SPOOKY SHOW - A Group Exhibition Saturday October 14th 6-9pm

Welcome to the surreal new contemporary art show of 2023. Artists from all over the world will be exhibiting their customized artworks for the Spooky Show. It’s been a long time coming for us to collaborate with so many friends that we’ve met over the years whether in person or online. This event will be one you don’t want to miss out on. Come get freaky with us in our main gallery.

The "Spooky Show" exhibition this October 14- November 4, 2023 at Empire Seven Studios. Artists selection was simple…because we love their work and we think our E7S family will love it too! It's the perfect fit for the month of Halloween.

Theme of the show was based on are surreal, cute, dark, humorous, even with a dash of gory. We want to showcase artwork that helps break down stigmas of art genres creating opportunities for our audience and collectors to get familiar with an independent lens and thinkers. 

Some of the featured artists will have affordable merchandise available in our gift shop. If you are interested in a collectors preview please subscribe to our newsletter for an opportunity to purchase artwork before our doors open.

ARTIST ROSTER:

Angela Fox / Ari Li / Bryan Sanchez / Christopher Konecki / Cynthia Yadira Gonzalez / Dalena / Danilo Parra / Gabriel Edwards / Jason Arnold / Jeff Ejan / Jeff McMillan / Joon-Hee Park / Joshua Barrigada  /Lucia M / Madeleine Machado / Phil Guy / Ross Takahashi / Sailor V / Sean Tarrice / Shrimp Louie / Stephen Longoria / Tobias Hernandez / Tyson Johnston 

#E7S #SpookyShow #Jtown #JapantownSJ #SanJose #Artshow #ArtCollection #ArtCollectors #Collector 

Community Mural Restoration Project with Kristina Micotti

It’s been one month since we recently completed the renovation of Kristina Micotti @kristinamicotti 2021 installation “Do You Know The Way to San Josè’s Guadalupe River Trail?” This 2,550 sq foot mural, which is located along the Guadalupe River Park Trail, created to serve programs for children in underserved neighborhoods to have an opportunity to visit natural spaces and learn about local wildlife in a fun whimsical way. A massive shout out to the community who signed up to participate in hands on painting of the mural. An impressive 50 volunteers came out to support this initiative and helped complete it in the span of 3 days! We couldn’t have completed so quickly without their persistence and dedication. It was a beautiful experience working with families, students, and local artists.

We greatly appreciate the core team on site who helped mentor and delegate tasks to volunteers:
Juan Carlos Araujo (@no._2_gallery_ ) Stephen Longoria (@steponhen) Lacey Bryant (@laceybryantart ) and Leyla (@bylxc ) all working artists in San Jose.

The project is Supported by World Wide Walls (@worldwidewalls) in collaboration with San Jose Walls a mural festival produced by Empire Seven Studios (@empire7studios).

Restoration efforts were financially sponsored by Microsoft (@Microsoft ) & Amazon (@amazon). Partnerships with Guadalupe River Park Conservancy (@grpc) City of San Jose (@cityofsanjose ) Office of Cultural Affairs (@sjculture ) San Jose Downtown Association (@sj_downtown). Paint generously donated by (@kellymoorepaint ) and World Wide Walls legacy partners (@montanacans_usa) (@monsterenergy).

Tell your friends you helped restore and paint an amazing mural. Purchase a commemorative $12.00 (usd) pin to prove it. There are only five pieces left, and available in our gift shop. Pins designed by Kristina Micotti feature a Raccoon, part of the wildlife that frequent the area and painted directly on the wall.

E7S last weekend at Los Gatos Art and Wine Festival

Last weekend Empire Seven Studios mobilized the gallery to our friends small business and hair salon The Studio Los Gatos

During the two day Art and Wine Festival we were able to connect with new folks and re-engage with supporters who used to come to our original space 2008-2016. We appreciate everyone’s feedback and excitement over the level of quality production of our new contemporary art movement. 

Artwork was sold and we are very grateful for the patrons that understand the value of collecting artwork’s artists specifically produce in their private studios that is solely created because it gives them freedom, joy and in some cases a form of therapy. 

The artwork installed will continue to be on display and can be viewed through October. Feel free to stop by the salon to check out the show and even schedule your next hair appointment! The staff are incredibly welcoming and professional, guaranteed to take great care of you!

Artworks on view and available by:

Chad Hasegawa - IG @chadhasegawa

Jason Arnold - IG @jason_c_arnold

Juan Carlos Araujo - IG @no._2_gallery_

Roan Victor - IG @roanvictor 

Stephany Sanchez - IG @_tefan_ 

Stephen Longoria - IG @steponhen

Tyson Johnston - IG @bloodyloveletter 

IG is the artist Instagram handles.

#E7S #EmpireSevenStudios #TheStudioLosGatos #LosGatos #LosGatosArtAndWineFestival

Takashi Murakami's first solo exhibit in SF! Opening of “Unfamiliar People — Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego”

Took a trip up to SF to see the new Takashi Murakami exhibit at the SF Asian Art Museum.

“Unfamiliar People — Swelling of Monsterized Human Ego” is Takashi’s first solo exhibition in San Francisco! There was such a variety of mediums and styles in this exhibit! Definitely planning to go back to become re-immersed in his world!

Below is the SF Asian Art Museum’s write up about this exhibit:

An internationally recognized artist, Murakami is also a major figure in global pop culture whose influence extends to fashion, consumer products, curation, and entertainment. With a boldly colored, upbeat style and a pop sensibility that draws inspiration from anime and manga, Murakami’s accessible and fun creations deliver more than meets the eye: beneath the surface of his work lies a nuanced examination of human behavior, informed by historical and art-historical references and a wry sense of humor.

The larger-than-life paintings and sculptures in Murakami: Monsterized use monsters as a central motif to address the complicated nature of the world around us. The artist’s recent works suggest that our rapidly changing and increasingly digital landscape is populated by monsters — whether harmful or helpful — many of which humans have created and perhaps even become. Blurring the line between frightening and fun, these monsters embody the forces and behaviors that threaten and haunt us, as well as those that offer us diversion and escape from chaos. Several new works created for this exhibition find Murakami responding to a social environment marked by a global pandemic and a shift toward virtual interaction. Paintings of distorted figures reflect the swelling egos of individuals promoting themselves relentlessly on social media, while works recording the artist’s creation of NFTs, including avatars, look with optimism toward a digitally liberated future.

Senior Curator of Japanese Art Laura W. Allen locates Murakami’s imagery in a lineage of Japanese supernatural creatures including the kaiju (giant monsters) of postwar manga, television, and film — such as Godzilla, who makes a memorable appearance in this exhibition — and extending back to the “menacing and adorable” yōkai (supernatural entities) of Edo-period scrolls. “The visual DNA of Murakami’s characters has origins in centuries-old styles in Japanese art,” says Allen, “such as depicting Buddhist arhats and Daoist immortals as wizened beings with strange features, bulging eyes, and bared teeth.” To these venerated historical sources, Murakami adds the “technicolor palette, goofy expressions, and eclectic mixture of motifs” that have become his trademark — boldly remixing tradition to reflect the complexity of the present day.


Los Gatos Art & Wine Festival September 16-17th

We mobilized our gallery to a friend’s hair salon, The Studio Los Gatos . This weekend September 16th, and 17th …the two day event will be hosting artists, live music, beer and wine! 

There will be a wonderful collection of original artworks on display inside featuring: Chad Hasegawa, Jason Arnold, Juan Carlos Araujo, Stephany Sanchez, Stephen Longoria, and Tyson Johnston. Additionally, there will also be artist merchandise such as books, totes, and more!

Come visit we look forward to seeing you, and having a great time! 

Mini Pet Portraits by Kristina Micotti for Exhibit Jtown Community

Hello friends, and family, we are thrilled to be open once again and share the activities frequently happening in our new home. As a small business we are constantly having to be innovative and resilient.

This past weekend we had a really fun opportunity to collaborate with our partners Exhibit Jtown bringing together our neighbors to build community and share the experiences with their fur baby companions. Kristina Micotti created custom “pet portraits” where she captured the unique likeness and personality. The private event was booked up within 15 minutes! It was a perfect activity to celebrate her amazing artwork, and solo exhibition currently showing in the Gallery. 

It’s been great working with our partners and as we are re-establishing ourselves in a physical space we are adapting all of the concepts we discussed prior to opening the doors to Empire Seven Studios. As small business we are extremely excited to be evolving and gathering people from all walks life once again, as we did in the original warehouse. 

We got to hang out with Kristina Micotti and the “Big Mamas” solo exhibition featuring all new works. The art show has been extended and on view until October 7.

If you’ve not made it to the Gallery, you still have time, stop by and visit us and check out the show! 

Gallery and gift shop hours: Tuesday - Saturday 10:30am-6:30pm 

Kristina Micotti is an illustrator and designer from the San Francisco Bay Area. Her illustrations are playful, bold, and simple. She likes to create anything that makes her laugh. Thanks for all you hard work and really fun time hanging out yesterday, you absolutely killed it.

SJSU Art Galleries Tuesday Night Lecture: Juan Carlos Araujo - September 12th at 5-6pm

Excited to share that I’ve been invited to be part of this year's SJSU Art Dept Lecture on September 12th at 5-6pm. Location: Art Department Building 133.

Introducing myself, Juan Carlos Araujo, owner of Empire Seven Studios, Co-Founder/co-Director of San Jose Walls (a global mural movement in collaboration with Worldwide Walls), and the Jtown Artwalk. I’ll be talking a little about these entities, my own artistic journey of how all these ventures got started. 

There’s been many new people who are new to our audience and we’re happy you are here, at the staple of new contemporary art in San Jose. I’m looking forward to sharing with students about the last 15 years as an independent artist owned small business. 

As a San José-native and multi disciplinary self taught artist. I spent most of my youth doing graffiti. Fast forward to my late 20’s, established Empire Seven Studios which has been in business for over a decade; a place that’s been advocating for local/global artists by creating opportunities and providing a place to elevate and highlight emerging talents on a grand scale.

Additionally, I served as District 3's Art Commission/Chair for the City of San José for 3 years. In 2020, I was commissioned by the San José Museum of Art to design 40 streetlight banners. The bright and dynamic banners that were installed along East Santa Clara Street between Market and 20th streets; a way to serve as a connecting corridor between downtown and east San Jose.

Thanks to everyone for the love and support you’ve provided us for over a decade and the new folks who venture into our community everyday. 

If you’re interested in attending the event its open to the public, seating is limited, please RSVP to let them know you’re coming. Link HERE

Tuesday Night Lecture series is accompanied with Art Shows happening SJSU Art Galleries, exhibiting works of students! 

I’m looking forward to seeing you at the event!

-Juan Carlos Araujo

IG - @empire7studios / @sjsuartgalleries

#sjsutuesdaynightlecture #sjsu #sjsuart #sjsuartgalleries #sjsuartdepartment #tuesdaynightlectureseries #tuesdaynightlectures #E7S #JtownArtwalk #SJWalls

Empire Seven Studios presents: Kristina Micotti “Big Mamas”

Kristina Micotti “Big Mamas” a solo exhibition featuring all new works by Bay Area artist. Kristina Micotti is an illustrator and designer from the San Francisco Bay Area. Her illustrations are playful, bold, and simple. She likes to create anything that makes her laugh. Her new life changing experience in becoming a mommy has inspired the title “Big Mamas”  for her upcoming show where all works will be large scale framed original paintings. 

There will be a limited amount of hand painted tote bags, and merchandise available for anyone wanting to take something home to remember this event. 

Kristina is a recipient of major awards by Society of Illustrators - First place winner for Blankets in the Surface/Product Design Category - 2020 Print Magazine - Hand Drawn Competition Winner 2013 AIGA Portfolio Illustration Winner – San Diego Chapter 2012

SFMOMA: Kristina Micotti is an award-winning illustrator and designer from the San Francisco Bay Area. Her illustrations are playful, bold, and simple. 

We look forward to seeing you in our Gallery / Gift Shop August 12t!

  • Opening reception: Saturday, August 12 from 6:00-9:00pm

  • The exhibit will be on view August 12 through the month of September. 

Stephany Sanchez limited edition print release available in our Gallery!

Narrative by Stephany Sanchez:

“Echemos Abajo El Capitalismo" is a piece inspired by my research pertaining to printmaking and its connection to labor strikes and unions during the industrialization of Mexico and the Mexican Revolution. This specific screen print focuses on the strikes led by textile women workers who were forced to work for 15 hours straight without breaks. According to my readings in "Radicals in el Barrio" by Jason Akers, five women showed solidarity with the textile workers during the strike by collecting dry bread and tortillas, hiding them under their rebosos. Later on, during the strike, they used these items to throw at the police or any opposition attempting to break the strike. The names of these incredible women are Anselma Sierra, Carmen Cruz, Margarita Martinez, and Maria L. I consider the bread and tortillas both sacred and symbolic of food accessibility, as well as weapons passed down by our ancestors, which we still enjoy today.

My interest in printmaking originated from my frequent visits to Oaxaca every summer, which coincided with a surge in political printmaking following the APPO protests in 2006. I vividly recall walking through the streets of Oaxaca and being captivated by the graphic and intricate woodcut prints being produced. This experience ignited a passion for printmaking that has since greatly influenced both my artistic work and my research on the intersection of printmaking and politics. In some instances, I utilize printmaking as a means to retell historical or current events, while in other cases, it serves as a catalyst for an entirely new artistic process.

The creation of "Echemos Abajo el Capitalismo" involved a tedious and multi-step process. Firstly, I sketched out the design, then transferred it onto a linoleum surface and carefully carved it. Next, the print underwent a printing process through the press. Subsequently, I scanned the print, converted it into a vector format, and added color. Finally, the print went through the screen printing process, which included exact color matching. I am immensely grateful to Taller Arte Del Nuevo Amanecer (TANA) for their invaluable assistance in the screen printing of these works.

Also available, one of each print by Stephany Sanchez exclusively available at our Gallery. Embossed watermark, signed and numbered.

For inquires please email us at info@empiresevenstudios.com 



JULY SUMMER SALE BUNDLE DEAL!

Special edition Sean Barton bundle pack for $100.00 USD

1) Indecent Exposure Limited Print -Archival Paper Signed

2) Indecent Exposure 200 page book of 90’-2k graffiti. 

3) Custom Ox Blood Art Primo Marker Labels made by the artist and hand poured ink. 

4) San Jose Art Zine & Book Fair Tote 2023 edition 

For the month of July, when you purchase all three Sean Barton products you get a free canvas tote bag that was created for the SJ Art, Zine, Book Fair! 

Tote has long handles for extra comfort, and lots of room at a compact size. Ask us about it when you stop by, also sold individually we are here to help 

Gallery & Gift Shop Open Wednesday- Saturday 10am-6pm. 


#SeanBarton #Graffiti #Zine #Book #Collector #Print #Limited #Marker #Gallery #Sale #Summer

SAVE THE DATE - FEMM - Saturday, July 8, 2023 from 6:00-9:00pm

Flyer created by Nancy and Jennifer Ahn

Opening reception - Saturday, July 8 from 6:00-9:00pm

Live DJ Music by Ms Tiza

Exhibit on view - July 8 - August 5, 2023

FEMM (Feminine Expression Minus Misogyny)

As womxn, from the time we are brought into this universe, we are taught how we should exist to best accommodate the patriarchy of misogynistic mediocrity. We experience daily reinforcements of the things “Thou Shall Not” do. There is a stigmatization on how we should act, how we should look, our roles in society, even what is appropriate for us sexually. 

Womxn should not be taught to inhibit or be censured for all the things that should be equal or pleasurable to us. Instead we should be unleashing the freedom that is unbinding within us.

We are paid less for the same work and regularly have our ideas co-opted by male colleagues. If we menstruate, we are expected to pretend that we don’t. If we don’t menstruate, we are treated as lesser-than. We are pressured to reproduce, when it’s convenient for others, and then work as though we don’t have a family. 

Then there is the topic of body image, self love and exploration. From a young age, we are taught that our bodies are a dangerous sexual distraction to men. We are not taught to see our bodies as our temple and more specifically how to explore ourselves for pleasure. Instead of being celebrated, we are censured to believe our flower as taboo.

This is just the surface of so many other layers.

A womxn’s struggle to be heard has the ability to be expressed through art globally. A way to rewire long standing perspectives on sociocultural and expectations by creating a new visual dialogue about the experience of womxn. Artistic impacts of the art world historically have been disenfranchising womxn.

For this show, you are encouraged to think FEMM first (Feminine Expression Minus Masculinity). Pieces created when womxn: 

  • Fully embrace our own ideas on bodily autonomy, reproductive justice, gender expression and sexual pleasure.

  • Put ourselves first instead of living in subservience to make everyone else comfortable.

  • Celebrate our superior ability to have a professional career while also holding together our homes, families, and communities.

This exhibit is a celebration of womxn for their resilience, strength, beauty and ability to live vividly with an unapologetic lens. 

With support to all the amazing womxn,

Jennifer Ahn

ARTIST ROSTER:
Addi Miyako / Alyssarhaye Graciano / Annie Lu / Asha Sudra / Bernie Gasga / Christina Xu / Cindy Duong / Genevieve Santos / Jacqueline de Leon / Jennifer Ahn / Jennifer Gonzalez / Jenny Wagner / Jessica Eastburn / Jessica Gutierrez / Kaylin / Kristina Micotti / Lacey Bryant / Lan Nguyen / Lisa Sisneroz / Melissa Manuel / Molly Kitamura / Nancy Ahn / Pilar Aguero Esparza / Roan Victor / Ruthie Yamada / Soni Dhanjal

A special “thank you” to:

Stacey Kellogg co-narrator this important dialogue and Juan Carlos Araujo (co-founder of E7S who fully supports the womxn movement)

New works by SEAN BARTON

“Mood Board; Legends, Lies and Lullabies

Empire Seven Studios presents works by Sean Barton

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, June 10 from 11:00am-6:00pm

Pulled from an ongoing series consisting of 365 paintings,“Mood Board: Legends, Lies and Lullabies” artist Sean Barton attempts to translate events, misfortunes and thoughts into a colorful synopsis of each day. These 14 sky scape paintings which are obstructed by lines, reflect the artist’s inability to move outside of one’s self imposed restrictions. Painted with enamel on canvas they were produced daily, over a two week period.

Works on view in conjunction with the artists book release titled “Indecent Exposure” taking place during the SJ Art, Zine Book Fair.

Music by @flipsidelovers

ART ON VIEW: June 10-July 1, 2023 

#E7S #SeanBarton #Jtown #JapantownSJ #SanJose #Artshow #ArtCollection #ArtCollectors #Collector #IndecentExposure

REMINDER - San Jose Art, Zine, and Book Fair coming soon! Last call for vendors to sign up!

Empire Seven Studios is proud to present its second Art, Zine, and Book Fair on June 10-11, 2023.

🚨DEADLINE MAY 31 TO SIGN UP!EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS OPEN ONLY FOR A FEW MORE WEEKS! LINK HERE

Independent Artists, Zine Makers, and Book Publishers will showcase printed matter, artworks, collectables, and merchandise at this outdoor event!

Limited edition tote bags will be available on-site while they last.

Pop Up Art Market brought to you by SJ Makers @sj.makers will include food/beverage vendors, local entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives of various aspects.

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE:

* BOOK RELEASE BY SEAN BARTON “Indecent Exposure” Is 300 pages of what could be the first graffiti zine published in San Jose. Attendees will have a special opportunity to get a closer look at the making of Indecent Exposure at a panel discussion with Sean Barton, followed by a book signing. An artistic experience we hope you can join us for as more details follow.

* ART EXHIBIT WITH WORKS BY SEAN BARTON AT EMPIRE SEVEN STUDIOS.

New E7S merchandise drops will be available for a limited time! 

ARTIST PANEL DISCUSSIONS ON SATURDAY AND SUNDAY. Will be announcing the full program soon!


📍LOCATION & DETAILS:

• Empire Seven Studios 525 N. 7th Street, SJ, CA 95112

DATES & HOURS:

• Saturday, June 10: 11am – 6pm

• Sunday, June 11: 11am – 5pm

• Free public admission


Powered by City of San Jose ABIERTO Funding, The San Jose Art, Zine and Book Fair presented by Empire Seven Studios is organized by Empire Seven Studios and San Jose Makers. Our mission is the sustainability of local Bay Area makers and beyond.

PRESALE - INDECENT EXPOSURE by SEAN BARTON

THIS IS A PRESALE OFFERING. BOOK WILL BEGIN SHIPPING ON JUNE 1ST
INCLUDES AN EDITIONED 1-COLOR SCREEN PRINT FOR THE FIRST 150 PURCHASED

About the book:

Born at the end of the analog era, a time filled with cassettes, disposable cameras and hardcore shows at VFW halls, Indecent Exposure or IE was one of the earliest black and white photocopied graffiti zines to be made. Everyone involved with IE became a part of its legion of lawlessness, hilarity, and counter measures to fitting into society. We were a band of skeptics that did our own background checks, made our own bus passes, and evaded all the normalcy that the rest of society shoved down our throats. Before the internet took over and gave almost every human their own stage to dance on, before all the chitter chatter in the comment sections, and before the incessant phone checking, there was us. Camped out at grimy coffeeshops, drying our clothes out, smoking Old Golds, drawing and writing and reading and waiting for the night to fall. Before IG there was IE. And with IE we validated each other through and through.

Issues 1 and 2 were originally created in Seattle WA. Issues 3 to 8 were made in different cities around the United States. The entire collection consists of 8 issues spanning a four year period between 1996 and 2000.

The zine featured only illegal graffiti and was assembled from hard copy photos in a cut and paste style.

THIS HEAVY COLLECTION OF PHOTOS REALLY SPEAKS FOR ITSELF. 198 PAGES STACKED FULL OF ILLEGAL STREET GRAFFITI, LETTERS, DRAWINGS AND STORIES. ALSO INCLUDED IS AN ENLARGED VERSION OF A POSTER THAT WAS ORIGINALLY INCLUDED IN ONE OF THE ISSUES.

Featuring : Puzle kyt, Revok msk, MQ, Log, Mr.Left, Saber msk, Oze 108, Bigfoot, Adek btm, Rime, Setup, Tie, Rain kyt, Jaber kyt, Kept, Bles, Espo, VE, Orfn, Geso, Veks kyt, Amaze, Twist, and hundreds more ….

Editioned screen print included with presale purchase (while supplies last!)

7” x 9” White 100 lb. French paper co. deckled edge paper
Edition of 150 to be signed and numbered by the artist/author

Additional Information:

Publisher: Independent
Year: 2023
Pages: 198 p.
Dimensions: 20.3cm x 25.4cm
Soft Cover: Sulfated cardboard (14 pts)
Paper Content: Uncoated (120gsm)Binding: Perfect binding and thread sewn
Finishing: Plastic wrapped up
Process: Offset Printed
Color: Black, silver, varnish and laminate
Insert: Poster 59cm x 90cm
Edition Size: 1000
Printed in Mexico.

SAVE THE DATE: Saturday, May 13 - “Dear Mama”

A special event in collaboration with SJ Makers next weekend in poetry, R&B, Hip hop, & Spoken Word for Raw Uplift Vol. 4 - “Dear Mama”

This is a day to uplift the harsh realities of unconditional love. 

Tupac’s “Dear Mama” was an inspiration behind this as it defined the nourishing love of a mother including all their flaws as embracing all the wounds that led us to be the strong beings we are today. 

Live music performances by: 

@issafeemusic 

@onbar_ 

@jeffturnermusik 

@whatshisface_tv


📍Empire Seven Studios - 525 N 7th St San Jose CA 95112

DJ set provided by: @dj.kallado 

MC of Show: @jazulll_baybee 

Flier Artwork by: @demonpetallord

Outdoor Art Gallery Curated by: @marthastreetartnight

Powered by the City of San Jose’s Abrieto funding


#E7S #DearMama #SJMakers #Jtwon #JapantownSJ #SanJose #Artshow #ArtCollection #ArtCollectors #SpokenWord

Celebration with as SJ Walls kicks off this weekend plus cumbia and elotes!

Mural Tour Ride from 10:00am-1:00pm hosted by San Jose Bike Party and Silicon Valley Bike Coalition in partnership with SJ Walls and the GRPC.

Click HERE to register!

The Mural Tour Ride will provide an open space gallery where we share behind the scenes stories of public art collections, artists conversations and experiences!

Learn fun facts of our city’s rich culture and history as this tour has been led by Juan Carlos Araujo; a working artist born and raised in San Jose managing multiple roles in that interweave the artistic culture in our city (Lead Director of SJ Walls, Owner of Empire Seven Studios , Co-founder of the Jtown Artwalk).

Additionally, Artist In Resident artist Ruben Escalante will be joining us to share a little bit about his inspiration as he will be painting May 6-13 at three sites along the Guadalupe River trail.

The ride will start at Woz Way and end up at E7S where “ELOTES Y CUMBIAS in collaboration with SJ Makers will be be from 11:00am-5:00pm

Join us as we celebrate Cinco De Mayo weekend with vendors, good food, and cumbia!

Music Playlist of the day created by DJ EMZ.

Powered by the City of San Jose’s Abierto Funding.

In addition to our Artist In Residence painting throughout the week for @sanjosewalls we’ll also be joined by artists from the Meeting of the Mindz Collective for a pop up painting session. For more info, visit HERE

They’ll be setting up their easels within the park and painting just for the fun of it. Location will be announced the first week of May.

We invite you to join us or to gather your own group of friends for a pop up session even after the festival is over.

SJ Walls 2023 and new E7S exhibit curated by Artist In Residence Ruben Escalante

SJ Walls is here! This year, we will be going back to an Artist In Residency model with one local artist, Ruben Escalante. Also for the first time, we asked the artist to provide what colorway as the inspiration and for 2023 we are going with khaki and brown! For full details, visit HERE

"stay together for the kids, an earnest attempt at keeping it together” 

Curated by SJ Walls 2023 Artist In Residence Ruben Escalante. For more info on Ruben’s residency, visit HERE

ARTIST ROSTER:

angelica torres / bib galaxy gonzalez tanju / creo noveno-najam / cynthia gonzalez / daisy ascencio / girlonbus / imran najam-noveno / jai tanju / marnie inguito / ruben escalante 

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, May 13 • 1:00-6:00pm

ART EXHIBITION ON VIEW: May 13 - June 2, 2023

LOCATION: Empire Seven Studios - 525 N 7th Street, Suite 10, San Jose, CA

#E7S #SourAndSweet #JTown #JapantownSJ #SanJose #Artshow #ArtCollection #ArtCollectors #Collector #RubenEscalante #SJWalls #SanJoseWalls #SJWalls23

SAN JOSE ART, ZINE, & BOOK FAIR 2023

Presented by Empire Seven Studios / Dates: June 10 – 11, 2023

Empire Seven Studios is proud to present its second Art, Zine, and Book Fair on June 10-11, 2023.

This two day, family friendly event will be free to the public, taking place at Japantown's North Seventh Street between Empire and Jackson Streets. Independent Artists, Zine Makers, and Book Publishers will showcase printed matter, artworks, collectables, and merchandise at this outdoor event (street will be closed to cars). Here you will be able to experience panel discussions, performances, and see things from all walks of life.

A Pop Up Art Market brought to you by SJ Makers will include food/beverage vendors, local entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives of various aspects. Our goal is to activate the artist community by bringing together artists, local neighborhoods, small businesses, and the creative community from all over the Bay Area.

We invite you to join us!

Special events will include:

  • Book release by Sean Barton, Indecent Exposure Is 300 pages of what could be the first graffiti zine published in San Jose. Attendees will have a special opportunity to get a closer look at the making of Indecent Exposure at a panel discussion with Barton, followed by a book signing. An artistic experience we hope you can join us for as more details follow.

  • Art Exhibition with Sean Barton at Empire Seven Studios Gallery, showcasing five limited edition hand pulled silk screen prints; a series of 50 sets. Additionally, new E7S merchandise with lettering custom designed by Sean Barton will be available for a limited time!

📍LOCATION & DETAILS:

  • Empire Seven Studios 525 N. 7th Street, Suite 10 San Jose, CA 95112

  • Free public admission

  • DATES & HOURS: Saturday, June 10: 11am – 6pm Sunday, June 11: 11am – 5pm

  • ARTIST PANELS:

    • Saturday: Sean Barton

    • Sunday: Jessica Gutierrez, Martha Street Art Night Zine Creator

EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN - APPLY HERE

Powered by City of San Jose ABIERTO Funding, The San Jose Art, Zine and Book Fair presented by Empire Seven Studios is organized by Empire Seven Studios and San Jose Makers. Our mission is the sustainability of local Bay Area makers and beyond.

This Saturday, April 8! "SOW AND GROW" opens from 6:00-9:00pm

Empire Seven Studios in collaboration with SJ Makers @sj.makers presents “SOW AND GROW”

A group art show dedicated to reflecting on seeds scattered all over as we open up space to celebrate Earth Day. 

OPENING RECEPTION: Saturday, April 8 from 6:00-9:00 pm / ART EXHIBITION ON VIEW: April 8 - 29, 2023 

“SOW AND GROW” is all about wrapping our minds and hearts around nature as we connect and reflect on our planted seeds of hope. We are hoping for viewers to feel growth as they enjoy taking in these pieces and connecting them to their own roots and environment.

ARTISTS:

Amanda Valenzuela @moonsunandloveart

Itzayana Silva @infrared.rose

Jessica Gutierrez @artnflowww

Lacey Bryant @laceybryantart

Mario Aguilar @marsvisionz

Mario Dimas @mariodimas._

Paola Lagunas @arteporlola


#E7S #SowAndGrow #Jtwon #JapantownSJ #SanJose #Artshow #ArtCollection #ArtCollectors #Collector