Celebrating 17 Years of Art, Resilience, and Community in San Jose
As we mark our 17th year anniversary, we’re filled with deep gratitude and a sense of pride. Over the years, our gallery has become a cornerstone of the San Jose art scene; curating free exhibitions and over 100 public art projects that highlight the voices of artists both locally and globally. This milestone is not just about looking back—it’s about celebrating how far we’ve come and the exciting possibilities ahead.
A New Chapter in 2022: Rebuilding and Thriving
One of the most pivotal moments in our history came in 2022, when we faced the challenge of losing our original gallery space to development. But rather than bowing to the pressures of change, we leaned into it, finding a unique opportunity to continue our work in a new, vibrant location in San Jose’s Japantown. Through collaboration and perseverance, we built a partnership with the developers that allowed us to secure a retail space for our gallery to thrive once again. This transition wasn’t just about a physical move—it marked a renewal of our commitment to the community, the artists we represent, and the vision we’ve held since day one.
Celebrating with Art: The Empire Seven Studios Flag
As part of our anniversary celebration, we had the privilege of commissioning Designer Tomomi Ito to create a design inspired by the flag used by firefighters during the Edo period in Japan—a nod to history, craftsmanship, and a deep connection to community. Designed in collaboration with Empire Seven Studios, this piece was not only a tribute to our 17 years of existence, but also a symbol of the resilience and unity that defines our gallery. It’s become something I’m particularly proud of, and I’m excited to share it with all of you as part of our ongoing celebration.
A Global Vision, Rooted Locally
While we’ve had the honor of representing countless talented artists from all over the world, our heart remains deeply rooted in San Jose. The diverse and dynamic artistic community here continues to fuel us—pushing us to create spaces for new voices, new ideas, and new ways to experience art. The journey we’ve taken together with our artists, patrons, and partners has been transformative, and we continue to work towards a future that amplifies the voices of underrepresented artists, fosters creativity, and nurtures collaboration.
Looking Forward: To the Future of Art in San Jose
As we move forward, we are more excited than ever about what the next chapter holds. Our commitment to curating innovative, original exhibitions and creating opportunities for artists to thrive remains steadfast. We look forward to continuing to work with artists who trust us to elevate their careers and create lasting connections with the community. The art scene in San Jose is more vibrant than ever, and we are proud to be a part of its evolution.
Thank you to everyone who has supported us over the years. Here’s to 17 years of resilience, creativity, and community—and to many more!
