Hello friends,
We’re excited to invite you to a special preview this Saturday, September 13th from 12:00-6:00pm, for our biggest sale of the year at Empire Seven Studios.
Unlike traditional auctions where art goes to the highest bidder, we’re flipping the script. We’re introducing a bargain-based model—one that respects the value of the artwork and the livelihood of the artist. The gallery is willing to reduce its profit margins to help these exceptional pieces find homes. Yes, there are steal-worthy deals—but the value of the work itself remains untouched. Art doesn’t lose its worth just because you're getting a deal. We just choose to have that conversation transparently, not in the backroom.
This approach isn’t new to us—we’ve always been willing to take less so that artists and collectors can both walk away empowered. We’re fortunate to have earned the trust of our artists, and we take our role as their advocates seriously.
Over 100 artworks that will be on view, featuring both local and international artists, curated to reflect the evolving voice of our beloved city. Expect a range of contemporary pieces—from oil and acrylic paintings to ceramics, textiles, and mixed media. Honestly, if we could hang them all in our own homes, we would—but instead, we’re opening the doors to share them with you.
Would San Jose be as vibrant without outside influence? We think not. Art—like music—should never be confined. It thrives across genres, styles, cultures, and borders. And it’s those very influences that shape the soul of this city.
Visual art has too often been treated like an exclusive club, but don’t let the hype distract you from what’s real. I’ve never turned down a bowl of Vietnamese pho or Ethiopian ful because the chef wasn’t “local.” On the contrary—I’m diving in, ready to soak up the story behind the flavors. Art should be approached the same way.
For collectors, owning artwork is about more than aesthetics. It’s about capturing a feeling, a story, a moment in time. It’s about that moment when someone asks, “Where did you get this?”—and you get to share not just where, but why.
And here’s a truth, we’ve learned over two decades: everyday people are the biggest collectors. They’re the ones who come back, year after year, building their collections one piece at a time. Supporting the arts isn’t about prestige—it’s about passion.
When you purchase art, you’re not just buying a painting—you’re investing in a community. Too often, artists are asked to pour their hearts into a body of work with no guarantee of return. We see the toll that takes. That’s why we stay committed, even after the show is over, to helping every piece find its rightful home.
This preview is your chance to be part of that mission. Support the artists. Support the culture. Take home something that matters.
We’ll see you Saturday.
— Empire Seven Studios