Do yourselves a favor and never walk in here, unless you like being treated like trash…read more Idk who the man at the desk was, but my friend and I walked into the gallery and his attitude was incredibly condescending, it was disgusting. There was no one inside and he was sitting at the desk on his phone. We said hi to him when we walked in, got ignored, he looked annoyed the moment we entered, scoffed when we tried to ask him a question, cut us off mid sentence with a "no" before we even finished question, and then ignored us to go back on his phone. All we did was walk through the open doors during business hours. The gallery inside was very lackluster anyway, not worth the time or the disrespect for no reason. There are so many other places with better art pieces in San Jose.

The 5 stars is for the customer service with the dude behind the front desk. Sometimes he is doing…read morehis paintings outside, but he is still happy to stop to help visitors inside. Like a duck in water, he is in-tune with the surroundings. And the business activates with him when he is there. This also occurs with another dude who works at The City Fish, the ladies who work at the Jack in the Box, the guys at The PoorHouse Bistro, and the guys at Devine Wine and Cheese. They are all good at what they do. The place is not like a Museum in Paris where million dollar paintings hang for the rich and famous. It is not like a factory warehouse or classroom for mass producing for sale in Cost-Plus or Ross. This is a place like where ordinary people could be standing outside their living room with an eager smile saying "Hey, wanna come check out my art?"

I love the Triton Museum of Art. Definitely a pillar of the Santa Clara Community. Free admission!read more

This was actually my second time ever at this museum, I came a couple years back when they had a…read morechalk festival. If you ever get the chance to come show up both days so you can see the artist outlines, and when they start everything, and then day two to see the finished product!! This particular day I went with my dad and Brother to check out what new art pieces they had. We spent about an hour walking through and looking at everything. My brother, major in art and could tell us about different types of oil/paint that was used and how it would last over certain decades or fall off and crack ! Lol so I found the history of how well each artist project with withstand the time of life very interesting as well. I will definitely come back when this gallery changes to another theme! It also has a very nice park. I just wish there was a coffee shop or Matcha shop nearby! Hee

ICA is a large cool funky art space that also hosts events…read more Among the many cool restaurants and bars along south First Street are the cool artsy venues. The Institute of Contemporary Arts (i.e. ICA) is fantastic. It showcases local Bay Area artists' works among others. Super friendly staff are on hand and have the latest scoop on upcoming happenings. Go online to see upcoming events at the ICA. You may discover some cool-funky talks and art shows. Happy adventures!

Feeling arty-farty, I decided to go check out the Institute of Contemporary Art. It's located in a…read morereally cool area of First St. Admission is free which is always nice. I wanted to donate and the friendly guy asked if I wanted to sign up to get information, but I declined. I was the only one in there. The exhibit was called "Allegedly the Worst is Behind Us" which featured 12 artists and their work expressing intergenerational trauma. The work was very personal and moving and inspiring too. The work was much more interesting than the San Jose Art Museum. I felt the work would definitely resonate with others who may have experienced the same thing. Since I saved $20 on the last museum, I put it in the donation box in the front. Great place to come to!

Funky unusual artists are highlighted at this local art gallery…read more Awesome owners here well known in the local art community. The art on exhibition shifts regularly showcasing unique artwork not seen in the more run-of-the-mill commercial galleries. I appreciate this special gallery and try to visit it whenever I'm downtown.

It legitimately kinda smelled bad... like a musty basement or something. I had to leave pretty…read morequick after arriving

Great service. We were walking through and fell in love with a piece that now is beautifully hung…read morein our living room. I highly recommend Mook Art Gallery.

"Beautiful and lovely artwork! Looks great hanging on the wall. It was packaged nicely and hangs…read moreeasily!

It's a lovely place to hike and see some outdoor artwork. I would like to go back and hike again…read more Because I did just some trails. The hike is not that long and easy hike. And it's good to see artwork while feeling the nature. And next I would find time to watch a concert for sure.

A dear friend is a member of Montalvo Arts Center and grateful for her to provide me some needed…read moreescapism as her luncheon guest. All proceeds support Montalvo Arts Center with the aid of a battalion of volunteers, young and old. From the first hello by Gail when greeted at check-in to exiting venue, high touch experience. Thoughtfully coordinated and seamlessly orchestrated, including redirecting exiting auto traffic due to nearby auto accident. Meal was delightful including iced tea and coffee. Can upgrade to wine and bubbly for a fee. There were roaming models (Sunny - a Tita from the Philippines - was in our area) showcasing outfits from a local Los Gatos boutique. Raffle for a 10 person dinner onsite. Gift shop with crafts to buy. Have more time can explore grounds. Was encouraged to take home the floral centerpieces which had plastic floral bags to aid with transport. If don't have a generous friend to treat you to luncheon, can purchase tix for $75. I was excited to learn they host Sunday high teas in November before Thanksgiving. Will add to my Yelp! High Tea collection.

Silicon Valley Asian Art Center 硅谷亞洲藝術中心 is an unique art gallery, specializing in Chinese artists…read more It's located at the south border of Santa Clara and bordering San Jose. I never knew Central Computer building on Stevens Creek housed multiple businesses. SVAAC is on the top floor. I was invited by artist Yu Chungmin 余春明 for an open house. Because a government official was visiting the gallery. The meet-and-greet was held on December 8, 2022. I got a chance to appreciate all the art pieces while listening to the artist, the curator and m. The gallery has frequent exhibits from many artists in the exhibit hall, workshop and bookstore. Parking lot is in the rear of the building. Restroom is in the floor lobby. I got a chance to take a picture with the artist and view the art exhibit, as well as meeting influential people.

Found out about this place through South First Fridays, and decided to check it out this past…read moreweekend. The current exhibition was set up in a small gallery sharing a space with Chopsticks Alley in an adjacent room of the building. With the theme "Super Hunger Anti-Valentine Bowl Games part LX", I had the pleasure of viewing Baseball, Boose, and Beyonce (acrylic on canvas 2025) by Hadi Aghaee, a bold and impressive piece representing power imbalance. But the rest of the artworks were quite engaging too, one of my faves being Jonathan Kermit's The Inexplicable Mys-tree of the Heart. Works SJ presents a variety of meaningful art displays, musical performances, and creative events showcasing the talents and diversity of the art community in the south bay, and supports education in the arts as well. I enjoyed my recent visit, being able to explore all of the beautiful pieces at my own pace, with free entry. Staff/volunteers were available on site ready to answer questions or assist guests, and merchandise was being sold outside just around the corner.

This was probably the best gallery I went to see during the free First Friday Art Walk. Definitely…read morethe place to check out if you want to do take advantage of the free galleries.

I appreciate that MACLA offers free admission regularly, not just on South First Fridays which is…read morewhen I came by recently. The building consists of several different spaces. The youth art exhibition showcased great photography and artworks, with friendly cheerful teens and young adults offering to give tours. The main gallery included interactive displays and interesting sculptures in the current exhibition, "From Their Hands to Ours." I especially enjoyed the unique works by Estefania Ajcip, aligned with the theme of connecting childhood memories and tradition to contemporary art. Los Calderones performed two sets of awesome live music in the attached Castellano Playhouse, the band full of energy and getting the crowd moving on the dance floor to their Afro-Latin rhythms. There was some seating available in this room as well. I enjoyed my time here and would definitely return to see more of what MACLA has to share.

Went for first Friday. Interesting art and talented artists. Good overall vibe at the galleries…read morethat make up MACLA. Looking forward to going again.

A unique collection and buying experience for art enthusiasts! Mona (the owner) spent hours with me…read moreexplaining how she met the artists, what style of painting they used and talking about each piece with such passion. I walked out with two pieces and still have a third on my mind! Highly recommend stopping in and taking a peek!

From the owner: Arte Haus of Saratoga is dedicated to a creative lifestyle offering inspirational modern paintings,…read moresculpture, photography and ceramics for your home.