Kala Heinz Avenue studios! The Rama Mural was painted by Berkeley artist and beloved Kala…
Read More »Join Our Team! We're looking to expand our small yet mighty team at Kala. Applications are due August 15th so please spread the word and get your applications started for either Art Sales & Collections Manager and/or Communications &…
Read More »Teen Studio Fall Registration Open! Join Kala’s Teen Studio art program for skill-based art-making, hands-on projects, and activities during the academic school year. Designed for young artists in 6th-12th grades. Teen Studio: Drawing…
Read More »After School Fall Registration Open! Join Kala’s After School Program today! Our fun and interactive art-making experiences are designed for young artists in 1st-5th grades. Participants explore a variety of visual art media, techniques, and…
Read More »Exhibition: May 1 - October 31, 2023 Location: Milvia/Addison Windows outside at 2100 Milvia St, Berkeley, CA 94704 The reception for Strata at the Milvia/Addison Windows is postponed. Please stay tuned for a new date later this Summer or Fall!…
Read More »Milvia/Addison Windows Reception Date & Time: Thursday, July 13, 5-6pm Location: Milvia/Addison Windows outside at 2100 Milvia St, Berkeley, CA 94704 Join us for an artist reception for Strata, a new installation by Angelica Trimble-Yanu at…
Read More »Join us in welcoming and celebrating 2023-2024 Fellows and Parent-Artists! We're excited to announce our latest cohort of Fellows - Alison Chen, Philip Crawford, John Yoyogi Fortes, Helia Pouyanfar, Georgina Reskala, and rhiannon skye tafoya.…
Read More »Kala is Hiring! Do you have experience selling art, supporting artists, collection management, storytelling, marketing, fundraising, and/or grant writing? Kala has two full-time positions currently open - Art Sales and Collections Manager and…
Read More »Archana Horsting: Closing Reception Last call to see the amazing 50 year survey exhibition of work by Archana Horsting at the Kala Gallery through July 7th, On the Fringe of the Field, A Survey of Works 1972–2022. Mark your calendars…
Read More »Jen Cole Artist-in-Residence Award In celebration of the work and legacy of beloved artist Jen Cole, Kala’s community of artists came together to create a one-month, annual Artist-in-Residence (AIR) award in Jen’s name. This is the…
Read More »In loving memory of Jim Melchert We will miss our friend and mentor, the one and only Jim Melchert. His wisdom, humility, dedication to his art and craft, life-long practice of experimentation and growth, generosity, and warmth are just some of…
Read More »The Media Arts Fellowship application is now open! Deadline is July 1, 2023 Apply today for Kala's Media Arts Fellowship supporting artists working on innovative projects in and across film + video, sound, animation, performance cinema, and media…
Read More »Thank you for supporting Art Kala 2023! It's a wrap! A BIG, heartfelt thank you for coming together to make Kala's auction benefit a success. We loved having Dia Bondi and the live auction back for the first time since 2019 - what a show! We raised…
Read More »Kala's Art Auction Benefit - Silent Auction, Live Auction, Fund-a-need, and more! This is it! Time to get your bids in online for the silent auction, buy tickets for the live auction + closing party, donate to fund-a-need, and help make Art Kala…
Read More »Adult Summer Classes Open for Enrollment June - August classes now open for enrollment! Some of the exciting summer offerings include: Collage Mounted Prints: Scraps to Scenes with Meg Pohlod Participants will learn how to create one…
Read More »Art Kala 2023 - Annual Art Auction You are invited to Kala's annual auction benefit on Saturday, May 13th, 6-9pm! Celebrating Kala's 49th year, Art Kala 2023 brings together Kala's creative community to raise funds that support and sustain Kala…
Read More »Kala's Auction Benefit - Live Auction News Art Kala 2023, Kala's art auction benefit is underway and the silent auction bidding is heating up. You can bid 24/7 online and from anywhere. The countdown is also ON for the live auction + closing party…
Read More »Spring Happenings! Busy times at Kala this spring! The Berkeley High Arts and Humanities exhibition of student work opened last week and is on view this month in the community classroom, the first annual West Berkeley Community Print Festival and…
Read More »Art Kala 2023 - Auction Exhibition & Benefit Thank you for coming out to the Art Kala 2023 preview party and kicking off the auction festivities with such good energy! Kala's auction exhibition and benefit, March 30 - May 13, is our biggest…
Read More »Art Kala 2023 Auction Preview Party It's auction time! To kick off Art Kala 2023, please come join us in the Kala gallery Thursday, March 30 from 6-9pm for a FREE night of art, food, and festivities. The preview party is a chance to celebrate the…
Read More »Kala Fellowship Application Due March 15th Open Call - Kala's Fellowship Program - apply via slideroom! The application deadline is March 15th. Learn more about this opportunity here and start your application today. Artists receive $3,000, a one…
Read More »Fossil of Language, Yuzo Nakano - Closing Reception Closing Reception: Friday, March 17, 4pm-7pm Join us for the closing reception on Friday, March 17, 4-7pm for Fossil of Language, a retrospective featuring works by Yuzo Nakano, Artistic…
Read More »Kala Fellowship Application Due March 15th Two weeks left to apply - Kala's Fellowship Program - apply via slideroom! The application deadline is March 15th. Learn more about this opportunity here and start your application today. Artists receive…
Read More »Join us in welcoming and celebrating Print Public Artists, Parent-Artists, Honorary Fellows, CCA Hamaguchi awardees, and the inaugural Jen Cole AIR! In addition to Kala’s fellowship programs, we have special initiatives and funding that…
Read More »Save the Date - Art Kala 2023 Save the date - Kala's art auction benefit opens Thurs, March 30 and closes Sat, May 13th! Kala's annual auction benefit is our most important fundraiser of the year. This event brings the community together and…
Read More »Bay Area Fine Print Fair The Bay Area Fine Print Fair is back at the Kala Gallery on February 4 and 5, 2023! Produced by OnPaper.Art. Hours: Saturday, February 4, 10am- 5pm Sunday February 5, 10am-4pm Free Admission The exhibitors…
Read More »Upcoming Exhibition Fossil of Language, Yuzo Nakano January 28 - March 17, 2023 Reception: Saturday, January 28, 2-4pm Gallery Hours: Tuesday-Friday, Noon - 5:00pm Gallery Location: Kala Gallery, 2990 San Pablo, Berkeley, CA 94702 Kala…
Read More »Join us in welcoming our 2022-2023 Fellows & Media Fellows into the Kala community! Kala’s fellowship programs support artists in their work to advance their craft, take artistic risks, experiment with new forms of art making, and tap…
Read More »Thank you for contributing to Kala's annual fund, helping us exceed our fundraising goal, and preparing us for the adventures ahead in 2023! We are so grateful to this resilient and generous community for all that you do to support Kala. We're…
Read More »Community and Appreciation As we head into the final days of 2022, it's time for gathering, reflection, appreciation, and setting goals for the coming year. We would not have gotten through the year without you! Your creativity and support make…
Read More »Kala Art Institute News - December 22, 2022 We wish you all a joyous, peaceful, and creative holiday season! Thank you for supporting Kala's cultural programs and providing new opportunities for artists and the community. Holiday Schedule:…
Read More »Gift Certificates for Kala Classes Buy a gift certificate online for Kala adult and youth classes! Let your creative loved ones experience the inspiring workshops taught by Kala’s community of professional artists. Buy Now Adult Classes…
Read More »SFMOMA Small Press Book Bazaar Date and Time: Thursday, Dec 1st, 1-8pm Location: SFMoma, 151 3rd Street, San Francisco Kala is excited to participate in the SFMOMA Small Press Book Bazaar on Thursday, Dec 1 1-8pm! This holiday season,…
Read More »Honoring Generosity, Gratitude, and Community Stay healthy and take good care of yourselves this holiday season. We appreciate each one of you for staying connected to Kala and being a part of Kala's creative community. Happy Holidays! …
Read More »Artist Talk with Anna Scherbyna Date and Time: Thursday, November 10 at 6pm Location: Kala Gallery Join us on Thursday, November 10th at 6 pm in the Kala Gallery to learn about Anna Scherbyna's creative path! Many thanks to CEC Artslink for…
Read More »We're Hiring! Kala is looking for a Communications and Development Manager to join Kala's creative team. Do you love storytelling? Do you have experience with marketing and fundraising? This new, full-time position will work with Kala’s…
Read More »Artist-in-Residence Application due Oct 15th/ Print Public Application due Nov 18th The deadline is approaching to apply to become an artist-in-residence. Start your application Oct 15th before 11:59pm PST and you have until Oct 17th to hit…
Read More »Thank You! We set out to raise $68,000 in September to support Kala's core programs and to invest in artists and creative exchange. We raised $71,133! Thank you - we are so grateful for every bit. Big thanks and much love and appreciation from all…
Read More »Artist Talk with Alisa Ochoa, Ron Moultrie Saunders & Lena Wolff Saturday, September 24 at 2pm Kala Gallery We're returning to in-person artist talks in the Kala Gallery with Alisa Ochoa, Ron Moultrie Saunders and Lena Wolff on…
Read More »Support Kala! We've been so busy here at Kala - with the installation and exhibition Forever Was Never Till Now in the gallery, young artists exploring a range of media at Camp Kala, welcoming artist-in-residence from around the world in the…
Read More »Current Exhibition: Forever Was Never Till Now Exhibition Open thru September 30, 2022 Gallery Hours: Wed-Fri, 12-5pm Kala Gallery is excited to present the exhibition Forever Was Never Till Now featuring new works by 2021-2022 Kala Fellowship…
Read More »