HARDLY WORKING A SOLO EXHIBIT BY MITSY AVILA OVALLES NOVEMBER 11 6-9pm

Hardly Working an epic exhibit of solo proportions. Featuring the Artwork of Mitsy Avila Ovalles. Special reunion performance with Sonido Clash a platform for emerging, out-there Latinx sounds, curating events with an eclectic mix of genres such as punk, cumbia, alternativo, oldies and hip-hop! Chale Brown, Turbo Sonidero, Mex Tape, and Fernando J. Perez aka Tlacoyo.

Mitsy Avila Ovalles, also known as Mitsy, is a chingona: a badass. Her works are well renowned in the Mexican American community in the Bay Area and beyond. The artist is rooted in San Jose, having graduated from SJSU with a BFA in Painting and a Minor in Chicano Studies, all with great praise.

In 2007, Mitsy was nominated for the Fleishhacker Foundation Eureka Fellowship Program. She was also identified as one of the semi-finalists for the Alliance of Artist Communities’ Vision From the New California residency program. In 2005, Mitsy was nominated for the Museo Eduardo Carrillo prize in painting, and voted “Best Painter” in the SF Weekly “Best Of” edition. Many of her fans remember her days at Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latina Americana (MACLA). 

Mitsy’s inspirations reflect an abundance of nostalgic memorabilia in the Mexican day to day household such as telenovelas and lucha libre, forgotten heroes of iconic Mexican and American pop culture immortalized in her wonderful paintings. As far as we can remember, Mitsy has been a leader in representing Mexican American culture through her artwork. She continues to reside in San Jose, forever staying low key and passionate about the Bay Area, hip hop music, graffiti, and sports.

This will be our second solo exhibition with Mitsy at Empire Seven Studios. The most frequent question asked will probably be, “Will Mitsy be here?” No, she probably will not attend. If it was Bansky, surely no one would expect him to show up. Inviting Mitsy to exhibit her works knowing that she would probably not be in attendance is no problem to us as curators, because we love her work, feel that it speaks for itself, and we’re proud to celebrate her on our walls with our audience. 

Mitsy has exhibited at Galeria De La Raza, Mission Cultural Center for Latino Arts, LA 23Tres Galeria CDMX, White Walls Gallery, Fifty24LA, RVCA SF, and Space Gallery. SF Weekly writer Hiya Swanhuyser wrote, “I’ll say it quickly before I chicken out: Mitsy Avila Ovalles is severely talented. Someone needs to give her a ton of money so she can keep painting, or we’ll all lose.” 

Well, no one has given her a ton of money and she keeps on making her amazing work. Everyone who shows up Saturday November 11th will win, those who collect will triumph. Mitsy continues to create paintings, stitching, sewing, and illustrating full figured women; no one specifically, but the beautiful images could not be better executed than through a woman’s point of view. We believe more women need to be recognized for their own representation of their bodies, and create comfortability with their sexuality. 

“Hardly Working” is a new body of work with moments of reflection that many creatives with decades in their careers can relate to when taking a pause while time consumes the world. 

“Time away from your art is never time away from being an artist. You weren’t wasting time, you were gathering materials, you weren’t falling behind, you were collecting experiences to infuse into your future creations” - Amy McNew @inspiredtowrite 

HARDLY WORKING LIMITED EDITION BOOK

Below is a video to a limited edition Hardly Working by Mitsy Avilla Ovalles 40 page book we are exclusively releasing and selling at E7S. This book will include the catalog of works that will be exhibiting in the show. Make sure to reserve your copy now before it sells out.

“This is a collection of rough loose sketchy crew shout outs, viral feeder, topical sports headlines, doggo portraits, and bad ladies drawn “for the gram” in between crisis at my 9 to 5. Thanks to my frens for the unintentional drawing prompts and inspo.” -Mitsy

Click on the video below to hear more about this book and to see the rough mock up of what will be inside.

Link to purchase your copy HERE

KAWS FAMILY exhibit at the wonderful Art Gallery of Ontario!

Artist and Curator Jennifer Ahn recently traveled to Toronto, Canada. While visiting with family and enjoying daily Korean homemade meals she made sure not to miss the opportunity to experience her very first immersive retrospective exhibition Kaws Family by the legendary Graffiti writer and contemporary artist Brian Donnelly aka Kaws showing at the wonderful Art Gallery of Ontario .

For the past 30 years KAWS has created his own distinct style within the art world. His multidisciplinary work ranges from graffiti/street art, advertising, graphic, design, and fashion. Inspiring generations wether it was intended or not in appropriating iconic pop culture imagery like the Simpsons cartoons. Kaws is best known for limited editions toys, and clothing with Uniqlo that you will see 3-45 year olds wearing out at your next art event.

For his very first Canadian museum exhibition, KAWS is inviting the viewer to consider the concept of family; which has a very different meaning for each of us. The thoughtfulness in KAWS presentation shows viewers the vast range his work which evolutionized from the illegal public transportation street posters he bombed back in the late 90’s (with his characters that gave everyone access encountering his art) to abstract works, and larger than life sculptures which tour globally. There were even some fun AR (augmented reality) works you could play with using the Acuteart app!

If you happen to be visiting Toronto, make sure you stop by to check out this show! As explorers of our beautiful planet we hope to bring you a little taste of what the rest of the world has to offer. Diversity is accumulated from all walks of life; gathering in cities and contributing culture that resonates with all of us who are open to receiving knowledge and generational practices from people who might not be local. Thanks for viewing and visiting our website a place where we embrace all things art.

#AGO #Toronto #KAWS #E7S

Empire Seven Studios Presents: Intro to Wheat Paste with Stephen Longoria

Empire Seven Presents: Introduction to Wheat Paste with Stephen Longoria

Join us Friday, November 3 from 6:00-9:00pm a fun and creative in-person event where you can learn the art of wheat pasting with the talented Stephen Longoria. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of wheat pasting. RSVP HERE

Location: 20 Barack Obama Blvd, Rain or Shine

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn a new skill and create a beautiful art piece. We can't wait to see you there!

Due to the nature of this workshop, please arrive promptly on time.

Photography & Videography Release

During this event, photos and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes.

#E7S #StephenLongoria #CreeksideSocial #WheatPaste #CommunityEngagement

RSVP FREE EVENT THIS SUNDAY OCTOBER 22

Empire Seven Presents: Introduction to Spray Paint Art with Talking Walls

Join us for a fun and creative in-person event where you can learn the art of can paint art with the talented Talking Walls. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of spray paint.

Location: 20 Barack Obama Blvd / Time 11:00am-3:00pm

Don't miss out on this opportunity to learn a new skill and create a beautiful art piece. We can't wait to see you there!

Due to the nature of this workshop, please arrive promptly on time.

Photography & Videography Release:

During this event, photos and videos may be recorded. By attending this event, you may be included in these photos and videos. Your attendance at this event grants your permission to be in these photos or videos, which may be used for educational, archival, or promotional purposes.

ABOUT: Talking Walls

Talking Walls is a different kind of art studio, it’s interactive, where the studio is your SPRAYground! Where have you ever been allowed —no, encouraged, to leave your mark and tag up a wall with a spray can? Where can you vandalize someone else’s space while still remaining a law abiding citizen (no, a bathroom stall is not actually legal)?! And where have you ever been able to collaborate (or beef) with friends or co-workers in said activities without the risk of being detained?! HERE!!! Talking Walls, seeking to preserve the history and culture of graffiti art and street art by providing groups with wall to wall space and a unique opportunity to engage in the skills, culture, and techniques of the urban art forms! Book for parties, book for team building or just for fun! Learn, appreciate, then compete with your crew in a spray paint battle!

But that’s not all, Talking Walls’ passion for teaching and reaching the masses with visual storytelling goes beyond the walls of the studio. Talking Walls has been responsible for curating a number of art festivals bringing world renown artists to towns like yours. Talking Walls, curates artists through thoughtful selection and ethical hiring to awaken cities around the country, bringing the color, unearthing history, and cultivating community. Art is a universal language and unites humanity like nothing else

MURAL FESTIVALS

Talking Walls got their start curating mural festivals back in 2016 when Cameron, muralist and Talking Walls owner, was commissioned to paint a single mural on Egbert St. in the Bayview (a neighborhood in San Francisco). Instead, he got permission from building owners and used the money to hire a bunch of artist friends to paint the entire street! The following year, he received more funding to add to the already colorful street in what we now fondly refer to as Sprayview! Three years later, through fated encounters with our now dear friends and co-dreamers, we, Cameron and wife, Crystal (ME!)— put on our first official mural festival in a teeny tiny town in the middle of Indiana! We’ve since curated for three different mural festivals, two of which are ongoing and continue to grow! The artists we have worked with are all amazingly talented and come from all over the world! They also happen to be really amazing humans which is a HUGE qualifier to us as curators! Follow us on our journey on instagram and please reach out to us if you’d like to know more about adding murals to your city.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13th FREE SCREEN PRINT EVENT at CREEKSIDE SOCIALS DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE

Join us for a fun and creative in-person event where you can learn the art of screen print with the talented Eric Kneeland of Black Stamp Studios. Whether you're a beginner or have some experience, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to dive into the world of screen printing. Guests are encouraged to bring any one garment or tote bag to create a custom Creekside Socials screen print onsite. RSVP HERE Space is limited, act fast and sign up, our last event sold out in a matter of hours. We look forward to seeing you there. Empire Seven Studios will bring merchandise that will be available for purchase.

Artist Eric Kneeland founded Black Stamp Studios in 2008. The shop started in Eric's Grandma's garage while he taught Screen Printing at Foothill College. After outgrowing Grandma's garage Black Stamp Studios found a perfect studio in the Princeton Harbor where they've been since 2012.  Black Stamp Studios specializes in screen printing, sign painting and design and have worked with various clients including Nike, RVCA, BEAMS, SFFD, Barry Mcgee to name a few. One of their favorite things is meeting all the walks of life that need either shirts printed or a sign for their small business.

Music will be provided by David Eliseo Valdespino JR. Born in Oakland, raised in the East Bay, and based in San Jose David engages the South Bay creative scene through his work as Production Manager for Content Magazine. As a vinyl collector, musician, and DJ, David is interested in stitching together various genres and perspectives of music to form quilts of sound that are both familiar and off the beaten path.

FRIDAY & SATURDAY DRAWING PARTY & KM POP UP

Kristina Micotti “Big Mamas” solo exhibition is coming to a close this weekend.

Friday, October 6 from 6-9pm, we will be hosting a Drawing Party with the Artist and everyone is invited! Tables will be set up for anyone joining in on the fun. BYOB and BYO art supplies. This will be our first of many art nights just like the old days at E7S.

Saturday, October 7 from 2-5pm, Kristina Micotti’s POP UP shop will be open during Saturday’s Pinoytown Artwalk. There will be a new T-Shirt release featuring Kristina’s “Tiger” ; the iconic image used to promote this wonderful collection of artworks. Limited quantities available and will be first come first serve.

Thanks to everyone who visited the exhibit and shared with friends on social medias. Many came from far away places and that means so much to the E7S team. We are extremely appreciative of all the collectors who purchased artworks.

Sustaining independent small businesses, artists, is done through art collecting. Art collecting is what E7S advocates for elevating all participants in the appreciation of owning a part of artists careers and making history. Kristina Micotti’s new series “Big Mamas” has nearly sold out. There are only three remaining paintings that can still use a happy home.

As an artist owned Gallery, we know first hand the importance of collecting artworks. It brings us joy to empower artists supporting them and the freedom it gives them to continue pursuing their dreams and liberates them to be themselves.

Pinoytown Artwalk in Japantown October 7th x Abraham Menor & FAHNS

E7S has been invited to participate in the Pinoytown Artwalk a new event that celebrates Filipino Heritage month October 7th, 2-7pm. Filipino American History Month or FAHM, is celebrated annually in October, commemorating the arrival of the first Filipinos in modern-day Morro Bay, California in the United States on October 18, 1587.

When we received the invitation, it was obvious and natural to reach out to our long time friend Abraham Menor; who exhibited several solo shows with our Gallery. Over the years we have built a wonderful friendship with the photographer, multi media artist, sound selector, self published community organizer.

In 2016, Abraham Menor reached out to Empire Seven Studios to host the first social for the Filipino American National Historical Society : Their mission is to promote understanding, education, enlightenment, appreciation and enrichment through the identification, gathering, preservation and dissemination of the history and culture of Filipino Americans in Santa Clara Valley.

It was serendipitous that we absolutely signed up to join in on the fun as we are currently exhibiting “Big Mamas” by Artist Kristina Micotti who has Filipina heritage! The exhibit has been on view at the Gallery since August.

What to expect? This Saturday October 7th, the event will be from 2-7pm.

This will also be the closing reception for Kristina Micotti’s “Big Mamas” Kristina will be in attendance and setting up a merchandise pop up shop in our Gallery with some of her in demand designed products. There will also be a new t-shirt drop available featuring her Tiger painting from the latest series of artworks.

Abraham Menor will be exhibiting photographs “Pictures Dipped in Bagoong” at the E7S Creative Corner; curating vendors that will be setting up on Seventh Street. Vendors: FANHS-SCV info boot), Sampaguita Press (books & printed matter) and Lorenz Dumuk (art & jewelry), Cuauhtli Botanicals - plant based skin care products, Lola Weavers - Filipino garments and clothing & Humble Beginnings  - clothing and art. Music by Dj - Manong Mark (FANHS), Abraham will be spinning all vinyl by Filipino artists. Special performance by Lorenz Dumuk poetry reading will be at 4:45-5pm.

Other events happening on 208 Jackson Street:

  • Self-Guided Walking Tour of Historic San Jose Pinoytown Points of Interests

  • Live Music Performances

  • Artist & Maker Vendor Mini-Markets

  • Local Fil Am Organizations, Featured Film Shops & Artist Galleries

  • Artist Gallery at SJ Made Moment shop.

Many of the participating small businesses in Japantown are Filipino Owned; SJ Made x Moment, Know Future Gallery, Cukui…just to name a few.

FUN FACT: Since opening our doors in 2008, E7S has showcased many of the artists who own the small businesses mentioned here. Additionally, launched the Jtown Artwalk with the Cukui family when more boutiques started showcasing artists on the second weekend of the month. These events have contributed to the vibrancy and revitalization of what is now known as the “best neighborhood” in San Jose featuring artists, cuisine, community events, and festivals.

Empire Seven Studios has been a safe place for our diverse communities since we opened our doors, and we’re humbled that our history can be reflected positively and effortlessly in the future. We hope to see our E7S family present to come support our Filipino Community.

See you here this Saturday, October 7th, 2-7pm!

Yayoi Kusama comes to San Francisco 

The wait is finally over! We had the pleasure to attend opening day of the Yayoi Kusama exhibit at the SFMOMA, and we love to share our experiences with our E7S family. 

This is Kusama’s first solo presentation in Northern California and we are still boasting with excitement from having an opportunity to explore the work of this world renowned artist. 

The installation of two Infinity Mirror Rooms are magical and allowed us to be fully immersed in Kusama’s world: “Dreaming of Earth’s Sphericity, I Would Offer My Love” and “Love Is Calling”

We appreciate her usage of light and color within these immersive spaces. In one room, you will hear Kusama’s voice reciting a poem about love, it feels as if you’re having an in person conversation with the artist. 

There’s also a massive bronze sculpture, “Aspiring to Pumpkin’s Love, the Love in My Heart” that takes up an entire room in the museum. Kusama’s iconic patterns shimmered with the yellow and black urethane coating basing the entire sculpture. 

For Kusama, polka dots represent self-obliteration. Not in a destructively but the idea of merging the individual with the larger universe; a symbol which embodies peace and joy.

This exhibit is a must see and we hope you’re able to take a field trip to the SFMOMA to enjoy this wonderful experience! Tickets are currently sold out until the end of this month. November tickets will be released sometime this or next week.

While at the Museum, we spent time in multiple exhibits. Some favorites were the beautiful works of Hung Liu and a few striking photography group shows.

#E7S #SFMOMA #YayoiKusama

World Wide Walls Maui Relief Print SALE

World Wide Walls HQ is based in Honolulu Hawaii, and like many of us in the main land our local friends in the Islands have been tremendously impacted in mind, body and spirit with the recent devastation in Maui wildfire August 8th 2023. Maui can use all the support available, it will take years to rebuild. Supporting Maui locals in the moment of need is what Jasper Wong of World Wide Walls has committed in doing through Artwork, in partnership with Aloha de Mele.

People can support by purchasing and collecting amazing artworks from many talented artists that have contributed prints where 100% of proceeds will be donated to relief of the Wildfire disaster. Many of the artists have participated in the World Wide Walls Festivals and it’s truly wonderful seeing them doing their part. Join the movement and purchase a piece artwork that will remind you of the kindness humanity can have when we see our fellow neighbors during difficult times.

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. 


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