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!

5 stars because it's free and I enjoyed my time…read more Pretty chill art museum I liked all the variations of soccer balls and one painting really caught my attention. I appreciate that it is free. They close early so go before 5pm. I was late and only had 30 minutes to end it that was enough time. I ended up sitting outside and just journaled about my day. Such a relaxing evening.

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

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

My bf and I participated in a light & fluid art project led by "Combsy the Chemist" at the…read moreValentine's-themed Tech at Nite: Love Lab this past Thursday. We used food coloring, dye, cooking oil, and water to design a liquid image which was then displayed through a projector. It was a fairly simple but interesting process, definitely different than any other art activity I've ever done. Staff was helpful and patient while giving instructions, and they were very encouraging too. Local Color supports local artists, sharing their creative works with the community through programs, galleries, and public art displays, including one of my faves, the 100 Block Mural, a colorful mosaic celebrating diversity which can be viewed near the SJZ Break Room in SJ. Last week, I also had the pleasure of checking out Reels & Records at the Noble Workshop & Gallery, one of many art exhibits through which Local Color has had an influence. They work in collaboration with different organizations and events, and continue to support the art community and education in the arts. They've contributed to the beautification of San Jose and neighboring cities in the south bay, even without recognition at times. In fact, I'm not fully aware of the various projects in which they are involved, and have only come across their works or events by chance. Their old sign is still up outside an abandoned building on South First Street, but I don't think they have a dedicated space or gallery in which they can be found (as of February 2026). Their online presence is stronger, though not ideal for those who don't use Instagram. I do appreciate their mission and impact nonetheless.

Local Color always knows how to tap into the heart of the community. I stopped by for their "99…read moreBottles" project hosted by Fatima and Car--bringing together local artists to design their own unique bottles. The variety of styles and people represented just shows how strong and inclusive the San Jose art scene really is. Best time to pull up is during San Jose's First Friday. The whole area comes alive, and if you're already out, you're just a short walk from the energy at San Pedro Square too. Local Color isn't just a space--it's a foundation for diverse voices, creative strength, and real community building. I'm looking forward to seeing even more shows here--and getting even more involved myself.

Such a beautiful park maintained jointly by the Montalvo arts center and santa clara county parks…read more It's truly a hidden gem in Saratoga with beautifully maintained lawns, and ample trails. The Great Lawn in front of the main building ie the Montalvo Center allows picnics without reservations - just set up camp under a tree. There's a very well maintained Italian garden right next to the great lawn with varieties of succulents, a pagoda like structure and cedars. Also saw a wedding in progress while we were there and it is such a beautiful location for it! I will definitely visit again to explore the trails. Parking can be a little hard on weekends but you gotta just wait till a spot opens. If the event venue is booked out - that makes parking harder since they reserve a lot for guests. Free entry and free parking

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.

Sam was so helpful when I visited the store - he helped find sofas that fit in my space, with…read morecustom fabric and were the right firmness for our needs. Picked them up yesterday and they are PERFECT!

Wanted to update my review because I left a message with the store that I was wondering if they…read morewere still open and Sam called me back that afternoon and apologized and explained why they opened late. He then scheduled a time for us to come in, when they were normally closed and spent a lot of time with us, understanding what we needed and discussing several options. I appreciated the extra effort that he made.

Cindy is an amazing instructor. I did a private glass fusing class with my friends in 2025 and we…read moreall talk about how much we enjoyed the experience to this day. I recently did a stained glass workshop that showed me how great of an instructor Cindy truly was. Not only did she explain all of the steps well; she also explained the rationale and science behind it so that we could create more successful pieces. Love how simple, clean, and welcoming her studio is. Would give 6 stars if I could.

We came here with a group of teenagers and had such a great time designing beautiful plates and…read morecoasters. Cindy, the owner of the studio, is super welcoming and patient; I have learned so much about this creative process. I highly recommend this experience for anyone who loves art.

Take the time to wander off the beaten path in Campbell to see Lawson's studio and artwork if you…read morecan. Or...go to her website so see the depth or her work but either way - check it out!

Lorraine Lawson Fine Arts gallery is inspiring! You have to see Lorraine Lawson's abstract and…read moremixed media paintings and Jeff Owen's abstract metal sculptures! Both artists are fabulous! You can meet them in person on the 3rd Friday evening of every month, Campbell's Art Walk night!