OCEANSIDE, CA (AUGUST 12, 2025) – Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) proudly announces its 2025 Evening of Distinction honorees, recognizing two Medal of Distinction awardees and six inaugural Community Partners awardees for their remarkable contributions to the Museum’s mission of bringing people together to explore the art and stories of Southern California artists and create meaningful impact through art, education, and connection.
Held on Saturday, July 26 at OMA and inspired by the museum’s current exhibition Fabulous Fiber, the evening’s theme celebrated “threads” of connection, community, and collective impact, recognizing leaders, partners, and visionaries who strengthen the cultural fabric of Oceanside.
“This year’s Evening of Distinction celebrated Medal of Distinction honorees, community Partners, and donors whose generosity and vision are woven into the very fabric of Oceanside Museum of Art, and the community we serve,” said Maria Mingalone, Executive Director of Oceanside Museum of Art. “We are honored to recognize their impact, helping us grow from the seed of an idea to the cornerstone of cultural life in North County San Diego.”
2025 OMA Evening of Distinction Honorees:
Medal of Distinction: Financial Support – Paula and Clay Alexander
Awarded for their two decades of generous contributions to OMA, as well as Clay’s past service on the Board of Trustees.
Medal of Distinction: Volunteerism – Regina Wilson
Honored for exceptional volunteer leadership across every major OMA committee, including a notable tenure as Board President from 2022–2024.
Civic Leadership Award – City of Oceanside
Recognized for over three decades of visionary support and ongoing investments in both OMA and institutions across the city to make Oceanside a true cultural destination.
Community Partner Award – Oceanside Public Library
Celebrated for their longstanding partnership in the creation and success of OMA’s Literacy Through Art program.
Business Partner Award – Frontwave Credit Union
Honored for sustained sponsorship and community-building support across OMA programs, including the Blue Star Museum initiative benefiting military families.
Philanthropic Foundation Award – ResMed Foundation
Acknowledged for helping OMA to deliver innovative, hands-on learning experiences that integrate the arts, sciences, and literacy for K-12 in Oceanside Unified Schools.
Arts and Cultural Leadership Award – The Art of Autism
Recognized for the six-year partnership amplifying neurodivergent artists’ voices through museum exhibitions and promoting a more inclusive art world for all.
Corporate Partnership Award – Genentech
Celebrated for its role in supporting OMA’s major exhibitions including the Getty-recognized Transformative Currents, and for expanding employee access to the arts through corporate engagement.
For more information about Oceanside Museum of Art’s mission, exhibitions, and programs, visit www.oma-online.org.
About Oceanside Museum of Art
Proudly located in the heart of the Oceanside, California Cultural District, Oceanside Museum of Art (OMA) is dedicated to bringing people together to explore the art and stories of Southern California artists since 1997. Through inspiring exhibitions, award-winning education programs, and dynamic events, activities, and offerings, OMA visitors of all ages, interests, and backgrounds experience a welcoming, friendly, and inclusive hub for creativity, connection, and learning through art. A little edgy, willing to take risks, and unpretentious, OMA is a reflection of the identity of the coastal community of Oceanside along the cultural corridor between Los Angeles and San Diego. OMA showcases the best visual arts talent in the region and celebrates the inspiring and transformative power of art.
For more information, visit www.oma-online.org.
