Mildred Howard, the octogenarian artist whose work has recently gained significant recognition, is set to have her first major museum retrospective at the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA). The exhibition, titled 'Mildred Howard: Poetics of Memory,' will open on June 12 and run through October 18, 2026, featuring works from her 50-year career.
Art and Life Intertwined
Howard’s home in West Oakland, a 15,000-square-foot warehouse, serves as both her residence and studio, reflecting the seamless integration of her life and art. The space is filled with samples from her public installations, such as the blue and purple glass pieces from 'Three Shades of Blue' (2003) and the large lock and keys from 'Locks and Keys for Harry Bridges' (2001). These works, along with many others, will be on display at the retrospective.
A Rising Star
In recent years, Howard has received numerous accolades, including honorary doctorates from California College of the Arts and California State University, East Bay in 2023. Her archive was acquired by the Bancroft Library at UC Berkeley, and in April 2025, she was awarded a Guggenheim Fellowship after 15 years of applications. Carin Adams, senior curator of art at OMCA, notes, 'It’s been an explosion of activity that’s really gratifying to see.'
Family and Activism
Born in San Francisco in 1945, Howard grew up in a family of activists. Her mother, Mable 'Mama' Howard, led efforts to tunnel BART tracks underground through Berkeley to prevent segregation. Howard’s work often explores themes of home and memory, inspired by her family’s displacement from South Berkeley due to rising rents. Her grandson and assistant, Lamar 'MYL3Z' Brown, recalls how the family once lived within a four-block radius, but now only Howard remains in the area.
The Retrospective
The exhibition includes personal items like Howard’s high school yearbook and Valentine’s cards from her late partner, artist John Moore. Adams explains, 'There’s not a strong division between her life and her work, it’s all really intertwined.' Howard herself says, 'My art is part of who I am as a person.'
The retrospective aims to highlight Howard’s unique voice and her contributions to contemporary art, addressing themes of social justice, history, and personal narrative. Visitors can expect to see a range of works, from large-scale installations to intimate sculptures, all reflecting Howard’s lifelong commitment to creativity and activism.
