Hello to all who continue to read this blog — your presence here means more than we can say. If we haven’t said it in a while, thank you. It truly means a lot to share our thoughts in this space.
It’s hard to believe it's already August. Just two months ago in June, we wrapped up the 9th edition of San Jose Walls — and wow, what a whirlwind it’s been! After the overwhelming excitement, we spent a few weeks cleaning up, storing away equipment, and clear-coating murals. Then came July — a time to rest, recover, and process the bittersweet post-festival blues.
One of the hardest parts? Saying goodbye to friends and collaborators, not knowing when our paths will cross again. But that’s also one of the most beautiful things about community: the joy of surprise reunions and the anticipation of future connections. That’s something truly special.
As part of the global World Wide Walls movement, we were thrilled to welcome so many new and returning faces — artists, photographers, supporters, and explorers — each capturing and sharing moments of the festival. Those shared experiences are what breathe life into this indie DIY movement. Seeing the public engage with accessible art every day is deeply rewarding. To all who participated and supported — thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
In the weeks since, we’ve had the pleasure of meeting new visitors, many of whom left with artwork and memorabilia from our gallery gift shop (open Thursday through Saturday, and the occasional Sunday). Just like in sports, the art world has its collectors — those who connect deeply with a piece and need to have it in their lives. Art speaks to you. It finds you. It creates a moment in time that feels personal and permanent.
Spoken from someone who’s officially out of wall space — the collecting doesn’t stop. Maybe it becomes about trading, sharing, or finding a new home for older pieces. Like baseball cards, every artwork tells a story and deserves to be passed on.
This year’s edition of San Jose Walls was particularly meaningful as we returned to our roots, activating our new home at Empire Seven Studios and celebrating 17 years of art, culture, and community in Japantown. Since day one, Empire Seven has been at the heart of it all — curating and producing what was once POW! WOW! San Jose. So bringing the color, creativity, and energy back to where it began just felt right.
To everyone who believed in our wildest ideas and helped turn them into reality — thank you. Whether you’ve been with us from the start or just discovered us recently, you’re now part of the story.
Welcome to a family of creatives, dreamers, and doers — united by art, expression, and a whole lot of heart.
Images of completed walls can be found on San Jose Walls website.
