New Spring E7S x Mr. 1777 T-shirt Release

Ricardo Montenegro Mr 1777, a local historian, and artist, celebrates the essence of San Jose culture since the city was born. His social media page highlights iconic leaders in the Chicano, Mexican revolution movements that played a significant role in what California represents; educating audiences with important and forgotten facts. 

This new Spring collection is designed by Ricardo Montenegro in his signature. Cholo Tag style for Japantown, San Jose where Empire Seven Studios has thrived since 2008. Additionally, this serves as an inspired by the Cholo movement taking place in Tokyo and Osaka, Japan which originated from California. 

Empire Seven Studios SkyDeck Gallery opens for the first time featuring new works by Nicholaus James Dalton

Sky Deck Gallery, a new gallery space located on the 4th floor of Exhibit at JTown Apartments, will have its grand opening during San Jose Day this Saturday April 6th from 12-6pm. The space, created to showcase and celebrate artists, features an outdoor patio overlooking the valley, with seating areas for guests to take in the view. 

Artist Nicholaus James Dalton, also known as Manik, has been a part of Empire Seven Studios since its early days, where he built a music studio and remained a permanent tenant. Dalton decorated his studio with engraved records on the ceiling, kaleidoscope murals on the walls, and artwork inspired through meditation–all created by him. He even picked up spray painting, making some of the coolest street art no one but a chosen few would know. It was there where we started to see Dalton’s determination to pursue the visual arts, exploring many mediums until he landed on combining his tradeskills as a carpenter into his artwork. Over the years, after losing the studio, we parted ways. The irony couldn’t be better suited to presenting his second solo exhibition in the luxury apartment SkyDeck Gallery on the very location of Dalton’s former studio. 

Dalton’s workshop, where he works with wood for a living, is also where his art has evolved. The day he discovered building a rig that would spin canvas vertically, he couldn't wait to share his creation. The first series of his paintings were created using spray paints, which he showcased at a solo exhibition. As curators, we encourage; as artists, we challenge ourselves to continue to seek excellence. Dalton has always followed his heart in doing what makes him happy and ultimately standing out from the rest. “Hold The Vision, Peace” is the newest of artworks painted on round custom canvases with an airbrush, where Dalton controls his painting technique and multiplies the use of colors. Nicholaus James Dalton is not the only one painting this motif, but we are witness to his creation being pure in its evolution. More importantly, we believe human connectivity is symbolic and relics are made by channeling energy that can connect us as people, no matter where we are. 

“Hold The Vision, Peace” 

Please join us to experience new works from Nicholaus James Dalton, aka Manik. Explore colors and combinations of the spectrum, concentrically. Hues are inspired by “Dream Colors” used in Nepalese thangka paintings. 

“I manifest this art for the viewer to vibe out in a mediation or a visual hypnosis. Something that can relax and excite. The lines blend and create new visual stimuli.” The vibrations of energy can be felt with these large paintings with hundreds of concentric circles. The physical presence of this art needs to be seen in person for the full effects. 

“I have been invited by my good friends at Empire Seven Studios to showcase my second solo art show. This is a personal push in the direction of deep thought and vision. I meditate and do constant blessings, burning copal and palo santo and playing music with my paintings, like a sacred ritual: it’s a vibe. Inspired by the words of a Nepalese thangka painter I befriended years ago, he explained the colors used are considered “Dream Colors” and that I should do that. That’s exactly what I did: I studied the thangka paintings that he gave me and started making my colors. Certain paintings I did are directly influenced by colors used in specific thangkas. A thangka is a Tibetan Buddhist painting usually depicting a Buddhist deity, scene, or mandala.” 

-Nicholaus Dalton

The 6th Annual San José Day festival is coming to Japantown - Saturday April 6, 2024 12-6pm

The 6th Annual San José Day festival is coming to Japantown on Saturday, April 6, 2024 from 12-6pm. San José Day is a cultural festival celebrating the city's diverse arts and culture through live music, dance, art displays, a local business fair, and food. This year’s event features 80 vendors, multi-cultural performances, several music genres, food, live painting, and a visual arts exhibition featuring over 100 locals in our Gallery. Seventh Street between Empire & Jackson Streets will be closed for the event. We encourage visitors to arrive by public transportation or bike.

Empire Seven Studios continues to open up its space for creatives with determination and dedication. Haley Cardemon, Executive Director of San José Day, wanted to bring back the festival to the place where it all started in 2017, however the old cannery building on 9th and Taylor is no longer around. When it still existed, the building was a playground for street brands like Breezy Excursion, Clout Magazine, Pops Cycles, Booger Kids, and the legendary Phil Wood Co. Prior to these companies, the cannery was home to artist studios. 

Juan Carlos Araujo, owner of Empire Seven Studios, co-founder of San José Walls, artist, and curator met Haley Cardamon on several occasions while painting walls in downtown San José. “Haley was persistent in showing up and always brought a great energy and positive attitude, expressing her eagerness to contribute, and volunteer at times. On one specific occasion she wanted to learn how to clear coat murals, Jennifer Ahn and Haley Cardamon sprayed over 2,000 square feet of wall, and they did magnificent. Experiences like that are what community, friendships, and camaraderie are built on,” Araujo says of Cardamon. 

In 2023, Cardamon reached out to Jennifer Ahn, Director of Gallery Operations and Co-Curator at Empire Seven Studios to participate, ultimately deciding to bring the event in front of Empire Seven Studios and Exhibit at JTown Apartments. Empire Seven Studios reopened in 2022, and has already hosted hundreds of makers, vendors, artists, performers, and exceptional art exhibitions. In just one year they’ve picked up right where they left off, only now with additional wisdom. 

San José Day performers will have accommodations at Exhibit at J Town Apartments; an event sponsor. Amenities at the recently built apartment building were intentionally designed to host events like this. Derek Allen, president of TriForge Capital, is beyond ecstatic that the partnership with Empire Seven Studios continues to contribute to the vibrancy of the Japantown neighborhood. JTown Clay will also join in on the festivities, recently opening up their newest pottery studio location directly across the street from the art gallery. There will be ceramic demonstrations along with ceramic artists selling their works. Japantown boutiques on Jackson Street like Cukui, Headliners, and Coterie Den will also participate in curating art shows at their store locations. 

Anyone interested in collecting artwork by local artists will have an opportunity to purchase from many incredible 12”x12” multimedia canvases that can fit almost anywhere in your home or office. The exhibit was co-curated by Jorge Camacho, Creative Director of San Jose Day, and Empire Seven Studios’ Jennifer Ahn and Juan Carlos Araujo. Artists were asked to express themselves and to be representative of who they are as locals that make up the fabric of San José’s visual arts representation. 

Empire Seven Studios will also be launching the grand opening of their new Sky Deck Gallery, located on the 4th floor of Exhibit at J Town Apartments, featuring new artworks by Nicholaus James Dalton in his exhibit titled “Concentric Spectrums.” 

If you would like to purchase artwork before the big event, we recommend visiting during regular gallery/gift shop hours Tuesday-Friday 12-8pm. Bring the kids and invite the relatives! This is a great day to have people visit and venture to Japantown restaurants to dine, shop, explore, or hang out at the Beer Garden on what we hope will be a sunny San José Day!

SAVE THE DATE! SATURDAY, MARCH 9 from 4:00-7:00pm

“MOMENTS IN TIME connected exposures”

Photography by Jennifer Ahn @kimchee_creates_art / Vanessa Palafox @pfox35

How do you build resilience? Many people have various ways but for Jennifer Ahn and Vanessa Palafox, it is to be connected; through creativity, experiences, and people. 

Jennifer Ahn enjoys experiencing the world through travel. With her recently published book “Through The Lens,” she will be exhibiting selected works that invite the viewer a glimpse into her travels. “By seeing the world, I am allowing myself to grow and expand my mind. I enjoy the experiences made along the way, being present and just living.” Originally from Chicago, Jennifer moved to San Jose in the late 80’s. A SJSU alumni, she received her BFA in Photography in 2000, with a minor in Graphic Design. Jennifer is co-curator of Empire Seven Studios and co-director of SJ Walls. 

Vanessa Palafox, and most folks is known as Pfox, or their favorite barista. Showing her work at E7S brings lots of nostalgia from her time working at @roysstation. Pfox will share images she has captured of faces and places that may no longer be around, but they are still very much a part of San Jose’s fabric and DNA. Born and raised in San Jose, Pfox will be showing some of her favorite moments that became milestones of her career and understand the value in documenting what the community has collectively accomplished. Nowadays, Pfox is honing in on her video skills to continue telling compelling stories of communities she serves. Japantown @japantownsj , this show is for you!

Exhibit on view: March 9-29, 2024

This is in collaboration with “A Photo Night in Japantown”

A Photo Night in Japantown is an event created by Alex Knowbody and Abraham Menor who wanted to put together an event to showcase photography culture in our area and beyond. This is an event to gather folks to check out some really dope photography and to get to know photographers from here, there an everywhere! Here, they created and curated a mix of solo shows, group shows and a photo experience for all to enjoy!

Locations:

1. @empire7studios 

2. @cukui 

3. @coldwater.sj

4. @headliners 

5. @lannynguyenphotography 

6. @thecoterieden 

7. @paradoxbarbers 

8. @knowfuturegallery

Pacolli's POP UP SHOP February 10th, 2-8pm one of a kind silk screen printed apparel

Empire Seven Studios is thrilled for an installation of unique, wearable art fashion. As far as we can remember we have not experienced a showcase like this in our hometown. Pacolli prints all of the apparel on her own with a small squeegee  freestyling and layering designs of characters she illustrates creating a story with each piece exploring possibilities without fear. “Wrap your troubles in dreams’”, “I wish I could talk in technicolor”, “stay true”, ”real life is magic (and tragic)”, “nothing special” (a nod to Andy Warhol) are just a few of the punchlines printed on the one of a kind clothing. Sleeves are equally covered in illustrations, the inside of hoodies are printed as well as the outside. All of the products are extremely limited, color combinations and the way each garment is printed is unique and tells a different story.

Pacolli’s Pop-Up collection is made up of bright, fluorescent colors: yellows, oranges, lime greens, pinks, and blues that intersect from the garments themselves and the fabric she chooses for each combo, and she's a master of her color choices.

When she chooses to print on black garments, the iridescent bright inks come to play and it's a whole different vibe. It’s the closest couture street wear that is not cut and sewn, and any designer would be lucky to have these artwork patterns mass produced in fabric. Hopefully Gucci will pick her up and we’ll get to talk about this in a few years. But here you're able tp get the 1/1 art pieces straight from her studio, people actually frame her garments and put them on their wall!

In the age of standing out, not fitting in and having something exclusive, this is the artworks you want to be wearing. Not a chance of bumping into anyone else wearing the same outfit and you'll most definitely stand out from the crowd.

Patricia Colli aka Pacolli is a Sao Paulo born and San Francisco based self-taught artist with a DIY go-getter mentality that’s motivated her to self publish zines, comics, slap up sticker bombs, shown in galleries from Brazil to Europe and all over the U.S., designed and produced apparel for fashion shows (Sao Paulo Fashion Week) and fashion art shows in galleries (like her first ever show at Gallery 85 in Antwerp, Belgium), she ran an art gallery in Brazil called Bendgy where she curated a vast array of original art, books, zines, prints from artists from all over the world, she runs her online store Pacolli Studio (ex-High in the Bay) for the past 14 years in SF

Pacolli worked as a producer and AD for MTV Brazil and made her own way through a male dominated arts industry back home. Residing in the Bay Area for nearly two decades pursuing and establishing herself as an artist, collaborating with bands to create album covers, fostered in venues like Needles and Pens worked, curated shows and met a lot of her peers in SF. Her work is inspired by the human condition, everyday life struggles and beauty. With a witty sense of humor, her zine and comics are equally autobiographical and part of an observation of the world that surrounds her.

When there’s nothing scheduled on the calendar, she seizes the opportunity to explore new concepts or collaboration with artists. We admire Pacolli for her resilience, hard work ethic and dedication to being true to herself, understanding the struggle, sacrifices, and maintaining consistency, never hijacking ideas respecting others' craft even if it takes longer to succeed in this competitive industry. It’s been lovely reconnecting since our gallery hiatus and pandemics. It’s a great honor to be able to present this event that is different, bold, and colorful. Originally we were only going to pick up a few pieces for the Gift Shop and after a full day of hanging at her home studio in the Tenderloin catching up on life and things we miss in the Bay, we sprouted the idea of a Pop-Up. Please join us and come out to meet Pacolli, she will have zines, and buttons available. Let's give her bright personality a warm welcome in San Jose.

If you are interested in any piece or need additional info, please contact info@empiresevenstudios.com 

Lunar New Year - entering the year of the wood dragon!

Celebrate Lunar New Year in San Jose Japantown, February 10 from 11:00am-2:00pm.

2024 is the year of the wood dragon. According to the Chinese elemental theory, each zodiac sign is linked to one of the five main elements: Gold (Metal), Wood, Water, Fire, or Earth. The Wood Dragon, like all other elemental Dragons, comes once in 60 years. People born in the Year of the Wood Dragon are considered to be extremely creative and inquisitive beings, who like to explore many different paths in life which results in them being very open and liberal.

Help us start a fresh New Year “Fukubukuro” "lucky bag," a Japanese New Year custom in which merchants make grab bags filled with unknown random contents and sell them for a substantial discount, usually 50% or more off the list price of the items contained within.

Participating businesses will create mystery bags for patrons to cleanse and make room for new items in 2024. You can’t see what see what’s inside these bags because they’re sealed. But the fun part is, these bags are filled with surprises.

You might pay $25 for a bag, but the goods inside could be worth $50 or more! Have fun and support all the local retail businesses!

Visit us on Saturday and pick up some Empire Seven Studios products!

Important note: Fireworks are tradition during Lunar New Year and scheduled for 12pm. We regret any disturbance caused by the noise. It is advisable to keep dogs inside for their safety. Those sensitive to loud sounds should consider staying indoors.

SCHEDULE:

  • Fire crackers will start at 12pm at 4th/Jackson Street and run through Japantown, then end at Empire Seven Studios on 7th/Empire Street.

  • Participating stores on flyer will be having their own Fukubukuro (lucky bag) available for purchase.

TONO COFFEE PROJECT IN THE AFTERNOON - WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31 - 2-5PM

Tono Coffee Project and Empire Seven Studios recently reunited again after the first collaboration during the San Jose Walls mural festival in 2018. It was thanks to a mutual friend who connected us like minded folks with a shared interest in pursuing crazy ideas and dreams. But are we crazy once we’ve accomplished the impossible? This is the kind of conversation worth having over a cup of tasty Tono Coffee.

Join us this Wednesday, January 31 from 2-5pm, in our courtyard directly outside the Gallery. 

While you’re here, please feel free to explore our curated selection of books. We are very proud to bring printed matter not accessible in any other small or big box store in the area. We have customers come from the South Bay, Oakland, and San Francisco to shop our exclusive content. 

We’ve very fortunate to have our friends’ blessings to be a destination to find publishings in Northern California. We are excited to be collaborating with artists and publishing companies that champion our Gallery and by doing so, they champion you. There’s always artwork on our walls and Wednesday will also be the last day of our Bargain Sale. View our latest blog to learn more about collecting artwork (LINK)

View our instagram page to see our latest posts featuring some of our book selection. If you’re reading this for the first time and not in your mailbox, make sure to subscribe (LINK) to our newsletter to stay up to date on new product launches and the ultimate newsletter with new things happening in San Jose. 

We look forward to seeing you Wednesday, if you have any questions or ideas let's talk over coffee!

Art Lovers! This is the last week of our BARGAIN SALE...

Art lovers: this is the last week of our Bargain Sale! We have sold many artworks since we launched. We appreciate everyone who has walked in or visited our online store and purchased pieces to take to their homes or businesses. It’s been fun negotiating prices without jeopardizing the artists’ commission. Notifying our artist friends that they have a check in the mail is very rewarding and collectors are what make that happiness happen. 

In an era of instant gratification, collecting artwork and owning something physical is becoming a lost tradition. As curators our mission is to sell, sell, sell, upholding the values and responsibility we’re assigned when given the opportunity to hang and sell someone's work. 

Since 2022, Empire Seven Studios has had the opportunity to assess how the local art market is functioning. We’re honored to be a place where collectors understand our vision and the importance of purchasing someone's dedication to their medium of choice: painting, sculpture, knitting, mixed media, or what have you. While we make these transactions, we’re also connecting and learning from you all and we appreciate the feedback.

Curating artworks that are not available at every other venue is the same as bringing Beyonce, or Taylor Swift to an arena where people pay a generous amount for tickets for a few hours of lifetime memories. No one questions where they come from or what's their area code. You buy that ticket because it’s an artist unlike any other talent sticking out; out of millions of others. Whether mainstream or underground, the interest in their art is solidified because of the product's quality. We are stimulated by art as deep as our wallets allow us to be. 

Empire Seven Studios will not sacrifice quality over quantity or biases knowing there’s an artist struggling to put out the best they can or know how to. We’re here to support the most technical and emerging artists from San Jose or beyond. If we had it our way (and we aim to do so) there would be no borders, and in terms of art, that's what it’s all about for us. The ultimate freedom to be ourselves. Like Stephen Powers (aka Espo) has said: “unapologetic, uncut, giving it to you raw.” 

Over the last year, we have had the pleasure of hearing positive feedback about our gallery and our work;  it is these compliments that inspire us to be ourselves, which is what got us here in the first place. What is working for us is realizing we have you, our visitors, fans, and collectors, that believe in our mission and support an art movement that allows us to be FREE. We will continue to do just that, knowing so many of you miss the authentic vision our Gallery works tirelessly to deliver.

To subscribe to our mailing list, go to this LINK.

Empire Seven Studios in Japan 2023

It finally happened: I cashed out my air miles to take a long overdue trip to Japan. The trip was a last minute decision and a few friends that had visited Japan earlier in the year helped set my mind at ease with their wonderful tips on hotels, trains, restaurants, and more. Not speaking Japanese and hearing that locals don’t care to speak English was true. The most important phrase I used was “arigato gozaimasu” (that means “thank you”): being as shy as I am, I didn’t feel comfortable using it until my last days in Tokyo. Bowing was beyond helpful as a gesture of respect.

My trip started in Okayama, San Jose’s sister city. For anyone local reading this, that’s facts. Landing in Okayama was intentional since my plan was to visit the Island of Naoshima. Art is always on the radar when I travel, and this was a must see place as an artist exploring large scale sculpture. As a curator with a dream of a sculpture garden in San Jose someday, it was the perfect place to research outside of Storm King in the States. My friends recommended renting a bike all day for $15 usd to get around the island, and it was money well spent. At moments it felt like I had the island to myself with a fantastic coastal view, listening to the ocean and seeing the waves crash while breathing some fresh air from all the greenery surrounding the island. I can’t forget to mention the endless amount of hawks that blessed the sky the whole day.

The museums are works of art themselves; architecturally eye-catching bunkers finished with concrete and minimalistic aesthetic with some of the most world renown artists like Yayoi Kusama, Claude Monet, James Turrell, and Tadao Ando. One of the biggest draws would be the Yayoi Kusama yellow pumpkin that had been washed away by a storm and back in its original location posing for thousands of selfies a week. The ferry ride back to the train station didn’t disappoint with a magical sunset that evening before my arrival back at the hotel.

Osaka was next, where I met up with my friend Kosk, a film maker that I met during the Hawaii Walls inaugural mural festival. Later we had the opportunity to really get to know one another at Guam Walls. He’s also been producing videos for Japan Walls. Reconnecting with him was definitely a treat and having a local show this foreigner around was so helpful—he even designed a map for my trip to Naoshima via DM’s. We made sure to check off the main attractions like Osaka Castle Park, eating at Tamatsukuri Motomachi, Tennoji a staple hometown food next to a JR station (if you’re on public transit it’s Osaka Castle Park a block away from the stop). We also checked out Naniwa, aka Hitachi Tower, where iconic photo opportutunities are available. The businesses have the most amazing artistic facades. We even got to walk around to see many murals and public art projects happening throughout the city’s Tombori Riverwalk .

Kyoto is a short train ride away from Osaka. Even though I got lost on my first experience of taking a local Metro line, my friend Yuriko guided me via Facetime to make sure I’d make it to the final destination. We explored some of Kyoto’s amazing and very popular temples, and shrines: Yasaka Shrine, Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine, Kiyomizu-dera Temple day and night. It’s interesting learning how locals do not venture to many of the sites tourists visit. It had been ten years since she visited one of the sites on my bucket list. There was a moment of fulfillment when a less traveled path presented itself, and if you know me at all I’ll always gamble on taking a path less attractive or recognized by tourists. Let me tell you, the risk paid off! We had a nature walk that led to meditation shrines and buddhists practicing ceremony. Another highlight was learning Yuriko had never explored a one hour hike trail that is immersed in nature, less populated and close to zero tourists taking this path. We had the space to ourselves until we reached the very top to see the city view, where we sat down to have ice cream and watched more hawks. On the way down from our hike, the Tori Gates were readily available for photo ops without thousands of people in our photos. I highly recommend taking the unknown path, just look to the right as you enter the monument!

After visiting some temples, Yuriko, knowing me well and a massive art lover herself, looked up some museums. She stumbled upon the recently opened “Icons of Urban Art” MUCA Exhibition at the Kyoto City Kyocera Museum of Art. It was an impressive private collection showing Bansky’s Ariel sculpture formerly displayed in Dismaland, Kaws’ vintage bus stop posters from earlier in his career, Barry McGee’s “Twister One”, and works by Swoon, Vhils, Shepard Farey, OsGemeos, JR, and Shadow Man. The installation was very well put together featuring some of the world's most prolific Graffiti street artists. We ended the day with Okonomiyaki and walking around the old city, where the ambiance of architecture and lighting is the ultimate.

The next day Kosk and I linked up again to visit Kobe and tour some of the Japan Walls  mural sites located in Rock Island. Some of these murals were painted by Sam Rodriguez, Kevin Lyons, OneQ, Brendan the Blob, and several others. It was great to see  San Jose Walls alumni Jet Martinez contribute his work in a far away place from home. Seeing the impact and vibrancy contributed from artists rooted in different places of the world was refreshing and a great reminder of why these festivals are so important in order to share cultures from many corners of the world. Later that evening, we toured many local mural projects, Semba mural park in Osaka that have been-–in my opinion-–inspired by the momentum of the Japan Walls event.

Visiting with dear friends from Kyoto and Osaka was the highlight of my trip. Having the opportunity to visit a foreign place with locals was nice, considering my first days were solo adventures. The next morning, a three hour bullet train journey awaited to take me to Tokyo, and the JR pass purchased online and shipped to my house got me to all my destinations (with the exception of a local metro to Kyoto). I linked up with friends visiting from the Bay Area who were there on a business trip to run a booth at the Tokyo Book Fair and showcase at the RVCA Tokyo International Artist Program Gallery curated by Matt Bajda. Rob and Mari were so kind to share about their trip that it inspired me to decide on Japan for the two week adventure, and knowing I’d see them there was just as exciting as being in a new place. We linked up, took public transit, walked everywhere, explored the Shibuya area after dropping off their artwork at the Gallery where I’d see more familiar Bay Area Artists. It was surreal and it made the world feel small. We continued touristing to several landmarks, 3D Jumbotrons, Godzilla heads the size of billboards, three story art supply stores, and not to mention the yummy bowls of ramen!

During these long walks, we were all photographing the sites, including the people layered in their winter wardrobes. Seeing my friends interact with people and snapping photos all day was so inspiring, and further motivated me to do the same. My Tokyo trip seemed short since there was not enough time to visit with all the friends I’ve made over the years. I’m looking forward to going back to spend more time connecting.

On my last night in Japan, I coordinated a dinner to meet up with a group of friends. Misato is a Native Japanese art and ramen connoisseur and calligraphy artist currently living in Tokyo. We met 20 years ago during her visit to the States. Reaching out to her about my trip was a must, she was also extremely supportive. She invited her friend Tomo to join us, another wonderful person that I feel fortunate to have met. I coordinated a dinner gathering of friends since it was my last night in Tokyo and it would be easier to see everyone that way. We shared about each other's lives, work, and had endless conversations about art projects. Joining us was Rob, Mari, and Simone Legno, creator of Tokidoki. After several kampai’s and bar bites we all walked over to RVCA for the opening reception of Super Friends . It was a packed show with artists from everywhere hanging out in and outside the venue alley drinking Pabst beer and eating tacos. There were several other people who I met in San Jose in attendance, like photographer Hot Fudge and Graffiti writer Minto. There was an afterparty hosted by Neckface the same night, but I unfortunately could not attend. The subways stop running at midnight, and I still needed to pack to get ready for the second part of my journey to Doha Qatar.

My lodging of choice was Apa Hotel & Resort; pretty much located in every major city with several locations available with one night notice (reservations were readily available, luckily). Roppongi Hills was my home for a few days in Tokyo, and access to prefectures were fairly simple to navigate via Apple Maps. Lawson’s or 7-11 are hubs for gourmet Japanese snacks and great if you’re on a budget. Toy shops are made up of entire neighborhood blocks. Everyone is looking at their phone using it for navigation. Even locals do it, and that itself made me feel at ease. I was always mindful not to be in the way and stepping aside rather than wandering in the middle of the walkways worked out just fine. 

Hopefully this essay paints a picture that’s engraved in my memory forever. Japan will continue to be a truly special place for me to visit, and returning is on a timer. Continuing to cherish the people that made this trip so special is on my priority list of things to do on a regular basis.

Bargain sale!

Still thinking of buying something special for someone or yourself? How much more special can it be than to purchase original artwork? 

With all the holiday sales bombarding you, we have something special! All artworks that are at the gallery are available for negotiation. Starting today through January 2024, come see what’s exhibiting on display and make us an offer!

Our responsibility is to uphold the integrity of works for artists, we will refuse offers that are  too low so bid fair, and lets bargain! 

We are open today until 8pm. We will be closed this weekend and reopen next Tuesday, January 2.

Creekside Socials event series wrap up

That’s a wrap on our Creekside Socials event series! We always love bringing artists and the community together for an opportunity to build connection through a creative process. Over the last several weeks we met so many wonderful new friends and had a chance to work with some incredible artists.

Thank you to Alyssarhaye Graciano, Black Stamp Studios, Talking Walls Art and Stephon Longoria for sharing your talent, to Valde Spin for keeping the vibes just right, and Miguel Ozuna for capturing all the memories along the way.

And last but certainly not least, shout out to Zach Waldren and the entire team behind Creekside Socials for making this collaboration happen.

#E7S #CreeksideSocial #SanJose

HARDLY WORKING A SOLO EXHIBIT BY MITSY AVILA OVALLES NOVEMBER 11 6-9pm

Hardly Working an epic exhibit of solo proportions. Featuring the Artwork of Mitsy Avila Ovalles. Special reunion performance with Sonido Clash a platform for emerging, out-there Latinx sounds, curating events with an eclectic mix of genres such as punk, cumbia, alternativo, oldies and hip-hop! Chale Brown, Turbo Sonidero, Mex Tape, and Fernando J. Perez aka Tlacoyo.

Mitsy Avila Ovalles, also known as Mitsy, is a chingona: a badass. Her works are well renowned in the Mexican American community in the Bay Area and beyond. The artist is rooted in San Jose, having graduated from SJSU with a BFA in Painting and a Minor in Chicano Studies, all with great praise.

In 2007, Mitsy was nominated for the Fleishhacker Foundation Eureka Fellowship Program. She was also identified as one of the semi-finalists for the Alliance of Artist Communities’ Vision From the New California residency program. In 2005, Mitsy was nominated for the Museo Eduardo Carrillo prize in painting, and voted “Best Painter” in the SF Weekly “Best Of” edition. Many of her fans remember her days at Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latina Americana (MACLA). 

Mitsy’s inspirations reflect an abundance of nostalgic memorabilia in the Mexican day to day household such as telenovelas and lucha libre, forgotten heroes of iconic Mexican and American pop culture immortalized in her wonderful paintings. As far as we can remember, Mitsy has been a leader in representing Mexican American culture through her artwork. She continues to reside in San Jose, forever staying low key and passionate about the Bay Area, hip hop music, graffiti, and sports.

This will be our second solo exhibition with Mitsy at Empire Seven Studios. The most frequent question asked will probably be, “Will Mitsy be here?” No, she probably will not attend. If it was Bansky, surely no one would expect him to show up. Inviting Mitsy to exhibit her works knowing that she would probably not be in attendance is no problem to us as curators, because we love her work, feel that it speaks for itself, and we’re proud to celebrate her on our walls with our audience. 

Mitsy has exhibited at Galeria De La Raza, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, LA 23Tres Galeria CDMX, White Walls Gallery, Fifty24LA, RVCA SF, and Space Gallery. SF Weekly writer Hiya Swanhuyser wrote, “I’ll say it quickly before I chicken out: Mitsy Avila Ovalles is severely talented. Someone needs to give her a ton of money so she can keep painting, or we’ll all lose.” 

Well, no one has given her a ton of money and she keeps on making her amazing work. Everyone who shows up Saturday November 11th will win, those who collect will triumph. Mitsy continues to create paintings, stitching, sewing, and illustrating full figured women; no one specifically, but the beautiful images could not be better executed than through a woman’s point of view. We believe more women need to be recognized for their own representation of their bodies, and create comfortability with their sexuality. 

“Hardly Working” is a new body of work with moments of reflection that many creatives with decades in their careers can relate to when taking a pause while time consumes the world. 

“Time away from your art is never time away from being an artist. You weren’t wasting time, you were gathering materials, you weren’t falling behind, you were collecting experiences to infuse into your future creations” - Amy McNew @inspiredtowrite 

HARDLY WORKING LIMITED EDITION BOOK

Below is a video to a limited edition Hardly Working by Mitsy Avilla Ovalles 40 page book we are exclusively releasing and selling at E7S. This book will include the catalog of works that will be exhibiting in the show. Make sure to reserve your copy now before it sells out.

“This is a collection of rough loose sketchy crew shout outs, viral feeder, topical sports headlines, doggo portraits, and bad ladies drawn “for the gram” in between crisis at my 9 to 5. Thanks to my frens for the unintentional drawing prompts and inspo.” -Mitsy

Click on the video below to hear more about this book and to see the rough mock up of what will be inside.

Link to purchase your copy HERE

KAWS FAMILY exhibit at the wonderful Art Gallery of Ontario!

Artist and Curator Jennifer Ahn recently traveled to Toronto, Canada. While visiting with family and enjoying daily Korean homemade meals she made sure not to miss the opportunity to experience her very first immersive retrospective exhibition Kaws Family by the legendary Graffiti writer and contemporary artist Brian Donnelly aka Kaws showing at the wonderful Art Gallery of Ontario .

For the past 30 years KAWS has created his own distinct style within the art world. His multidisciplinary work ranges from graffiti/street art, advertising, graphic, design, and fashion. Inspiring generations wether it was intended or not in appropriating iconic pop culture imagery like the Simpsons cartoons. Kaws is best known for limited editions toys, and clothing with Uniqlo that you will see 3-45 year olds wearing out at your next art event.

For his very first Canadian museum exhibition, KAWS is inviting the viewer to consider the concept of family; which has a very different meaning for each of us. The thoughtfulness in KAWS presentation shows viewers the vast range his work which evolutionized from the illegal public transportation street posters he bombed back in the late 90’s (with his characters that gave everyone access encountering his art) to abstract works, and larger than life sculptures which tour globally. There were even some fun AR (augmented reality) works you could play with using the Acuteart app!

If you happen to be visiting Toronto, make sure you stop by to check out this show! As explorers of our beautiful planet we hope to bring you a little taste of what the rest of the world has to offer. Diversity is accumulated from all walks of life; gathering in cities and contributing culture that resonates with all of us who are open to receiving knowledge and generational practices from people who might not be local. Thanks for viewing and visiting our website a place where we embrace all things art.

#AGO #Toronto #KAWS #E7S

Empire Seven Studios Presents: Intro to Wheat Paste with Stephen Longoria

Empire Seven Presents: Introduction to Wheat Paste with Stephen Longoria

Join us Friday, November 3 from 6:00-9:00pm a fun and creative in-person event where you can learn the art of wheat pasting with the talented Stephen Longoria. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of wheat pasting. RSVP HERE

Location: 20 Barack Obama Blvd, Rain or Shine

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn a new skill and create a beautiful art piece. We can't wait to see you there!

Due to the nature of this workshop, please arrive promptly on time.

Photography & Videography Release

During this event, photos and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes.

#E7S #StephenLongoria #CreeksideSocial #WheatPaste #CommunityEngagement

RSVP FREE EVENT THIS SUNDAY OCTOBER 22

Empire Seven Presents: Introduction to Spray Paint Art with Talking Walls

Join us for a fun and creative in-person event where you can learn the art of can paint art with the talented Talking Walls. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of spray paint.

Location: 20 Barack Obama Blvd / Time 11:00am-3:00pm

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn a new skill and create a beautiful art piece. We can't wait to see you there!

Due to the nature of this workshop, please arrive promptly on time.

Photography & Videography Release:

During this event, photos and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes.

ABOUT: Talking Walls

Talking Walls is a different kind of art studio, it’s interactive, where the studio is your SPRAYground! Where have you ever been allowed —no, encouraged, to leave your mark and tag up a wall with a spray can? Where can you vandalize someone else’s space while still remaining a law abiding citizen (no, a bathroom stall is not actually legal)?! And where have you ever been able to collaborate (or beef) with friends or co-workers in said activities without the risk of being detained?! HERE!!! Talking Walls, seeking to preserve the history and culture of graffiti art and street art by providing groups with wall to wall space and a unique opportunity to engage in the skills, culture, and techniques of the urban art forms! Book for parties, book for team building or just for fun! Learn, appreciate, then compete with your crew in a spray paint battle!

But that’s not all, Talking Walls’ passion for teaching and reaching the masses with visual storytelling goes beyond the walls of the studio. Talking Walls has been responsible for curating a number of art festivals bringing world renown artists to towns like yours. Talking Walls, curates artists through thoughtful selection and ethical hiring to awaken cities around the country, bringing the color, unearthing history, and cultivating community. Art is a universal language and unites humanity like nothing else

MURAL FESTIVALS

Talking Walls got their start curating mural festivals back in 2016 when Cameron, muralist and Talking Walls owner, was commissioned to paint a single mural on Egbert St. in the Bayview (a neighborhood in San Francisco). Instead, he got permission from building owners and used the money to hire a bunch of artist friends to paint the entire street! The following year, he received more funding to add to the already colorful street in what we now fondly refer to as Sprayview! Three years later, through fated encounters with our now dear friends and co-dreamers, we, Cameron and wife, Crystal (ME!)— put on our first official mural festival in a teeny tiny town in the middle of Indiana! We’ve since curated for three different mural festivals, two of which are ongoing and continue to grow! The artists we have worked with are all amazingly talented and come from all over the world! They also happen to be really amazing humans which is a HUGE qualifier to us as curators! Follow us on our journey on instagram and please reach out to us if you’d like to know more about adding murals to your city.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13th FREE SCREEN PRINT EVENT at CREEKSIDE SOCIALS DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE

Join us for a fun and creative in-person event where you can learn the art of screen print with the talented Eric Kneeland of Black Stamp Studios. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of screen printing. Guests are encouraged to bring any one garment or tote bag to create a custom Creekside Socials screen print onsite. RSVP HERE Space is limited, act fast and sign up, our last event sold out in a matter of hours. We look forward to seeing you there. Empire Seven Studios will bring merchandise that will be available for purchase.

Artist Eric Kneeland founded Black Stamp Studios in 2008. The shop started in Eric's Grandma's garage while he taught Screen Printing at Foothill College. After outgrowing Grandma's garage Black Stamp Studios found a perfect studio in the Princeton Harbor where they've been since 2012.  Black Stamp Studios specializes in screen printing, sign painting and design and have worked with various clients including Nike, RVCA, BEAMS, SFFD, Barry Mcgee to name a few. One of their favorite things is meeting all the walks of life that need either shirts printed or a sign for their small business.

Music will be provided by David Eliseo Valdespino JR. Born in Oakland, raised in the East Bay, and based in San Jose David engages the South Bay creative scene through his work as Production Manager for Content Magazine. As a vinyl collector, musician, and DJ, David is interested in stitching together various genres and perspectives of music to form quilts of sound that are both familiar and off the beaten path.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY DRAWING PARTY & KM POP UP

Kristina Micotti “Big Mamas” solo exhibition is coming to a close this weekend.

Friday, October 6 from 6-9pm, we will be hosting a Drawing Party with the Artist and everyone is invited! Tables will be set up for anyone joining in on the fun. BYOB and BYO art supplies. This will be our first of many art nights just like the old days at E7S.

Saturday, October 7 from 2-5pm, Kristina Micotti’s POP UP shop will be open during Saturday’s Pinoytown Artwalk. There will be a new T-Shirt release featuring Kristina’s “Tiger” ; the iconic image used to promote this wonderful collection of artworks. Limited quantities available and will be first come first serve.

Thanks to everyone who visited the exhibit and shared with friends on social medias. Many came from far away places and that means so much to the E7S team. We are extremely appreciative of all the collectors who purchased artworks.

Sustaining independent small businesses, artists, is done through art collecting. Art collecting is what E7S advocates for elevating all participants in the appreciation of owning a part of artists careers and making history. Kristina Micotti’s new series “Big Mamas” has nearly sold out. There are only three remaining paintings that can still use a happy home.

As an artist owned Gallery, we know first hand the importance of collecting artworks. It brings us joy to empower artists supporting them and the freedom it gives them to continue pursuing their dreams and liberates them to be themselves.

Pinoytown Artwalk in Japantown October 7th x Abraham Menor & FAHNS

E7S has been invited to participate in the Pinoytown Artwalk a new event that celebrates Filipino Heritage month October 7th, 2-7pm. Filipino American History Month or FAHM, is celebrated annually in October, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in modern-day Morro Bay, California in the United States on October 18, 1587.

When we received the invitation, it was obvious and natural to reach out to our long time friend Abraham Menor; who exhibited several solo shows with our Gallery. Over the years we have built a wonderful friendship with the photographer, multi media artist, sound selector, self published community organizer.

In 2016, Abraham Menor reached out to Empire Seven Studios to host the first social for the Filipino American National Historical Society : Their mission is to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in Santa Clara Valley.

It was serendipitous that we absolutely signed up to join in on the fun as we are currently exhibiting “Big Mamas” by Artist Kristina Micotti who has Filipina heritage! The exhibit has been on view at the Gallery since August.

What to expect? This Saturday October 7th, the event will be from 2-7pm.

This will also be the closing reception for Kristina Micotti’s “Big Mamas” Kristina will be in attendance and setting up a merchandise pop up shop in our Gallery with some of her in demand designed products. There will also be a new t-shirt drop available featuring her Tiger painting from the latest series of artworks.

Abraham Menor will be exhibiting photographs “Pictures Dipped in Bagoong” at the E7S Creative Corner; curating vendors that will be setting up on Seventh Street. Vendors: FANHS-SCV info boot), Sampaguita Press (books & printed matter) and Lorenz Dumuk (art & jewelry), Cuauhtli Botanicals - plant based skin care products, Lola Weavers - Filipino garments and clothing & Humble Beginnings  - clothing and art. Music by Dj - Manong Mark (FANHS), Abraham will be spinning all vinyl by Filipino artists. Special performance by Lorenz Dumuk poetry reading will be at 4:45-5pm.

Other events happening on 208 Jackson Street:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic San Jose Pinoytown Points of Interests

  • Live Music Performances

  • Artist & Maker Vendor Mini-Markets

  • Local Fil Am Organizations, Featured Film Shops & Artist Galleries

  • Artist Gallery at SJ Made Moment shop.

Many of the participating small businesses in Japantown are Filipino Owned; SJ Made x Moment, Know Future Gallery, Cukui…just to name a few.

FUN FACT: Since opening our doors in 2008, E7S has showcased many of the artists who own the small businesses mentioned here. Additionally, launched the Jtown Artwalk with the Cukui family when more boutiques started showcasing artists on the second weekend of the month. These events have contributed to the vibrancy and revitalization of what is now known as the “best neighborhood” in San Jose featuring artists, cuisine, community events, and festivals.

Empire Seven Studios has been a safe place for our diverse communities since we opened our doors, and we’re humbled that our history can be reflected positively and effortlessly in the future. We hope to see our E7S family present to come support our Filipino Community.

See you here this Saturday, October 7th, 2-7pm!

Yayoi Kusama comes to San Francisco 

The wait is finally over! We had the pleasure to attend opening day of the Yayoi Kusama exhibit at the SFMOMA, and we love to share our experiences with our E7S family. 

This is Kusama’s first solo presentation in Northern California and we are still boasting with excitement from having an opportunity to explore the work of this world renowned artist. 

The installation of two Infinity Mirror Rooms are magical and allowed us to be fully immersed in Kusama’s world: “Dreaming of Earth’s Sphericity, I Would Offer My Love” and “Love Is Calling”

We appreciate her usage of light and color within these immersive spaces. In one room, you will hear Kusama’s voice reciting a poem about love, it feels as if you’re having an in person conversation with the artist. 

There’s also a massive bronze sculpture, “Aspiring to Pumpkin’s Love, the Love in My Heart” that takes up an entire room in the museum. Kusama’s iconic patterns shimmered with the yellow and black urethane coating basing the entire sculpture. 

For Kusama, polka dots represent self-obliteration. Not in a destructively but the idea of merging the individual with the larger universe; a symbol which embodies peace and joy.

This exhibit is a must see and we hope you’re able to take a field trip to the SFMOMA to enjoy this wonderful experience! Tickets are currently sold out until the end of this month. November tickets will be released sometime this or next week.

While at the Museum, we spent time in multiple exhibits. Some favorites were the beautiful works of Hung Liu and a few striking photography group shows.

#E7S #SFMOMA #YayoiKusama

World Wide Walls Maui Relief Print SALE

World Wide Walls HQ is based in Honolulu Hawaii, and like many of us in the main land our local friends in the Islands have been tremendously impacted in mind, body and spirit with the recent devastation in Maui wildfire August 8th 2023. Maui can use all the support available, it will take years to rebuild. Supporting Maui locals in the moment of need is what Jasper Wong of World Wide Walls has committed in doing through Artwork, in partnership with Aloha de Mele.

People can support by purchasing and collecting amazing artworks from many talented artists that have contributed prints where 100% of proceeds will be donated to relief of the Wildfire disaster. Many of the artists have participated in the World Wide Walls Festivals and it’s truly wonderful seeing them doing their part. Join the movement and purchase a piece artwork that will remind you of the kindness humanity can have when we see our fellow neighbors during difficult times.