C
CONTENT
SPECIAL ISSUE
“Explore San Jose” 2026
Welcome to San Jose!
I was raised in San Jose and founded CONTENT MAGAZINE , a publication featuring the creative culture of the South Bay, which means I’ve spent a fair amount of time wandering this city, meeting its creators, and indirectly finding out where to take friends when they ask, “So what’s actually cool around here?”
Compiled by our editorial team and shaped by 13 years of running a magazine out of downtown, this special issue is our answer. It’s not a comprehensive, all-knowing list—San Jose is way too big and way too full of hidden gems for that. But this is where we actually go ourselves and take family and friends. Yes, we’re a little biased toward the city center. But hey, when you live somewhere, it grows on you.
Because we’re all artists and travelers, too, we skipped the usual “top ten attractions” that every glossy brochure and SEO-optimized website will pop up. You already have a smartphone, so you’ll find those instantly. Instead, we wanted to share the neighborhoods, artists, creatives, and corners of the city that make San Jose feel like San Jose: the stuff I’d like to find when I travel, the place the local creatives enjoy—always for the quality and the vibe—and, as a true downtown San Josean, never a chain.
We hope you enjoy your visit,
Daniel Garcia
The Cultivator
Editors
Danae Stahlnecker, David E. Valdespino Jr.
Esther Young, Samantha Hull
Writers
Danae Stahlnecker, David E. Valdespino Jr.
Esther Young, Jessica Kwong, Joshua Hascall
Kiana Mehrany, Michelle Rundowitz
Samantha Hull, Yvonne Phan
All materials in CONTENT MAGAZINE are protected by United States copyright law and may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, displayed, published, broadcast, or modified in any way without the prior written consent of Silicon Valley Creates, or in the case of third party materials, the owner of that content. You may not alter or remove any trademark, copyright or other notice from copies of this content. For further information, or to participate in the production or distribution, please contact us at editor@content-magazine.com.
Designers
Kevin Peth, Trinh Mai Garcia
Photographers
Daniel Garcia, Cherri Lakey
John Agcaoili, Maceo Inoue
Stan Olszewski, Swagato B. Photography
Explore
REPRESENTING ALL OF SAN JOSE’S cultural gems in one zine would be nearly impossible—so, we didn’t. Instead, we focused on the Downtown Core, Japantown, Little Italy , the South First Area (SoFA) Arts District, and a vast swath of the city referred to as Beyond Downtown. What this special issue calls the Downtown Core comprises multiple historic districts, including the Historic District, San Pedro Square, and St. James, located between San José State University and the Guadalupe Freeway. Little Italy and SoFA, often considered downtown, as well as Japantown, located north of downtown, remain distinct. Beyond Downtown is meant to capture everywhere else, including The Alameda, Creekside, East Village, Little Portugal, Little Saigon, Mayfair, Santana Row, Willow Glen, and more. C
Downtown Core
Framed by the historic Bank of Italy tower and the iconic Adobe World Headquarters, Downtown San Jose is a beacon of duality: historic and modern, a college town and a business capital. Quaint and business-focused by day, the Downtown Core can be identified by iconic theater venues, legacy and contemporary art institutions, a range of dining experiences, San Pedro Square Market, and a vibrant nightlife.
SoFA District
The SoFA district is home to San Jose’s South FIRST FRIDAYS artwalk, as well as music venues and galleries that shape the South Bay arts and culture scene. During South FIRST FRIDAYS, galleries are open late for free, offering a perfect opportunity to be inspired by locally and nationally recognized artists. Come for the art; stay for music and drinks.
Japantown
Founded originally as boardinghouses for Japanese men who immigrated to the area in 1887 for labor and farming jobs, San Jose’s Japantown is one of the last three remaining in the United States and one of California’s 24 state-designated Cultural Districts. Today, it stands as a cultural and historic area for Japanese culture in Silicon Valley. The San Jose Buddhist Church Betsuin was founded in 1902, and its annual Oban festival each summer honors ancestors who have passed, bringing together the community to celebrate Japanese cultural identity through offerings, dance, and crafts.
Little Italy
Founded in the 1880s as an original Italian immigrant settlement, this historic pocket is now a gateway between the Shark Tank and downtown. That early history is on full display within the Little Italy San Jose Cultural Center & Museum—and the subterranean speakeasy cellar below it. Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine, grab original San Jose BBQ at Henry’s Hi-Life, pregame at Ancora Vino before a hockey match, and catch live music at Poor House Bistro.
Beyond Downtown
Beyond the downtown core, family-run businesses share the traditions, dialects, and flavors that speak to a diasporic sense of home. In east San Jose, Emma Prusch Farm Park offers fresh produce, and the colorful walls of La Placita Tropicana stand as a core hub in any Eastsider’s memory. Throughout midtown San Jose, vintage and thrift shops reveal both the glamour and grit of an authentic, flashy past. Going west, the Municipal Rose Garden serves as a prime location for picnics and photo shoots. Past this neighborhood, where the roads widen and each home bears a distinct character, the Santana Row shopping center attracts international visitors with a penchant for brand names and fine dining.
Dueñas
Local Culture
(L to R)
Angel Romero (President), Anna Piñeda, Dominique Topete (Bike Club President), Teresa Garcia, and Elizabeth Perez (Club Public Relations)
“San Jose doesn’t get the recognition it deserves for being the lowrider capital,” says Angel Romero, founder of Dueñas, an all-women’s lowrider club.
Angel’s love for lowriders came from her mom, who tricked up a brand new 1977 Monte Carlo she had received for her own quinceañera. When Angel and her siblings were kids, this was the car they’d cruise around in with their mom, jumping around and messing with the switches. By the time she was twelve, Angel knew how to cruise around on her own—sometimes joining the popular route on El Camino in Santa Clara.
Angel’s first car, a 1965 Impala, has been her one-and-only for 21 years now. She painted it purple “since that’s my mom’s favorite color, and I wanted everyone to know it was a woman’s car.”
After joining a couple different car clubs
between years of solo riding, Angel helped build the United Lowrider Council of San Jose. Her vision of community service work built the foundation for Dueñas. The all-woman’s fleet works with local organizations to hold toy drives, fundraisers, and safety kits—pulling up in outfits that match their cars. C
Dueñas
IG: duenascarclub
For more info on the Lowrider scene, other clubs, and events, check out United Lowrider Council of San José. ulcsj.com
IG: lowridercouncil
Its pulse thrives in a legacy of lowriding and Chicano neighborhoods, beats through Little Saigon and Japantown, echoes in historic Portuguese and Italian communities, and flows along Santana Row’s European facades. It lives in the history, innovation, and diversity of those who live, create, and play here. C
Little Italy San Jose Cultural Center & Museum
Located above the Italian Cellar Speakeasy, this musuem showcases local Italian history and culture to honor the rich heritage of Italian settlers and leaves a legacy for future generations.
323 Sharks Way littleitalysj.com
IG: littleitalysj
Mosaic America
Vietnam Town
Outside of Vietnam, San Jose contains the largest Vietnamese population. This plaza houses Lion Market and Grand Century Mall, along with cafes, restaurants, beauty parlors, and shops that all provide a sense of home.
909-999 Story Road vietnamtownsanjose.com IG:vietnamtownsanjose
Mexican Heritage Plaza
This nonprofit fosters a sense of belonging by highlighting shared humanity. Through unique crosscultural art and performances, they bring diverse artists together to celebrate the traditions and stories that unite our community.
mosaicamerica.org
IG: mosaicamerica
Once the site of historic boycotts led by Cesar Chavez, La Plaza’s legacy continues as a multicultural community hub. It serves as home to Chicano theater company Teatro Visión, folklorico dance company Los Lupeños, and Aztec dance group Calpulli Ocelocihuatl. The campus also features a gallery, classrooms, and a state-of-the-art 500-seat theater.
1700 Alum Rock Avenue schoolofartsandculture.org
IG:schoolatmhp
San Pedro Square Market
87 N. San Pedro Street sanpedrosquaremarket.com
IG: spsmarket
LEAD Filipino
L EAD Filipino mobilizes Filipino and AAPI communities through leadership development, civic engagement, and cross-cultural coalition building.
(408) 614-7013 leadfilipino.org leadfilipino
Kuumba
This Black-led nonprofit cultivates community wellness through West African dance and rhythms while encouraging communal artistic expression. kuumba.online
IG: __kuumba
San Jose Flea Market
Young families, savvy trendsetters, and resourceful artists alike find goods worth haggling for at this flea market established in 1960. Live performers and food trucks enhance leisurely mornings strolling through vendors’ canopies, discovering every type of item under the sun.
1590 Berryessa Road (408) 453-1110 sjfm.com
IG: sjfleamarket
535 N. 5th Street (408) 294-3138 jamsj.org
IG: jamsjofficial
Los Lupeños de San José
Since 1969, Los Lupeños has celebrated cultural pride through Mexican folk dance. loslupenos.org
IG: loslupenos
San Jose Taiko
Through innovative performances and diverse educational programs, San Jose Taiko honors and develops the Japanese drumming tradition in the Bay. Their work through the San Jose Taiko Conservatory aims to increase the public’s knowledge of taiko and its roots in Japanese culture.
565 N. 5th Sreet taiko.org
IG:sanjosetaiko
History San José
Historic Santa Clara Valley comes to life through an immersive site for both families and academic researchers. Paved streets lead to over 30 original and reproduction homes, shops, and landmarks— complete with a trolley running on the weekends.
1650 Senter Road
(408) 287-2290
historysanjose.org
IG: historysanjose
Company of San José
Mythili Kumar founded this South Indian dance company in 1980 to preserve Bharatanatyam traditions through expressive storytelling and rhythmic footwork in captivating performances. abhinaya.org
IG: abdanceco
Guildhouse
A true social gaming bar and lounge that celebrates the unique tech culture of Silicon Valley. Guildhouse brings together drinks, nibbles, and myriads of games from board games to PC and console video games.
420 S. 1st Street
guildhouse.gg
IG: guildhouse
The Tech Interactive
201 S. Market Street
(408) 294-8324
thetech.org
IG: thetechinteractive
SAN JOSE’S TATTOO SCENE
Tattoo culture is another staple of San Jose’s art scene, with dozens of shops that reflect the city’s diversity. Studios emphasize different styles, including but not limited to: traditional Japanese work at State of Grace, Polynesian stylings at Humble Beginnings, Chicanostyle work at Blacksuit Tattoo, contemporary tattooing at Floating House, and American traditional at Holy Scythe and Current Tattooing. C
Blacksuit Tattoo
17 S. 2nd Street
(669) 292-5554
IG: blacksuittattoo
Current Tattooing
48 Race Street current-sj.com
IG: current_tattooing
Humble Beginnings Tattoo San Jose
982 The Alameda humblebeginningstattoo.com
IG: humblebeginningstattoo
State of Grace Tattoo
221 Jackson Street stateofgracetattoo.com
IG: stateofgracetattoo
Murals
Juan Carlos Araujo Empire Seven Studios / SJ Walls
“There are so many artists who just want to express themselves,” shares Juan Carlos Araujo, founder and creative director of Empire Seven Studios and SJ Walls. Araujo, an artist who grew up in San Jose, first painted on walls doing graffiti. He founded Empire Seven Studios, an independent small business that includes a gallery and creative studio, in 2008. In 2013, the studio began to bring art to public walls—a DIY movement at a time when street art began to take off. “I was traveling a lot and saw what was happening in other cities, specifically cities that might not have had a lot of public art but began to embrace it, and it became this explosive movement that started to really take off. I wanted to bring that to San Jose,” Araujo reflects.
In 2017, Empire Seven founded SJ Walls (formerly POW! WOW! San Jose), an annual mural festival as part of the larger international cohort of public art festivals, Worldwide Walls.
The festival has brought dozens of murals to downtown San Jose, including the largest mural in the city. For Araujo, the festival has provided artists with the opportunity to play and express themselves: “Even if they are getting some of the best commission work at the biggest companies, artists still want an opportunity to come to an event like SJ Walls where they can be themselves and express themselves as freethinkers.” C
Empire Seven Studios / SJ Walls
525 N. 7th Street, Suite 10 empiresevenstudios.com sjwalls.com
IG: empire7studios
IG: sanjosewalls
Mural by Kensuke Takahashi IG: kensuketakahashi1977.art
Sophie Holding the World Together
by El Mac
Monster Party
by Kevin Lyons
525 N. 7th Street
IG: klyonsnatborn
Mural by 123Klan
525 N. 7th Street
IG: 123klan
by How and Nosm
Erin Salazar
Murals
Local Color
Local Color SJ is not an arts organization; it’s an artists’ organization. Founded in 2015 as a nonprofit 501(c)(3) by San Jose-based artist Erin Salazar, Local Color is for artists, by artists. This ethos drives their mission to build equitable pathways for artists to thrive. “I care about supporting local artists getting paid equitably for work that beautifies and signifies the community that they live in,” Salazar shares. Their public art program has brought together a community of local artists to celebrate San Jose’s cultural diversity. Vital to their program, Salazar shares, is “the ability to have your community represented back at you and to ensure that artists have the things that they need to thrive.” She adds, “Because we work with such a diversity of artists—we work with artists who have a variety of different backgrounds, cultures, histories, and lived experiences—when people come to San Jose, they see themselves reflected in their public spaces, too.” From celebrating 100 artists in 100 Block SJ to bringing the community together to paint the Threads Woven street mural, Local Color has redistributed over $1.8 million back to creatives, demonstrating its commitment to nurturing San Jose’s artistic community. C
Local Color
300 S. 1st Street localcolorsj.org IG: localcolorsj
Fruit of Our Labor
100 Block SJ
300
1st
Hillside
by Stef Azevedo
stefari
by Patrick Hofmeister
by Lacey Bryant
The Grand Strike Mural
Th e mural honors Dolores Huerta, Larry Itliong, Cesar Chavez, Philip Vera Cruz, and labor movements, recognizing Itliong’s leadership in uniting cultures and advancing farmworker rights. by Juan Velazquez with Analyn Bones, Miguel Machuca, Melissa Manuel, Jordan Gabriel, and Eddie Romo.
N. 4th Street and Santa Clara Street
GRAFFITI CULTURE
The foundation of San Jose’s modern mural movement is rooted in the artistic and technical skills of the city’s graffiti history. The techniques perfected by graffiti writers—including bold lines, complex color work, and spray-can control—have become key elements carried into many large-scale public art projects.
Locally, graffiti culture has moved into the mainstream, with support from collectives such as 1Culture, TWC (Together We Create), and Writers Bench, which directly honor graffiti’s history by securing open walls to showcase South Bay writers’ work. While graffiti and muralism are distinct practices, the style can be found in multiple open-air galleries across the city. C
1Culture Culture Walls
View walls behind 17 S. 4th Street and at 2770 Story Road.
1culturegallery.com
IG: 1culture_
IG: culturewalls
Writers Bench
Together We Create
Retail space featuring urban art supplies, stickers, and digital art.
432 E. Santa Clara Street
IG: writersbench_
A San Jose artist collective using graffiti culture to educate and strengthen community.
twc408.com
IG: twc408
Writers Bench Alley behind 2222 Business Circle
1Culture Alley 17 S. 4th Street.
River
Art Scene
Cherri Lakey and Brian Eder Anno Domini
Cherri Lakey and Brian Eder have played a pivotal role in shaping and energizing the art culture in downtown San Jose’s SoFA district. Their gallery openings often mark a starting point for art-goers exploring the neighborhood, making the couple a recognizable face of the local scene.
In 2000, they created a home for street art, subculture, counterculture, and activism when they launched their first art space, Anno Domini, in a warehouse. “We wanted to be a place to bring people together to celebrate, participate, and support those artists we felt were important voices of our time,” said Cherri.
Six years later, they took a leading role in developing the South FIRST FRIDAYS artwalk, and two years after that, the SubZERO Festival was born. “When we moved into the SoFA District, we knew our Anno Domini friends
would be coming for our First Friday openings, and we didn’t want to just send them into a bar afterwards. So we called up a couple of our friends at Works/SJ, MACLA, and the Quilt Museum and told them that if they would stay open late and be free admission, we would send our friends to them,” said Cherri. “It’s a great event because it has so many ripple effects for artists’ recognition, gallery attendance, and our small businesses that benefit from the community coming out.” C
Anno Domini
366 S. 1st Street (408) 271-5155 galleryad.com IG: annodominigallery
Institute of Contemporary Art San Jose (ICA)
The ICA occupies a 7,500-square-foot space in the heart of the SoFA District. Each year, it presents eight to twelve exhibitions across a range of media, alongside public programs, live art demonstrations, and performances.
560 S. 1st Street (408) 283-8155
icasanjose.org
IG: icasanjose
Art Ark Gallery
1035 S. 6th Street artarkgallery.com
KALEID Gallery
Launched by Cherri Lakey and Brian Eder in 2006, this gallery grew from their Phantom Galleries initiative to activate vacant storefronts with local art. The space now showcases work by 60 local artists and is dedicated to making fine art accessible for purchase. Each month, a resident artist is highlighted with a solo exhibition during South FIRST FRIDAYS.
320 S. 1st Street (408) 947-1785 kaleidgallery.com
IG: kaleidgallery
Chopsticks Alley Art
Chopsticks Alley Art brings Southeast Asian cultural heritage to life through creative expression. The space offers art programs, hands-on classes, and a platform where local artists and voices converge, share stories, and celebrate culture through the arts.
38 S. 2nd Street chopsticksalleyart.org
IG: chopsticksalleyart
Noble Workshop & Gallery
500 S. Almaden Boulevard localcolorsj.org
IG: noble.dtsj
Empire Seven Studios
From its humble beginnings in a tin-roofed warehouse to its current modern commercial space, Empire Seven Studios features a striking gallery, gift shop, and outdoor area adorned with murals and seating. The studio invites visitors to San Jose’s Japantown to experience contemporary art, crafts, and films, blending creativity with community.
525 N. 7th Street, Suite 10 (408) 638-7846
empiresevenstudios.com
IG: empire7studios
Art Scene
San Jose-born fiber textile artist Alyssarhaye Graciano has stitched herself into the heart of the city’s creative ecosystem. As curator for MACLA (Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana) in the SoFA District, she balances her own textile practice with the responsibility of shepherding new artistic voices into the public eye. Her creative reach also extends beyond the gallery walls: She’s the author of Chunky Knits: Cozy Hats, Scarves and More Made Simple with Extra-Large Yarn, a book that champions accessibility in knitting. At MACLA, Graciano continues the organization’s legacy of elevating Latino artists, helping them connect with audiences across the Bay Area. “At MACLA, we pay artists when they’re exhibiting their work or if they’re doing some sort of program or workshop because we believe in trying to create a sustainable art career,” said Graciano.
Graciano’s vision threads together art, access, and belonging in the SoFA district as well as the community at large. “I would like to see more folks being able to stay in San Jose, being able to afford to stay as creatives, as artists, and [see] how we can all give back to the community that helped raise us,” said Graciano. C
Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana
510 S. 1st Street (408) 998-2783
maclaarte.org
IG: macla_sanjose
Alyssarhaye Graciano MACLA
San Jose Museum of Quilt and Textiles
In 1977, a group of dedicated quilters and arts enthusiasts from the Santa Clara Valley Quilt Association founded the San Jose Museum of Quilts & Textiles. Their 13,000-square-foot building now holds a permanent collection of over 1,000 quilts, garments, and ethnic textiles, spanning the 20th and 21st centuries.
520 S. 1st St (408) 384-8382
sj-mqt.org
IG: sjmqt
Phantom Galleries
Phantom began as an urban activism project to keep the heartbeat of downtown going during the aftermath of the September 11. Community artists transformed empty downtown, street-level windows and public spaces into vibrant canvases, filling the streets with color, movement, and life for passersby to experince ever-changing installations as a testament to our local creativity.
2 Pierce Avenue (at Market Street) (408) 394-1093 phantomgalleries.com
IG: phantomgalleries
San
José Museum of Art
110 S. Market Street
(408) 271-6840
sjmusart.org
IG: sanjosemuseumofart
Works/San José
Works/San José is an all-volunteer, nonprofit alternative art and performance center that provides a platform for artists, ideas, and images that broaden cultural and artistic horizons. The space hosts a diverse range of musical performances, art exhibitions, and a monthly poetry series called Well-RED.
38 S. 2nd Street (408) 300-6405
workssanjose.org
IG: workssanjose
Know Future Gallery
Know Future Gallery combines gallery space with artist studios in San Jose’s Japantown. Showcasing a mix of local and international talent, the gallery also offers hands-on workshops, such as block printing, taught by professional artists.
592 N. 5th Street knowfuturegallery.org IG: knowfuturegallery
Fuse Presents
at Citadel Art Studios
199 Martha Street fusepresentssj.com
IG: fusepresents
Art Object Gallery
An integral part of Japantown’s vibrant cultural landscape, the gallery showcases contemporary paintings, prints, sculpture, and mixed-media works, with visits available by appointment.
592 N. 5th Street (408) 288-9305 artobjectgallery.com
IG: artobjectgallery
Anno Domini
Housed in a former historic movie theater building, Anno Domini showcases rotating exhibitions of works by contemporary artists. Recognized by Juxtapoz Magazine as one of the Top 50 Galleries in the World, the gallery seeks out artists who are shaping history right before our eyes.
366 S. 1st Street (408) 271-5155 galleryad.com
IG: AnnoDominiGallery
Hammer2 Gallery
Located in the Hammer Theatre.
101 Paseo de San Antinio hammertheatre.com/h2-gallery
IG: hammertheatrecenter
Natalie & James Thompson Gallery (SJSU)
Art Building 129 One Washington Street sjsu.edu/thompsongallery
IG: sjsuartgalleries
Miro Gallery San Jose
by Stevenson Arts Foundation
181 E. Santa Clara Street stevensonartsfoundation.org
Silicon Valley Asian Art Center / San Jose
150 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite B artshu.com
Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana (MACLA)
Founded in 1989, MACLA is a cornerstone of the region’s Latin-American creative landscape. In 2010, Philanthropedia recognized the organization as one of the “21 most effective arts & culture organizations in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.” Today, MACLA regularly presents exhibitions, workshops, and community programs, and remains a key contributor to major downtown arts events.
510 S. 1st Street (408) 998-2783 maclaarte.org
IG: macla_sanjose
Visual Philosophy Studio
1065 The Alameda visualphilosophystudio.com
IG: visualphilosophystudio
SAN JOSÉ PUBLIC ART
The San José Public Art Program manages over 470 works across 150 sites—including the airport, transit hubs, and parks. By pairing site-specific commissions with civic infrastructure, they aim to not only add to the visual dynamics of the city, but also to document the city’s cultural identity and inspire community connections. In 2026, the program extends this reach through immersive art activations coinciding with major sports events, bringing worldwide attention to Silicon Valley. Residents will see their stories featured in a Hometown Heroes exhibition at City Hall, participate alongside 2,000 locals in an Invisible Skies performance event, and take part in San José State University’s tech-driven Gaiascope and Free Throw installations. C
Sonic Runway
Urban Rooms
Sensing YOU / Sensing WATER
map
Plumed Serpent
by Robert Graham Plaza de Cesar Chavez
by Rob Jensen, Warren Trezevant, and Stockhausen San Jose City Hall
by Estudio Teddy Cruz + Forman Parque De Los Poblado
by Dan Corson Hwy 87 Underpass at Santa Clara Street
Aztec Murals
by Jesse Hernandez Underpass at Dupont Street and W. San Carlos Street
Zuri Alexa
Music & Theater
DJ & Experience Curator
Zuri Alexa is a DJ and experience curator known for bringing good vibes to any function. Her DJ sets are multifaceted and blend genres like R&B and house. You can find her spinning at all types of events and places throughout San Jose and the greater Bay Area—including Tech at Nite at the Tech Interactive, local coffee shops like Academic Coffee, the Silicon Valley PRIDE Parade, and even more low-key block parties.
She is also a producer at Universal Grammar, a music event production company that highlights emerging artists and fosters communities around soul, R&B, jazz, and electronic music. In the past, Universal Grammar has brought artists like the Internet, Omar Apollo, Snoh Aalegra, and Kaytranada to San Jose years before they
started to play larger venues. Universal Grammar tends to put on small intimate shows of about 150 people—the kind of show you look back on and can’t believe you were there before the artist blew up. “Talent and culture has always been here in San Jose, just underground,” said Zuri. “San Jose is an ‘if you know, you know’ kind of place. We have a lot of hidden gems.” C
IG: intentionalz
IG: ungramr
SJZ Break Room
Often called San Jose’s own Tiny Desk, SJZ Break Room is an all-ages live music venue located in a former office building. With a 100-person capacity, everyone can feel the magic of jazz and R&B while enjoying drinks, snacks, and lounge seating.
310 S. 1st Street (408) 288-7557
sanjosejazz.org
IG: sjzbreakroom | sanjosejazz
The Hedley Club
Set in Hotel De Anza, this legendary lounge pairs live music and jazz with signature cocktails.
233 W. Santa Clara Street (408) 286-1000 hoteldeanza.com
IG: thehedleyclub
55 South
55 S. 1st Street (408) 288-6000
the55south.com
IG: the55south
Still O.G. & Alter Ego Cocktail Club
Enjoy draft cocktails and vinyl DJs at Still O.G., then follow the music to Alter Ego, an elevated backroom speakeasy with refined bites and spirits.
66 S. 1st Street (408) 703-2084
stillog.bar
IG: stillog.bar | alteregococktailclub
Poor House Bistro
Poor House Bistro is a New Orleans and Creole-Italian style restaurant that features live music Wednesday through Sunday. They host local jazz, blues, and jam bands and have been serving Cajun style dishes for over 20 years.
317 Sharks Way (408) 292-5837
poorhousebistro.com
IG: poorhousebistro
Levitt Pavilion
A community venue for free, all-ages, high-quality live music and performances in historic St. James Park.
N 2nd Street and E. St. James Street (at St. James Park)
levittsanjose.org
IG: levittsanjose
The Caravan Lounge
Open 365 days a year since 1964, this proper dive bar books free punk and metal band shows alongside burlesque and comedy acts. Despite heavy pours paid in cash, no drama is tolerated
98 Almaden Avenue (408) 995-6220
caravanloungesanjose.com
IG: caravanloungesj
The Ritz
400 S. 1st Street (408) 982-3784
theritzsanjose.com
IG: theritzsj
The San Jose Improv
In the historic Jose Theater, this comedy club showcases top-tier talent and monlthy local open mics.
62 S. 2nd Street (408) 280-7475
improv.com/sanjose
IG: sanjoseimprov
3Below Theaters
A family-run playhouse offering a diverse mix of live theater, independent cinema, and cult classics.
288 S. 2nd Street (408) 404-7711
3belowtheaters.com
IG: 3belowtheaters
San Jose Theaters
Team San Jose presents Broadway hits, concerts, and opera across four iconic venues: the San Jose Civic, Center for the Performing Arts, California Theatre, and Montgomery Theater. (408) 792-4542 sanjosetheaters.org
City Lights Theatre Company
Entertaining audiences with plays, musicals, new works in an intimate 100-seat venue since 1982.
529 S. 2nd Street cltc.org
IG: citylightstheatre
Chinese Performing Arts of America Silicon Valley
6148 Bollinger Road (408) 598-1276 cpaasv.org
IG: cpaasv
Teatro Visión
Chicano theater born of the United Farm Workers movement explores the Latinx experience.
teatrovision.org
IG: teatrovisiondesj
SAN JOSE FILM FESTIVALS
Silicon Valley Asian Pacific FilmFest
svapfilmfest.org
IG: catsasiantheater
Silicon Valley African Film Festival
svaff.org
IG: svafilmfest
Cinequest
cinequest.org
IG: cinequestorg
SJ International Short Film Festival
sjsff.com
IG: sjisff
Artistic Director
Associate
Music & Theater
Johnny Moreno
Johnny Moreno is an award-winning San Josebased actor, associate artistic director at the San Jose Stage Company, and theater professor at San José State University. He has worked with the Stage since 1999 and has advocated for cuttingedge plays that spark new ideas and thoughtful dialogue with audiences. “I love the daring selection of plays at the Stage. I played Jacob McNeal in McNeal. It’s a very heavy show about AI and the future of humanity. Last year, we did Enemy of the People, a play about capitalism and ambition,” said Johnny. The Stage balances heavy hitters with productions like Million Dollar Quartet, a musical about the time Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins came together for a legendary jam session.
The diversity of plays at the Stage reflects San Jose’s diverse community. When reimagining classics, Johnny advocates for more diverse representation and storytelling. It’s one of the most important concepts he teaches in his courses at SJSU. He said,“I encourage my students and anyone I work with: ‘Don’t let anyone tell you what stories you should tell. What stories do you want to tell?’ ” C
The Stage
490 S. 1st Street (408) 283-7142
thestage.org
IG: sanjosestage
Food
Goodtime Bar in downtown San Jose’s Fountain Alley was co-founded by Ann Le and Steven Huynh, inspired by Portuguese natural wine bars, to create a community-focused “third space.” This ethos attracted local chef Alex Whiteman.
Born and raised in San Jose, Chef Whiteman grew up in a “food-positive” family. His mother reinforced this foundation by ensuring family dinners and hosting blindfolded games of “guess the spice,” which cultivated his keen sense of aroma. This combination of comfort and curiosity led him to New York for culinary school, then to kitchens like Momofuku. He worked alongside Chef Calvin Eng at the Brooklyn-based Taiwanese-American restaurant, Win Son, where Eng taught him that success can stem from strong principles and organization, not just skill.
Chef Whiteman’s philosophy centers on cooking food he himself enjoys, working with
the seasons, and sourcing ingredients locally. The resulting menu is constantly evolving and designed to complement the exciting, eccentric profiles of natural wine, offering flavors that are both comforting and bold.
Goodtime Bar is part of an emerging collaborative culinary community in San Jose. Chef Whiteman values the knowledge shared amongst local chefs, believing they are “much stronger together.” He hopes the menu, paired with a glass of natural wine, can provide some comfort after a long day. C
Goodtime Bar
30 Fountain Alley #160 (408) 256-1266 goodtimebarsj.com IG: goodtimebarsj
Las Delicias de Toñita
Husband-and-wife-owned taqueria pop-up offers authentic Mexican street food with handmade tortillas and expertly seasoned favorites like al pastor, carnitas, and camarones. Visit for a taste of San Jose soul, and support a local couple working toward a brick-and-mortar dream.
300 S. 1st Street (408) 307-3452
lasdeliciasdetonitaca.com
IG: lasdeliciasdetonita_
Poppy & Claro
50 W. San Fernando Street (408) 408-7777
poppyandclaro.com
IG: poppyandclaro
Mommys Bánh Mí
86 N. Market Street
mommysbanhmi.com
IG: mommysbanhmicart
The Pressroom
189 W. Santa Clara Street (408) 256-7475 pressroomsj.com
IG: pressroomsj
6th Street Burgers
235 E. Santa Clara Street #112 (408) 444-6835
6thstreetburger.com
IG: 6thstreetburger
Eos & Nyx
Eos & Nyx offers a dynamic culinary journey led by Chef Nicko Moulinos, blending seasonal Californian ingredients with bold, global influences from the Mediterranean to Asia. Experience innovative, flavorful dishes in a stunning, dual-level space perfect for a lively brunch or a sophisticated dinner.
201 S. 2nd Street, Suite 120 (408) 831-6880
eosnyxsj.com
IG: eosnyxsj
Pho Gà An Nam
740 Story Road, Suite 8 phogaannam.restaurant
IG: phogaannam
Vegetarian
House Vegan
Offering 100% plant-based dining and vegan catering since 1994, with a flavorful menu of gluten-free, nut-free, and soy-free options.
520 E. Santa Clara Street
vegetarianhouse.com
IG: vegetarianhousesj
Aina’s Vegan Banh Mi
449 E. Santa Clara Street (408) 515-0469
veganbanhmi.com
IG: ainasvegan
Vegan Bistro Donuts & Café
Indulge your sweet side at the Vegan Bistro with a wide range of treats from fluffy donuts and huge cinnamon rolls to matcha lattes. As a bonus, nestled inside the same shop is a tiny vegan bánh mi stand, serving hearty sandwiches packed with delicious proteins and fresh veggies.
449 E. Santa Clara Street
veganbistrodonuts.com
IG: dovedonutscafe ´
Tofoo Com Chay
This hidden gem with limited seating serves Vietnamese-inspired vegan cuisine, including summer rolls, fried rice, “chicken salad” loaded with fresh herbs, and a suite of á la carte proteins. With large portions at good prices, you’ll want to order some extra food to go.
388 E. Santa Clara Street (408) 286-6335
tofoocomchaydeli.com
FB: Tofoo Com Chay
Dulcinea Baking Co
Freshly baked Oaxacan treats tempt your taste buds at this hub for pan dulce and savory snacks.
795 S. 2nd Street (408) 899-6021
dulcineasj.com/home
IG: dulcineabakingco
Zona Rosa
1411 The Alameda (408) 275-1411
zonarosadining.com
IG: zonarosasanjose
Luna Mexican Kitchen
1495 The Alameda (408) 320-2654
lunamexicankitchen.com
IG: lunamexicankitchen
LeYou Ethiopian
1100 N. 1st Street, Suite C (408) 320-2620
leyouethiopian.com
IG: leyouethiopian
Mark’s Hot Dogs
48 S. Capitol Avenue (408) 926-0923
IG: markshotdogsofficial
Jason Venters & Maria Belzunce
Food
Chef duo Maria Belzunce and Jason Venters cut their teeth in Los Angeles kitchens before bringing their upscale culinary experiences back to Venters’ hometown. They opened Milk Belly Bakery to combine their passions for family and food staples from their Filipino and Japanese upbringings. Head baker Belzunce grew up in her family’s Filipino restaurant and bakery in Southern California, and Venters grew up in San Jose’s Japantown.
They opened their downtown brick-and-mortar storefront to be closer to family and balance time with their young children. They set out with limited funding and no investors, relying purely on the belief in their bread. Their philosophy is centered on quality and attention to detail. Venters, inspired by his time as a sushi chef, believes the “vehicle is just as important as the cargo,” stressing that the bread is as essential as the filling.
The menu reflects their blended heritage with items like the Longanisa sandwich with Japanese-style bread and Filipino pork sausage. Milk Belly’s approach extends to the broader community, actively supporting other small businesses by hosting pop-ups. They hope to inspire others by proving that significant capital isn’t necessary for success—just passion and a smart, tactical approach. They join other downtown eateries in bringing a new, elevated, chef-driven experience to San Jose’s food scene while maintaining a welcoming, homey feel. C
30 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite 110 (408) 691-1506
milkbellybakery.com
IG: milkbellyca
A Bite of Wyoming
Since 1969, this Alum Rock breakfast staple has served hearty classics and homemade green chili. This homely gem features a namesake Wyoming aesthetic, complete with wall-mounted jackalope taxidermy.
2227 Alum Rock Avenue (408) 259-4819
IG: biteofwyoming
Last Round Tavern
354 E. Santa Clara Street (408) 286-9710
lastroundtavern.com
IG: thelastroundsj
SoFA Market
387 S. 1st Street (408) 642-5270
sofamarketsj.com
IG: sofamarketsj
Freshly Baked Eatery
152 N. 3rd Street #101 (408) 298-9370
(cash only)
Teske’s Germania
255 N. 1st Street (408) 292-0291
teskes-germania.com
IG: teskesgermania
ADEGA
Celebrating a decade of excellence in 2025, Adega is San Jose’s first Michelin-starred restaurant. Located in Little Portugal, it offers an authentic, elevated Portuguese culinary experience.
1614 Alum Rock Avenue (408) 926-9075
adegarest.com
IG: adegacuisine
Petiscos
399 S. 1st Street (408) 320-2884
petiscosadega.com
IG: petiscosadega
Jackie’s Place
321 S. 1st Street (408) 564-5144
jackiesplacesj.com
IG: jackiesplacesj
Tee Nee Thai
1423 The Alameda (408) 947-7927
teeneethaisanjose.com
IG: teeneethaicuisinesj
Omogari
A destination for well-crafted Korean cooking.
154 Jackson Street (408) 288-8134
omogarisj.com
Hết Sẩy
A husband-and-wife pop-up team reimagines soulful Vietnamese regional dishes inspired by Mekong Delta with modern San Jose style.
1343 The Alameda (408) 357-4064
hetsaycali.com
IG: hetsay (weekend only)
IZAKA-YA
1335 N. 1st Street (408) 452-8751
izakaya-sj.com
Sushi Maru
262 Jackson Street (408) 998-8170
sushimarusj.com
IG: sushimarusj_official
CHINA CHEN
400 S. 3rd Street (408) 294-2525
chinachen.square.site
IG: chinachenrestaurant
SABY THAI
62 W. Santa Clara Street (408) 292-3900
sabythai.top
IG: sabythairestaurant
Santo Market
Santo Market is a specialty grocery store featuring Japanese and Hawaiian foods. Their take-out lunch service is home to authentic Hawaiian poke by the tub, Japanese deli and plate lunches favorites, and to-go coffee and espresso.
245 E. Taylor Street santomarket.com
IG: santomarket
Mezcal
25 W. San Fernando Street (408) 283-9595
mezcalsj.com
IG: mezcalrestaurant
Orchestria Palm Court
An art deco atmosphere with vintage pianos, exposed brick, and an antique soda fountain pairs with European cuisine prepared the traditional way and with high quality ingredients.
27 E. William Street (408) 288-5606
orchestriapalmcourt.com
IG: orchestriapalmcourt
Drinks
There’s a reason why Wendy Neff and Felipe Bravo named their space Fox Tale Fermentation Project. A sip of a sour ale might include tamarind, candy cap mushrooms, or Asian pear. Elderberry, sage, grapefruit, and jasmine transform into effervescent kombuchas. Stout-like sodas feature vanilla, honeybush tea, wild cherry bark, molasses, and fermented cacao bean syrup.
Drawing from Felipe’s experience in electrical engineering and production brewing and from Wendy’s background leading Facebook’s superfoods and fermentation initiatives, the pair experiment with fermentation processes and ingredients for their eclectic menu of beers, kombuchas, mocktails, and vegan cuisine. “A big part of Fox Tale is that experimentation—trying new things and sharing them to keep people inspired and excited about food, agriculture, and what’s around us,” says Wendy.
Fox Tale Fermentation Project
Fox Tale’s ethos of co-creating, tinkering, and fostering community involves centering locally grown produce, collaborating with other breweries, and providing performers and artists a space to show their work. Wendy says, “It’s not just about what we’re making and doing, but it’s a space where everybody gets to do it together [...] Everybody can get a little bit playful and creative with it. I think San Jose deserves to be a space where other people are doing that. It just needs to be recognized.” C
Fox Tale Fermentation Project
30 E. Santa Clara Street, Suite 120 (408) 216-0158 foxtalefermentationproject.com IG: foxtalefermentationproject
Narrative Fermentations
Adept at a range of styles including lagers, fruited sours, and West Coast IPAs, this imaginative craft brewery tells stories through bold flavors, such as citrus, pineapple, lemongrass, coffee, vanilla ice cream, and blueberry cheesecake.
101 E. Alma Avenue
narrativefermentations.com
IG: narrative_fermentations
Clandestine Brewing
980 S. 1st Street, Suite B
clandestinebrewing.com
IG: clandestinebrewing
Hapa’s Brewing Co.
460 Lincoln Avenue, Suite 90
59 Barack Obama Boulevard hapasbrewing.com
IG: hapasbrewing
Good Karma
Vegan food meets a curated beer selection.
37 S. 1st Street
goodkarmasj.com
IG: goodkarmasj
Goodtime Bar
30 Fountain Alley #160 goodtimebarsj.com
IG: goodtimebarsj
J. Lohr Vineyards and Wines
1000 Lenzen Avenue jlohr.com
IG: jlohrwines
Coterie Winery
885 W. Julian Street coteriewinery.com
Ancora Vino by Enoteca La Storia
320 Sharks Way ancoravino.wine
IG: _ancoravino_
Dr. Funk
29 N. San Pedro Street drfunksj.com
IG: dr.funksj
nomikai
Premium sake and Japanese whiskey complement their menu of “social food” and international flavors.
48 S. 1st Street (408) 287-7199
nomikaisj.com
IG: nomikaisj
10th Street Distillery
442 N. 4th Street 10thstreetdistillery.com
IG: 10thstreetdistillery
Paper Plane
72 S. 1st Street paperplanesj.com
IG: paperplanesjc
Haberdasher
E njoy “tailor-made” cocktails in a underground speakeasy with classily-dressed bartenders and periodic pop-up performances.
43 W. San Salvador Street haberdashersj.com
IG: haberdashersj
Academic Coffee
This third-wave roaster and cafe features meticulously crafted espresso drinks, brewed coffee, matcha, and hojicha. While Academic’s banana cream matcha latte recently went viral, their iconic pandan latte and piloncillo latte are also not to be missed.
499 S. 2nd Street academiccoffee.com
IG: academiccoffeeco
Voyager Coffee
111 W. St. John Street, Suite 100 voyagercraftcoffee.com
IG: voyagercraftcoffee (multiple locations)
Voltaire Coffee Roasters
360 S. Market Street #80 voltairecoffeeroasters.com
IG: voltairecoffeeroasters
Chromatic Coffee
A pillar in the local coffee scene, their roasts focus on organic, responsibly harvested beans.
460 Lincoln Avenue #10 chromaticcoffee.com
IG: chromaticcoffee
tōno coffee project
Originating as a pop-up, this small shop offers a friendly and well-served selection of simple, yet exceptional coffee drinks.
525 N. 7th Street tono.coffee
IG: tonocoffeeproject
Con Azucar Café
Vibrant florals and the scent of cinnamon greet you when you walk into this cozy Mexican cafe. Now a national franchise, it’s a hot spot for cafe de olla, specialty lattes, iced drinks, and pan dulce .
101 E. Santa Clara Street conazucarcafe.com
IG: conazucarcafe
Nirvana Soul
315 S. 1st Street nirvanasoulcoffee.com
IG: nirvanasoulcoffee (multiple locations)
Roy’s Station
197 Jackson Street roys-station.com
IG: roysstation
Boba Bar
310 S. 3rd Street bobabarsj.com
IG: bobabarsj
Lacàphê
740 Story Road #5 lacaphe.square.site
IG: lacaphe.sj
Maruwu Seicha
100 N. Almaden Avenue #184 maruwuseicha.us
IG: maruwuseichausa
Sinceretea
392 E. Taylor Street sinceretea.net
IG: sinceretea_cafe
SenTea
140 Paseo de San Antonio sentea.us
Genevieve Santos
Retail
A growing industry in San Jose is the creative retail world. Largely supported by San José Made and its sister company MOMENT, many local artists have turned their craft into thriving business ventures. Genevieve Santos, owner of the stationary shop Le Petit Elefant, is one of them. Deeply inspired by travel, she makes watercolor illustrations that explore themes of culture and heritage, food as a love language, and the power of place. When she’s not traveling to BTS concerts or reconnecting with her culture in the Philippines, she’s painting and making ceramics in her Japantown studio, housed just behind the MOMENT JTOWN storefront.
Genevieve credits her business’s growth to working with San José Made, a local company aimed at growing small businesses through curated craft fairs, pop-ups and micro-retail storefronts, maker meet-ups, and social media campaigns. Genevieve testifies to their impact:
Le Petit Elefant
“[Working with them] is an incredible marketing opportunity and learning experience. We have such a vibrant artists scene because SJ Made is there to guide the growing process.”
MOMENT has multiple locations downtown, but for Genevieve the JTOWN location is a special place. She describes the neighborhood as “this beautiful blend of old and new,” where you can simultaneously discover new artists, appreciate multi-generational restaurants and businesses, and learn local history in one of the few remaining Japantowns in the United States. C
Le Petit Elefant
208 Jackson Street lepetitelefant.com IG: lepetitelefant
Nichi Bei Bussan
Founded in 1902 in San Francisco, Nichi Bei Bussan has a long local history of serving at the intersection of multicultural consumer interests. The San Jose location, opened in 1948, now sells traditional Japanese clothing, fabric, housewares, and gifts and doubles as a small museum dedicated to Bay Area Japanese-American history.
140 Jackson Street (408) 294-8048
nbstore.com
IG: nichibeibussan
Classic Loot
Artists, makers, and vintage curators have a spot to shine at this small-biz boutique featuring Y2K fashion and whimsical handmade goods.
570 N. 6th Street (415) 371-9091
classicloot.com
IG: classicloot
Vago Super
Carefully curated, high quality vintage pieces hide behind large canvas curtains. From the outside, you don’t know what to expect, but inside is a hidden gem filled with elevated vintage clothes and art that fits the owner’s unique vision.
106 Race Street
IG: vagosuper
Black and Brown
Shop modern and vintage clothing at an elevated boutique thrift store with one-of-a-kind finds—from bold jewelry and colorful bags to fur coats, super-chic statement pieces, and tons of designer vintage at reasonable prices.
751 W. San Carlos Street (408) 298-1970
shopblackandbrown.com
IG: blackandbrownsj
Moon Zooom Vintage
1630 W. San Carlos Street (408) 287-5876
moonzooomvintage.com
IG: moonzooomvintage_sj
Cukui
Doubling as both a clothing store and art exhibit, Featuring a mix of Bay Area culture and Hawaiian influence, the store is all about heritage, art, and hella good clothing.
229 Jackson Street (408) 899-2768
cukui.com
IG: cukui
Minasan
Part hangout, part gift shop, Minasan is a small community oriented shop in the heart of Japantown. Their inviting space is filled with new and secondhand clothes, records, accessories, local treasures, and both handcrafted and imported gifts.
210 Jackson Street
IG: minasan.sj
Hammer and Lewis
Packed with suits, ties, hats, and funky pieces, this one-stop shop is a Chicano style emporium for business, casual, retro, and old-school fashion. Known for their style-savvy staff, they boast everything from classy Pendletons to funky street art-inspired graphics.
19 S. 1st Street (408) 295-5808
IG: hammerlewisclothiers
Santana Row
377 Santana Row (408) 551-4611
santanarow.com
IG: santanarow
Tiny Keyboard Shop
23 Post Street
tinymakesthings.com
IG: tinymakesthings | tinykeyboardshop
MOMENT
208 Jackson Street momentpopup.com
Ashy Aromas
Ashy Aromas blends retail with personal care workshops where visitors can craft custom candles, perfumes, or colognes while enjoying sips and snacks.
367 S. 1st Street (650) 665-4091 ashyaromas.com
IG: ashyaromas
SpaceCat
1415 W. San Carlos Street (408) 280-7257
superspacecat.com
IG: superspacecatcomics
Zonkey
161 Jackson Street, Suite 3 (408) 372-7528 zonkeytoys.com
IG: zonkeytoys
Gameshop Downstairs
124 E. Santa Clara Street (408) 645-8372 gameshopdownstairs.com
IG: gameshop.downstairs
Antiques Colony
1881 W. San Carlos Street (408) 293-9844
IG: moment.sj (two additional locations)
antiquescolony.com
IG: antiquescolony
Recycle Bookstore
A local literary staple, this independent bookstore carries used and new books spanning an wide range of genres and topics. Get lost in stacks of novels, nonfiction, graphic novels, and more as you enjoy the cozy atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and friendly store cat.
1066 The Alameda (408) 286-6275
recyclebookstore.com
IG: recyclebookstore
Hicklebee’s Bookstore Inc.
Books for all, with an emphasis on kids and teens.
1378 Lincoln Avenue (408) 292-8880
hicklebees.com
IG: hicklebees
Guitar Wars
This sci-fi themed music shop is a growing new hub for local music and arts culture.
447 S. 1st Street
IG: guitarwarsshop
Needle to the Groove
Needle to the Groove specializes in vintage used LPs and 45s. They also produce limited run records for local musicians through their namesake label that features an eclectic roster of indie artists.
Circle-A Skateboards
Skate culture gets a local spotlight at this service and parts shop founded by a pro freestyle skateboarder.
380 S. 1st Street (408) 995-0677
circlea.com
IG: circlea_skateboards
424 E. Santa Clara Street (408) 418-3151
needletothegroove.net
IG: needletothegrooverecords
The Source Zero
Sustainable living is made more accessible at this no-waste storefront for home and personal care products.
100 N. Almaden Avenue, Suite 171 (408) 909-7455
thesourcezerosj.com
IG: thesourcezerosj
The Locker Room
Celebrate unique San Jose pride with team merch, event info, community programming, a media studio, fan-friendly amenities, and concierge services in partnership with Team San Jose.
93 E. San Carlos Street (408) 995-0677
sjsa.org
IG: sanjosesports
an inspired tour of san josÉ
The spirit of San José thrives on artistic and culinary expression. This creative energy is given, received and enhanced by the city and its community. Discover some of the locations that inspire great works.
“Downtown San José lives in every line of this work. Not just the view, but the mindset: the boldness to climb, to look down, despite my phobia of heights, and keep going. It’s a tribute to San José’s pulse, its grit, and the journey we all make chasing something higher.”
“Between Roots and Roses is a digital collage that weaves together elements inspired by the San José Municipal Rose Garden, located in the Shasta-Hanchett neighborhood, which was once a pear and prune orchard in the late 1800s.”
“My heart stays connected to the East Side through work and my kids’ school, keeping those cultural roots strong. It’s become this wonderful community where art brings laughter and connection.”
“Most of the artwork created for the Got Joy series comes from the San José African American Community Service Agency’s annual Juneteenth celebration, where I took most of these photos and later collaged them.”
“I found community and a place to unapologetically pursue my interests in the art department. It was where I could be myself, and it helped me build confidence and skills that would lead to me becoming a part of the San José art community.”
Bertrand “Patron” Paule Inspired by San José’s Downtown
elba raquel martinez Inspired by East Side San José
hana lock Inspired by San José State University
tachiya bryant Inspired by SOFA District Downtown
cynthia cao Inspired by San José Municipal Rose Garden
Artwork curated by Chopsticks Alley Art
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