San Jose Day 2020
Our normal programing was set to celebrate at our annual Festival on April 11, 2020. Due to COVID19, all gatherings and events have been postponed or canceled until further notice. We’re hopeful that the festival will still take place in the distant future, when it is safe for the public to gather again.
But this didn't stop the San Jose Arts community from celebrating the 408. On 4/08/2020, a small group of 14 SJ emerging Artists were invited to participate in a virtual art show to celebrate and pay homage to San Jose, from the comforts of our homes. 14 new works of art were created and displayed on @sanjoseday Instagram page.
“Shark Titty” by Arely Cardenas
Watercolor on 7”x10” Cold Pressed Paper
"San Jose to me has always been home, born and raised in this city, I take pride on how my experiences lived within have influenced the artist that I am. In the image, I depict feminism through placing the breasts front and center, unapologetically. The teal sarape is paying homage to my Mexican culture and San Jose roots. The fossil shark tooth represents respect to those that have cultivated the community and traditions throughout the years. Lastly, the negative image of palm trees in the background symbolizes resiliency through any challenges I have faced throughout my time on this earth, I leave the negative behind. She is power, I am HER.”
“El San Jose Borracho” by Corey Alexander
Acrylic on Ceramic
“Found this little hobo clown at a goodwill years ago and took him home. After looking at him for a while on my shelf, I decided to repaint him with characteristic found common in San Jose and especially downtown San Jose. If you give him a little twist he’ll even play a song for you!”
“Road to Recovery” by Emo Kids of Color
“I knew once the ride was over I’d never know him as well as I did in that moment. I wish I could tell him I forgive him. That I know it wasn’t all his fault. That I’m not mad. That I miss him.”
By Erin Salazar
Acrylic, gouache, iridescent watercolor, gold embossing and tears on paper.
“San Jose has given me a thousand times more than what I could put into it. SJ gave me a home, life, love, a family, work, reality checks, art, hope, hate, direction, friendship. Beauty. Culture.
Vanitas paintings depict death, vanity and fragility through floral still life's : a delicate balance between growth & decay, and the microscopic bubble that separates life from death.”
By Frankie McFly
Digital illustrations
“Happy San Jose Day! Since we're doing a virtual art show I thought I'd do an all digital exhibit of things I've made in recent years. Please visit FRANKIEMCFLY.COM to order your shirts & stickers and stay safe.”
“For Now” By Haleyonthemoon
“I was inspired to create this short video from many moments of reflection during shelter in place, but this video is about that being sheltered- it’s about gratitude and patience.
This is a reminder and glimpse of hope, San Jose. This is my longing love letter to you, San Jose.
When I call you, San Jose, I don’t mean this place pinned on the map. While I admire its landscapes, from the rolling hills on the east to the old buildings in downtown- I’m talking about the people that fill this city with their blood, sweat, and tears.
I’m talking about the people put love into the passions. The communities that constantly strive to bring us all together. The folx that encourage me to create freely, without judgment, and to reach my brightest goals.
My dearest comrades, I miss y’all so dearly. And if you didn’t know before, you should know how much brightness y’all bring into my life.
For Now, San Jose.”
Thank you @samruckusmusic for creating music for this project ❤️
"Greetings #2" by J.Duh
Digital vector, 2020
"I've been wanting to revisit this concept replacing images from my original mural with pictures I took around town through out the years of things I'm into/grew up enjoying here. I plan on doing a series of these and hope to include some photographers from each side/part of town eventually.
The S is at Willow Den Public House
The A is a music/art show my friends and I put together at Local Color in 2017.
The N is near Discovery Meadow on the 4th of July 2019.
The J is at Great Oaks Skate park during Powwow! 2019.
The O is the top floor of the Bank of Italy building looking east 2015.
The S is on The Alameda during Viva Calle 2019.
The E is near City Hall, Go Skate Day 2013.”
Photo by Leopoldo Macaya
Works by Lourdes Jimenez
1. “Alerta, Alerta, Antifascista”
Media/Digital Art Print
Antifascist movement is big in Portland, OR (that’s where I was first exposed to the movement) and I wanted to create my version of it with San Jose vibes”
2. “The Time Has Come”
Media/Digital Art Print
3. “Seek and Destroy”
Media/Digital Art Print
"This is my twist to the San Jose Sharks.”
4. “S I N”
Mixed Media on Canvas (18x24)
“This piece talks about empathy and the pleasure/struggles that come with it. “
5. “Ella Me Mira”
Mixed Media in Canvas (18x24)
“This piece is to show a bit of the unknown. A vortex of light or dark, that depends on the viewer. “
“Shark Vibes” by Mario Dimas
Acrylic on paper 8x10in
“Second and Santa Clara” by muktzer
Water color, pen, colored pencil
Photos by Bryan
“Get friends who are supportive and are down to get their pictures taken”
“*sadd! & San Jose” by @saddlyrat
photography from various locations in San Jose and the ideas they inspire.
“I grew as an artist the most in this city. Thank you to it and all it’s creatives”
Digital works by Taylor DuBose
“San Jose means so much to me. This is my hometown. This is the area that shaped me so much as a person. All the culture and history that comes with San Jose has been absolutely instrumental in the continual growth and understanding of ourselves and community as a whole. For this San Jose Day, I wanted to focus on one of my very favorite aspect of San Jose's History. This is just a small collection of my favorite signs around town. Hopefully these reminders of the lovely preserved history of our city can help ease the burden of #stayathome.”