Upcoming Events
Intuitive Fabric Dyeing Workshop
Saturday, January 17th
1:00pm - 3:00pm
A slow, sensory dye workshop in creative transformation with local artist, Njeri Akosua.
Learn a fluid, freestyle dyeing method in a relaxed, hands-on session. Join local artist, Njeri Akosua in exploring colors and techniques to dye provided items or something of your own from home. Unwind and enjoy seasonal refreshments and artistic expression. Recommended for ages 12 and up.
Writes of Passage
Thursday, January 22
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Do you enjoy writing! We do too! Come join a community of authors, storytellers, comedians, ghost writers, and more...
Calling all authors, storytellers, comedians, poets, lyricists, ghost writers, journalists, journalers, casual writers, and pen bleeders! Join us at The Workshop for an afternoon of writing, connection, and fun. Whether you want to work on your own project or explore provided prompts, come scribe with a brilliant writing community at The Workshop (3235 Grand Ave., Oakland, CA 94612) on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 6-8pm.
Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. All you need to bring is yourself, your genius, and your writing materials!
One Year Ago Today: A Storytelling Workshop
Sunday, January 25
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Think back to one year ago today. What was happening in your life? Were you on the precipice of something great? Were you at the end of a crisis you thought would never end? Were you trying your new favorite thing for the first time? Or was it just a Thursday? Somewhere in that memorable or mundane moment is a story; and we want to hear it!
The One Year Ago Today (OYAT) Storytelling Workshop is the space for you to learn, practice, and perfect storytelling techniques in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment! Participants will reflect on their life roughly one year ago, identify interesting happenings and experiences, and craft engaging stories around these events. Upon completion of the workshop, participants are guaranteed a spot in an upcoming One Year Ago Today Open Mic to perform their story live!
Laymon’s Terms Live
Monday, January 26
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Come experience stories worth talking about!
Laymon’s Terms Live is a storytelling experience where storytellers share true stories that are engaging, thought provoking, enlightening, and perspective expanding. The theme is the same every month: share a story you want people to hear, discuss, and connect around. You want audience members craving for more, wanting to explore deeper questions, and reflecting on their own life in a new way after hearing your story. Storytellers will have up to 10 minutes to share their story followed by a Q&A with the audience or an audience discussion around themes from the story.
One Year Ago Today: Open Mic
Saturday, January 31st
6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Think back to one year ago today. What was happening in your life? Were you on the precipice of something great? Were you at the end of a crisis you thought would never end? Were you trying your new favorite thing for the first time? Or was it just a Thursday? Somewhere in that memorable moment or mundane minutiae lies a story; and we want to hear it!
The One Year Ago Today storytelling series is the space for you to look back one year ago and share the stories of your life using the golden gift of hindsight. Join us at Saturday, January 31st from 6:00-9:00pm for an evening full of reflection, connection, and storytelling. Storytellers will have up to 10 minutes to bring us into your world and tell an honest story about an event, an experience, or a happening that took place one year ago from January 31st*.
After each story, the audience will have time to discuss (in small groups) their thoughts, curiosities, insights, and inspirations the story evoked. Finally, after all the stories are shared and the connections made, we will have a brief Q&A with our storytellers.
Past Events
Urban Arts & Crafts Fall Gathering Series
Cocoa Christmas Crawl
December 7-13, 2025
Saturday, December 6
1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Celebrate the season with a cozy and creative gathering!
Join us for the Urban Arts & Crafts Fall Gathering Series and learn to make a beautiful Japanese Knot Bag — a stylish, functional, and heartfelt handmade gift for the holidays.
This class is perfect for:
Team bonding experiences to celebrate the end of Q4
Girls’ night out gatherings to kick off the festive season
Partners who want to create a thoughtful handmade gift for a loved one
Youth ages 10 and up, eager to learn a new skill
Whether you’re new to sewing or have some experience, you’ll enjoy step-by-step guidance in a welcoming, holiday-inspired setting. Bring a friend, a partner, or a group and leave with a handmade gift you’ll be proud to share
Track Talk
Friday, December 5
7:30 pm -9:00 pm
Your year had a soundtrack — let’s talk about it. 🎶 Join us for Track Talk Wrapped, an end-of-year music experience where playlists spark conversation, reflection, and connection. Bring your favorite songs, stories, and vibes from 2025 — we’ll bring the energy.
Love Conquers All: An Artist Showcase for Janell Grace
Thursday, December 4
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Love Conquers All: An Artist Reception & Exhibit at Urban University
Experience the power of art, storytelling, and community connection.
Join us for Love Conquers All, a special artist reception celebrating the creative works of Janell Groce, whose artistry captures the beauty, struggle, and triumph of love in all its forms.
This evening marks the highlight of Janell’s artist residency at urban university, where her “Love Conquers All” comic book series and artwork will be featured throughout November to February. Guests will enjoy an intimate conversation with Janell and Eli as they share insights into their creative process, discuss the evolution of their collaboration, and offer a first look at what’s next — including an upcoming installment of the Love Conquers All comic.
✨ What to Expect
Artist Talk: A behind-the-scenes look at the inspiration and meaning behind Love Conquers All
Merchandise Display: Comic books and merchandise items available for purchase at urban furniture & boutique
Community Gathering: Light refreshments and conversation with local creatives, community members, and art lovers
Learn more about Love Conquers All: https://www.nellynellproductions.com/
One Year Ago Today: A Storytelling Workshop
Sunday, December 7
2:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Think back to one year ago today. What was happening in your life? Were you on the precipice of something great? Were you at the end of a crisis you thought would never end? Were you trying your new favorite thing for the first time? Or was it just a Thursday? Somewhere in that memorable or mundane moment is a story; and we want to hear it!
The One Year Ago Today (OYAT) Storytelling Workshop is the space for you to learn, practice, and perfect storytelling techniques in a fun, safe, and encouraging environment! Participants will reflect on their life roughly one year ago, identify interesting happenings and experiences, and craft engaging stories around these events. Upon completion of the workshop, participants are guaranteed a spot in an upcoming One Year Ago Today Open Mic to perform their story live!
Walk In Her Shoes
Friday, November 14
10:00 am - 11:15 am
Marking the upcoming 30th anniversary of the 1996 Welfare to Work (officially known as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act (PRWORA), urban university presents: Walk In Her Shoes, an immersive experience bringing together simulated activities, art and story-telling, to foster empathy and action.
Walk In Her Shoes will stand as a “truth telling experience" and includes immersive activities, digital story-telling and art - to bring attendees closer to the realities single mothers face.
Special guest harp performance by Destiny Muhammed
One Year Ago Today: A Storytelling Workshop
Together, we will learn storytelling techniques, practice writing, and share stories that happened roughly one year ago.
Track Talk September
Track Talk: Rep Your City 🎶🌍 We’re back with another Track Talk — a space for conversation, music, and connection. This time, it’s all about repping your city. Share a song from your hometown or childhood to add to our live playlist, then join in as we swap stories and discover the sounds that shaped each of us.
Introduction to Homebuying
Ready to buy your first home but not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!
Join us for a First-Time Homebuyer Workshop designed to empower and educate you on every step of the homebuying process. Whether you're just beginning to explore your options or you’re actively searching for your first home, this workshop will give you the tools and confidence you need to move forward.
Track Talk
We've got a new type of event on our roster. It's like a book club, but for music lovers. Have you ever found yourself in a deep convo about a song, a genre, or an artist that changed everything for you? That’s exactly what this space is for.
Join a group of fellow music lovers as we curate a shared playlist, build real connections, and explore the sounds that shape our lives and culture.
Urban Arts & Crafts: Create A Custom Tote Bag
Learn how to design and personalize a tote bag with your choice of fabric.
Urban Arts & Crafts: Make a Bucket Hat
Learn how to create a trendy bucket hat in your signature style.
Urban Arts & Crafts: Sew A Summer Skirt
Learn how to piece together a simple pattern to create a custom-fit skirt perfect for summer.
Juneteenth Open House Event (Free)
Join us for a soul-nourishing celebration to honor Juneteenth and the brilliance of Black-led social entrepreneurship.
Wednesday, June 18 · 5:30 - 7:30pm PDT