New Downtown San Jose Artwork

Our friends at West Coast Artworks have several new canvas prints available featuring Downtown San Jose. I especially like the two new ones below. 

One highlights the MIRO towers, San Jose City Hall, and the Bank of Italy building. The other is a unique shot of the SoFA district starting with The Pierce and Sparq. In fact, that is probably the view that many will get from San Jose's newest luxury apartment building, The Fay.

I have purchased several of these prints and love them. They are always conversation starters for guests.

To see all of the new artwork, including those that ship in time for Christmas, head over here.

Content 17.1

The latest issue of Content Magazine is about to drop and as is tradition it will be launched with a party for subscribers on Friday, November 22nd from 6-9pm. This time it will be at Fiesta Hall at the Santa Clara Fairgrounds (344 Tully Road). 

The event will include food trucks curated by Feast Mode such as Chicken Bros, Road House 48, and Veros Kitchen. Beer will be provided by the excellent Foxtale Fermentation Project. They will actually be doing a special Fall beer release featuring artwork from Fabricio Ponce. There will ben be an onsite mural and gallery exhibition presented in partnership with 1CLTURE as well as DJ and breakdancing.

Parking is free at Gate C and guests are welcome. The first 150 Content members to check in will get a complimentary beverage and Hors D'oeuvres. 100 Content members will also receive a unique holiday gift.

Here are some of the people featured in the upcoming issue:

DJ - Brotha Reese | Muralist - Cameron “Camer1” Moberg | Breakdancer - Vicki “La Vix” chang | Painter/muralist - Scotty Greathouse | Textile Artist - Jaya Griscom | Grafitti Legend - King157 | Mural - “The Grand Strike,” Analyn Bones, Juan Velazquez, Miguel Machuca, Jordan Gabriel, Eddie Romo, and Melissa Manuel | Grafitti Legend - Nexus | Painter/Illustrator - Fabricio Ponce | Graffiti Primer - Joey Reyes | Shades of Brown Collective - Joey Castaneda, Jade Castaneda, Louie Andrade, Edward Valdez, Isaiah Kittles, Angelica Jimenez, Desiree Villescaz, Taylor Cherry, Itzayana Silva, Julian Torres, Sarah Cassandra Guizar Retana, Darlene Cordova

To learn more or subscribe, head over here.

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + STREET MRKT - August 2024

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

It all goes down on Friday, August 2nd. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

This month is also a STREET MRKT which overlaps with the art walk and runs from 5pm to 10pm. This bonus event features dozens of vendors and artists, turning the streets of SoFA into an outdoor art gallery. It also includes live music, food trucks, and a beer garden with local breweries (more details below).

STREET MRKT FEATURED ARTISTS:
Anthony Alva 
Rebecca Anguiano
BAGI / Bay Area Glass Institute 
Delilah Bender
The Blunt Letters
Julianne Bonnet
Emmanuel Cervantes Mejia 
Crossroads Trading Co.
Dario Cruz
Current Tattooing
Christina Del Alto
Jennifer DeChenne
Joseph Demaree
Mario Dimas
Lorenz Dumuk
Mahsa Emoventur
Flipside DJ Crew
Force129
Cynthia Gonzalez
Hand in Hand Henna
Higher Fire Clayspace
Maureen Holcomb
Jodi408
Katherine Lee
Sarah Loyola
Valentino Loyola
Joe Mandrick
Martha Gardens Arts
Mersay Mattos
David Mejia 
Karen Oeh
Leslie Perez 
Betty Proper
Ragavon
Francisco Ramirez
Steven Regalado 
Marilyn Roaf aka Purl Bailey
Mike Rogan
Ricardo Sandoval 
Rene Schilling-Sears
South Bay Ceramics
Suha Suha

–>  BEER GARDEN 
5:00 – 10:00pm Great music provided by Flipside Crew
featuring Dougie, Jswizza & Notorious P.I.G. 

Beer Garden sponsored by & featuring local & regional breweries: Clandestine Brewing Co., Fox Tale Fermentation, and Strike Brewing Co.

New mural by the Children's Discovery Museum in Downtown San Jose painted by acclaimed local tattoo artist

A beautiful new mural has been completed along Discovery Meadow, part of the Guadalupe River Park. As a frame of reference this is right outside the Children's Discovery Museum Downtown. The artist is Taki "Ryudaibori" Kitamura, a Japanese-American tattoo artist that founded State of Grace Tattoo in San Jose's Japantown.

The mural is entitled "Serpentine Fire" and is the twelfth mural added to the Guadalupe River Art Walk, enhancing what has become the Bay Area's longest public art corridor. The mural celebrates the year of the dragon and the multiculturalism of San Jose.

Below are several photos of the mural (credit to Lan Nguyen Photography) along with the full press release.

June 21, 2024: San José, CA – New mural painted by local artist and longtime tattoo shop owner celebrates the unifying significance of dragons and serpents across cultures. San Jose Walls (SJ Walls) and Guadalupe River Park Conservancy (GRPC) unveil the new mural along the Guadalupe River Park at Discovery Meadow, adjacent to the Children’s Discovery Museum in downtown San José. Entitled “Serpentine Fire,” the new installation is the twelfth mural artwork added to the Guadalupe River Art Walk, enhancing the Bay Area’s longest public art corridor.

This year’s Artist-in-Residence is Taki "Ryudaibori" Kitamura, an acclaimed Japanese-American Tattoo artist, who in 2002 founded the shop, State of Grace Tattoo, currently located in Japantown. Kitamura’s shop serves as a regional home for traditional Japanese tattooing, connecting resident artists trained in Japan and those from the Bay Area to deepen the art of tattooing through exchange, apprenticeship, and collaboration.

“To celebrate this lunar year of the dragon and the multiculturalism of San José, Serpentine Fire represents dragon mythology around the world,” says Kitamura. “With this mural, I am expressing the diversity of serpent divinity and sacred spaces - the dragon and serpent have been symbolic in cultures all over the world and in this, I see our common humanity.” The mural depicts various scenes where the public may interact with the artwork.

The new artwork and public engagement is supported by the City of San José to increase park visitation and usage in the Guadalupe River Park. The mural was curated in response to feedback from the Guadalupe Washington and Gardner neighborhoods just south of San José’s downtown core, favoring themes around community and diversity.

“Art has the ability to welcome people to a space. Growing up in San José, I believed there was a missed opportunity for public art to highlight our rich diversity,” says Natasha Lamperti, GRPC’s Project Manager. “I am so excited to see how future visitors will react to the mural.”

“The goal of the Guadalupe River Art Walk is to envision the Guadalupe River Park as a natural public art gallery and community gathering space” says Stacey Kellogg, San Jose Walls Director. “It has been five years and over a dozen installations since we started and the changes to the trail and park are really rewarding to see.” 

Mural painting will continue through Friday, June 21st and is accessible now to the public. 

Additional support for this year’s artist residency is provided by Applied Materials Foundation and World Wide Walls. For more information and ways to support, please visit https://sjwalls.com/donate.

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About Artist-in-Residence Taki "Ryudaibori" Kitamura:

Taki “Ryudaibori”Kitamura is an acclaimed Japanese-American tattoo artist local to San Jose.

State of Grace Tattoo was founded by Taki “Ryudaibori” Kitamura in September of 2002. Originally located on Berryessa Road, Taki moved the shop to the San José Japantown neighborhood in 2009. With the support of the Dobashi Family, State of Grace reopened the second floor of the historic Shanghai Building. While definitely seen as a home of traditional Japanese tattooing, including two resident artists straight from Japan, the diverse staff strives to offer an authentic experience for the discerning collector. In addition to a full time tattoo schedule, the shop has been involved in publishing, museum exhibitions, lectures, art shows, murals and Horitomo’s lifestyle brand: Monmon Cats. 

For more information about State of Grace Tattoo visit stateofgracetattoo.com. You can find Taki on instagram at @stateofgracetaki.

About San Jose Walls:

San Jose Walls (formally POW! WOW! San Jose), established in 2017, is Northern California’s regional branch of the Worldwide Walls network of festivals happening in over 20 cities  around the world. Led locally by Empire Seven Studios —a contemporary urban art gallery and cultural institution in Japantown, San José, California.

Over the past six years, San Jose Walls has grown into the Bay Area’s premiere art festival with a line up and experience that provides some of the best in the world. Much more than a multi-day festival, San Jose Walls is an amenity with substantial economic and community impact. It is also a vehicle to celebrate our city’s  past, present, and future creative culture.

To date, San Jose Walls has produced over 80 murals and art installations throughout the City with a focus on underserved neighborhoods and most recently, the Guadalupe River Park and Trails. The goal is to strengthen community ties by bringing local and worldwide contemporary art to our City as a way  to highlight its rich diversity.

 

For more information on SJ Walls contact info@sjwalls.com or visit www.sjwalls.com.

About GRPC:

The Guadalupe River Park Conservancy (GRPC) provides community leadership for the development and active use of the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens through education, advocacy, and stewardship.

Founded in 1996, GRPC is the City of San José’s nonprofit partner leading park programming and management. They envision the Guadalupe River Park & Gardens as a civic greenway that connects people to nature and each other, and uplifts neighborhoods through San José’s front yard.

This two-and-a-half mile ribbon of parkland runs along the banks of the Guadalupe River in the heart of downtown San José. The River Park & Gardens serve as a north/south connector and contain beloved features such as the Guadalupe River Trail, the Rotary PlayGarden, the San José Heritage Rose Garden, and various public art including the Guadalupe River Art Walk.

Programming within the park includes educational opportunities, volunteerism, and a variety of year-round events for the public to enjoy. For more information visit www.grpg.org.

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + SubZERO - June 2024

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

It all goes down on Friday, June 7th. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

This month is also SubZERO which overlaps with the Festival and continues tomorrow from 5pm to 11pm. SubZERO features dozens of vendors and artists, live music across multiple stages, and a beer garden with local breweries. You won't want to miss it!

Epic San Pedro Square mural is coming along

Over 1,200 volunteers have come together to paint one of the largest murals in California in Downtown San Jose. The art is inspired by a sarape blanked and represents the diversity of San Jose. Much work has already been done over Memorial Day weekend and it could be complete as soon as tomorrow. To check on the progress, just head over to San Pedro Square... you literally can't miss it.

Source: Fox KTVU

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk - May 2024

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

Worth noting this month is the screening of a short film, Pizza Monster, at MACLA at 7:30pm and 8:30pm. Also Sacred Heart Community Service at 550 S. First will have life-size sculptures by Ramon Franco Arambula.

It all goes down on Friday, May 3rd. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk - April 2024

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back for April with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

Worth noting this month is an opening reception for INNERMOST at KALEID Gallery, free performances by Castellano Playhouse at MACLA, and a sneak peak of Florencia en el Amazonas at Opera San Jose.

It all goes down on Friday, April 5th. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

New public art added to the front of the Children's Discovery Museum

A piece of art called "Civic Stage Set" by David Bottini now welcomes visitors to the Children's Discovery Museum in Downtown San Jose. The sculpture has spent the last 30 years on Park Avenue in front of Parkside Hall which was once San Jose's main convention center (fun fact I wasn't aware of).

Now that major construction is taking place at Parkside Hall to make way for a new high-rise project, the piece has been given a fresh coat of paint and moved to it's new permanent home. It looks right at home and fits in with the aesthetic of the Children's Discovery Museum perfectly.

Source: The Mercury News

A Photo Night in Japantown

Multiple Japantown venues are coming together to showcase photography culture in San Jose. A Photo Night in Japantown was created to gather folks to check out really cool photography and get to know local photographers. It's a mix of solo shows, group shows and photo experiences.

The event takes place this Saturday, March 9th from 4-7pm across the following Japantown venues:

Locations:

1. @empire7studios 

2. @cukui 

3. @coldwater.sj

4. @headliners 

5. @lannynguyenphotography 

6. @thecoterieden 

7. @paradoxbarbers 

8. @knowfuturegallery

South FIRST FRIDAY March 1st, 2024 in #DTSJ

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back for their latest event in 2024 with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

Worth noting this month is a free concert at the SJZ Break Room from 7-8pm featuring several young jazz musicians.

It all goes down today, March 1st. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

Artwork: Michael “MWIN” Nguyen , “Leonardo The King of the Hoàn Kiếm Turtles”

South FIRST FRIDAY Feb 2nd, 2024 in #DTSJ #ArtwalkSJ

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back for their first event in 2024 with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-9pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

Worth noting this month is open rehearsals of Rigoletto by Opera San Jose, which is celebrating their 40th season. Free performances take place at 6pm, 7:15pm, and 8pm. Tours of the historic California Theater will also be happening at 5:30pm and 6:30pm.

It all goes down tomorrow, February 2nd. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

San Jose Winter Wonder Market this weekend at Westgate Center

A unique SJ Made event is going down this weekend inside of Westgate Center. Instead of taking place in a convention center or outside in a parking lot, they are utilizing all of the free space within the mall (see map below).

San Jose Winter Wonder Market will feature 150 makers, artists, designers, and creators. All of the Westgate Center stores will still be open, so you can do the rest of your Christmas shopping in one convenient place and support local small businesses at the same time.

Hours for the event will be from 11am-5pm on Dec 16th and 17th. Attendance and parking is free. There is also a VTA Bus Station on-site called "Campbell & Saratoga." Below you can find a hand map sorted both alphabetically and by booth number. For more info, head over here.

Vendor Lineup (sorted alphabetically)

(the) Lisa Inez - N02

2pomelo - K16

9 Lunas Accessories - B03

A Jar of Pickles - D01

A Jar of Pickles - D02

A Miyako M - Q03

Accessories NAGAOKA - Q01

Alice Yang - A21

Alpine Soapery - A15

Art by Julia - R02

Aubluvion - O02

Bad Art by Nice - H04

Bad Witch Crystals - Q02

bananabbean - D03

bb mad designs - P09

Boho Moon Art - F05

Browned Butter Babe Co. - P06

Bunniejing Studio - P10

Buppydogs - H01

BVanSoi - D05

Candy Paint Cafe - R04

CasaPlants Bay Area - P08

Ceramics By Jane - B15

Charlotte Truffles - K18

cherrypugpie - O01

Chibi-Oneechan - Q10

Christine's Cookie Co - M04

CloverLeafPie - A17

Cocochoon - K13

CositasContreras - G09

crochetwhispers - Q05

Cupcakes for College - Q07

Deercassette - Q08

Derptiles - P11

Dezireecustoms - F12

Draw Jess Draw - B14

DrawnbyIvy - B05

Dream Fields Indigo - K03

Earthside Candles Co - F07

eelsilog - A20

Eizel’s Bakery - K22

EnV Bags LLC - F01

Escama Studio - E03

Eternal Trinket - G08

Euphoric Sun - B10

Exhilo Apparel - A19

Fern Flower Studio - K11

Fine Art & Illustration by Tabitha Jensen | Pabkins - O04

Florabel - F03

Fluffed Animals - F11

Fonzie's Artisanal Goods - H08

Franci Cakes - H03

Future Bloom Apparel - F08

fuwaffy - A22

Fuzzlecat - R03

Gabbie Gallery - A12

Gabriel Edwards - E08

Galaxsea Emporium - K07

Girthybobastraw - K15

Golden Circle - P01

Golden Lemon Studio LLC - Q06

Golden Luxe Jewels - K04

goyangii - G07

Hachi Bit - F13

Hannah Hillam Illustration - G02

Happy Goods - E02

Hello Lily - E04

homeyviis - F06

Homie SF - A06

Huang Pottery - A07

ItsKleine - G11

Jale - K02

Jaliren - A09

JaneLi.Co - B02

Jellybee Jewelry - A08

Joce - O03

Jodi408 - J03

Joy Blossoms Clay - G01

Kawaii Glass Co - B13

Kelsiekishidraws - P04

Kindred Caramels - G04

Krafttee - C04

Kristine Chen Ceramics - K05

Kuailin Studio - K12

La Paloma Imports - B04

Le Petit Elefant - M02

Leila's Divine Designs - F10

LettucePunch - K10

Limpachi - K01

Linked By Trini - K09

Magnote - J01

McKinnon Collective - B01

Meelee Art - H05

Menmin Made - P05

Midori Chan - A14

MiGi Cera Candle Co - P07

MIMOPUFFS - K19

mintimelon marbles - K21

Misul Studios - A10

momofresh - K14

Motif's Art Studio - D04

Munespice - A05

Naptime Doodler - C01

Naptime Doodler - C02

Neko-Oi - Q11

No Thread No Life - A11

Nyaomikyu - K08

Out of the Woods - K24

Painting With James - B16

Panty Cat - H09

Paper Picture Mama - G06

Parasol Paper - P02

Peachirou - K23

Pink Little Clouds - A18

PinoyShotArt - A13

Prachie Studio - Q09

Prosecco Rose - H06

RainandJas - H10

rinihimme - K25

Rolilomi's Market - F04

Ronin Decals - F14

Rose Gold Jelly - Q12

Sakai Harts & Crafts - G03

sakuradragon - B18

sakuradragon - B20

Sam's Gourmet Jams - G10

Same Same Goods - E07

sanshocat studio - N01

Seto Arts - E01

Sherry Lou Studio - H07

shoyuscribbles - E06

SJMADE INFO BOOTH - I01

SJMADE INFO BOOTH - I02

SMOOCH - B08

Snippet Studios - B17

Snippet Studios - B19

soobiumi - A16

SoyFeliz - B09

Starry Droplets - K17

Sudibear - G05

Sundrop Studios - G12

Sweeter than Honey Bakery - H02

Teappo - P12

thanksxu - B12

The DLT Jewel Co. - K26

The Hungry Sloth - F02

The Joyful Thoughts - Q04

The Knotty Corgi - F09

The Little Forest Ceramic Shop - P03

The Little Red House - R01

Thrive Culture - E05

Treasure California - K06

Two Thicc Asians - B11

VinoBurrito - J02

Wild Rina - C03

Woofboard LLC - A24

Yanchako - B06

Yinaya - B07

Yours Truly, Mary Anne - A23

---

Vendor Lineup (sorted by booth number + row)

A05 - Munespice

A07 - Huang Pottery

A09 - Jaliren

A11 - No Thread No Life

A13 - PinoyShotArt

A15 - Alpine Soapery

A17 - CloverLeafPie

A19 - Exhilo Apparel

A21 - Alice Yang

A23 - Yours Truly, Mary Anne

A06 - Homie SF

A08 - Jellybee Jewelry

A10 - Misul Studios

A12 - Gabbie Gallery

A14 - Midori Chan

A16 - soobiumi

A18 - Pink Little Clouds

A20 - eelsilog

A22 - fuwaffy

A24 - Woofboard LLC

B01 - McKinnon Collective

B03 - 9 Lunas Accessories

B05 - DrawnbyIvy

B07 - Yinaya

B09 - SoyFeliz

B11 - Two Thicc Asians

B13 - Kawaii Glass Co

B15 - Ceramics By Jane

B17 - Snippet Studios

B19 - Snippet Studios

B02 - JaneLi.Co

B04 - La Paloma Imports

B06 - Yanchako

B08 - SMOOCH

B10 - Euphoric Sun

B12 - thanksxu

B14 - Draw Jess Draw

B16 - Painting With James

B18 - sakuradragon

B20 - sakuradragon

C01 - Naptime Doodler

C02 - Naptime Doodler

C03 - Wild Rina

C04 - Krafttee

D01 - A Jar of Pickles

D02 - A Jar of Pickles

D03 - bananabbean

D04 - Motif's Art Studio

D05 - BVanSoi

E01 - Seto Arts

E03 - Escama Studio

E05 - Thrive Culture

E07 - Same Same Goods

E02 - Happy Goods

E04 - Hello Lily

E06 - shoyuscribbles

E08 - Gabriel Edwards

F01 - EnV Bags LLC

F03 - Florabel

F05 - Boho Moon Art

F07 - Earthside Candles Co

F09 - The Knotty Corgi

F11 - Fluffed Animals

F13 - Hachi Bit

F02 - The Hungry Sloth

F04 - Rolilomi's Market

F06 - homeyviis

F08 - Future Bloom Apparel

F10 - Leila's Divine Designs

F12 - Dezireecustoms

F14 - Ronin Decals

G01 - Joy Blossoms Clay

G03 - Sakai Harts & Crafts

G05 - Sudibear

G07 - goyangii

G09 - CositasContreras

G11 - ItsKleine

G02 - Hannah Hillam Illustration

G04 - Kindred Caramels

G06 - Paper Picture Mama

G08 - Eternal Trinket

G10 - Sam's Gourmet Jams

G12 - Sundrop Studios

H01 - Buppydogs

H03 - Franci Cakes

H05 - Meelee Art

H07 - Sherry Lou Studio

H09 - Panty Cat

H02 - Sweeter than Honey Bakery

H04 - Bad Art by Nice

H06 - Prosecco Rose

H08 - Fonzie's Artisanal Goods

H10 - RainandJas

I01 - SJMADE INFO BOOTH

I02 - SJMADE INFO BOOTH

J01 - Magnote

J02 - VinoBurrito

J03 - Jodi408

K01 - Limpachi

K03 - Dream Fields Indigo

K05 - Kristine Chen Ceramics

K07 - Galaxsea Emporium

K09 - Linked By Trini

K11 - Fern Flower Studio

K13 - Cocochoon

K15 - Girthybobastraw

K17 - Starry Droplets

K19 - MIMOPUFFS

K21 - mintimelon marbles

K23 - Peachirou

K25 - rinihimme

K02 - Jale

K04 - Golden Luxe Jewels

K06 - Treasure California

K08 - Nyaomikyu

K10 - LettucePunch

K12 - Kuailin Studio

K14 - momofresh

K16 - 2pomelo

K18 - Charlotte Truffles

K22 - Eizel’s Bakery

K24 - Out of the Woods

K26 - The DLT Jewel Co.

M02 - Le Petit Elefant

M04 - Christine's Cookie Co

N01 - sanshocat studio

N02 - (the) Lisa Inez

O01 - cherrypugpie

O02 - Aubluvion

O03 - Joce

O04 - Fine Art & Illustration by Tabitha Jensen | Pabkins

P01 - Golden Circle

P03 - The Little Forest Ceramic Shop

P05 - Menmin Made

P07 - MiGi Cera Candle Co

P09 - bb mad designs

P11 - Derptiles

P02 - Parasol Paper

P04 - Kelsiekishidraws

P06 - Browned Butter Babe Co.

P08 - CasaPlants Bay Area

P10 - Bunniejing Studio

P12 - Teappo

Q01 - Accessories NAGAOKA

Q03 - A Miyako M

Q05 - crochetwhispers

Q07 - Cupcakes for College

Q09 - Prachie Studio

Q11 - Neko-Oi

Q02 - Bad Witch Crystals

Q04 - The Joyful Thoughts

Q06 - Golden Lemon Studio LLC

Q08 - Deercassette

Q10 - Chibi-Oneechan

Q12 - Rose Gold Jelly

R01 - The Little Red House

R02 - Art by Julia

R03 - Fuzzlecat

R04 - Candy Paint Cafe

New Downtown San Jose illustrations

Phillip Gonzales from West Coast Artworks prints original illustrations highlighting our city with a pinch of creative license on museum-grade canvas. As mentioned before, I have bought a couple of his pieces in the past and love them (in fact, everyone that sees them loves them).

He has two new art pieces. The first takes a look down San Fernando featuring The 88, 50 West San Fernando, St. Joseph's Basilica, One South, and The Bank of America Building.

The second is a newer version of one of his most popular illustrations. The perspective is of SoFA from San Carlos at street level. Nirvana Soul, The Continental, and the SoFA Market are new additions as is the Sparq midrise in the background.

I'm looking forward to more of his projects in the future--I just need to free up more wall space. To go through all of his work, head over here! 

South FIRST FRIDAY Dec 1st, 2023 in #DTSJ #ArtwalkSJ

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back today with exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-10pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, Natural Do Salon, 1Culture, San Jose Jazz, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery.

Worth noting this month is a "drop in" evening of big band arrangements and Christmas favorites at the San Jose Jazz Break Room between 7pm-8:30pm. Symphony San Jose is also doing an open rehearsal for their concert American Portrait from 7:30pm-10pm at the California Theatre.

It all goes down today, December 1st. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

Stunning new illustration of Downtown San Jose

It's a pretty small community of people that make art specifically about San Jose. I'm a big fan of Phillip Gonzales from West Coast Artworks who prints original illustrations highlighting our city with a pinch of creative license on museum-grade canvas. I have bought two of his pieces in the past, SoFA district 1.0 (3rd one down) and Downtown San Jose (fourth one). Everyone that sees them at my house loves them.

He has a new work that is simply titled San Jose Downtown 2023. It features the Downtown San Jose skyline from the 280 and 87 intersection. If you look closely you'll spot some of our newer high-rises like 200 Park and the Miro Towers.

Phillip is also working on a couple of new pieces that should be ready in a few weeks. To go through all of his work, head over here. I'll also update my X and Facebook banner temporarily in honor of the new work!

South FIRST FRIDAY Nov 3rd, 2023 in #DTSJ #ArtwalkSJ

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back today will all new exhibits across multiple galleries in three different districts. Everything is open from at least 5-10pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, Natural Do Salon, 1Culture, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery. 

There are a few special items worth noting for this month. You can go to the California Theatre and watch a free sneak peak of The Barber of Seville at 5:45pm, 6:30pm, 7:15pm, and 8pm. 1Culture is handing out Halloween treats for kids. Also, Phantom Galleries is presenting a special Gianfranco Paolozzi solo exhibition at The Pierce and the artist will be in attendance from 5-9pm.

It all goes down today, November 3rd. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across all three different districts.

"McTerrorsaurus" ceramics by Kurt Salinas at Chopsticks Gallery

De.coded - A Human Atlas of Silicon Valley

De.Coded is a portrait of Silicon Valley’s Diversity and Impact using multimedia by artist Marcus Lyon. De.Coded is an exploration of 101 change makers from Silicon Valley, nominated by local grassroots leaders and activists for their extraordinary contribution to the region and beyond. The project features photographic portraits, app-based image-activated oral history soundtracks, and ancestral DNA mapping to create a deeper understanding of the valley and its communities.

The project aims to honor the exceptional diversity of the valley and tell a deeper narrative about one of the most influential regions on earth. The 101 individuals represent a wide range of backgrounds, professions, passions, and causes. They include entrepreneurs, educators, activists, artists, scientists, engineers, athletes, politicians, and more. 

De.Coded is not only a celebration of Silicon Valley’s human capital, but also a challenge to rethink our assumptions and stereotypes about the region. If you are curious to learn more about De.Coded and the stories behind the portraits, you can visit the official website or download the app on Google Play or iTunes App Store. There will also be a book signing on Oct 29th at Books Inc. in Palo Alto from 11am to 1pm.

Little Portugal San Jose Mural

San Jose's Little Portugal has been in the news quite a bit lately since it will be one of the four new stops in BART's $12 billion extensions to Downtown San Jose and Santa Clara. I'll have some updates (and criticisms) on a large development project for the area sometime next week. The neighborhood is also known for ADEGA, San Jose's first and only Michelin Star restaurant which is about to convert to a more casual concept to mirror it's sister restaurant in Downtown San Jose, Petiscos. 

Heading into a beautiful weekend, I thought I'd share a mural that I just found out about from a cousin that would like to stay anonymous. This is near Bacalhau Grille, a casual Portuguese and Brazilian restaurant at 1555 Alum Rock. It prominently features Five Wounds Portuguese National Church which has been around for 110 years. You can't miss the church's two red peaks driving along 101, Santa Clara Street, or Alum Rock. 

Towards the top it features the flags of the United States, Portugal, Brazil, and the Azores (autonomous region of Portugal). It's a cute little neighborhood that will get a whole lot busier after the BART station is built.

South FIRST FRIDAY (+ STREET MRKT) Oct 6th, 2023 in Downtown San Jose

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back today and it's going to be a big one. Multiple galleries in three different districts are open from at least 5-10pm. Participating venues include ANNO DOMINI, the Institute of Contemporary Art, KALEID Gallery, Works San Jose, the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles, the SoFA Market, MACLA, Art Ark Gallery, MACHU PICCHU, Natural Do Salon, 1Culture, and Chopsticks Alley Gallery. 

You can also swing by the San Jose Museum of Art to watch ballet. It'll be an art & culture filled day with many options to try out the newest restaurants in the Downtown area. I have to mention Goodtime Bar and the Club on Post, two excellent additions to the San Jose food scene that are in the Fountain Alley section of South FIRST FRIDAYS.

In addition to FIRST FRIDAYS it is also a STREET MRKT featuring over 50 artists a beer/fermentation garden, live music, and food trucks.

It all goes down today, October 6th. As usual admission is free and all ages are welcome. Click here for a preview of featured art! Below is a map with all of the galleries to check out across three different districts. Keep scrolling for a list of artists and food trucks.

South FIRST FRIDAYS presents:

STREET MRKT an indie urban art faire 
5–10pm, free admission (spend it with the Artists!).
So. 1st St. between San Carlos & William streets

Join us for the LAST OUTDOOR STREET MRKT of the year! Featuring 50+ talented artists gather together out on So. 1st St. transforming the SoFA District into a lively outdoor gallery for the evening. We’ll have stunning paintings, unique sculptures,, chic fashion, live performances and even on the spot experiences like custom poems and the Deep Legends Bus with DJ Dirty Beats . Support our amazing artists and help our local art scene thrive!

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Soloman Acosta
Rebecca Anguian 
Bay Area Glass Institute  (BAGI)
Purl Bailey (aka Marilyn Roaf)
The Blunt Letters
Bolo Vintage
Julianne Bonnet 
Budding Art Foundation
Bungalow Glow Candle Co.
Emmanuel Cervantes-Mejía + Michael Rogan 
Crossroads Trading Co.
Curious Shapes / Brian Corbin
Current Tattooing
Jhovany De Ala
Jennifer DeChenne
Mario Dimas
Designs by Maureen 
Enchant Christmas
Faded Visualz 
Flow State Sound Healing & Arts 
Force129 & Betty Proper 
Cynthia Gonzalez
Hand in Hand Henna
Sydney Hessel 
Higher Fire Clay Space & Gallery
Jodi408
Land and Sky Fine Art / Joe Mandrick
Frankie McFly 
Julianne McKay
La Madre Bruja 
Mattea Muzzy
Tania Okay + Lotte Van De Walle 
OaxaCali Studios
Tania Okay 
Jean -Luc Pedanou
Ragavon
Francisco Ramirez
Art of Joseph Richardson 
Mason Roberts 
Rene Schilling Sears
Radhika Sinha
South Bay Ceramics
Suha Suha
Sujata Tibrewala
Eric Vasquez
Heylu Wheat

Performances:
S 1st St and San Salvador intersection
6:00pm: SPR Strings Violin & Viola Studio
7:00pm: Huethuetl Tezka Aztec Dance
5pm–10pm DJ Dirty Beats & the Deep Legends Bus

Flipside Crew DJs in the beer garden, plus delicious food trucks!

BEER GARDEN & FOOD TRUCKS

On Tap…
Clandestine Brewing
Fox Tale Fermentation

plus…

Delicious Food Trucks…
3 Brothers Kitchen
3 Hermanos Mexican Grill
Akita Gourmet Sushi
Chickn Bros.

The South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + STREET MRKT is produced by CURATUS in collaboration with the participating art venues, local artists, musicians, performers and independent businesses.

STREET MRKT is supported in part by a Cultural Affairs grant from the City of San Jose.