Tag Archives: SoFA District

AUGUST 3, 2018 — South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk + STREET MRKT

South FIRST FRIDAYS presents ArtwalkSJ & STREET MRKT

First Friday, August 3rd
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 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.

    Currently the work developed by the Brazilian artist is based on Quantum Physics, String Theory and The Multiverse. In his creations the artist uses elements of different cultures. Civilizations from the past, present, and future, exist simultaneously; characters full of color that inhabit the micro and macro cosmos.

    Despite all the rationality and precision of Physics, the observer travels in a surreal world created by intuition and creativity.

    Chamarelli tries to use a universal language to communicate, through sacred geometry and various symbols. Transmitting the message that everything is connected, and that in order to evolve we must perceive our connection with other human beings, animals, nature, and the cosmos.

    Fernando has worked and exhibited in Brazil, North America and Europe.


    On view in galleryTWO: “Film por Vida” print exchange program by Jai Tanju (San Jose, CA)

    The definition of exchange is the act of giving or taking one thing in return for another. The Film Por Vida print exchange program is an international exchange of photographic prints through the mail by all sorts of photographers from around the world. Jai Tanju has sent out thousands of photos to hundreds of photographers and received almost as much in return, and all the photographers exchange amongst themselves as well.

    “Jai Tanju & the Print Exchange Program has received so much mail from around the world that it’s hard for me to make a list of all the countries; but all I can say is; if I were to fly to almost anywhere in the world, I’d have somewhere to stay. It’s a wide web of friends and family all over the USA, England, Germany, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Norway….” ~ Jai Tanju

  •  Art Ark Gallery – 1035 South Sixth St. map


    Opening reception: “Bioclimatic” by Heather Deyling

    “Bioclimatic” is an immersive installation that explores an imagined future in which species have merged to create new life forms, an adaptation required by the changing conditions of our planet. These “Invented Hybrids” ask the viewer to consider their origins and the circumstances in which they developed. They raise questions about the fate of our planet as the climate rapidly changes and extinctions increase.

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


    Opening reception: “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 Luis Jorge Mieses, and Jonathan Perea.

    Artist’s reception: “Lifecasting” by Luis Jorge Mieses

    Luis Jorge Mieses was born in Peru, where he grew up, graduated, and worked as an Industrial Engineer. Mieses used to travel into the jungle frequently where he had the opportunity to preserve the animal bodies through taxidermy. Taxidermy became one of his main hobbies. It required preparation, shaping and molding parts for mounting different animals. Through taxidermy he discovered the fascinating world of sculpture. Since moving to California
    in 2001, Mieses has devoted his time to sculpture and taxidermy. Mieses conducted extensive research and studies on techniques for making molds and sculptures which led him to the human figure. Since then he has devoted his time to Lifecasting; capturing hands, faces, feet and various parts of the human body.

    Mieses is a distinguished professional in the preparation of life-size sculptures in the Bay Area. His works are owned by many private collectors.

    Artist’s reception: “Équilibre Divine” new drawings by Jonathan Perea

    “I am compelled to create, to share with people another reality, opening an awareness of profound meaning without conventional boundaries. In my art exists the programming of a new metaphor that promotes healing, balance and equilibrium. The holographic, energetic, eternal patterns found in nature resonate with the source within each of us and frees the spirit to find its own path.The contrast of fear and love drive us towards growth as a conduit to nourish the mind and the heart and set the soul free. We are all on a journey of self discovery, but we have to learn to let go of old beliefs so the spirit can truly soar.” ~ artist Jonathan Perea

  • 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
    It’s that time of the month again! This month the Digital Media & Culture Studio (DMC Studio) at MACLA features performances from our Que Onda summer workshop participants. Come kick it at our young community’s monthly Youth Open Mic and Art Showcase hosted by our Spoken Word/Slam instructor Jarvis Subia!
    WELCOMING ALL Rappers, MC’s, 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!


    María María Acha-Kutscher, WOMEN WORKING FOR WOMEN / Indignadas

    In the MACLA Gallery: “We Interrupt This Message” featuring Artists: Luis Pinto, María María, Dignidad Rebelde (Melanie Cervantes & Jesus Barraza), and more!

    Looks at the role of the artists as activist/disruptor through the lens of Latino popular culture (hip hop, punk, Latino youth culture).


    In the Castellano Playhouse: La Clandestina, 8-10pm
    La Clandestina is a band that originates from San Francisco, California. Their music has influences, rhythms, and styles from Latin America and from all over the world. Their repertoire of original music takes you on a festive journey around the world.

    La Clandestina es una banda con orígenes en San Francisco, California. En su música se encuentran influencias de ritmos y estilos latinoamericanos y del mundo en un viaje a través de un repertorio de canciones originales con ambiente festivo

  • PhantomGalleries at The Pierce – 2 Pierce Ave. map


    Artist’s reception: “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


    Opening reception: “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


    Erika Gomez Henao, “Are you happy now? Am I white enough?”

    Infinite Memes: Works member exhibition 2018

    Artist members of Works range from widely exhibited and collected artists to emerging artists and even a few newcomers exhibiting for the first time. Works’ 2018 member exhibition is our community celebration of 41 years of democratic, community access art. This non-juried exhibit of artists who support the community building concept of Works will reveal the broad range of messages, experiences, methods, and styles of our multifaceted community. Celebrate the diversity of our visual arts community on view together at Works.

  • Caffé Frascati – 315 South First St. map

    Opening reception: “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


    art work by Matthew Heimgartner

    Artists’ reception: “Written & Spoken” featuring artists: Fernando Amaro, Mary Anne G, Abby Bettencourt, Jorge Duh, Breanna Estrada, Matthew Heimgartner, Rachel Kok, Mackenzie Pope, Angela Smith, Katie Twisselmann, A Miyako M

    August is celebrating the diversity of the written word and the many ways it can be incorporated in art, as well as the power and influence of the spoken language. The reception includes live readings and live music throughout the evening.

  • SoFA Market – 387 So. First St. map

    Opening reception: “Move” by Jacoby Hinton

    “Move” is an exhibit that seeks to thrill the audience through bold colors and advanced human figure maneuvers. There is a peak between powerful and graceful when describing the dynamic movement of the human body; this exhibit seeks to explore that space between the two. The paintings on display here come from a new series by emerging artist, Jacoby Hinton.

  • Studio Climbing Gym – 396 South First St. map

    On view: “Urbanization II: a process” by Peter Edwards

    Selected works focusing on urbanization and its destructive qualities on the environment; a dystopian look on the rise of civilization. Supplemented with a look into the artistic process of how the wood block prints were created.

  • South FIRST FRIDAYS presents STREET MRKT, an urban faire in SoFA District
    Friday August 3rd 7pm–11pm
    Free admission & great for all ages.SoFA District.

    STREET MRKT is an urban faire featuring over 40 artists, plus this month’s special feature: an Art of Zines tabling section. Also expect street performances, DJs spinning music, gourmet food trucks and a beer garden offering selections from local breweries curated by our friends at Good Karma Cafe.
    All Art Walk venues & STREET MRKT is FREE admission & great for all ages.

    STREET MRKT Artists: American Temple Clothing, David Canavesse, Canvas Art by Hip Room, Classic Loot, Crossroads Trading, Current Tattooing, Denise Deiloh, Emonic, Force 129, Gallery SuhaSuha, Harmand Golddd, Cynthia Gonzalez, Hand in Hand Henna, Kyle Harter, Higher Fire Clayspace, Kyoko HIrota & Silly Friends, Human Specimen, Immortal Organics, Jodi 408, Kathy Kay Shirts, Airy Kurktchi, Dave Leder, LGBTQ Youth Space, Loyola Arts, Lucidbeaming, Julie Meridian, Frankie McFly, Nothin’ But A Tree Thang, Petite Galleria, Al Preciado, Betty Proper, Francisco Ramirez, Marilyn Roaf, Jhovany Rodriguez De Ala, Roberto Romo, Harumo Sato , Sea Señorita Studios, Sean Levon Nash, Second Hand Hustle, Tochtli Wear, Works San Jose & Zonkey

    Art of Zines Artists: ArtKit Magazine, Ivy Atoms, Mark Badger, Cocolab the baby factory, GabuShop, KeptAbsorbed, Seeing Things Gallery, SJSU BFA Graphic Design, Smuttywood, TLC Zines & A Work of Heart

    Food Trucks: Chef Dreams, Creative Sips, Quick Dogs, Sarah’s Latin Taste & Takoz Mod Mex

    Street performance: Bloco do Sol begins at 8pm (instersection of S 1st & San Salvador St. and moves to Parques de los Pobladores at S 1st & William St.)

    Music by: DJ RS2 (north end of SoFA) & El Otro Mundo Collective (Parque De Los Pobladores)