Students bring street life to Fountain Alley

SJSU students are working on "functional street life" pieces to make Downtown San Jose's historic Fountain Alley district a more interesting place. They are doing an event today around lunch time to showcase scale models of potential street life activators. Examples include unique seating, planters, hanging gardens, birdhouses, mobile solar hubs, lighting, mini-parks, and stages. 

The initiative should help make Fountain Alley more of a destination than it is today. The fact that this project is being worked on by local students with a connection to the city is the icing on the cake.

For more info check out the full press release below. Better yet, if you are free for lunch (12:30pm) and are in the area, swing by Fountain Alley today (between First and Second streets just south of Santa Clara Street).

Prototype project sets example for future social square

SAN JOSE – San Jose State University industrial design students showed today how Fountain Alley could look in the near future, creating life-size models that would transform the alley from avoidable place into a lively, vibrant, walkable and memorable public space.

“We are trying to bring an interest back to Fountain Alley that was lost,” said Kenneth Gordon, student, “while connecting Fountain Alley to the community in a way that makes them feel most comfortable.”

Working in partnership with San Jose Downtown Association, student teams created prototypes for seating, planters, hanging gardens, birdhouses, mobile solar hubs and lighting, mini-parks and stages in the alley, a part of a National Register Historic District.

The Design for All class gathered community input over the past five months to provide inspiration for their projects.  They used Local Color across from the alley on South First Street as a staging studio to build out their ideas.  The culmination of the semester was the display of urban-design creations for three hours on Monday.

One large structure supported wind chimes. Another model shaped to resemble a giant flower doubled as a streetlight and had a large leaf for seating.  One group working on seating has created a large canopy of swings.

“In terms of solving the problems, we consider the human senses and aesthetic, and modernizing that aesthetic,” said Shafik Huffman, a student working on the bird houses and wind chimes group.

Added Alex McFadden, another SJSU student:   “We are creating community, not just bringing in the community.”

SJSU’s CommUniverCity program, which seeks opportunities to engage the local community, reached out to SJDA Street Life Manager Jason Su to offer its students’ information-gathering and creative design services, and to offer fresh perspective on Fountain Alley, said Dayana Salazar, CommUniverCity executive director.  Industrial Design Professor Leslie Speer took the academic lead and Master of Urban Planning student Nicole Guzman served as project coordinator.  Su assembled downtown residents and artists to gather ideas and arranged the work space for students.

“The Fountain Alley project exemplifies the power of collaboration,” Speer said.  “The generous donation of time and creative thinking by the local community has made this project as much of a success as the student work.”

Other recent efforts resulting in a swell of positive momentum for Fountain Alley include a beautification and cleanup project by the San Jose Sharks Foundation in April and a temporary pop-up art gallery sponsored by Knight Foundation and 8-80 Cities.

“We greatly appreciate the many bright SJSU students who offered their creativity, energy and imagination to illustrate the future possibilities for Fountain Alley as a vibrant and active public space,” said Mayor Sam Liccardo.  “This project provides a great example of our community coming together to tackle challenges and create a common vision for the future.”

The District Attorney’s Community Prosecution Unit helped with designs for the renovated space.  The Office’s participation in this event is part of an ongoing partnership with SJDA and other community groups to prevent crime along Fountain Alley and improve the public safety of all residents and visitors of downtown San Jose. 

 “Someday soon only a few people will remember that Fountain Alley was a place to pass by,” said Santa Clara District Attorney Jeff Rosen.  “Now, instead of crime, we have creativity.  Instead of graffiti, we have art.  Instead of a place to do drugs, there is a place for a child to swing.  With some fresh paint, elbow grease and cooperation, we are making downtown San Jose a better place to live, work and visit.”

The DA’s Office also supported the “Phylum of the Free” mural that overlooks the alley, which represents the first dramatic improvement on the alley, created in 2015.

Rosen will join SJDA President Stan Vuckovich, and SJSU Provost Andy Feinstein in a brief ceremony Monday to acknowledge the student efforts.

###

About SJDA: SJDA, a non-profit membership-based organization founded in 1986, represents business and property owners and works to enhance downtown’s vitality and livability.

About CommUniverCity:  CommUniverCity is San José State University’s flagship community engagement initiative in collaboration with central San José neighborhoods and the City of San José. Each year CommUniverCity engages over 1,200 SJSU students and 8,000 residents in projects that advance community-driven goals while strengthening the community’s capacity to bring about vibrant, healthy and engaged neighborhoods.

Village Oaks Yogurtland Hosts Fundraiser for Avon39 Walk To End Breast Cancer

Appropriately timed for Mother's Day, a South San Jose Yogurtland is participating in the Walk to End Breast Cancer. Their participation runs from tomorrow to June 15th and they are hoping to raise more than $1,000 for the cause. You can visit this location at 5638 Cottle Road.

(SAN JOSE, CA) May 8, 2017— From May 15 – June 15, San Jose yogurt lovers can treat themselves to the flavors they love and give back to a worthy cause.  For the second year, the Village Oaks Yogurtland, located at 5638 Cottle Road in San Jose, is collecting donations in a month long fundraiser for the Avon39 Walk to End Breast Cancer.

After guests finish creating their yogurt masterpieces, they can also choose to donate to the Avon39 Walk to End Breast Cancer at check out. Those who donate will be asked to write their names on a pink ribbon, which will be put on display until the completion of the fundraiser.

"Breast cancer hits close to home for many, even me. I'm proud to support the Avon39 Walk because it has helped women like my childhood friend," said Jen Borbert, storeowner of the Village Oaks Yogurtland. "The support we received last year was overwhelming. This year, I know our Yogurtland family can make an even greater impact on this worthy cause."

Last year, the Village Oaks Yogurtland raised nearly $1,000 for the Avon39 Walk to End Breast Cancer thanks to the gracious donations of its visitors. With the help and support of its yogurt lovers, the Village Oaks location hopes to raise more this year.

About Yogurtland
Yogurtland’s flavorologists are continually seeking craveable flavors that keep fans loving their experience. Yogurtland owns its own dairy and by controlling the frozen yogurt making process, the company can deliver the highest quality flavors, setting new standards for millions of fans.

All of Yogurtland’s flavors meet the National Yogurt Association Criteria for “live and active culture frozen yogurt” and are produced in a kosher-certified facility. Yogurtland features non-fat and low-fat yogurt flavors as well as non-dairy and no sugar added choices while using milk that does not contain antibiotics or added hormones. Fruit flavors are fortified with Vitamin C for an extra boost.

Presently Yogurtland has more than 320 locations across the U.S., Australia, Guam, Singapore, Thailand, Venezuela and Dubai. Flavors are always subject to creative change and popular demand. For more information, visit http://www.yogurt-land.com or http://www.facebook.com/yogurtland.

First San Jose Pancakes & Booze Art Show

Art, Pancakes, and Booze. Those are the three main ingredients in SoFA's newest event. Over 50 artists will be displaying their work along with live body painting and music. It all goes down at Forager, 420 South First Street on May 20th.

This event is 21+ only and admission is $5-10. That includes unlimited pancakes and good times. For tickets head over here. For more info, the full press release is below.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

San Jose -- Batter sizzles, beer foams, and bare flesh is slathered in paint as gawkers look on. Indie musicians and DJs thunder sound waves off the canvas-lined, graffiti-strewn walls. Revelers stuff their faces with endless pancakes.

What is this, some type of hipster themed IHOP? A Lady Gaga video? Banksy’s mom’s basement? Nah, it’s the Pancakes & Booze Art Show – the hottest pop-up traveling art event in all the land.

This is no stuffy wine-and-cheese, someone-gag-me-with-a-cocktail-napkin gallery. It’s an innovative reimagining of the art show concept, as DIY art movement mayhem. Up-and-coming artists strut and sell their stuff in a free verse, electric funhouse of mayhem.

You know you want to come, right? Hit me up so we can talk about ways to convince your editor to pay you to visit the show and maybe relax that no-alcohol-on-the-job policy. Hell, even bring your boss along If you like.

WHAT: Pancakes & Booze Art Show: Over 50 emerging artists showcasing their hottest work in a Warhol-style, anything-goes, massive warehouse environment--live music, body painting, multimedia displays, and FREE pancakes! The show originated in 2009 in Los Angeles and since has popped up more than 200 times in 30 cities around the world. Each show draws as many as 1000 guests throughout the night.

WHEN: May 20th 8:00p - 2:00a

WHERE: 420 S. First Street San Jose, CA 95172

ABOUT TOM: Tom Kirlin, 38, left his movie career as a Hollywood cameraman to start Pancakes & Booze in 2009. Born in Tucson, Ariz., he’s a travel fiend who has visited over forty countries across every continent but Antarctica. At 6-foot-6, he’s a hell of a ringer in pick-up basketball games. Bug him at info@pancakesandbooze.com

The Pancakes & Booze Art Show

FaceBook | Instagram | Twitter
www.PancakesAndBooze.com

The San Jose Blog's 8th Anniversary!

Where does the time go, has it really been 8 years already? I feel like San Jose has really turned the corner and is getting a lot more love than it did when this blog was first started. There is still a long way to go and plenty of challenges to contend with, but the city is moving in the right direction.

You might have noticed the posting frequency has gone down over the last year or so. Unfortunately some priorities had to be shifted around and I have a lot less time than I used to. My goal is still to do at least three posts a week, but I would be thrilled if any out there wants to contribute as well. We get tons of offers to cover restaurant openings, events, and concerts (usually with free passes). Most of those posts never get written because there just aren't enough hours in the day. If you are interested in stepping up to the podium, just drop me a line.

Now for a bit of nostalgia. Below is our very first post:

Downtown Doors student are exhibit expands to 113 locations

The Downtown Doors art project showcases the artistic talents of San Jose high school students throughout the Downtown area. The program began in 2003, and now has 113 locations. Many are located in heavily trafficked streets while others might be hidden in a blighted corner off the beaten path. Wherever they are located, these works of art all elevate the neighborhood they are placed in and add some much needed color to our streets.

Out of 189 submissions from 21 San Jose high schools, 20 new pieces of artwork were chosen for 2017. You can see the winners as well as a handy walking map with all of the Downtown Doors installations over here.

SAN JOSE – The 20 students selected for 2017 Downtown Doors exhibition provided a mix of pensive character sketches and unique perspectives on life and lessons learned, always expressing their emotions through broad swatches of colors and artistic techniques.  These thoughtful pieces of art will help beautify the downtown San Jose landscape and offer food for thought for thousands of pedestrian who pass by each week.

The winners of the annual competition -- now in its 13th year -- were selected from 189 submissions from students at 21 San Jose high schools.  In 2017, the Downtown Doors program produced by the San Jose Downtown Foundation expanded to 113 sites located in the city’s core.  Using the same application seen on some light rail trains and buses, their pieces are enlarged, transferred onto vinyl decals and affixed to single- and double-panel service doors of large buildings, and a number of utility boxes throughout downtown San Jose.

Since the program began in 2003, 252 student works have been selected.  “Success is often measured by the amount of wealth, however, true success is measured in how we make the world a better place,” said Diana Beechie, president of the San Jose Downtown Foundation.  “Our students have achieved great success by creating a more beautiful vibrant downtown.”

Several of the students put their inspiration, message and other thoughts and feelings on videotape, which can be retrieved by a smart phone at the art locations Yerba Buena High School students Nayeli Galvan and Manuel Beltran, for example, were motivated in distinctly different ways.  While Galvan stated her purpose for “My Shattered World” was to use watercolors to paint a mosaic splashed with the brightest colors, Beltran paid respect and sent a strong message of support  to his girlfriend, entitling his piece, “Courage.”

Chloe Calhoun, a senior at Santa Teresa High School, created an inspirational character, “Mercedes,” a woman with one mechanical arm who is strong and can handle all of life’s challenges.  “I want her to be an inspiration for everyone to keep fighting,” Calhoun said. “I’m happy to put her out in the public and to put more art out into the world.”

Downtown Doors has proven to be a stepping stone toward better grades, graduation, college and a leadership position in society.  Students often claim that the Downtown Doors competition confirms their talent as artists.  Every person selected shows excitement at being included on the prestigious list of Downtown Doors winners.

A private reception honoring the artists and their works will take place May 4 at the San Jose Museum of Art.

Program sponsors include: Imwali Properties, City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs, Catered Too!, Orchard Commercial, Inc., PG&E, Kimley-Horn, Jeppesen, Republic Services, Councilmember Dev Davis, SVCreates, KQED, AC Hotel and San Jose Water Company.

2017 site hosts include: Marriott Hotel, 288 S 2nd Street, Fairmont Hotel, City of San Jose, 33 S Third Street Apartments, City View Plaza, The 88, Local Color, Valley Transportation Authority, San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles, Hyatt Place, AC Hotel, San Jose Museum of Art and Good Karma

This year’s new installations and a walking map of the art sites are posted at sjdowntown.com/foundation.  The students’ work will be viewable for several years before being replaced.

About:  The San Jose Downtown Foundation (SJDF) promotes cultural awareness and civic participation in San Jose and Santa Clara County through youth education programs, public events and art exhibits.  SJDF is the 501c3 arm of the San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA), whose mission is to represent business and property owners to improve downtown and enhance downtown’s vitality and livability.

School tally of Downtown Doors Winners (2003-2017)

East Side Union HS District

(9) Andrew P Hill – 12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17

(15) Evergreen Valley – 09, 09, 09, 09, 10, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13, 15, 15, 15, 16, 16

(8) Independence – 12, 13, 14, 15, 15, 16, 17, 17

(3) James Lick – 11, 12, 16

(9) Mount Pleasant –  04, 05, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12, 16, 17

(3) Oak Grove – 07, 07, 07

(17) Piedmont Hills – 09, 09, 09, 10, 11, 11, 11, 12, 12, 12, 13, 13, 14, 14, 15, 15, 17

(16) Santa Teresa – 06, 09, 11, 11, 12, 12, 14, 14, 14, 15, 15, 15, 16, 17, 17, 17

(2) Silver Creek – 12, 13

(7) Yerba Buena – 10, 14, 14, 15, 16, 17, 17

(89) East Side Total

(2) Bellarmine College Prep. – 10, 17

(6) Cupertino – 10, 10, 10, 11, 11, 11

(5) Del Mar – 12, 12, 13, 14, 15

(3) Downtown College Prep – 04, 07, 07

(9) Gunderson – 14, 14, 14, 14, 15, 15, 16, 16, 16

(12) Homestead – 12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 14, 16, 17, 17

(10) Leigh – 09, 11, 12, 13, 15, 15, 16, 17, 17, 17

(1) Leland – 16

(48) Lincoln (includes Saturday Art Academy) – 03, 03, 03, 03, 04, 04, 04, 04, 04, 05, 05, 05, 05, 05, 05, 05, 05, 06, 06, 06, 06, 06, 06, 06, 06, 06, 06, 06, 07, 07, 07, 07, 07, 07, 09, 09, 09, 09, 09, 09, 09, 10, 10, 12, 12, 13, 14, 14

(32)Notre Dame – 06, 07, 07, 07, 07, 07, 07, 09, 09, 09, 09, 09, 09, 09, 09, 10, 11, 11, 11, 12, 12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 13, 15, 15, 15, 16, 16, 17

(11) Pioneer –12, 12, 12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 14, 14, 17, 17

(5) San Jose High Academy – 04, 05, 05, 05, 05

(2) San Jose High – 16, 17

(8) Willow Glen – 12, 14, 14, 15, 15, 16, 16, 16

(1) Castillero Middle – 12

(155) All other districts subtotal

(2) Okayama, Japan – 14, 16

(2) Pune, India – 14, 16

(2) Tainan, Taiwan – 14, 16

(1) Dublin, Ireland – 14

(1) San Jose, Costa Rica – 14

(8) International Subtotal

(252) TOTAL

San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles 40th anniversary

I am way late on this post since the main event is happening right now, but did want to at least mention that the SJ Museum of Quilts & Textiles is celebrating four decades of existence today. This is always one of my favorite stops during First Fridays and today they are having a free open house until 4pm with tours and interactive art activities.

If you have not visited the museum in a while, they have four new exhibits that are definitely worth seeing. Part of their original mission was to show that quilts were more than just blankets or a women's hobby, but a valid medium for fine art and political expression. Some of the work is quite stunning and you can see a preview over here.

(To see the scope of the above piece, have a closer look here)

Check out a concept for a flying gym at SJC

There are planes with bars, massage rooms, and even showers--but I have yet to see a plane with a gym. A^3 by Airbus in partnership with Reebok and Peloton have created an interesting concept for future planes called Transpose. These modular cabins can be used for a variety of purposes including spas, cafes, and the gym you see below.

Instead of being boarded up like cattle, imagine being up-and-about getting some exercise while still having access to entertainment. You may not be getting on a plane with something like this anytime soon, but if you are flying out of SJC you can swing by Gate 18 and enjoy an interactive full-scale prototype. The model has stationary bikes, a yoga area, and weights.

For more details and a video of exercises to do before getting on a plane, hit the source link below. The prototype will be available until mid-may.

Source: Reebok

First look at Winchester Movie

San Jose is getting some Hollywood action. The movie Winchester tells the story about Sarah Winchester and her 160+ room mansion. It is a bit surprising that it has taken this long for a big-budget movie to tell the story of one of San Jose's top tourist attractions.

Helen Mirren is playing the lead role and her resemblance to the real Sarah is notable in the photos below. The film will start with a skeptical San Francisco psychiatrist (played by Jason Clarke) being sent to the mansion to evaluate Sarah's sanity. It seems that this will be more than just a horror/suspense movie and provide some extra insights into this mysterious woman. The directors revealed one neat tidbit, the real-life Sarah Winchester was an inventor and early adopter. She was one of the first people ever to have a telephone, and the house includes a custom-built intercom and irrigation system. Some of these details might be peppered through the movie, but the flick is designed be be a classic haunted house movie with lots of scares.

Filming will partially take place inside of the mansion itself. The movie is expected to hit theaters during Spring of next year--although I think Friday, October 13, 2018 would be a more appropriate launch date given the mansion's history and Sarah's obsession with the number 13.

Hat tip to our friend D.H. De La O for sending this in!

Source: People Movies