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.

I love this museum. I actually went here before as a field trip for Girl Scouts. I love they gave…read morethe football memorabilia. They even do events here too: I went here for a wedding. They have beautiful walls to take a photo ops.

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!

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.

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

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.