Showing posts with label san jose art. Show all posts
Showing posts with label san jose art. Show all posts

Saturday, March 9, 2024

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



Thursday, March 7, 2024

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



Friday, March 1, 2024

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”

Thursday, February 1, 2024

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.




Friday, December 15, 2023

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

Monday, December 4, 2023

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! 

Friday, December 1, 2023

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.




Tuesday, November 14, 2023

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!






Friday, November 3, 2023

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

Sunday, October 22, 2023

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.





Friday, October 20, 2023

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.



Friday, October 6, 2023

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.

Thursday, October 5, 2023

Live at the CODAsummit San Jose

Over the next two days I'll be live at CODAsummit 2023 which celebrates the culmination of art, technology, and place. It happens to be in San Jose this year and I'll be heavily posting on social media today and tomorrow.

To see updates as they're happening, just follow The San Jose Blog on any of the following:


I recommend X though since there will be some bonus updates just for that platform.

Today was a half day. The highlights for me were seeing Sonic Runway linked to a live DJ, learning that the Adobe Semaphores spin based on plane noise every time a plane flies over Adobe (in addition to delivering secret messages that give you free Adobe software if you crack the code), and meeting a lot of really cool people working on interesting projects.







Thursday, September 21, 2023

CODAsummit: Art, Technology and Place - Oct 4-6

CODAsummit San Jose is a 2.5 day conference that that explores the intersection of Art, Technology, and Place. For years I have believed that San Jose's best opportunity to differentiate its art scene is to lean into its technological and innovative heritage. Combining art with interactive, digital, and dynamic elements is how we can create a unique brand for ourselves in the global art scene and make San Jose much more lively.

This is why I was incredibly excited when I found out about the CODAsummit. It's a series of presentations, showcases, and discussions to shine a spotlight on how art can transform our urban landscapes. 

I'll throw out some examples of projects in San Jose that have done just that. Of course there is Sonic Runway which attracts hundreds of people at night to experience a light show in a tunnel synced to music right in front of City Hall. The 88 had a fully interactive light system that anyone could control from their cell phone. If you wanted the first four floors of the high-rise to be red, all you had to do is dial the number and enter the right code. More recently, there have been new animated murals that really take things to the next level.

So, I can't wait to see what types of projects around the world will be highlighted at the conference. The target audience is artists that want to explore new mediums, city planners that want to revitalize public spaces, or people that are passionate about the transformative power of art. I fall into the last bucket and will be there to cover the full event for the blog. I'll also be posting real time updates on X / Twitter.

If you are interested in attending as well, you can register for the conference over here.

Sonic Runway in front of San Jose City Hall

Saturday, September 16, 2023

Luna Park Chalk Art Festival - Sat, Sep 16 from 10am-5pm at San Jose's Backesto Park

The Luna Park Chalk Art Festival is a colorful family-friendly event celebrating creativity. This annual event, which will take place on September 16th from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Backesto Park, showcases the amazing talents of local artists who create stunning chalk murals on the sidewalks and streets.

The festival is more than just a visual feast. It also features live music, food trucks, vendors, and activities for kids of all ages. You can even join in the fun and create your own chalk masterpiece in the designated community areas. The best part is that the festival is free to attend and supports a great cause: the Luna Park Arts Foundation, a nonprofit organization that promotes art education and cultural awareness in San Jose.

Whether you're an art lover, a music fan, or just looking for a good time, you'll find something to enjoy at the Luna Park Chalk Art Festival 2023. Don't miss this opportunity to see how San Jose's creative community transforms Backesto Park into a colorful wonderland of chalk art. You'll be amazed by what they can do with some chalk and imagination!



Friday, September 1, 2023

South FIRST FRIDAY (+ STREET MRKT) Sep 1st, 2023 in Downtown San Jose

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back today with multiple galleries 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.

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, September 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 three different districts. Keep scrolling for a list of artists and food trucks.


South FIRST FRIDAYS presents:

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

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, mesmerizing jewelry, chic fashion 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)
The Blunt Letters
Bolo Vintage
Julianne Bonnet 
Budding Art Foundation
Bungalow Glow Candle Co.
Jarold Cadion Art 
Emmanuel Cervantes-Mejía + Michael Rogan 
Crossroads Trading Co.
Curious Shapes / Brian Corbin
Current Tattooing
Jennifer DeChenne
Lorenz Dumuk 
Eraeon Clothing
Faded Visualz 
Flow State Sound Healing & Arts 
Force129 & Betty Proper 
Luisa Garcia
Glass Scout Studio
Cynthia Gonzalez
Ali Hall 
Hand in Hand Henna 
Higher Fire Clay Space & Gallery
Chris Jalufka
Jodi408
KNS Beauty Essentials
La Madre Bruja 
Land and Sky Fine Art / Joe Mandrick
The Local Creative Show  by StageOne
Frankie McFly 
Julianne McKay
Judit Navratil
Roger O. Jr.
OaxaCali Studios
Tania Okay 
Jean -Luc Pedanou
Leslie Perez Jewelry
Purl Bailey (AKA Marilyn Roaf)
Francisco Ramirez
Random Marks- the Art of Doug Edwards
Art of Joseph Richardson 
Mason Roberts 
Rene Schilling Sears
South Bay Ceramics
Suha Suha
Sujata Tibrewala
VMGC Designs
Heylu Wheat

Live Music:
6:30pm & 8pm: Bloc de la Soul (S 1st St and San Salvador intersection)
5pm–10pm DJ Dirty Beats & the Deep Legends Bus

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

BEER GARDEN & FOOD TRUCKS

On Tap…
Clandestine Brewing
Fox Tale Fermentation

plus…

3 Brothers Kitchen
3 Hermanos Mexican Grill
Akita Gourmet Sushi
Chickn Bros.
Lemongrass Lane


Saturday, August 26, 2023

New Downtown San Jose mural celebrates AAPI achievements

You can find a beautiful new mural honoring Asian American Pacific Islanders on the side of Pono Hawaiian Grill at 86 N. Market Street. The shark is not-so-suble nod to San Jose. In the upper left you'll see the message Malama Aina which means "care for the land." This is more appropriate and resonant today than ever. 

The artwork was sponsored by the San Jose Downtown Association and the work was done by artist Taylor Reinhold assisted by Erik Smiley and Casey Landaker. You can watch the artists at work below with a 1 minute making-of video.



Friday, August 11, 2023

New mural in East San Jose

It's great to see that even giant national chains adding some local flair to their restaurants. Local artist Hector Covarrubias painted "Patterns of Nature" on the side of a McDonald's on Story Road. Even cooler, there is a QR code inside the restaurant that lets you bring the artwork to life on your phone. I'd love to see more of this throughout San Jose.

Source: SJ Today


 

Tuesday, August 1, 2023

South FIRST FRIDAY (+ STREET MRKT - August 2023)

South FIRST FRIDAYS is back this week with multiple galleries 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.

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

It all goes down this Friday, August 4th. 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.

Hollywood by Fuquan Divine



South FIRST FRIDAYS presents:

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

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, mesmerizing jewelry, chic fashion and even on the spot experiences like custom poems and crystal bowl sound baths. Support our amazing artists and help our local art scene thrive!

PARTICIPATING ARTISTS
Soloman Acosta
Rebecca Anguiano 
Art of Joseph Richardson 
Purl Bailey (AKA Marilyn Roaf)
Bay Area Glass Institute 
The Blunt Letters / Elle and Micaela
Bolo Vintage
Julianne Bonnet 
Bungalow Glow Candle Co. 
Arely Cardenas
Emmanuel Cervantes-Mejía + Michael Rogan 
Curious Shapes / Bryan Corbin
Crossroads Trading Co.
OaxaCali Studios  / Dario Cruz & Steve Gonzalez
Current Tattooing 
Jennifer DeChenne
Sharon Diebert
Designs by Maureen
Lorenz Dumuk 
Flow State Sound Healing & Arts / Lailani Africa
Force129 & Betty Proper 
Jodi408
Faded Visualz 
Cynthia Gonzalez
Ali Hall 
Hand in Hand Henna 
Ken Harmount
Sydney Hessel 
Higher Fire Clay Space 
KNS Beauty Essentials
Land and Sky Fine Art / Joe Mandrick
The Local Creatives Show by StageOne
Luui Arts /Nhi Nguyen
Frankie Mcfly
Julianne McKay
La Madre Bruja
Ocelote Press / Jhovany De Ala
Jean -Luc Pedanou
Tania Okay + Lotte Van De Walle
Leslie Perez Jewelry
Francisco Ramirez
Random Marks- the Art of Doug Edwards
Mason Roberts Artist
Rene Schilling Sears
South Bay Ceramics
Suha Suha
Eric Vasquez
VG Designs
Heylu Wheat 

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

BEER GARDEN & FOOD TRUCKS

On Tap…
Clandestine Brewing
Fox Tale Fermentation
and more...

plus…

3 Brothers Kitchen
3 Hermanos Mexican Grill
Akita Gourmet Sushi
Chickn Bros.


Saturday, July 22, 2023

Downtown San Jose Scavenger Hunt

If you're feeling adventurous and want to try something new, sign up for the Downtown San Jose Scavenger Hunt today, which is a fun and interactive way to explore the city. You'll get clues and challenges that will take you to different landmarks and hidden gems in the downtown area. You can play solo or with a team, and you'll have a chance to win some prizes along the way. The scavenger hunt starts at 9 a.m. on Saturday at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez Park, and you can register online or on-site.

For more info and tickets, head over here.


About this scavenger hunt

Who knew the Capital of Silicon Valley was packed with such spectacular street art? Murals in San Jose are plentiful, and this art hunt will lead you to the best of the best.

Local and international artists make their mark, showcasing a variety of themes. You'll see enormous wall pieces and a few smaller treats. At each stop, we'll offer fun factoids and quiz you with questions related to the artists and subject matter.

Are you ready to be blown away? Buy your tickets and bring your friends. This San Jose art walk is one for the memory books!

You can do our interactive scavenger hunt at any time. Explore the art, and culture of San Jose.

Some of what you'll see: SoFA District, Phylum of the Free, Qualities of Life, RBG