JOIN US for the South FIRST FRIDAYS Art Walk
First Friday, APRIL 6th 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. All ArtwalkSJ venues are FREE admission & open to the public.

NEW EXHIBITS…

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

  
  

  Artist’s reception in galleryTWO: “FACES RAW” Barron Storey solo exhibition.

  There’s something about faces. I remember my mother saying: “Barron always looks at faces…”. A big part of my illustration career–a habit in my journals–an exercise for my students (“The BIG HEADS”) and a focus in the art I’ve loved. I see faces in everything – everything. I was blown away by Chuck Close’s huge faces as much as Mona Lisa’s….

  I’m also seriously attracted to modern abstract art– I see faces there, too. Faces in my own abstract mark making, faces in a de Kooning or a Pollock….”it’s always a face.” That’s a frequent comment in my journals….which leads me to say: “I’m a journal guy”. In over 200 journals I’ve illustrated my life – a life which has become very withdrawn as I age and do much less teaching. Cue the “selfies”–I draw a character based on my own appearance over and over–not looking in a mirror–not really “looking” at anything except the clutter of art supplies on my drawing board. I was taught to emphasize “seeing.” Seeing faces or other images in the marks made by my hand has, to an extent replaced observation of “reality” – looking “inside” rather than outside.

  So when invited by the excellent Brian and Cherri of ANNO DOMINI to show new work, I had to face the fact that almost everything I do now is in my journals (500 pages in the last year and a half) so ….show THAT work.

  By the way, almost all of it is very raw. My new esthetic is what I call “SPLAT.” I’ve lost almost all interest in refined realist painting. “SPLAT” is a process by which the images make themselves. I see images in every splat, and like everything else I look at–those images tend to be–you guessed it–faces. FACES RAW. ~ Barron Storey

  Barron Storey (American, b. April 6, 1940) is an illustrator, graphic novelist, fine artist and noted educator, Storey has created award-winning artworks for the covers and pages of Time, National Geographic, Saturday Review, and The Sandman: Endless Nights among many others including the cover of the classic novel Lord of the Flies by William Golding (1980 edition.) His artworks are held in the collections of the National Air and Space Museum, the American Museum of Natural History, and Smithsonian’s National Portrait Gallery. “FACES RAW” is Storey’s 7th solo exhibition with Anno Domini.

  
  

  On view in galleryONE: “Notches” Joseph Loughborough solo exhibition

  Joseph Loughborough’s third solo show with Anno Domini pushes his oeuvre into the realm of colour. Influenced by a fusion of Primitive art ,Colour-field painting and Stuckism, this new corpus of distorted characters and figures explores the notion of experience and naivety.

  “Notches” take many forms for many reasons. They appear on the nose of a plane, the bedpost, the handle of an axe. They can be found engraved on the wall of a prison cell marking days or years incarcerated. They symbolize an accumulation of some kind. Over the period of a lifetime we could argue that our bodies develop their own lexicon of expression. We become greyed, wrinkled and scarred. We gain experience, we accumulate. We become marked.

  In his new series he uses the notch as a motif to symbolically imbue the work with experience. In a particularly cathartic manner this is contrasted with his experiments into colour which he openly admits to being intimidated by. He uses the structure he is familiar with – The portrait – to engage and confront his naivety by fearlessly bathing these depictions in a provocative palette.

  Joseph Loughborough, b. 1981, spent his formative years exploring the derelict boatyards and creeks of Portsmouth, on the south coast of the UK. After graduating from Portsmouth University he pursued interests in art, philosophy and skateboarding culture, living in London, Paris and currently Berlin, Germany.

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

  
  “Cappuccino”, ceramic, acrylic on wood, 6×6

  “Coffee, Cake and Cat” by Sung Jae Bang and Haelee Choi

  Gallery Suha Suha opens its door with the inaugural exhibition of paintings and ceramic works by San Jose artists Haelee Choi and Sung Jae Bang. The artists’ works roam across the blurred boundaries between the mundane and the reveries that punctuate it. They make no attempt to deny their escapist motives. Rather, these visions are painstakingly wrought into a palpable, craftsmanship-like reality with its own shapes, contours, and textures. Haelee Choi’s paintings trace their roots to illustration. They begin with a Seussian inspiration, but are firmly held together by an adult grammar. Sung Jae Bang’s objects comb through the kitchen with ample gastronomic flair. Scrumptious and inviting, they call the viewer back to where it all started: the tummy. But they are as simultaneously sobering as they are appetizing, for every craving, every hankering eventually leads to naught. Michelin stars on restaurant doors may stay round the clock, but the dishes to which they refer never do, for tastiness is commensurate with the speed at which the food is gobbled up. Food, after all, is to be consumed, while art is to be treasured. Bang’s works suggest the contrary. Art isn’t fundamentally dissimilar to the goods we consume.

• KALEID gallery – 88 South Fourth St. map

  KALEID Gallery is proud to present two new feature exhibitions by gallery resident artists Lourdes Morante-Mieses., and Alfred Preciado for the month of April.

  
  

  Artist’s reception: “Breaking Free” by KALEID Gallery resident artist Lourdes Morante-Mieses.

  In this modern society, a variety of stressors­–economic challenges, racial and social oppression, and family issues–distress the individual in so many ways resulting in physical and emotional health problems that, in some cases, could be fatal.

  This show is intended to inspire the viewers to take important steps in their own lives to break old patterns and emotional chains to achieve freedom, peace, health, balance, and happiness.

  “Art is a form of expression and release for the soul. The making of art creates room for peace, strength, health, happiness and joy.” ~Lourdes Morante-Mieses

  
  

  Artist’s reception: “Fresh Terrain” by KALEID Gallery resident artist Al Preciado.

  This exhibit explores the landscape of the local Scenery and interesting figurative forms.
  The woman as muse and mythology figure is part of my work process.
  Big sloppy, incoherent brush strokes are part of my working technique.
  I enjoy having absolute freedom!!! ~Al Preciado

• 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
  Come kick it with us for our young community’s monthly Youth Open Mic and Art Showcase! We welcome all MC’s, Spoken-word Artists/Poets, Singers, Musicians, Comedians, and all performers. Enjoy live music, a showcase of downtown San Jose, CA photography and watch the public premiere of youth short films.

  Must be ages 13-20 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.

  
  

  Outside at Parque de los Pobladores: Carnaval Sud Americano by Bolivian Dance Team, 8-10pm
  As part of #FirstFridayFiesta, MACLA presents Carnaval Sud Americano by Bolivian Dance Team! Bolivian Dance Team alongside friends of Kantuta Ballet Folklorico de Bolivia, Danza Venezuela Bay Area, and Valverde Dance Theater explore the rich diversity of South America’s vibrant music and dance traditions. Move with Us!

  
  Artwork: Sam Rodriguez, Yesterday & Today

  In the MACLA Gallery: 20th Latino Art Now! Auction and Exhibition
  20th Latino Art Now!: A wonderful array of contemporary Latino art from the Bay Area and beyond. Auction proceeds support MACLA’s programs.

• Caffé Frascati – 315 South First St. map

  

  Opening reception: “San Jose A to Z: An Alphabetical Homage to My City” by Leah Stohs

  A collection featuring 26 titled original photos (A to Z) of the street life, events, views, colors, and vibe of the city of San Jose through my lens – 2016 to present

  I moved to San Jose in 1995 as a young musician with a passion for photography. I was a percussionist with the Santa Clara Vanguard, then attended SJSU as a music performance major, and worked as an event planner and manager with many downtown San Jose restaurants and bars… usually always with a camera by my side – photographing, growing, and changing with this city for two decades. I most recently worked as a theater/concert event manager with Team San Jose Theaters, but in 2017 I took the plunge and chose to pursue a full-time photography career as Owl Eye Photos. Since then, I’ve been blessed to have met and photographed many wonderful clients in the Bay Area, as well as worked on various creative projects with local businesses, nonprofits, and charities. My goal as a photographer is to learn from every opportunity and to share the joy, beauty, poignancy, and wonder all around us.

  

  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

  

  An eclectic mix of performances and art by students from San Jose State happening at the Hammer Theatre Center. With changes monthly you can see anything from cultural dancing to upcoming local artists, all curated and brought to you by the Muse Ambassadors at the Hammer. This month will be featuring SJSU’s Pride of the Pacific Islanders dance, as well as designs and paintings from from various student groups. Stop by the Hammer Patio and see the next generation of artists, performers and innovators!

• Social Policy – 200 South First St. map

  
  

  Artists’ reception: “Impermanence of Mind” featuring: Alisala Nunes, Patty Do, Karen Tsugawa, Enya Gomez, Katie Twisselmann, Angela Smith, Audrey Garcia, Duc Phan, Yosef Gebre, Brian Thornhill, Luisa Morco, and Ash Armstrong

  “Impermanence of Mind,” plays on the concept of one’s states of mind being ever changing. This includes the progression and regression of one’s general mental well being. The focus of this collection of print work is on subject of mental health and what it means to individuals. This concept required our artists to look deep inside themselves and visualize artwork that depicts their own ideas of mental health.

  Live music by: Karley Waters , Karter Ruud, Dario Jackson . Eastern Westerner, The Renegades

• SoFA Market – 387 So. First St. map

  

  Artist’s reception: “WiFi Machine meets DJ InkBlot “ abstract drawings by Jemal Diamond

  South Bay Area artist Jemal Diamond covers the SoFA Market with his improvisational, playful, abstract drawings and illustrations. “My drawing style comes from the grand tradition of doodling. It’s the marks we make in the margins while our focused minds are elsewhere I find most interesting. Most of the work is improvisational, with no intended outcome – only hopeful surprises. Over the years several natural visual motifs developed that I return to again and again, “The Goddess,” “The City,” and the “Map to Heaven.” You’ll find these themes at work here, often a mix of two or all three. There are embedded intentional dichotomies to create a playground of visual cues and possible meaning.” Titles for Jemal’s work comes solely from viewers. Drop by the SoFa Market and add your own title right on the label!

• Studio Climbing Gym – 396 South First St. map

  

  “Sticks And Stones” by Phillip Priolo

  The show is a blend of art mediums. The hiking staffs are works of art in that there is beauty in the discarded. Taking things that are left to rot can become something useful and beautiful with just a little touch up, and all it takes is a short pause to see it. The art isn’t all me. I just use what I find and tweak it. “Art” is subjective and it doesn’t have to require years of practice to create. Sometimes it’s just something to do to kill time. Bonus: these dead sticks are helpful when hiking around the trails. The photos share the same philosophy. I’m fascinated with the textures in nature, and I can’t help but pause to soak in the details of what may be right at my feet. Also, as a climber it’s great to show off the cool places this activity brings us to.

CONTINUED EXHIBITS…

•  Art Ark Gallery – 1035 South Sixth St. map

  
  

  “Arousing Biophilia” Curated by Shannon Amidon

  Artists: Shannon Amidon, Liam Blackwell, Cheryl Coon, Michele Guieu, Melinda Hurst Frye, Pantea Karimi, Carrie Lederer, Cynthia O’Brien, Michael Pisano, Estraven Lupino-Smith, Demetra Theofanous, Alexis Williams

  In this time of social, environmental and political upheaval, this exhibition will offer viewers a moment of contemplation and introspection. Art has a unique ability to help people envision new and innovative ways to observe nature. Arousing Biophilia is an exhibit that seeks to evoke deeper exploration of our natural world, acts of altruism and environmental stewardship by bringing the wonder of nature and the environment back into focus. Artists’ talk at 6pm.

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

  
  

  “Wild Patterns” & “Mogu Mogu Munch Munch” by Harumo Sato

  About Wild Patterns: I have had a strong interest in visual pattern design for as long as I can remember. My parents, who are professional historians, brought me to various ancient ruins around the world to explore. My parents and I visited Japanese, Greek, Roman, Egyptian, and Phoenician ruins. Each visit has had a lasting impact on me. I remember that, as a child, without any historical knowledge as context, I found the pattern designs of all cultures breathtaking.

  An observer can notice that many patterns in design, artwork, and storytelling traverse multiple cultures, timelines, and contexts over the centuries. For example, artistic tiger patterns became known in Japan during the Heian era and gradually became popular, even though no one in Japan ever saw a tiger with their own eyes. This is because tiger patterns were imported from China and India. Interestingly enough, similar design patterns are created independently throughout history and culture. Flower patterns of Ancient Egyptians and of the French Gothic are remarkably similar, but very far apart both in time and geographic location.

  I believe that patterns come from the unconscious mind that we all share. It is for this reason, I choose to study them through my work.
  This is a show to celebrate our unconscious connection and vitalize the beauty of patterns.

  About Mogu Mogu Munch Munch: These five diptych screen print series are inspired by Japanese creation myth and Modern American/Japanese food system. Compared with the Ancient age, changes to the quality and quantity of flour, meat, vegetables, fish, and clams (seafood) are captured through the body of the Japanese food goddess Ogetsuhime. According to the Kojiki or “Records of Ancient Matters,” Ogetsuhime was murdered by the sea god Susano-o when he discovered that she can nourish him with food produced through her orifices. The food was given as a gift from Ogetsuhime, but we seem to forget appreciation toward food and nature. This series questions our current relationship with our food by comparing prehistoric food life and modern food life. This series was exhibited twice in New York.

  Harumo Sato is a California based Japanese visual artist, illustrator, and storyteller. In her art practice, she uses various patterns and colors to create visual pleasure and vivacious energy with the combination of screen prints, Japanese watercolor, sumi ink, and acrylic.

  Exhibition produced by Phantom Galleries guest curator Robert Ragazza.

• PhantomGalleries at The Pierce – 2 Pierce Ave. map

  
  Image credits left to right: Jemal Diamond, Sara Tomasello, Michael Singer

  “2020″ group exhibition featuring artists: Jemal Diamond, Michael Singer, and Sara Tomasello

  Past, present, FUTURE. Where have we been? Where are we going? LOOKING toward the horizon, into the great beyond. Three South Bay artists enVISION the future and explore the collective human journey as we soon approach the year 2020. Abstract Photographer MICHAEL SINGER takes us on a space-aged odyssey with his images of futuristic architecture. Painter SARA TOMASELLO exhibits colorful and lush vignettes depicting ageless archetypes and prophetic narratives. Abstract Illustrator JEMAL DIAMOND muses the future of fashion, the future of hacking, and the future as female.

  Exhibition produced by Phantom Galleries guest curator Vivian Giourousis.

• Works San Jose – 365 South Market St. map

  
  

  “Eco Echo: Unnatural Selection” featuring artists: Anne Beck, Barbara Boissevain, Ginger Burrell, Judith Selby Lang, Richard Lang, Kent Manske, Michelle Wilson, and Nanette Wylde.

  “Eco Echo: Unnatural Selection” presents an array of artists who respond to aspects of our ecological environment in unexpected and diverse ways. Each artist is grappling with some ecological concern, creating echos which are celebratory, poignant, beautiful, complex, and provide opportunity for audience examination and reflection.