Tag Archives: SoFA District

September 7, 2018 — South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + STREET MRKT

South FIRST FRIDAYS presents ArtwalkSJ & STREET MRKT

First Friday, September 7th from 7–11pm
SoFA District (& beyond) downtown San Jose
RSVP on our event page here.

The South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk is a self-guided, nighttime tour through galleries, museums, and independent creative businesses featuring eclectic art exhibitions and special performances. STREET MRKT is an urban faire featuring over 40 artists, music, food trucks and beer garden out on the streets of SoFA District.

All Art Walk venues & STREET MRKT are FREE admission & great for all ages.


NEW EXHIBITS…

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


    Artist’s reception in galleryTWO: “In Borges’ Labyrinths” by Denis Korkh (San Jose, CA)

    Denis Korkh (b. 1986, Ukraine) is a painter of philosophies. His imagery holds cryptic keys to personal truths that viewers may find fantastical, surreal or disturbing. In this way, he is a perfect translator of the brilliant short stories encapsulated in “Labyrinths” by Jorge Luis Borges.

    Korkh’s “In Borges’ Labyrinths” paintings are a visual feast true to the magical-realism of Borges’ tales; so much so that Borges’ words are not replaced by these representations, they have moved from the imagined into a tangible reality by way of Korkh’s attention and expression of them.
    ~Anno Domini


    On view in galleryONE: “Multiverses” by Fernando Chamarelli (Brazil).

    Fernando Chamarelli returns to Anno Domini with a second solo exhibition strongly inspired by quantum mechanics and multiverses. In this body of work are characters from ancient civilizations in contact with cosmic beings from other galaxies and from another time….a parallel universe to be explored.

    Fernando Chamarelli is a visual artist and illustrator, with a degree in graphic design. For years Chamarelli explored several techniques and styles of art inspired by his interest in cartoons, caricatures, realistic portraits and later street art and tattoos; Chamarelli ultimately found his unique voice and signature style that is immediately recognizable whether on canvas or out on the street.

  •  Art Ark Gallery – 1035 South Sixth St. map


    Opening reception: “Discessio” by Lewis deSoto

    This immersive installation is an examination of metaphors of wandering, of dispersal, separation from the familiar, of being lost and found. The notion of “being at sea” is the main theme that illustrates this notion of migrating into the unknown.

  • Gallery Suha Suha – 45 E. Williams St. map


    On view: “S2S (Seoul To San Francisco)” drawings by Min J Bae

    The artist Min Bae sketches her way to discovery. For this Seoul native and former resident of San Francisco, sketching is her primary means of engaging with a place. Lines illuminate relationships in no way colors can. She puts the contours of a place on paper the way a sleuth inspects a crime scene — with an eye for relationships tucked away underneath the surface. Reconstituting a place the way blind men make out an elephant means having a peek at its most intimate stories.

    Sketching is a study in contradiction, especially when it comes to the built environment. One has to tune out the interpretive baggage that attends every look while tuning into the vernacular. Seoul and San Francisco: similarities galore between the two metropoles, but even similar details have different stories to tell, for no two places are the same. Places seldom lie.

    For Bae, the beauty of our urban landscapes lies in their unalloyed candor. In modern cities, habit defines the look. Sketching enables hearkening to the soft echoes that ripple through time. As the pen advances, the artist crawls backward, reclaiming history. The chiastic relationship can have a powerful emotional effect: as she relives Seoul’s past through her sketches, Bae puts into context the details etched onto her consciousness as a child. Lines fill the paper the same way acts of remembrance themselves populate one’s memories. She finds herself amid Seoul’s hinterland, and takes the viewer to its alleyways and jungular streets, to its hilly neighborhoods and crepe-like pavements.

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

    Look for HigherFire Clayspace booth out at STREET MRKT with amazing ceramic work for sale.

  • KALEID gallery – 88 South Fourth St. map

    KALEID Gallery is proud to present two new feature exhibitions by gallery resident artists painter Michael Foley and ceramicist Andrew Irvine.

    Opening reception: “Everything Must Perish” by Michael Foley.

    A collection of happy work for depressed people, or is it depressing work for happy people? 
New original paintings, illustrations and a selection of recent works make up this latest feature. A show of the fantastic and of the macabre, it’s all merely fantasy of course. 
Depicting the fallacies of humanity and consumerism out of control. Its affect on our current world and how it is affecting humans and monsters alike……yep….”Fantasy”.

    Artist’s reception: “Quantum Foundations” by Andrew Irvine

    Andrew Irvine is a ceramic artist, chemist and professional science educator who is inspired by the intersection of science and art. In “Quantum Foundations”, he showcases his recent experiments with lustre glaze techniques on wall sculpture forms inspired by the mysteries of modern physics. Each piece represents a concept from the development of science in the last century, a journey that has led humanity to the fringes of reality, existence and space-time. The refractive and reflective qualities of lustre glaze colors compliment this inspiration and come from metallic nano-layer deposited on the glaze surface, resulting in vibrant, elusive, otherworldly colors that burst to life when viewed in different light sources. These glazes requires expensive and exotic materials including compounds of bismuth, silver, neodymium, holmium, erbium and actual gold metal. These “glaze paintings” are truly emblematic of the modern evolution of ceramic art crossing over into the worlds of chemistry, material science and conceptual physics.

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

    In the DMC Studio at MACLA: Youth Showcase & Open Mic, 5:30-7pm

    WELCOMING ALL Rappers, MCs, Spoken Word Artists, Poets, Singers, Musicians, Comedians, Videographers, Photographers, Visual Artists, and all performers! It’s an open mic, it’s free live music, and it’s a showcase of downtown San Jose artists. Watch the public premiere of music, poetry, short films, and view their insightful photography on display throughout the evening!

    Must be ages 13-19 to perform in the Open Mic. Sign up list opens at 5:30 pm; open Mic/Poetry Slam from 6–7pm. Each performer will be allowed to perform 2-3 pieces OR a 5 minute set. This is an all ages/family-friendly event.

    Image courtesy of Ruben Escalante


    In the MACLA Gallery:

    Classic Tracks: “Migrating Rhythms” solo exhibition of new work by Carlos Rolón with the San Jose Museum of Art New Terrains: Mobility & Migration

    With music as inspiration, Carlos Rolón presents new work that explores how music has served as a thread of cultural and community exchange. Classic Tracks: Migrating Rhythms is a celebration of migration and the music of cultures that make up the Bay Area. Presented alongside the regional mobility-themed exhibition New Terrains: Mobility & Migration by the San Jose Museum of Art (SJMA).

    Photographed by Lyndon French. Image courtesy of the Artist and Lococo Fine Art, St. Louis .


    In the Castellano Playhouse: DJ Leydis, 8-10pm

    DJ Leydis was born and raised in Cuba, pioneering Cuban hip-hop in her native land and working to realize her vision of cross-cultural dialogue and understanding. Now based in the Bay Area, she has opened sets for Erykah Badu, Quest Love of the Roots, Mos Def, and other iconic US artists. She was the official DJ for the Grammy-nominated group Los Rakas and remains very active, working on numerous projects not only in the Bay Area, but also throughout the US and internationally.

    Image courtesy of Daniel D. Zarazua

  • PhantomGalleries at The Pierce – 2 Pierce Ave. map


    On view: “Read Life Between the Lines” by Zuzanna Perkowska

    Abstract paintings have always fascinated me. The lines, colors, textures and different shapes I paint together make me feel completely different every time I paint. The act of painting makes me stay in the present moment for just a bit longer than I normally would. Painting is a form of active meditation where I free my mind and fuel the momentum and most importantly it’s where I can read life between the lines and enjoy every minute to the fullest!

    Zuzanna was born in Poland, in 1979 and found her true love of painting at a very early age under her grandfather’s watchful eye who was an artist himself. As Zuzanna grew, both her skills and her passion for painting became even stronger. She opted to continue learning more about art as a discipline as well as hone and refine her skills by doing five years of study at PLSP (a renowned art school in Eastern Europe) in Suprasl, Poland.

    Today, Zuzanna has an obsession with painting abstracts because they allow her to express many thoughts and feelings about life and the world. Zuzanna also has a strong affinity and love of animals which began with her grandfather and horses but also extends to cats, dogs and birds (all of which are currently an active part of her life). As a result of her connection with animals, she paints pet portraits but in a way that captures the soul of her subject. The final area of focus and expression for zuzanna in her art are landscapes. Landscapes can evoke as many feelings as abstract paintings can and Zuzanna allows the subject of her landscapes to really speak to her which comes through in the beautiful images she creates.

    All of the varied types of art Zuzanna creates are accomplished using many different styles and various mediums. Utilizing acrylics, oil paints, pastels, gold leafing, pen and ink, and resin all to great effect, she creates art that is both unique and eloquent. Zuzanna works with interior designers to help make someone’s space truly special as well as individuals who are looking for a special painting commissioned uniquely for them.

  • Phantom Galleries at Pho69 – 321 South First St. map


    On view: “Them Faces: A Portrait Exhibition” by Mike Stefanski

    My current works are an exploration into new territories of techniques and developing something new and unique. My goal is to refine the medium of abstract and structure, to show contrast between various units of style and technique.

    ​I am based out of Santa Clara, California and a completely self taught artist with a light exposure to Life Drawing and Oil Painting classes from City Colleges. Through my years of procrastination and peaks and valleys of creative streams, I’ve come to learn that my Art are support beams that keeps the roof of my constitution secure. My style is in constant flux, constant birth, constant death. For me, when it comes to art, style contentment is the cancer to self progression, at least in this period of time. My end goal is to push my style to a structured abstraction, to have a contrast of structure and non-structure without limits.

    This Phantom Galleries exhibition curated by Robert Ragazza.

  • Works San Jose – 365 South Market St. map


    Opening reception: “Time, Memory, Identity, and Place”

    Join us for the opening night of Imprint, presenting work that establishes identities through displacement and movement in place and time. Curated by Sylvia Min, Imprint includes stitches in fabric, photographic prints, paintings, sculptures, installations, and residues of performance. Imprint features work by Mary Ayling, Connie Begg, Carmina Eliason, Sylvia Min, and Lisa Solomon.

    Pictured artwork by Carmina Eliason.

  • Caffé Frascati – 315 South First St. map

    On view: “Iro Iro” by A. Miyako M

    “Iro Iro” in Japanese means “various” or “different kinds of”. As such, I present select pieces from three bodies of work. Rather than defined phases in my art life, these are ongoing projects and stories, three rivers flowing side by side.

    My animal portrait series is inspired by a childhood filled with Japanese folklore and fables featuring critters who went on adventures. Beauties and Blooms is an exploration of my own voice through Hanakotoba (Japanese flower language). Finally, a few pieces from my tarot project, where I painted the Major Arcana and backing design for a tarot deck.

    Born, raised, and currently flourishing in San Jose, CA. I studied Studio Art and Japanese at Santa Clara University, and am self-taught in watercolor. When I’m not painting, I’m scoping out cafes to draw in and petting all the dogs!

    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! for the South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk.

  • SJSU Muse Night at Hammer Theatre – 101 Paseo de San Antonio map

    SJSU Muse Chalk Night at The Hammer

    Stop by the Hammer on this First Friday to add to a one day community chalk mural. Add to the picture or create your own for this one night creation.! The chalk’s on us this time.

  • Social Policy – 200 South First St. map


    Artists’ reception: “Stratis” featuring Megan Moriarty, Nik Radford, Monica Valdez

    A selection of works that speak to how physical layers can represent metaphorical and emotional weight. How our unique realities and our emotional responses to things are shaped by our own perceptions/lenses or layers of our personas.

    Live Music by Dario Jackson & Friends. Pictured artwork (detail) by Nik Radford.

  • SoFA Market – 387 So. First St. map

    Opening reception: “Emotional Siezures” by Kristin Fjeldheim

    A selection of new works of abstract expressonism and mixed media artwork inspired by the issues and current discord in the country and world today.

  • Studio Climbing Gym – 396 South First St. map

    Opening reception: “Photos from when I was really cold, really scared, and really really happy.” by Lizzi Meyer

    Compilation of 35mm and digital photos from climbing trips over the past few years.

  • South FIRST FRIDAYS presents STREET MRKT, an urban faire in SoFA District
    September’s featured themeLIVE and LET DIY!
    First Friday, September 7th, 7–11pm
    Free admission & great for all ages.

    STREET MRKT is an urban faire featuring over 40 artists, plus this month’s special featured theme, “LIVE and LET DIY!” with artists and organizations sharing how-to demos and hands-on experiences.

    “LIVE and LET DIY!” STREET MRKT participating Artists & Indie Creatives:
    Ivy Atoms, Bay Mapless, Patty Botello , David Canavesse, Classic Loot , Crossroads Trading, The Cube, Current Tattooing, Jacquelin de Leon, Denise Deiloh, Lorenz Dumuk, Force 129, Gallery SuhaSuha, Game Dev Club at SJSU, Philip Gonzales, Cynthia Gonzalez, Hand in Hand Henna, Harmand Goldd, Human Sepcimen, Ken Harmount , Kyle Harter, Higher Fire Clayspace, Human Specimen, Immortal Organics, Angela Holmes, Ji Curations, Jodi 408, Dave Leder, LGBTQ Youth Sapce , Valentino Loyola, Lucidbeaming, Frankie McFly, Julie Meridian, Sean Levon Nash , Petite Galleria, Poetry Center San Jose, Al Preciado, Betty Proper, Francisco Ramirez , Jhovany Rodriguez De Ala, Roberto Romo, Sea Senorita Studios, Second Hand Hustle, SIilly Friends, SJSU Graphic Design BFA, TheShop.build, Thomas James Smith, Amy Steinberg, Tochtli Wear, Works San Jose & Zonkey

    Live Music by:
    The Trims, awakebutstillinbed, and MONOStereo (Parque De Los Pobladores Stage at S. 1st & William streets).
    Plus DJ T.Spillman on S. 1st (in front of the California Theater)

    STREET MRKT Beer Garden sponsored by Lagunitas Brewing Co. featuring selections from regional breweries curated by our friends at Good Karma Artisan Ales & Cafe.

    Delicious Food Trucks: Chef Dreams, Creative Sips, Quick Dogs, Sarah’s Latin Taste, Takoz Mod Mex and Twisted Chill