Dunkin' Donuts comes to San Jose

The famous east-coast doughnut chain has finally made its way to San Jose. A former Arby's at 5519 Snell Ave has become the first Dunkin' Donuts in Silicon Valley. I'm sure transplants will appreciate the location, and they might nab a few new converts as well (sorry, my personal favorite is still Psycho Donuts).

This is the first of several new locations. Next up will be a second San Jose shop on Winchester Boulevard towards the end of the year or early 2019. Franchise owners are also scouting Milpitas, Sunnyvale, and other Silicon Valley cities for further expansion.

The San Jose Dunkin' Donuts is now open everyday from 5am to 10pm.

Source: SVBJ

3Below Theaters & Lounge opens its doors with Sondheim on Sondheim

When it comes to musicals and plays, we are fortunate to have the Center for Performing Arts with Broadway San Jose, The San Jose Stage, and the Children's Musical Theater.

Now we are lucky to have another venue to consider!

On Thursday, January 18, 2018, 3Below Theaters & Lounge officially opened its doors to the public as they welcomed patrons to the musical: Sondheim on Sondheim. You can read their press release on The San Jose Blog here.

As we covered about the closing of Camera Cinemas (Part 1 and Part 2) along with options for the Camera 12 Cinemas, it’s been a heartbreak for many of us wondering about the future of these properties. However, a glimmer of hope came alive when it was announced that the property, formerly known as Camera 3, was to be renovated and revitalized!

Exterior of 3Below Theaters & Lounge on January 18, 2018
(Photograph courtesy of John Huân Vu)

When we arrived to 3Below, we noticed that the exterior hasn’t changed much aside from the removal of Psycho Donuts and the subtle interludes of blue and white. However, once you enter into the lobby, you can definitely see, feel, and even - ah - smell the new changes including a new snackbar; a remodeled dining area with plenty of tables and chairs; and renovated lobby with new flooring, wall coverings, and lighting. As shown below, I love their chosen wall pattern because it gives the exact feel that 3Below is trying to achieve: “a social spot for stage, screen, music, comedy, family fun, and events.”

Interior Wall Covering of 3Below Theaters & Lounge

(Photograph courtesy of John Huân Vu)

Arriving early to take pictures and look around, I was excited when they decided to let people in to see the musical in Theater 3. I found out that I was the first official patron to set foot in Theater 3! As you can see by my panorama, Theater 3 is a multipurpose theater for musicals, plays, movies, operas, cabarets, concerts, and a coveted screening room for Cinequest Film & VR Festival. You can find more about the other two theaters yet to be completely remodeled on their website under Who We Are, including an “intimate 87-seat theater” and another theater which will be the homebase to ComedySportz!

Panorama of Theater 3 at 3Below Theaters & Lounge
(Photograph courtesy of John Huân Vu)

Of course, it’s also not everyday that you get to sit in a brand new theater. It doesn’t quite have a new car smell but the room feels and smells so clean with brand new wall coverings and lighting; beautiful new seats; and fortunately, gum, scuff marks, or food on the floor were nowhere to be found!

Seats and interior of Theater 3 at 3Below Theaters & Lounge
(Photograph courtesy of John Huân Vu)

As for Sondheim on Sondheim, the musical is a big nod and honor to Stephen Sondheim, a famous American composer and lyricist best known for his work on Company, Follies, West Side Story, Sweeney Todd, and Into the Woods. The musical is on a limited engagement until February 4 and you can purchase tickets here.

With movie clips showing interviews of Stephen Sondheim featured on the big screen alongside cast members live on stage singing, dancing, and acting out many of his musical numbers, it was great to appreciate this living legend, or as some call him – “God”, for his work, sense of humor, and personal life.

Cast members on stage look on as Stephen Sondheim is featured on the big screen
(Photograph courtesy of Guggenheim Entertainment)

Under the direction of Guggenheim Entertainment, the cast members performed well. Theresa Anne Swain and Amy Bouchard amused us with their interludes of “The Wedding is Off” and “Bless This Day”, respectively, from the musical Company. Given his work as an opera singer, Stephen Guggenheim nailed “Epiphany” from Sweeney Todd. Jim Ambler amused us with “Franklin Shepard, Inc.” from Merrily We Roll Along. Then we had two deep and emotional numbers from Passion: “Is This What You Call Love?” and “Loving You”; both were performed eloquently by Jeremy Kreamer and Susan Gundunas, respectively. Martin Rojas Dietrich sang a number that many of us can relate to in life called “Being Alive” from Company. And Hayley Lovgren’s performance of “Do I Hear a Waltz?” from Do I Hear a Waltz? made me want to get up out of my seat and dance along to the waltz rhythms. After all the musical numbers were finished, I began to not only appreciate Sondheim’s lesser known works including Road Show (previously Bounce/Wise Guys), Merrily We Roll Along, and Passion, but also appreciate and empathize with his struggles in life including his psychologically abusive mother.

The cast members of Sondheim on Sondheim at 3Below
(Photograph courtesy of Guggenheim Entertainment)

All in all, 3Below has done a great job and I’m excited for their upcoming renovations of the other two theaters and additions to the lobby dining area including their Pix & Pints Cafe for dining options before, during, and after events. We will certainly be coming back and can’t wait to see another musical, play, movie, show, sing-a-long, or ComedySportz! They will win my heart, any day, if they are able to have a classy cabaret show or a jazz concert with some great wine and h'orderves. Great job 3Below Theaters & Lounge!

Sincerely Yours,

John Huân Vu

Sondheim on Sondheim at 3Below Theaters & Lounge
(Photograph courtesy of John Huân Vu)

Camera 3 undergoing renovation, changing name to "3 Below"

San Jose's first indie movie theater and currently the only movie theater in Downtown San Jose is going to temporarily shut down for major renovations. Camera 3 will be closed for the remainder of 2017 and hopefully reopen in January with a new name: "3 Below."

The lobby, restrooms, and theaters themselves will be gutted and extensively renovated. The largest theater will be used for live performances like concerts, opera, and musical theater. Independent films will still be played in the other two screens along with some new additions like singalong movies, repertory films, documentaries, and retro movies. The 2018 Cinequest Film and VR Festival will also completely take over all 3 auditoriums from Feb. 27th to March 11th.

One bit of sad news is that Psycho Donuts will be permanently shut down and replaced with a mainstream cafe that can sell beer and wine. They are looking for another San Jose location (hopefully Downtown).

Source: SVBJ (subscription required)

April 2015 Downtown Dimension Highlights

Here are my notes from the latest edition of Downtown Dimension:

• The SJDA has compiled a list of Downtown Gems (along with maps and photos) over at http://sjdowntown.com/live-here/downtown-gems. Below are some from the list:
• Anno Domini
• Back-A-Yard
• Cafe Stritch
• California Theater
• City Lights Theatre Company
• Diaz Menswear
• Guadalupe River Park and Gardens
• Henry's Hi-File
• MACLA
• Pizza Bocca Lupo
• Poor House Bistro
• Psycho Donuts
• St. Joseph's Basilica
• San Jose Museum of Art
• San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles
• San Jose Stage
• TreatBot Factory
• Vero's Coffee
• The SJDA is using a $139,000 grant from the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation to build four 400 SQFT retail outlets on the ground floor of the San Pedro Square Garage.
• Uber has acquired long-time Downtown San Jose company--deCarta. Most of the company's 40 employees will be continuing with Uber.
• The city's Street Pavement Maintenance Audit of 2015 shows that most Downtown streets are in decent shape. The areas most in need of repaving are around Post St., San Pedro St. and Almaden Avenue.
• The Downtown Farmer's Market opens on May 1st and will continue to operate each Friday between 10am-2pm throughout the Summer.
• The next HER city event includes pre-show food Orchestria Palm Court, a performance of "M Butterfly" at City Lights, and a Q&A with City Lights' Executive Artistic Director. The social hour also includes San Jose-based J. Lohr Wines. For more info go to www.sjdowntown.com/hercity.

To read the full newsletter, click here!

Whole Foods San Jose Grand Opening Today

The other day I had the opportunity to eat dinner at one of the most anticipated new spots in Downtown San Jose. This place, known for its food, also has a microbrewery and tap-room on site. Today, December 9th, is the official GRAND OPENING!

Of course, I'm talking about the new Whole Foods on the Alameda!

As part of a media tour, they served us several delicious courses of food that you can easily find within the store itself. But I'm jumping ahead.

Here's a rundown of what I saw, heard, etc.. 

Parking:

It's been awhile since I've driven past Stockton/The Alameda area. I was driving down Stockton and completely passed up the parking lot entrance (oops) - so a quick u-turn later, I was back in business.

Decor:

The place is huge and it's quite pretty from the outside. It's not a stuffy looking grocery store. Colorful and modern design elements are everywhere. They used a lot of locally manufactured, reclaimed, and recycled materials to decorate the store. I loved it! 

Meat Department:

We learned about their rating system (displayed above the counter) -- the higher the number, the better that the animal was treated. Nice to know. 

Also, they have a big ole container full of bacon. 

Cheese Department:

They have many different kinds to choose from, and it is nice to know that if you are curious they'll bust one open for you on the spot and give you a taste. I picked up one package of a cranberry-orange cheese. I neglected to ask what the heck do I eat with that? Or what do I prepare it with? Next time I will ask.. and someone will tell me. Because that's how it works. ;)

The Berliners:

Custom-filled donuts made on the spot. Just for you. Maybe for your friends, if they're lucky.

Pizza:

Their official pizza dude (Matthew Driscoll) is on the U.S. Pizza Team. Look at him go!

Then I tasted their pizza - super yum. Did you see that fancy shmancy brick pizza oven too? Game nights are going to be filled with people buying some pizza or a hockey-themed (cute) sandwich and heading up the patio for a beer. (WHAT? Beer you say?! Keep reading...)

Microbrewery:

San Jose is home to the company's first on-site microbrewery and tap room in California called Mission Creek Brewing Company. 

"Mission Creek Brewing Company is located in a two story, 5,600 square-foot 'outbuilding' separate from the main store itself. The ground floor houses coffee and fresh juice bars, along with some seating. The second floor is home to the tap room, with eight bar seats, a birds-eye view of the brewery, and access to outdoor seating for around 75. A retractable roof and outdoor heating protect guests in inclement weather."

Neato, right? Here's the view from the patio.

As part of the tour/media day, we were treated to a three-course dinner (or .. is it five when you count the starter and dessert? I clearly don't have to many "course" meals…) The spread of tasty nibbles were delicious and the decor on the tables quite nice!

I have to say, everything was delicious. Not twisting my arm to say it at all. That's one of the things I really like about Whole Foods. If I was out running errands at one of my old jobs, I might find myself near the Hamilton location. I'd run in to their prepared foods section and try not to go too crazy buying things. They have a TON of delicious things to try. So I knew going in I was going to be enjoying my meal.

And lastly, we got a little sweet goodie bag with various products they carry in the store:

Now, some people flat out won't go to Whole Foods because products are not the cheapest in the land. No, they're not. You will be paying a decent amount for some products. But, don't let that stop you from ever going there. Buy some treats, try something new that nobody else carries. Want to make a nice gift basket for someone? This is a perfect place for that. Do you work downtown and want to grab a bite to eat - like I mentioned above, their prepared foods department (bakery, pizza and sandwiches, etc) have a ton of delicious options. Treat yourself! Or maybe you run a business nearby and you need to get some food for a client coming in for a lunch meeting? Swing by there and pick up a spread. If it's not your go-to grocery store, it certainly can be a place to stop by occasionally. Don't rule it out!

I'm hungry now just thinking about all the goodies.. so I'm gonna munch on some of my lemon pistachios.. or maybe a carrot cake cupcake.. 

Website: www.wholefoodsmarket.com/stores/sanjose

Facebook: facebook.com/WFMSanJose.    

Instagram: @WholeFoodsMarketSanJose

ALSO!

From Dec. 11-24, the store is hosting “The Great Holiday Giveaway,” offering one gift with a value up to $200, via its Facebook page and http://thegreatholidaygiveaway.com.

Review & Photos - 7th Annual Luna Park Chalk Art Festival

Despite the fact we're in a drought, I am glad that it didn't rain on Saturday.

I know, I'm simply horrible to say such a thing.

But hear me out - on Saturday, it was the 7th Annual Luna Park Chalk Art Festival.

The Luna Park Chalk Art Festival "is an annual nonprofit event organized by volunteers to increase support for the arts in local schools and the community. The purpose of the festival is to provide a family-friendly, accessible venue to showcase the talents of local artists and students, foster awareness of the critical need for arts in schools and organizations serving youth, and to raise funds for providing grants and scholarships to meet that need." [lunaparkchalkart.org]

Last year I wanted to attend. We were going to bring our one and a half month old out for a day at the park. But since it was raining that didn't seem like a good idea. And apparently rain and chalk, for the most part, are not friends. Not unless you get really creative…

Anyway, this year it was sunny! Sun sun shiny sun hot sun.

My hubby and I packed up our 13 month old and headed to Backesto Park. It was hoppin'! Lots of people wandering around, checking out completed and in-progress chalk art pieces, listening to live performances, buying handmade goodies, or snacking on some food from a couple food trucks.

I love events like this. I really do. It's family fun, artsy, and it's at a park. It really makes me love San Jose even more than I already do.



So we made our way around part of the artwork, snagged a lunch from the truck Banjara Bistro. Chicken tikka masala in a crepe with a side spinach salad for me, and my hubby had the chicken tikka masala in an omelette. Then my hubby, a donut purist, moseyed over to Rollo's Donuts to bring back TWO donuts. However, he arrived with a bag of five instead. Apparently it pays to go to a donut shop a short time before they close. (Generous freebies.)

On to the artwork!

I noticed a *lot* of sea and sea life - fish, octopuses, and mermaids-a-plenty.



Pop culture references FTW!

Trader Joes not only had some artwork going on, they were giving out free snacks and water. Very generous and awesome of them. Unfortunately I did not win the "guess how many brussel sprouts" contest. Boo.

Both Dave Cortese and Sam Liccardo showed up to say a few ones. Not even going to get political here, but one sounded more enthused to be there than the other.

There were a ton of vendors, many of which I've seen numerous times at SOFA district or SJ Made events. There was something for everyone. If you like candles and knickknacks - they had that. Want designed t-shirts with local messaging - that was there (therethere.com to be specific, and a personal fave of mine.) Many of the chalk artists had booths as well. Working on the Back to the Future pixel art was David Canavese from OtherLife Art. I made a mental note to purchase one of his mixed pop culture referenced art pieces.

While we stayed for several hours we did not stay until the end so I didn't get a chance to see the final outcomes of some of the work-in-progress pieces I saw. But thanks to the magic of the interwebs, those photos are out there.

Follow Luna Park Chalk Art Festival on Facebook for updates - many people have shared their photos/links to photos via the Event page as well.

Feel free to check out the rest of my Luna Park Chalk Art Festival album of photos on Flickr. There are a lot of great pieces of work (in various stages) in there!

Also - see you next year! I made ornaments two years ago (for The San Jose Blog) at Christmas in the Park - I think next year we should have a sidewalk space to draw on. What do you think? I'm excited to participate!

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + Street Mrkt Today!

Join us for the South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + Street Mrkt on First Friday August 1st, 7pm–11pm
Downtown San Jose's SoFA District (& beyond)!

In addition to the monthly Art Walk featuring 20+ participating venues, August 1st is Street Mrkt, our nighttime urban faire featuring 40 local artists and live music out on the street in the SoFA District (on South First St. from San Carlos to San Salvador) and in the People's Park at South First & William St.
Free and open to the public.

Check out the exhibition images:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152108813130736.1073741840.46066000735&type=1

----- NEW EXHIBITS -----

Anno Domini // the second coming of Art & Design -
366 South First Street
Artist's reception: "A Human Race" a solo exhibition of new work by Tel Aviv street artist Zero Cents.

KALEID Gallery- 88 South Fourth Street
Artists' receptions for feature exhibitions:
"States of Being" by Kushlani Jayasinha
"INCLINATIONS" solo exhibition by John Kurtyka

Phantom Galleries – 95 South Market Street
"California" new works by Alexandria Kerekez

Silicon Valley Music Festival at Sliding Door, Co. -
355 South First Street
The Silicon Valley Music Festival presents harpist Anna Maria Mendieta.

Works San José - 365 South Market Street
Opening reception: "Flesh Frosting" group exhibition.

ZERO1 Garage - 439 South First Street
"The Operature" by Anatomical Theatres of Mixed Reality (ATOM-r) part of the BRING IT! Performance Art Series.

Art Ark Gallery - 1035 South Sixth Street
Opening reception: "Repetitive Stress – we have all experienced it..." group exhibition.

Discover San Jose - 150 South First St.
"Wire Roots." by mixed media artist Jason Oliver, and special guest. vocalist Christopher Michael , the "Sober Junkie."

First to Market Restaurant - 399 South First Street
First to Market presents mixed media works by Colin Jaramillo.

Pho69 - 321 South First Street
Phantom Galleries presents "Definitely Not Digital: an excursion into the abstract and surreal" by artist Tom Dytko at Pho69.

South First Billiards - 420 South First Street
"Art Lifer" by Alfredo Reyes and Debbie Doherty with music from DJ Mystik Mike.

Spartan Pop Up Gallery - 320 South First Street
A group exhibit of 30 artists by San Jose State University's Fine Art students and alumni.

TechShopSJ - 300 South Second Street
TechShop San Jose presents artist Steve Haman.


----- Continuing Exhibits -----

MACLA - 510 South First Street
COSMOS CODEXVargas-Suarez UNIVERSAL exhibit on view and a Puerto Rican Bomba performance by Aguacero in the Castellano Playhouse at 8:30pm.

Caffé Frascati - 315 South First Street
First Fridays is Caffe Frascati Opera Night presented by First Street Singers, with the Bay Area's finest opera singers performing your very favorite classical arias and duets live in the cafe!

Downtown Yoga Shala - 450 South First Street
“San Shui” - An Exhibit by Russell Altice Case

Psycho Donuts - 288 South Second Street
Ongoing group exhibit featuring the work of Nicolas Caesar, Murphy Adams, Christine Benjamin, Michael Foley, Michael Borja, Valery Milovic, Carlos Villez, Eric Joyner, Laura Callin Bennett, John Hageman and John Cloud!

Studio Climbing Gym - 396 South First Street
Petrified by mixed media artist Andy Wallace


plus STREET MRKT!
A nighttime DIY urban faire that brings together 40 local artists, creative indie vendors and a live music stage out on South First Street (between San Carlos and San Salvador streets and in the People's Park at South First & William streets.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk
First Friday August 1st, 7–11pm
SoFA district in downtown San Jose
(on South First Street between San Carlos & Reed streets)
Free & open to the public

For full listing of events and information: please visitwww.SouthFirstFridays.com or call 408-271-5155

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ArtWalkSJ

Media Sponsor: Metro Newspapers

The South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk event is produced by Two Fish Design in partnership with the participating art organizations and independent businesses.

South FIRST FRIDAY Tonight!

It's going to be a huge FIRST FRIDAY this month, rain or shine.  Check out an in depth list of the artists being featured and participating venues below:

~~~

JOIN US for the next South FIRST FRIDAYS art walk on April 4th from 7–11pm. RSVP

The South FIRST FRIDAYS art walk is a self-guided evening tour through galleries, museums, and independent creative businesses featuring exhibitions and special performances.

NEW EXHIBITS…

• Anno Domini // the second coming of Art & Design – 366 South First St. map

  
  Artist’s Reception: Millions of Colors in the Shadow by Joe Kowalczyk (CA)
  Kowalczyk’s ceramic sculptures are the celebration of the irrational; a celebration of ideas, impulses, and desires that spring from the darker side of the subconscious. When the quiet thought: “Why did I think something so strange?” arises, Kowalczyk celebrates it and turn it into a drawing or translates it into a sculpture rather than pushing the thought aside.
  “Much of my sculpture explores aspects of the human shadow; those which we deem improper, primitive and ultimately “unfit” for modern society. These are aspects of ourselves we’ve learned to restrain in our youth, and continue to intentionally suppress as adults in order to create a more “ideal” person,” says Kowalczyk. “I highlight these aspects and put them into the physical world; to give them a face and a set of eyes, so we can confront and better understand them. As a result I better understand myself.”
  Joe Kowalczyk is an award winning sculptor, painter, and illustrator that has been creating in the California Bay Area since he received his BFA in ceramics from California College of Arts and Crafts in 2006. Along with his studio practice, Joe fixes kilns, teaches ceramics, and cofounded a fine art gallery within the Oakland Art Murmur district.
  
  On View: We’s Gone Be Fine by Jeremiah Maddock (OR)
  On view in galleryTWO: We’s Gone Be Fine by Jeremiah Maddock (OR)
  “because I have said that verbally more times this year than ever before…and we are always gone some place rolling the dice. It’s been a nice vagabonding period.” ~Jeremiah Maddock
  All new works from our favorite hyper obsessive nomadic artist from the Pacific Northwest (this time.)

• Higher Fire Clayspace & Gallery – 499 South Market St. map

  
  Melvin by Lisa LaRocca
  Higher Fire Gallery presents: Spring Mud-Fling
  Spring brings good mud-gazing! Feast your eyes on sculptural flowers, ceramic bird houses, totems, bird baths, bird feeders, Easter eggs, clay baskets, garden art, flower pots, fountains, planters, ice tea sets and oh so much more. We’re featuring cool clay items to make, take (and hopefully not break) at the Higher Fire Gallery this April.

• KALEID gallery – 88 South Fourth St. map

  
  
  Artist Reception: The Key to Technological and Spiritual Renaissance­ new artworks by Joe Perea
  Nature’s organizing power is infinite and we are apart of nature. Our creativity and analytical urges exist in our society as separate entities. But according to the Ancients and Quantum Physics this is a mirage. All the great thinkers in the likes of Jung, Einstein and Tesla retained both beautiful sides. Let us open ourselves to our highest potential and Combine our two infinite sides.
  Perea’s personal Mythology is channeled information, regurgitated knowledge from every single soul he meets. “There’s a mythological formula to creativity and the key to open it is our passion. We’re all masters, use The Key.” ~Joe Perea
  
  
  Artist Reception: CONNECTIONS mixed media work by Valerie Runningwolf
  Being human is to reach out and find connections. To link with other people, to attach ourselves with things, and join together within common beliefs. Our lives are a series of connections. Each one helps to shape who we are and define all the parts and pieces that construct our individuality and uniqueness. “As an artist I explore and create what I feel, see, and experience, always reaching out to others through artistic expression in hopes of evoking a sense of connectedness.” ~ Valerie Runningwolf
  To create this series, Runningwolf looked into the layers of connections and asked many questions, such as:
  What pieces fit together in our lives and what connects us to others and events?
  How do we stay connected ?
  Who do we feel bound to and linked together in our hearts and souls?
  What connections are visible and which ones are hidden and concealed?

• Seeing Things Gallery – 30 North Third St. map

  
  
  MULTIPLE PERSONALITIES works by Lance Cyril Mountain
  What is force? Driving human emotions? Love. Change. Fear. Achievement. Recognition. Challenge. Excellence. Responsibility / Contribution & Passion
  All these are driving forces for Lance. With an unorthodox upbringing, one only has to have a single conversation with this artist, to see his passions & goals are much greater than your average 28 year old living in Southern California. Being well travelled & well educated may contribute to his longing for more substance & disdain for modern complacency (i.e. stucco buildings & strip mall business greed). With the ability to detach himself from an average way of living that has become acceptable to a generation, he is truly unique. With a generous heart & a burning contempt for lazy conformists, not much has changed in the world of Lance since he was a child.
  Often misunderstood, like all great artists, Lance showcases his passion & attention to detail in all the works he involves himself in. Whether its painting, photography, writing or screen printing, all these emotions show through. All the viewer has to do is open their eyes and be willing to see its all there…Thought Informed By Passion & Conditioned By Knowledge

• Silicon Valley Music Festival at Sliding Door Company – 355 South First St. map

  
  
  Pianist Nichole Boaz will be featured at The Sliding Door Company this month at part of the Silicon Valley Music Festival South FIRST FRIDAY Art Walk! Performance Series. She is a distinguished Jazz musician and alumni of San Jose State University.
  
  One Thousand Thousand Project by Jason McHenry
  The Silicon Valley Music Festival (SVMF) invites you to attend this month’s performance as we continue our theme of musically inspired visual artwork. Jason McHenry has been working with the Silicon Valley Music Festival over the past few months, creating works inspired by the South FIRST FRIDAY SVMF performances. In February audiences were captivated by the flawless beauty of harpist, Anna Maria-Mendieta and in March charmed by the solo guitarist, Antoniy Kakamakov. This month Jason will be on sight once again capturing the colors of jazz pianist Nichole Boaz. We invite you to participate in this drawing project along with Jason. This series is part of Jason McHenry’s One Thousand Thousand Project, an ongoing and frequently collaborative effort to produce an edition of one million hand-made, original works on paper. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to contribute in such an epic artistic endeavour, please join us! .

• Works San Jose – 365 South Market St. map

  
  art by Carolann Espino
  Works / San José presents Shelter
  25 South Bay artists explore their views of shelter in a wide range of medium and installations. Curated by Alfred Preciado, the work takes a worldly yet often sublime view of the very universal concept of shelter, making political, cultural, issue oriented, poster-like, text, video, and other statements.

• Art Ark Gallery – 1035 South Sixth St. map

  
  
  Opening Reception 6-9pm: Silicon Valley Open Studio Preview Exhibit at Art Ark Gallery. An art exhibition featuring the work of local artists participating in this year’s SVOS in the central San Jose area on May 17th and 18th 2014.
  Silicon Valley Open Studios is an organization of artists in the bay area that are fluent in all mediums of art from painters to photographers to 3D. This group of artists are innovative and emerging on the scene with fresh new ideas and wonderful new works to share. This preview is an opportunity to see some of their art and meet the artists prior to the Open Studios beginning the first week of May. Live music performed by Freya Seeburger
  Participating Artists: Susan Babbel, Debbie Bakker, David Braunstein, Jennifer Carrier, James Derieg, Liz Fennell, Rachel Greenberg, Rose Hagan, Inge Infante, Elaine Jek, Bharati Kshirsagar, James Lee, Lynn Elliott Letterman, Alyssa Levitan, Oleg Lobykin, Kenneth Mahar, Andrew Muonio, Nassim Nouri, Christine Oliver, Abbas Orumchian, Mary Paquet, Jim Paradis, JoAnne Perez Robinson, Marina Povalishina, Mohana Pradhan, Sally Rayn, Cynthia Riordan, Masha Schultz, Sue Serrone, Arena Shawn, Joan Sparks, Pooja Subramanya, Karin Taber, Rachel Tirosh, Valerie J.A. Vandermotten, Mishel Vanderten, Shweta Vijayaraghavan, Bill Voight, Cathy Zander, Carrie Zeidman

• Discover San Jose – 150 South First St., Suite 103 map

  
  
  DSJ proudly presents the work of Jim Watkins in April. His interest in photography began on the streets of Paris in 1991. Armed with 11 disposable cameras, he explored the City of Light to document his lifelong dream of visiting the city. Two years later, he revisited Paris with a real camera – and he was hooked. Jim’s focus is now on landscapes, cityscapes and street photography. He has been published in magazines, newspapers, books and travel guides. Jim will be on hand during South First Fridays to autograph his works for collectors.

• Downtown Yoga Shala – 450 South First St. map

  
  
  Opening Reception: Jonathan and Joella Kermit are back at Downtown Yoga Shala, with their exhibit Light + Wire + Thread. This time, they incorporate LED lighting into their wire and paper assemblages and textile hangings. The effect creates a sense of depth and serenity in the eye and mind of the viewer. Join us after our 5:30-6:45pm Yoga Pilates Fusion class with Deepa, as we open our doors to the Art patrons and downtown SJ community to host the creative and collaborative work of husband and wife team of Joella and Jonathan Kermit. See you at the Shala!

• First to Market Restaurant – 399 South First St. map

  
  
  Portraits of Things by Samantha Yee
  An exploration of character, perception, and humanity through painted portraits of people and other inanimate objects. Classic examples of the portrait genre from the Renaissance through the age of Napoleon inspired the re-imagining of our modern selves and our spaces out of the skyscraper and back to the manor house.

• Street Eats & Live Beats at Parque De Los Pobladores – South First St. at William St. map

  
  South FIRST FRIDAYS presents: STREET EATS & LIVE BEATS!
  Streaming live from Parque De Los Pobladores in the SoFA District El Otto Munro (EOM) on Common Ground- Radio feauturing DJs El Gato, Jswizza, Paul Leath & Notorious PI.G.. Also featuring great street eats provided by: MoGo BBQ, Quick Dog, MoBowl, Paddy Wagon Sliders and Twisted Chill.

• The Soundtrack of Cinequest at South First Billiards – 420 South First St. map

  
  
  Meshy sans Fleshy: Guitron, with a splash of Paeste. Chilled. Mario Guitron Solo exhibit, Also, the South First Billiards Dee Jae Paeste permanent collection.
  Live Music 9:30pm by Love Stoned (Top 40 Cover Band for your dancing pleasure)

• Studio Climbing Gym – 396 South First St. map

  
  
  World of Color by Joe Decker (Rockslide Photography)
  Navigating the colors of air, water and earth in locations from around the globe. Joe has explored both polar regions and the western United States in search of the incredible beautify and variety of nature. He’s been awarded artist residencies by the National Park Service, Gullkistan (an arts organization in Iceland), and Hurtigruten (a cruise line based in Norway). Joe is also the author of “The Tuesday Composition”, a best-selling photographic ebook on the topic of composition in photography.

• TechShop San Jose – 300 South Second St. map

  
  Scrap Yard Printing by Colin Drake Jaramillo
  Colin Drake Jaramillo has been photographing since 12 years of age and continues to try and intertwine his work across the different fields he works in. Starting with aspirations to be a National Geographic photographer, straight photography has fallen by the wayside as the focus is on completing a degree in Anthropology. Rather than taking photos, experimenting and concentrating on existing images to create something greater has been occupying Colin’s time for the past two years, such as his work of Ecuador where he has photographed the people and the street art of the region. This series of photographs on metal is one way that this trend has manifested itself, combing work conducted at TechShop with various other photographic projects.
  

  CONTINUED EXHIBITS…

  • MACLA Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana – 510 South First St.map

    
    Samuel Rodriguez, Notes, 2013. Spray paint and ink on wood. 13 x 36 inches.
    LATINO ART NOW! 16TH Annual Art Auction + Exhibition
    View and buy work from established and emerging artists from the Bay Area and beyond! Stop by the gallery to buy directly or participate in our auction on April 26. Auction supports MACLA’s programs. These and other artists have generously donated selections from their current work, including paintings, light installations, sculpture, collage, mixed-media work, and photography, reflecting the breadth of visual arts media for which MACLA is known.
    
    8-9:30 pm Music performance by PAOLOZZI TANGO TRIO. Feel the passion as this Bay Area trio performs original and traditional tangos.


  • Phantom Galleries – 95 South Market St. map

    
    art work by Dee Dee Torre
    FRPArt (Functional Restoration Program Art) uses the creation of art as a catalyst for physical, spiritual, and cognitive rehabilitation from various injuries and afflictions. In conjunction with releasing stress and anxiety through the mindful process of creation, promoting an overall sense of positivity and well being.
    Featured artists: Brandon Anderton, Carla Bolden, Betsy Braun-Kernaghan, Anthony Campisi, Liz Conklin, Chasity Washam Finney, Dyanne Hofstad, Sedara Olker, Laela Ramos, Michele Rice, Michelle Rourke, Dee Dee Torre, and Ann Wilcox.

  • ZERO1 Garage – 439 South First St. map

    
    City to City, (2013) Paula Levine, ZERO1 Fellowship/x
    ZERO1 Fellowship/x
    Featuring: Cecilia Galiena, Simon Geilfus (ANTIVJ), Paula Levine, Daniela Steinsapir
    Tapping a new source for disruption and recognizing the inherent innovative power of the artistic process, ZERO1 launched its Fellowship Program one year ago. The inaugural class of Fellows was presented with individual innovation challenges and have spent the past year researching, prototyping and producing outcomes in response to their respective challenge. From a cooperative urban experience, to a new messaging app; from a web platform facilitating social practice art to an unveiled presence of public network connections, ZERO1 is proud to present the results of these Fellow’s year-long journey. Come down to the ZERO1 Garage and discover each of the Fellows’ unique responses to their innovation challenges.

  • Cafe Stritch – 374 South First St. map

    
    Information not available at time of posting.

  • Caffé Frascati – 315 South First St. map

    
    First Fridays is Caffe Frascati Opera Night presented by First Street Singers, with the Bay Area’s finest opera singers performing your very favorite classical arias and duets live in the cafe!

  • Pho69 – 321 South First St. map

    
    
    Phantom Galleries presents JOURNALS by Gianfranco Paolozzi
    Marking on surfaces moment by moment, hour by hour, day by day.

  • Psycho Donuts – 288 South Second St. map

    
    Art by Valery Milovic
    Psycho Donuts in downtown San Jose is a quirky donut shop and art gallery. The gallery displays top local artists and has an ongoing exhibit featuring the work of John Renzel, Lacey Bryant, Nicolas Caesar, Murphy Adams, Christine Benjamin, Michael Foley, Michael Borja, Valery Milovic, Carlos Villez, Eric Joyner, Laura Callin Bennett, John Hageman and Robert McColley!