The Circle of Palms Lost Its Palms. Downtown Still Owns the Ground.

Contractors cut down all 32 palm trees at the Circle of Palms Plaza on Aug. 20 and finished the job by the next afternoon. The ring sat between the San Jose Museum of Art, Signia by Hilton San Jose and 50 West. City arborists found 15 trees dead or dying and the rest in decline. Some leaned. Lab samples went out to identify the cause. Removal ran about $45,000 and skipped the usual notice period because falling trunks posed an immediate risk.

The palms themselves dated to late-1980s downtown redevelopment. The ground under them is older. California Historical Landmark No. 461 marks the site of the first State Capitol, where the legislature met from 1849 to 1851. A state seal still sits in the pavement. For decades the circle hosted CityDance, holiday lights and Downtown Ice, the outdoor rink that wrapped around those trunks every winter.

Poppy & Claro opened last year on the ground floor of 50 West and built its name around the plaza. Neighbors who work or eat there now look at an open disk of concrete instead of a green ring. District 3 Councilmember Anthony Tordillos asked the city to pause, gather stakeholders and run a real public process before anyone plants the next idea. The San Jose Downtown Association called the empty plaza a chance to rethink what the space should do for people who live, work and visit the core.

That conversation belongs to anyone who has skated there in December, walked through after a museum show or grabbed lunch on the edge of the circle. New trees, different shade, a redesigned floor, or a layout that still holds an ice rink are all on the table once feedback starts. Tordillos hoped that work would begin before the year ends.

Downtown San Jose already proved it can turn a historic capitol site into a living room. The palms are gone. The landmark, the seal and the habit of gathering there remain. Readers who want a say should watch city and Downtown Association channels for the first workshop dates.

Additional information will come from the City of San Jose Transportation Department and the San Jose Downtown Association as the outreach calendar is set.

Source: Silicon Valley Business Journal

San Jose Software Engineer Cracks Adobe’s Third Semaphore Puzzle

Engineer Brian Vincent cracked the third semaphore puzzle atop Adobe’s headquarters. The challenge, launched in May 2023 by artist Ben Rubin, involved decoding patterns on four large rotating LED wheels that have puzzled observers worldwide for years.

Rubin’s creations combine art and technology in public installations that invite interaction. The first semaphore puzzle appeared in 2006 and yielded its secret within a year. A second followed in 2017. This latest version demanded three years of dedicated effort before Vincent found the solution.

Vincent’s success underscores the depth of technical talent concentrated in San Jose. As Adobe prepares a fourth puzzle open to solvers everywhere, the series continues to draw attention to the city’s blend of creativity and engineering skill.

I wonder how hard the 4th challenge will be and how long it will take to solve (especially in the age of AI). We need more innovate public art projects like this peppered across San Jose and the greater Silicon Valley.

Source: NBC Bay Area

Claude VonStroke to Headline Open-Air Day Party at Circle of Palms Plaza in Downtown San Jose

Music fans throughout the Bay Area can circle June 13 on their calendars when Claude VonStroke headlines a day-to-night open-air gathering at Circle of Palms Plaza. The event stretches from 2:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. and places one of house music’s most recognizable names inside one of Downtown San Jose’s most recognizable public spaces.

It’s a Journey, the team behind the production, has shaped the afternoon and evening around strong sound, thoughtful lighting, and quiet references to the plaza’s own story. Food trucks and a full bar will keep everyone fueled while support artists Mike Kerrigan, N808, JLittle, Santino b2b Logan Conners, and Jasper Crenshaw warm the crowd for the headliner.

Claude VonStroke has spent more than ten years shaping modern tech house both behind the decks and as an A&R force who helped launch careers for artists such as Fisher and Eats Everything. His set will serve as the centerpiece of an experience built for movement and memory rather than spectacle alone.

Adding another dimension, acclaimed artist Brooke Einbender will have her suspended Gaiascope sculptures on site through mid-August. Each interactive steel installation invites passersby to change colors, lighting sequences, and video playback from nearby pedestals, turning the plaza into a living canvas that rewards curiosity.

The entire afternoon-to-evening program will spotlight Downtown San Jose’s rising energy by folding live music, hospitality, public art, and open civic space into one seamless afternoon.

For more info and tickets, head over here.

Invisible Skies: A Flash Art Spectacle at San Jose City Hall

San Jose is hosting Invisible Skies, a free flash art event set for January 31, 2026, at City Hall on East Santa Clara Street in Downtown San Jose. Umbrella distribution starts at 5:30 PM, with the main activity kicking off at 6:30 PM once the sky darkens. This gathering will turn the plaza into a canvas for communal creativity, open to all ages and designed to last about two hours.

Attendees receive illuminated umbrellas as gifts, using them to form galaxies and celestial patterns across the space. The collective effort creates a living artwork, documented by drones overhead for later digital presentations and media sharing. Participants play a direct role in the display, becoming stars in the night sky formation.

Organized by ETProjects.Foundation alongside the City of San Jose's Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs, the event emphasizes community involvement. Wear black clothing without graphics to enhance the visual effect, and avoid flash photography to preserve the drone footage. A photo release form must be signed electronically through registration or brought printed.

The event operates on a first-come, first-served basis with limited spots remaining. Parking is available through nearby options listed at parksj.org.

For registration and full details, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/invisible-skies-tickets-1407918806049.

Color Takes Flight with New Mural on San Pedro Street

A large-scale mural by Bay Area artist John Osgood adds vibrant energy to San Pedro Street in Downtown San Jose. Stretching about 650 feet along a temporary construction wall near the parking structure at Market and West St. John Streets, the artwork showcases birds amid graphic clouds and radiant beams. This visual nod to nature's joy transforms an everyday urban space into something uplifting for passersby.

The project started after Osgood placed his art at the District restaurant on San Pedro Street. Coordinated by the San Jose Downtown Association and backed by local businesses, painting began in early September. It ties into broader garage improvements, which will later include a light installation by artist Brian Brush.

As part of the SJDA's Love DTSJ: Barrier Beautification program, the mural turns construction barriers into artistic displays. This approach cuts down on graffiti and vandalism while building ties among artists, contractors, and the community. Osgood's focus on nature provides a fresh contrast to the city setting, encouraging thoughts on adaptation and growth.

Community feedback highlights the mural's bright colors and positive vibe, with residents appreciating how it brings humor and lightness to the area. San Jose benefits from such creative efforts that enhance public spaces and foster civic pride.

It's great to see Downtown San Jose keep evolving through collaborations that blend art with everyday life, making streets more inviting and connected.

For more information, watch this Insta reel.

Giant Alebrijes Bring Mexican Magic to Downtown San Jose

Eight towering alebrijes now grace the streets around Plaza de Cesar Chavez, inviting residents and visitors to discover the whimsical side of Downtown San Jose. These fiberglass and steel sculptures, originating from Oaxaca, Mexico, stand as vibrant protectors and spiritual guides, each one a unique blend of animal forms and bold colors. Unveiled by San Jose Jazz on August 6 as part of the Summer Fest celebrations, the installations mark the third stop on their U.S. tour and will remain in place until September 28, offering plenty of time for exploration.

The project, a $400,000 collaboration supported by the city, San Jose Downtown Association, PG&E, and Sobrato Philanthropies, highlights San Jose's commitment to becoming a premier cultural destination. San Jose Jazz executive director Brendan Rawson noted the sculptures' role in establishing the downtown area as an artistic center, driving future growth through creativity. Mayor Matt Mahan anticipates they will draw tens of thousands to the core, boosting local businesses and community engagement during their stay.

Each alebrije includes QR codes that provide historical details on the piece, along with guides to nearby dining options and event calendars, making it easy to turn a casual stroll into a full day of discovery. Following successful displays in Reno and San Francisco, these structures pay tribute to the Latin influences woven into the fabric of San Jose Jazz Fest, now in its 35th year. After their time here, the alebrijes will continue to Fresno, but for now, they add a layer of enchantment to everyday walks in the city. Personally, they are a dramatic improvement over the current "sculpture" in Plaza de Cesar Chavez.

This initiative underscores the evolving landscape of Downtown San Jose, where art intersects with daily life to create memorable experiences. Families, artists, and tourists can connect with global traditions right in the heart of Silicon Valley, fostering a deeper appreciation for the diverse stories that shape the community.

Source: SVBJ

Vibrant Unicorns Light Up Post Street in Downtown San Jose

Community spirit filled the air on Post Street as volunteers gathered to paint a striking street mural, transforming the pavement into a canvas of color and unity. The San Jose Downtown Association partnered with the Qmunity, the LGBTQ+ district centered on Post Street, to create this artwork, building on the success of last year's mural in San Pedro Square. Local artist Danny Feliz Hanson, a San Jose native with deep roots in the area, designed the piece featuring two unicorns reaching toward each other amid swirling rainbows, infusing the space with joy and inclusivity.

Hanson, who grew up near San Jose State University, drew from personal experiences as a queer artist to craft this large-scale project, marking it as the most ambitious undertaking yet. The bright hues and whimsical theme reflect a commitment to celebrating diversity, making the mural a beacon for visitors and residents alike. Even Mayor Matt Mahan rolled up his sleeves to contribute, highlighting the city's dedication to collaborative efforts that enhance public spaces.

This initiative aligns with ongoing work to invigorate Downtown San Jose, turning it into a lively hub for culture and connection in the Bay Area. Projects like this mural not only beautify the streets but also foster a sense of belonging, drawing people to explore the shops, dining, and nightlife in the Qmunity district.

Source: SVBJ

Downtown San Jose Prepares for Major Events with New Art on the Market Street Garage, but at a Price

San Jose keeps enhancing its urban landscape through ambitious public art initiatives that promise to draw visitors from near and far. The latest project involves a $1.8 million installation on the facade of the Market Street parking garage adjacent to San Pedro Square. Created by artist Brian Brush, this abstract work combines color, light, industrial materials, and LED elements to create a dynamic visual experience. Construction begins on August 8, with demolition wrapping up in time for the 2026 Super Bowl, and full completion expected by August 2027. This timing aligns perfectly with the city's role in hosting both the Super Bowl and FIFA World Cup games, setting the stage for Downtown San Jose to shine on a global scale.

Unfortunately, the project requires a temporary closure of the four Moment San Pedro artisan stores housed in the garage since June 30. Moment serves as a vital incubator for small businesses, providing affordable brick-and-mortar spaces in high-traffic areas with two-year leases. Over the years, more than 20 businesses have thrived in these San Pedro storefronts, gaining stability and community connections that extend beyond pop-up events. The other Moment locations on Post Street and Paseo de San Antonio remain open and vibrant, continuing to support local entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, the Moment team aims to reopen the San Pedro spaces by early 2027, once construction concludes, allowing displaced businesses the chance to return and build on their progress. This development ties into broader efforts like the Threads Woven mural on San Pedro Square and relaxed rules in entertainment zones, all designed to boost foot traffic and energy in Downtown San Jose.

Source: San Jose Spotlight

The Roosevelt Mural: A Towering Tribute to San Jose's Resilience and Community Spirit

San Jose is a city brimming with culture, history, and an ever-evolving art scene that continues to shape its identity. One of the most awe-inspiring examples of this is the Roosevelt Mural, located at the corner of East Santa Clara and North 21st Streets. Standing an impressive 77 feet tall and stretching 125 feet long, this mural is not just a visual masterpiece—it’s a powerful symbol of the strength, resilience, and unity of the San Jose community.

Created by the talented artist Shayne Martin Oseguera, the mural’s centerpiece is a striking Elephant Cactus, a plant celebrated for its ability to thrive in the harshest of conditions. This imagery is a perfect reflection of San Jose’s spirit—a community that has faced challenges head-on and continues to grow stronger and more vibrant with each passing day. Whether you’re a lifelong resident or a first-time visitor, this mural invites you to pause and celebrate the city’s diverse cultures, rich history, and unstoppable drive toward a bright future.

What makes the Roosevelt Mural even more special is the story behind its creation. It’s a project brought to life by Empire Seven Studios (E7S), a cornerstone of San Jose’s art scene for the past 17 years. Based in the heart of Japantown, E7S has long been a champion of public art, transforming everyday spaces into canvases that inspire and connect people. As they beautifully state on their website, “It’s a place to reflect on the strength of the community, the beauty of the art, and the power of murals to transform not just walls, but lives.” This mural is a shining example of their mission in action.

The Roosevelt Mural didn’t come together by chance—it’s the result of a dedicated team pouring their hearts into this landmark project. Alongside Shayne Martin Oseguera, contributors like Marc Wallace, Haley Cardamon, Stacey Kellogg, Jennifer Ahn, Stephen Longoria, and photographer Lan Nguyen played key roles in turning a simple wall into a bold statement of San Jose pride. Their collective efforts have given us a piece of art that’s as much a gift to the city as it is a reflection of its soul.

Next time you’re near East Santa Clara and North 21st Streets—whether you’re exploring Downtown San Jose or just passing through—make time to see the Roosevelt Mural for yourself.

Source: Empires Seven Studios

New Mural at 27 E William Street in Downtown San Jose

San Jose's vibrant art scene just got even more exciting with the addition of a brand new mural at 27 E William St in Downtown San Jose by Matley Hurd. This latest artwork is a testament to the city's ongoing commitment to public art and community engagement, adding yet another layer of color and meaning to our urban landscape.

Downtown San Jose is already home to a thriving collection of murals that celebrate the city's diverse culture, history, and community spirit. From abstract designs to powerful social messages, each mural tells a unique story and contributes to the area's dynamic atmosphere. The new mural at 27 E William St is no exception, offering residents and visitors alike a fresh opportunity to connect with the city's artistic heartbeat.

Source: Insta

Illuminated performance art sculpture coming to Second St. in Downtown San Jose

A new digital art project will be on display in Downtown San Jose 24 hours per day until June. Called Dream Club Lab, it is the first of many art lighting installations designed to fill gaps in Downtown San Jose and energize districts.

In addition to lighting there will be live video, kinetic sculptures, and robots that do a little performance between 5-11pm from Thursday to Sunday. I can't wait to see what this actually looks like.

I posted the full text from the Downtown Dimension newsletter below. This is absolutely the right directions for our arts scene and I can't wait to see more projects like this in the future!

Project to contribute to San Jose’s vibrancy and inspire onlookers

A large and never-occupied storefront space has morphed into the first of many art lighting installations intended to energize downtown San Jose’s urban cityscape.

Dream Club Lab, a collaboration by installation artists Elaine Buckholtz and Ian Winters, is commissioned by the San Jose Downtown Association (SJDA) and San Jose Downtown Property Owners to support their vision of a vibrant downtown for everyone. The artists turned the empty 9,000-square-foot space at 72 S. Second St. into a light and video installation with roving robots that roam the space with live video, feeds and kinetic sculptures.

Unveiled this evening, Dream Club Lab can be viewed 24 hours daily through June. Special video and performative robot activations will take place from 5 to 11 p.m. each Thursday through Sunday.  

SJDA is heeding its long-term objective to improve the quality of life of residents and visitors. One strategy is to follow the guidelines of the property owners’ multi-year Comprehensive Downtown Lighting Plan, which calls for more activations that support downtown’s night-time economy.

“We believe that by increasing foot traffic in our district, we can create more opportunities for our members to connect with potential customers, clients and collaborators,” said Alex Stettinski, CEO of the Downtown Association. “One avenue to increase foot traffic is to improve the spaces between already lit businesses, which is the bread and butter of street life programming.”

The lighting projects are receiving additional funding from the Knight Foundation, Adobe, Pacific Gas & Electric Co. and the Office of San Jose Mayor Matt Mahan. “Turning the lights on” is one of Mahan’s mantras for the city.

“In true Silicon Valley spirit, this activation takes a vacant storefront and turns it into an innovative attraction,” Mahan said. “We need more projects like this one as we work to create a safer, cleaner, cooler San Jose.”

The Mayor also noted that the addition of electricity and internet to the space for the art installation enhances future leasability.

Buckholtz and Winters drew from their experience as lighting and video designers for the stage to create a cityscape fantasy space to inspire passersby to meet, discuss, invent, test ideas, and ponder downtown’s future and path to improvement.

“Everyone will react differently and take away something different,” Winters said. 

Buckholtz and Winters, partnering as Nighthouse Studio, altered their Dream Club Lab concept to respond to the spatial considerations of the entire space. Some viewers said the art installation harkens back to the nightlife vibes of yesteryear, the artists added.

Though lights inside the space will stay on day and night, late afternoon sunlight results in a burst of motion and color reflecting off the curtains, the artists noted.

“I’ve really enjoyed getting to know San Jose,” Buckholtz said. “The city has an amazing warm spirit, and it is dynamic and down-to-earth.”

Dream Club Lab is wedged between The Improv comedy club and The Loft restaurant, across the street from San Jose Bar and Grill and Nova Nightclub. That part of South Second Street is most busy Thursday through Sunday nights. 

Dream Club Lab kicks off a series of illuminated art pieces planned by SJDA. A second installation is scheduled for later this year. The works are meant to be portable so that they can be moved to other locations.

Source: Downtown Dimension

BeatifySJ Grants

Last month, the city launched a new program called BeatifySJ that will provide micro-grants to 71 different community organizations. The goal is to make San Jose a better place by enabling grassroots and community organizations. Grants will be $5,000 or less, which is enough to fund hundreds of projects from tree plantings to cleaning up graffiti. To see the full list of projects, head over here.

Beautiful mural on the Alameda

This is a great example of the public street art we need more of in San Jose. You can find this leading down to the "subway" on the Alameda & Lenzen that lets you cross from one side of the street to the other. While you are in the area, you might as well visit one of the best Mexican restaurants in San Jose: Zona Rosa, and follow it up with a nightcap at Wine Affairs.

Source: Linda Na-guyen from Downtown Dwellers

Downtown Doors student art exhibit expands to 103 locations

20 new pieces of student art adorn downtown in 2016

SAN JOSE – Twenty vibrant, dynamic and inspiring artworks by high school students have been added to the urban landscape, the result of the 13th Downtown Doors art competition and exhibition.

The artworks are transferred onto vinyl decals and then pasted to service doors and utility boxes in high pedestrian areas of downtown San Jose.  In all, 103 doors and boxes are covered downtown by the Downtown Doors program, which stretches to all corners of the center city.

With the 20 new additions from students at 14 different schools, a total 234 pieces of art have helped beautify the downtown for thousands of passersby.  This year, the San Jose Downtown Foundation received 152 submissions from 19 high schools.

“Our selection committee always has a very difficult decision to make because so much of the art is truly outstanding,” said Diana Beechie, San Jose Downtown Foundation president.

The artworks cross a wide range of emotions.  “Amity” by Cayley Nickerson of Santa Teresa High School exudes a message of love and optimism; Willow Glen High School student Claire Krumm’s “The Whale House” takes a powerful introspective look at the relationship between humankind and the environment; Radiante Liu of Notre Dame High School and Kelly Lien of Evergreen Valley High were inspired by famous painters to tell their love stories; Sarah Enzminger of Leland High paid tribute to San Jose landmarks; Thu Nguyen of Independence High School and Homestead’s Nick Ybarra created pieces that are both poignant and light-hearted.  All the selectees bring to bear a worldview from the eyes of today’s teenagers.

A walking map of the art sites and more information can be downloaded from http://sjdowntown.com/downtown_doors/.

Downtown Doors 2016 sponsors include: Applied Materials; Catered Too!; City of San Jose Office of Cultural Affairs; Councilmember Magdalena Carrasco; San Jose City Councilmembers Rose Herrera, Tam Nguyen and Raul Peralez; Donor Circle for the Arts at Silicon Valley Community Foundation; eBay Inc.; Jeppesen; Kimley-Horn and Associates: KQED; Law Offices of Willoughby, Stuart, Bening & Cook; Orchard City Commercial, Inc.; San Jose Downtown Foundation; San Jose Water Company; and Xactly.

The Downtown Doors Class of 2016 includes:

Andrew P. Hill High School – Eastside Union

Tuyet Lam - Coloration of the Mind – Located on McEnery Convention Center

Evergreen Valley High School – Eastside Union

Kelly Lien - The Start of Love – Located on the Fairmont

Phillip Nguyen - Window of Davitha – Located on the Hilton San Jose

Gunderson High School – San Jose Unified

Alejandra Fraume – Topspin – Located at 33 S. Third Street Apartments

Randon Nijmeh – Untitled – Located at Paseo de San Antonio near Starbucks

Adrianne Taylor  - Untitled – Located on Market Street at Post Street

Homestead High School – Fremont Union

Nick Ybarra - Personas me Reuniré – Located on Plaza de Cesar Chavez at Park Avenue

Independence High School – Eastside Union

Thu Nguyen – Faded – Located on City Hall off Fourth Street

James Lick High School – Eastside Union

Jack Griffin – Repetition – Located on Third Street at San Carlos Street

Leigh High School – Campbell Union

Heather Ho - Afternoon Ride – Located on Market Street at Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph

Leland High School – San Jose Unified

Sarah Enzminger - Attack on De Anza Hotel – Located on Park Avenue at Almaden Boulevard

Mount Pleasant High School – Eastside Union

Brianna Lucio - Fox Guardian – Located at Hilton San Jose

Notre Dame High School – Private

Frances Maurer - Lost at Sea – Located on Second Street between San Fernando Street and Paseo de San Antonio

Radiante Liu - Portrait of the Princess of Eboli and the Governor of Netherlands – Located at Studio Climbing

San Jose High School - San Jose Unified

Vicky Ho – Birds – Located at The Globe

Santa Teresa High School – Eastside Union

Cayley Nickerson - Amity – Located on First Street between San Fernando and Paseo de San Antonio

Willow Glen High School – San Jose Unified

E’lan Hawkins – Moonlight – Located on Second Street between San Fernando and Paseo de San Antonio

Aly Carley – Wolf – Located at 8 N. San Pedro St.

Claire Krumm - The Whale House – Located at McEnery Convention Center

Yerba Buena High School – Eastside Union

Michelle Pham - Pieces – Located on San Carlos Street at Second Street

###

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 (2003-2016)

East Side Union HS District
(8) Andrew P Hill – 12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 14, 15, 16
(15) Evergreen Valley – 09, 09, 09, 09, 10, 11, 12, 12, 13, 13, 15, 15, 15, 16, 16
(6) Independence – 12, 13, 14, 15, 15, 16
(3) James Lick – 11, 12, 16
(8) Mount Pleasant -  04, 05, 10, 10, 11, 11, 12, 16
(3) Oak Grove – 07, 07, 07
(16) Piedmont Hills – 09, 09, 09, 10, 11, 11, 11, 12, 12, 12, 13, 13, 14, 14, 15, 15
(13) Santa Teresa – 06, 09, 11, 11, 12, 12, 14, 14, 14, 15, 15, 15, 16
(2) Silver Creek – 12, 13
(5) Yerba Buena – 10, 14, 14, 15, 16
(79) East Side Total

(1) Bellarmine College Prep. – 10
(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
(10) Homestead – 12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 13, 14, 16
(7) Leigh – 09, 11, 12, 13, 15, 15, 16
(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
(31)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
(9) Pioneer –12, 12, 12, 12, 13, 13, 13, 14, 14
(5) San Jose High Academy – 04, 05, 05, 05, 05
(1) San Jose High – 16
(8) Willow Glen – 12, 14, 14, 15, 15, 16, 16, 16
(1) Castillero Middle – 12
(145) All other districts subtotal

(2) Dublin, Ireland – 14, 16
(2) Okayama, Japan – 14, 16
(2) Pune, India – 14, 16
(2) Tainan, Taiwan – 14, 16
(2) San Jose, Costa Rica – 14, 16
(10) International Subtotal

(234) TOTAL

The Alameda gets new crosswalk honoring LGBT heritage

Apparently interesting sidewalks and intersections are going up all over San Jose. The Alameda has a new rainbow-colored sidewalk near the Billy DeFrank LGBTQ Community Center, which is celebrating its 35th anniversary this year. These unique sidewalks make walking and driving around our neighborhoods a lot more interesting and safer (they slow down traffic for pedestrians).

I have to wonder how self-driving cars are going to handle these special crosswalks in the future, but we still have a while before we have to cross that bridge.

Source: SVBJ

Lively street art installed in SoFA

If you have driven past the intersection of South 1st Street and San Salvador Street, you already know about the vivacious street art that now covers most of the intersection. The work is called "Symphony of Style; Color, Light, and Sound" and was done by the artist Scape Martinez. The print is 25 feet by 20 feet and is reflective of the architecture, nightlife, and creative energy in Downtown San Jose's SoFA district. If you haven't seen it yet, it is worthy of a detour the next time you are in the area.

Source: Phantom Galleries

The 88 Interactive Art Codes - "Show Your Stripes" v2.0

My favorite art project Downtown is still the LED light installation at The 88. Few people realize that the lights are completely interactive and can be controlled by anyone. Where else can you completely change four stories of a high-rise facade with nothing but a cell phone?

All you need to do is dial (408) 287-0128, wait for the tone, then enter any 3 digits (including # or *), then press 0 and hang up. I recommend saving this number on your phone and impressing your friends whenever you walk by The 88.

Last month, the artist Jim Conti significantly expanded the number of codes available. When "Show Your Stripes" launched in 2008, there were only 129 possible combinations. Now there are 318!!! During SubZERO last June, Jim asked festival-goers for feedback and ideas. The new additions are a direct result of that feedback.

Below you can find a full list of all public codes and a rough description of the effect. There are also some secret codes that are not on the list such as *14, *25, *69, *88, ***, and my personal favorite *#*. If you find any other "Easter Egg" codes that are not on the list below, let me know and I'll add them to this post!

Wednesday Wishlist: More Public Art

A few weeks ago I was in Vancouver and was surprised at the amount of public art around the city. Below is one example that I really loved. This piece turns a bland, windowless side of a building into an attraction that tells a story about the the building itself. There are so many walls throughout San Jose that could use something like this.

I love all the murals going up in San Jose right now, especially Japantown. Let's take it to the next level and aim for something at the scale shown below!

P.S. Notice the green rooftop. Despite having much worse weather than San Jose, almost every high-rise had trees, shrubs, and patios on the roof.

Blast From the Past - Downtown San Jose is Getting Illuminated!

Below is an old post from December 26th, 2012 describing a killer project that would illuminate two highway underpasses that are gateways to the Downtown core. Guess what... almost three years later the project is going to happen! Work begins today according to the San Jose Trails Twitter feed!

Downtown San Jose is Getting Illuminated!

Here is a nice little Christmas present for all those that live, work, or play in Downtown San Jose. Two highway underpasses are about to get painted in LED artwork, which you can see below. The first is the main gateway to the Downtown San Jose core--where 87 passes over Santa Clara Street. This important area connects the HP Pavilion and Diridon Station with the rest of Downtown. Right now, it's pretty gloomy and can feel less than inviting if you are walking by yourself. However, that is about to change. Tons of LED lights donated by San Jose-based Philips Lumileds are going under the overpass along with colorful paint that will pop when hit by the lights.

The second underpass is the where 87 passes over San Fernando Street. This project is a bit more modest but the effect is the same. Artists are taking a gloomy overpass and turning it into an attraction. The photo shows blue and green lights, but with LEDs there is always a possibility of making the lighting dynamic.

All of this is made possible by a program called Illuminating Downtown, which received a $600k grant from ArtPlace America and other contributions from the SJDA. These first two lighting projects should be complete by fall 2013. I believe there will be two other areas that are getting lit as well, but am not 100% certain about that. In addition, they are also talking to high-rise residential apartment owners that are looking to illuminate their buildings (The 88 did a GREAT job with this and Axis isn't too shabby either).

I think this is a big step towards making San Jose look like the capital of Silicon Valley. Personally, I can't wait to see these two projects completed. This is showing that Downtown San Jose is moving in the right direction when it comes to public art and creating a more inviting atmosphere. Growdwerx is also doing a great job when it comes to lighting up parts of Downtown.

2013 is going to be a great year!

Source: SVBJ

Highway 87 & Santa Clara Street


Highway 87 & San Fernando Street

Voxel Cloud Art Installation Planned For The Pierce!

The Voxel Cloud could easily become the single most impressive art installation in Downtown San Jose. The roof of The Pierce (an apartment building currently under construction in SoFA) will have thousand of LED lights to create a virtual cloud of dynamically changing lights. This is part of the Illuminating Downtown project which will also illuminate two overpasses Downtown, where Highway 87 passes over Santa Clara and San Fernando.

Have a look at the full two minute video below to get an idea of what it will look like. I can't wait to see this in action!

Source: Robertee from the San Jose Development Forum