Do yourselves a favor and never walk in here, unless you like being treated like trash. 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. read more

The 5 stars is for the customer service with the dude behind the front desk. Sometimes he is doing his 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?" read more

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Stumbled across this gallery walking downtown after an event on a Thursday night. Was surprised it was open late on a weekday. Glad we decided to check it out. I appreciated the artwork displayed throughout, several quirky pieces, and some items for sale. The place is spaced out really well, so it's easy to walk around comfortably and explore the creations and learn the stories of local artists. The place isn't huge, but it's free admission so can't complain. And the staff was great, sharing interesting info about the artists and artwork. Stop by if you're in the downtown area... can easily be viewed in less than 30 minutes. read more

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Place is dirty and poorly managed. Most tables have old fabrics that really should be thrown out. Clean this place up! It smells in here! Tables should be uniform and clean, free from clutter and chaos. This is a 'wanna be' gallery. Most artwork is presented cheaply and have to say is cheap. There are a few stand out artists, but for the most part it's just crafty. I love the reviews here on how they can spend hours here..! You are joking right?! Yeow! If you are looking for cheaply made stuff this is your "gallery" Fernando, a front person, is very nice and personable, he is trying. And yes, parking is ridiculous. read more

This is, hands down, the best shop to start with to begin exploring the local visual artist community for the South Bay. The mix is unique and it's super approachable. And with a little curiosity, it's like pulling a thread that can help you discover the web of hidden gems you can explore further. Each wall section is a different local artist, and you'll discover quite a range of styles, themes, and mediums. There's a new solo artist show every month in addition to the artists refreshing their walls with new work. It's a good place to go when you don't know what you're looking for, whether it's inspiration or a gift (the range is quite affordable). When you start learning about each artist you discover events they participate in, where they've shown their work, local murals they've painted, or studio spaces they work in -- and in turn discover more of the local artist scene. Fernando and any other artist you might meet will be happy to tell you more about these connections too, and you'll run into more artists around First Fridays from 5-9pm (when the solo artist shows open). Kaleid, being a retail space with so many artists, is an excellent spot to discover artists and other arts venues, events, and organizations around us. When you visit be sure to check out the murals on the building too! Hang left and go around the corner to see 100Block, a collaborative mural by 100 local artists (many with IG tags so you can learn about them), and on the opposite side facing the parking lot there's a big one by NY artists HowNosm. read more

Thank you Fernando for all your help and the wonderful conversation we had with you! You are so nice and friendly and we really appreciate your help and advice. Keep up the great work and we'll see you soon!! read more

If you are wandering around downtown and looking for a place that offers artsy stuff in a reasonable price, come checkout this place. This art gallery also sells crafts and trinkets made by local artists. They have art installations on the side and also panes where featured artists show their craft and also sell copies for as low as $10. Most of the artwork have a quirky and dark appeal. There are also handmade jewelry showcased here and sold in varying prices. FYI - they been doing this for 9 years... and they have no plans of closing! We didn't stay here long enough to see all it has to offer but we were able to buy fridge magnets that fascinated me (which I also collect) with intriguing art on them. - bought 3 for $5. Suuuhhhweet!!! And oh... if you are a Legend of Zelda aficionado, there is an artist who makes artwork in reverence to that game. read more

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I love this place. I could spend hours and hours walking around and looking at the stunning artwork sold there. The art is produced by local artists and the prices are very reasonable - you can find the perfect gift for yourself or someone else. Fernando, the manager, is so welcoming and takes the time to explain the story behind the many pieces. If you haven't visited, you're missing out! read more

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A large and really interesting gallery that exhibits a large variety of paintings, sculptors glass work and mix media. Some really innovative pieces made by local artists and at very reasonable prices. The gentleman at the gallery, Fernando, is an artists himself and exhibits there too, very friendly and helpful. The Cow painting was speaking to me! May come back for it! Make time for it if you are in the area, make for a pleasant 30 min! read more

This is such a great gallery for multiple tastes because there are dozens of artists hanging there varied and beautiful artworks.

It is a bit ironic that the art supply store that left for San Francisco is replaced by an art gallery. From the same hands of Two Fish Design, KALEID is a project of Phantom Galleries intended to use empty business areas to beautify city of San Jose. The interior of Kaleid is very spacious. Plenty of room for sculpture, paintings, fashion design, and installation work. There are several box columns, walls and tables that display paintings and other arts. On South First Fridays they tend to have a live band playing. Kaleid is utilized more as an "affordable" art gallery. It hosts a greater variety of local artists, yet the quality and price range tends to be quite lower than other well established galleries; although there are many exceptions(!). Artists can showcase a single piece of art, to an entire collection. It basically depends on the artist and gallery. This gallery is, in my opinion, in a absolutely great location. As the first floor of the 4th street parking garage, Kaleid is right across the street from San Jose State University. It's open windows expose the gallery's insides for all to see. Visit this free space to view local art for sale. You will be surprised. read more

Kaleid Gallery - logo - Art Galleries Near Me - San Jose, California

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LOVE this gallery for the amount of artwork and how big the place is. There is something in every nook! I've come here with a VERY limited amount of cash before and I was still able to buy a sick painting and a digitally made card that I thought would look cool on my wall! The people who work here are generally kind, I mean, I smelled the sweet scent of introverts right as I walked I there so it was ok that they didn't necessarily greet me right when I walked up but, I would've been nice since I was the only person in there at the time. While being rung up tho the man was slightly talkative with me, and politely answering any questions only to find out he is one of the artist I've admired since last years First Friday! So overall, pretty cool place! Def would recommend and I hope it stays much longer than most of the stores that have been placed at that location! read more

Kaleid Gallery - Got this piece for $10, totally worth it! - Art Galleries Near Me - San Jose, California

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Part of the South First Street First Friday Art Walk, but quite a bit from the main South First Street Galleries. http://www.yelp.com/biz/south-first-fridays-san-jose#hrid:ZoR-UD81TFLJ3_IQNHSyVQ/src:search/query:south%20first%20friday read more

I was walking around SJ in between classes and happened to see Kaleid Gallery. My friend and I walked in and were surprised to find a wide variety of items made by local artists. They sold paintings, prints, sculptures, glass art, greeting cards, and jewelry, all at reasonable prices. I'd definitely recommend stopping by if you're in downtown San Jose. It's not often that you can find a place like Kaleid that showcases the work of local artists. read more

Amazing gallery! Went today with my boyfriend after going to the art museum and there was just so much talent in there! We ended up buying a post card and some pins and stickers but will for sure come back on our next trip to purchase some canvas pieces! We also met one of the artists, Fernando, who took us thru a personal tour to another gallery (which was closed) but he allowed us in. He gave us one of his prints, which was just wow! Love his work, and look forwards to purchasing some next time! San Jose! read more

Kaleid is a great space to see a wide variety of art from different artists, lots of which is for sale. You'll find plenty of gift items, art for your walls, plus find out what's going on in the local art scene. 2 Buck Tuesdays on the third Tuesday of every month includes performances, art demos, live painting, and collaborating - and it's free! read more

Kaleid is totally AWESOME! The gallery is super chill and they even let you take pictures inside (unlike other galleries i've been to). The people are super nice and the art is always AMAZING! There's a variety of artists featured there and some artists even have little trinkets (keychains, etc.) or miniature prints of their work next to their art pieces that you can buy for a couple bucks. And it's always free, so you can just walk in and enjoy the art whenever it's open. read more

I've been coming here for about 2 years now to the Two Buck Tuesday events and from time to time for special events or First Friday. Street parking can be touch if you get there after 7, but there is a parking garage right there if you want to use it. Mix of artists, new work monthly and live art on the third Tuesday of every month. Sometimes I bring my photography to that event as all are welcome to showcase their work and do live art also. Two buck event, artists bring in items they are selling for $2, they will teach you something or better yet, get you to make something that gets put into an art instelation. They also have live preformances. I've seen live bands, DJs, tebeten singing bowls, Aztec dancers, belly dancers, comedy improve groups! If you do preformance art and want some exposure contact them and book in advance for a spot at one of these events! First friday events also have live music. There is art for all tasts there. Photography, painting, sketches, sculptures, found art and much more. No cover to get in. Go visit and enjoy the art scene San Jose has to offer! It's a surprise every time. read more

I love this gallery, and this is my first time going -- especially on a South First Friday. Dope ass content. I really love supporting local artists, just local anything but never got the chance to. Honestly, I already grew a telepathic connection to this place and I am now devoted to go to every South First Friday, especially here. There's a large variety, so you won't feel left out. :^) read more

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This spot is nice. Yes.... I said "nice". It's not great, or something super special, it doesn't suck, and it's not mundane... it's just "nice". On occasion there are mixers with free wine and pizza. I'm like; hey! I like pizza, and I don't mind wine! Hum.... Perhaps, I'm a cheap date? The art on the other hand, ranges from extravagant to extra freaky. Be ready to be in awe when viewing one artist's corner, and then in fear or disgust when peering into another artist's dark little world. read more

Kaleid is a great place to view works or art from local artist in the bay area. It's runned by the artist and is a great place to buy affordable original pieces of art. The selections are plentiful so anyone can walk in and find that handmade craft, jewelry, photography, sculpture and paintings, that no one else has. it's a great place to find a flavor you'll want to take home or give as a gift! I attended their 2 buck Tuesday event last night (happens every third Tuesday of the month) and got a chance to see some cool experimental collaborations and buy affordable artworks for 2 dollars! they also have openings every first Friday of the month! check it out! read more

It was a Friday night... what to do? Well, my boyfriend and I decided to have dinner at Boiling Crab with some San Jose friends (we're San Franciscans). During dinner, our friends told us that there was an event at an art gallery. We thought, "why not?!" It was a good decision going with them, being that it was the First Friday of the month! Besides getting to enjoy all the creative, beautiful, crazy, weird art, there was live music and a DJ! Great vibe! You can walk around and enjoy all the art of many artists. I really liked the two cardboard houses (one was a treehouse). They were beautiful in different ways but the details were pretty amazing. There's also some nice custom jewelry too! Lots of canvases on sale as well. The prices definitely range from really cheap to thousands of dollars if you are looking to buy things. I ended up just getting some custom cards with beautiful flowers in front. This was quite a different experience for us since we don't normally go to art galleries but it was fun to come by. I'm glad our friends brought us! read more

Kaleid Gallery is an asset to downtown San Jose! A great spot to pop into and see some really nice, cool art and a great place to shop for unique gifts. I like that they mix up the displays; it keeps me coming back to see what's new. I'm happy it's there! read more

Probably the largest art space in Downtown San Jose. This was actually the first gallery I visited when South First Fridays started up. Most pieces are from local artists whom you might even be able to meet on certain days. Unlike the other galleries downtown, the art here is more affordable if you're looking for a special gift. Check their website for upcoming events. One of the best galleries Downtown San Jose has to offer! read more

I really enjoyed the Gallery! It was fun to see the Artist Displays and to enjoy a Demonstration curtesy of Jeff Bramschreiber Artist I would have given it a 5 except the parking for me was difficult. read more

The concept of Kaleid is really unique and cool. Local artists display their works on their own wall here and there is continually new work being displayed as artists get the chance. In addition to original art, prints, and posters, Kaleid also features artists that make any kind of arts and crafts imaginable. There are handmade greeting cards, jewelry, ceramics, and glass works on sale. There are tons of hidden treasures here. Be ready to take it all in!! Take the time to appreciate all the hardwork that goes into everything displayed here. It's a great place to show support for local artists and to keep an eye out for up and comers. Kaleid is a part of the SOFA First Friday art walks and they always have an amazing show with great entertainment and catered food from local businesses. Also, there is a complimentary rickshaw service that takes you between the galleries, so don't hesitate to head on out here! First Fridays are great because everyone is out to have a good time, and the galleries stay open later just for this, so please show your support! Kaleid also does $2 buck tuesdays, which is on the third tuesday of each month. They have a quirky speaker series along with food and drinks, all from local businesses! There is a live sketching table for anyone who wishes to participate and you can also grab original art for $2 from artists sketching. Tons of great finds and you get to meet great people. One of the months had a gentlemen with snakes! If you haven't been out to Kaleid, definitely make the stop! read more

Since I was student at SJSU I used to go to this place every once in a while. The staff are usually very professional and will answer to all the questions patiently. Very nice and friendly environment. read more

I love Kaleid! It's such a great art gallery and the staff here are wonderful. The artists they feature here have in there own ways great talent. I like they accept all forms of art weather its on canvas or in 3D form, I am a fan of this institute read more

Went to two dollar Tuesday's ( every third Tuesday of the month ) and it was awesome. It's a free event and that night there was free finger food catered by Myth Lounge. Local artists did live paintings and portraits for 2 -10 bucks. It's an awesome place for artists to display their art and perform. Lots of cute artsy girls=]]]. Check out Lacey Bryant's awesome cardboard houses and dark scary paintings. read more

Kaleid Gallery is spectacular! Where else can you find afford-ably priced artwork by more than 60 local artists? Kaleid is the only gallery around that supports solely local artists, giving many artists their first showings, as well as showcasing beautiful and edgy art by many established artists. Kaleid offers artists the opportunity to continually change their displays and gives them a place to experiment with their art and connect with their audience. Artists who really take advantage of all Kaleid has to offer will find themselves a part of a vibrant artistic community! In addition to offering a wide variety of art and gifts, Kalied hosts Two Buck Tuesdays (3rd Tuesday of the month from 6-9pm), a $2 art sale and quirky speaker series complete with music, food, live art and other strange and amusing happenings! Kaleid welcomes all artists to participate in Two Buck Tuesdays by submitting art for the sale or by joining in at the live sketch table during the event. All you need to do is bring your art supplies and make friends! If you're going to South First Fridays, make Kaleid Gallery your first stop! The openings start at 7pm (an hour earlier than the rest of the walk). Close parking is ample and you can just catch a rickshaw to first street so you don't even have to walk (They work just for tips during SOFA Fridays, so please be nice-tip well)! Kaleid usually has food and live music at the openings, too. Not to be missed! read more

I really enjoy this gallery. Great atmosphere and super spacious. I'd love to see more events here, its perfect to be nestled just across the street from San Jose State university, and parking is never an issue. Too bad its not on the art walk...too far away. read more

Great Co-Op gallery that makes art accessible to all. There is always something new and interesting to see.

This place is awesome! They've gathered what must be 70 or so of the best loacal artists and put them in one HUGE gallery. The art inside is amazing, It's all across the board in terms of style and mediums. I personally like the cartoony stuff and they've got a couple a VERY talented people who've got amazing Cartoony things. One in particular is Christine Benjamin. WOW! This girl is awesome, check her out! If you're more into jewelery, they got that too. Not just one or two jewelers, they must have 7 or 8 of them! So if you're ever looking to touch up your room, or give a one of a kind gift check out Kaleid Gallery, it legit! read more

Did you know there is more to Two Buck Tuesday than just looking at the art? I just spent the evening at Kaleid Gallery for their Two Buck Tuesday evening. More than a visitor, as a participant. Once a month on the 3rd Tuesday, 7-10 PM If you participate, you might get to know someone better who worked along side you all night. Thanks to artist next to me for extra water, paper. It was cold outside and while we were near the door, was warm. Another regular this time brought friends and her husband to play new music for the first time. I painted all night at easel, strange little luck drawings. First time at this larger size. Guy next to me gave me one of his painted faces on baby food jar, I gave him one of the luck drawings. Another to the music host, received "Lovely Spatulas" from her. Meanwhile, behind us, there is still plenty of art for the holiday HARK! show. Kaleid Gallery and their Two Buck Tuesday is always looking for those that want to create, join with other artists (there was a free origami lesson table) , play music, do something for others to join in on or learn about. You'll get a whole new level out of the experience if you participate. Visit and ask the staff for details, to sign up. Here is info of evening event just went to: http://www.kaleidgallery.com/2012/12/two-buck-tuesday-dec-18th/ And of their current HARK! 2012 show: http://www.kaleidgallery.com/2012/11/save-the-date_hark-opens-dec-7-2012/ http://www.kaleidgallery.com/2012/12/hark-art-work-now-online/ http://www.kaleidgallery.com/category/exhibits/hark-2012/ read more

Comfortable and colorful atmosphere! Friendly people! Nice and affordable art! Two Buck Tuesdays has art for two dollars on easels and the profit goes to the artists! And anyone can submit the Saturday before! read more

Finally a safe haven for those looking for culture beyond the SOFA district. So many cool pieces of art and jewelery. I usually go by to get an hand made piece of work for gifts, and it really helps since it is situated right in the large parking garage across from the Martin Luther King Library, so it's easy to get parking there. The staff there are really nice and really present a very welcoming and unpressured feeling when I'm there. Sometimes I like to swing by and say hi to them because they are pretty down to earth and never make me feel like some unwelcomed outsider...which is something I have experienced while looking at work in other galleries sometimes. That two dollar night they do there is really rad too. It saved me this christmas when I was looking for something unique without breaking my wallet. So thanks to them. I don't know about the negative review, perhaps he was in a different place, or rude to the people there and got that sent back. Oh, most importantly when visiting and parked on the street, PAY YOUR METER often. The meter cops are insane there and swoop by very often. read more

sometimes one makes a mistake and writes a bad review based off one bad experience...shame on me, this is why some people are paid to write reviews others arent. ill be an honest man and admit my mistakes!. kaleid is a great spot...ive been a few times now for two buck tuesdays and the friday art walk...the art is also very inspiring and the staff is actually really nice. ill be going in more and my 2010 resolution will continue to be worked on in not being judgemental too fast! read more

loving the artist and the people who run this place! there is a variety of awesome art from local artist. great vibes and great creativity going on at kaleid. kid friendly!? read more

Nice spacious gallery with a wide variety of art to look at. Very good prices on the art too.

This is a great gallery for local artists to show and sell their artwork. It is also a great gallery just to browse and also to purchase very reasonably priced, original art. There is a huge selection of many different styles. One thing that is really good about the place is that it's large and makes a nice place just to look at art (a good place to take kids with an interest in seeing art without having to pay an admission fee. On the two buck tuesday , which is held monthly, there are several speakers and demonstrators of various types of art. There are even activities that you or your kids can join. There are also artists doing live painting, drawing, sculpting, etc. Check it out. They have a huge doll house made just from card board that it fascinating for everyone, especially kids. Exposing kids to the different displays of art is a good way to increase and encourage their creativity. read more