Meet Winnie TeresaA young artist participating in the OAM Kenya Outreach Program.
Artist · Educator · Founder
Meet Your Clay Coach
Omar Morineau
Studio Director & Lead Instructor
Raised in Pleasanton and immersed in art throughout his life, Omar brings fine-art discipline, international experience, playful experimentation, and a deep belief in creative community to every Clay Club experience.
Finding Freedom in Clay
Precision shaped the artist
Omar’s foundation in painting was driven by an intense pursuit of precision. Photorealism, observation, and the challenge of pushing an image beyond apparent perfection taught him patience and discipline—but that degree of control could also be completely absorbing.
Clay taught him to let go
Pottery became a place to work in partnership with the material. Instead of forcing clay toward a predetermined idea, Omar responds to its movement, texture, weight, and character. An unexpected curve is not automatically a mistake; it may be the beginning of the piece’s identity.
“The fluid nature of paint taught me to be precise. The firmness of clay taught me to relax and let go. Each material taught me the opposite of what I expected, and I want my students to listen to their materials and learn from them as I have.”
Italy: The World as a Classroom
Learning where history was made
Omar has led students, families, and members of his art community across Italy, turning museums, architecture, landscapes, and historic cities into an unforgettable traveling classroom. The journeys began in northern Italy with Venice, Milan, and Piedmont; continued through Florence, Siena, Pisa, and Cinque Terre; and reached Rome, Vatican City, Pompeii, Naples, the island of Capri, and the Amalfi Coast.
Students experienced art where it was created and history where it happened—building confidence, cultural awareness, independence, and a lasting understanding that artistic education extends far beyond the walls of a studio.
VeniceMilanPiedmontFlorenceSienaPisaCinque TerreRomeVatican CityNaplesPompeiiCapriAmalfi Coast
Africa: Wandering & Wondering in the Wild
A lifelong student of the world
Omar’s artistic education extends far beyond the classroom. His travels have taken him throughout Europe, China, Kenya, and Rwanda, where encounters with different cultures, landscapes, wildlife, and creative traditions continually reshape the way he sees and teaches.
In Rwanda’s Volcanoes National Park, he experienced mountain gorillas at remarkably close range—a vivid reminder that observation requires patience, respect, presence, and wonder. Those are the same qualities he encourages in the studio.
Wandering among lions on safari in Kenya.
Art Without Borders
OKOP · OAM Kenya Outreach Program
Omar founded OKOP to create meaningful relationships between young artists in the United States and children in Kenya. Art Quest students can communicate and create alongside students abroad, building cultural awareness, leadership, and genuine international friendships.
The program has organized art experiences for children in Kibera, Nairobi—one of Africa’s largest slums and often described among the largest in the world. Spread across roughly 2.5 square kilometers, Kibera faces serious gaps in water, sanitation, secure housing, and other essential services. OKOP provides art materials, encouragement, and direct charitable support while using creativity as a bridge through which students on both sides can inspire and advocate for one another.
Selected Artwork
Omar’s practice crosses painting, drawing, murals, ceramics, sculpture, airbrushing, printmaking, jewelry, glass, mosaics, and digital media.
Studio Stories
Young Cannibals · San José Art ShowA glimpse of Omar’s life as a working artist, organizer, and creative community builder.
Living and Studying in FlorenceInside Omar’s life while attending the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze.
Airbrushing ExhibitionOmar demonstrates a medium he began studying at approximately eleven years old.
Helmets & LogoCommissioned artwork for the Fans of Jimmy Century.
Church MuralA Livermore mural inspired by historic representations of Hebraic angels.
An Artist’s Timeline
2025
Founded Clay ClubFounded Clay Club to bring a lifetime of art education, community building, and multidisciplinary studio experience into a welcoming pottery community.
2021
Founded OKOPCreated the OAM Kenya Outreach Program to connect young artists across continents.
2018
OAM Italy Art TourReturned to Italy to share its art, architecture, and creative history with students.
2010
Founded Art QuestBuilt a neighborhood art school around individual instruction and serious artistic development.
2009
Graduated from San José State UniversityContinued a lifelong multidisciplinary study of fine art and design.
2007
Art Exhibition in ItalyPresented work in Florence while studying abroad.
2006–2008
Accademia di Belle Arti di FirenzeLived and studied art in Florence, surrounded by the traditions of the Italian masters.
2001–2006
OAM MuralsCreated residential and commercial mural commissions.
1998
Surfboard CompanyTurned custom art and airbrushing into an early successful creative business.
1986–1998
Pleasanton Public SchoolsGrew up in Pleasanton, developing an early foundation in art, leadership, athletics, and community involvement.