Cheers to a Busy Summer

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Flyer by Janet Appleton, from an image by Alex Knowbody.

Color Me Rad Applications Close TONIGHT

Know a talented young artist who would thrive in a focused environment guided by working creatives? Sign them up for our upcoming Color Me Rad Summer cohort!

This Summer, we are hosting two cohorts led by professional artists noted in their respective fields. Jessica Carmen of The Jams, who led our Spring 2024 cohort, returns to lead her mural painting curriculum. We also welcome Miguel Ozuna of SJ Shooters, who will use photography as a lens for self-discovery with young artists during their golden-hour workshop sessions. Check out what our Spring cohort worked on collectively.

These workshops are open to young artists aged 14-17 and are FREE for participants. Be sure to act now – applications close at midnight.

Join Color Me Rad

Color Me Rad is supported in part by the California Arts Council, a state agency, City of San José’s District 5 Council’s Office, SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara and the Sares Regis Foundation.

Photo: Alex Knowbody

New Mural | COVA For Horizon Services

With a warm color palette that showcases helping hands and palm trees, Cova brought a distinctive sense of hope to the new facade of Horizon Services’ treatment center in San Mateo. Working quickly, Cova’s spray-painted design splashes vibrant hues along an industrial street.

This mural brought with it some firsts for Local Color. This is our first mural in San Mateo County, making it our northernmost public art piece so far! If you’d like to scope out the bright, tropical design in person, it can be found along Palm Avenue in San Mateo.

Photos: Alex Knowbody

LoCo Happenings

Artist Call: Join Us For 99 Bottles

We’re shouting “Cheers to 9 years” of Local Color, with a group showcase – and an open artist call! Contribute to the first public exhibition inside Local Color’s newest space, noble workshop & gallery.

We’re inviting creatives to decorate and adorn a bottle of their choosing (some possible examples and design inspirations can be found here). Submit your form by Monday, July 8. Sign-ups are first-come, first-served. The show opens for First Friday on August 2, 2024! More details to come.

99 Bottles is generously supported by the 2024 Arts & Marketing Grant from the San José Downtown Association.

As part of our celebration, we’ve launched a campaign to raise $9,000 by the end of the year! Say “Cheers to 9 Years!” with a donation to Local Color.
(Flyer: Wednesday DeGuzman)

Wisper Mural Unveiling at NUMU

After months of conceptualizing and numerous open paint days as part of “Paint the Town,” Tomas “Wisper” Talamantes unveiled the completed design for his latest mural on June 20 inside New Museum Los Gatos (NUMU).

Thank you again to NUMU for creating space for Wisper to cultivate his mural concept, which explores the untold stories, people, events, and cultures that have contributed to Los Gatos and its surrounding areas. Wisper’s completed mural will be installed at NUMU in the coming weeks. (Image: Alex Knowbody)

31 Skulls: Annual Art Showcase & Auction Returns in October

31 Skulls returns on October 25, 2024!

View nearly three dozen custom-designed ceramic skulls up close, meet the artist behind the creations, and enjoy a night of art, ghost photo booth, and fashion at our annual goth formal fundraiser!

Stay tuned to Local Color’s Instagram stories for more event details and previews of the skulls up for auction as we get closer to our event date. (Flyer: Brush House)

Greetings From Grantland

Local Color Honored By Comcast For Cultural Contributions to ESSJ

On June 18, we were on hand to celebrate the opening of the 100th Bridge Locations’ Comcast store in San José near Eastridge Mall. As part of the ceremonies, Local Color received a one-time donation of $10,000, alongside the School of Arts and Culture, in recognition of our cultural contributions within East San José. Thank you to Comcast and Xfinity for the generous support of our mission and programs. We’re honored to be celebrated as community partners for our work to beautify our city and build equitable pathways for artists and creatives to thrive. (Image: Alex Knowbody)

New Operating Funds from SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara

We were recently awarded grant funds as part of SVCreates’ unrestricted operating grant! Thanks to SVCreates, in partnership with the County of Santa Clara, for your continued support of Local Color’s mission and everyday needs to help power the dreams and inspirations of the many creatives working in our community.
(Flyer: @svcreates on Instagram)

We are 2024 Arts & Marketing Grant Recipients!

We were recently named among the organizations awarded funds for the San José Downtown Association’s 2024 Arts & Marketing Grant. Our $5,000 in awarded funds will help us kick off a new summer and fall series of exhibitions inside our new noble workshop & gallery. We have three shows planned for the future – stay tuned for more details in the coming months, and keep an eye out for our upcoming promo video with SJDA (at left). Follow updates on our new noble Instagram page: @noble.dtsj (Image: Brandon Roos)

We are 2024 Festival, Parades and Celebrations Grantees!

Local Color has nine years of history operating within San José. 2024 is the second year our team has confidently believed in our impact and storytelling and has received support from the Office of Economic Development and Cultural Affairs for general operating support. The $68,970 awarded will go toward growing Local Color’s team and creating equitable job opportunities that power our work. Additionally, we look forward to presenting a Local Color Festival in 2025. Stay tuned for ways to celebrate local culture and get involved!

Local Color Was Approved Funds via FY24-25 District 2 Budgetary Item Process

Thank you to County of Santa Clara County District 2 Supervisor Cindy Chavez for your support of Local Color, granting $15,000 to support the creation of more murals in our community. We greatly appreciate the dedicated support as we continue to beautify our region.

Artist Funding Opportunities

Leigh Weimers Award Deadline Extended to July 15

The Leigh Weimers Emerging Artist Award provides cash awards between $1,000 and $5,000 to accomplished but relatively unknown artists whose discipline benefits Santa Clara County residents. This opportunity is open to creatives working in music, written word, visual arts, and performance. Click here for the guidelines and application.
(Flyer: @weimersawards on Instagram)

Alternative Exposure – Earn Grant Funds for Artist-Run Projects

Alternative Exposure grants directly fund visual arts projects that provide frameworks of support for artists to create and continue their work. Both individuals and groups are eligible to apply on behalf of a project; 501c3 non-profit entities are not eligible to apply. If applying as a group, the artistic group or venue can be either long-standing or formed specifically for this opportunity. Access the application here. Applications are due by August 12. (Flyer: @southernexposuresf on Instagram)

Community Opportunities

Culture Night Market at Emma Prusch Park on July 6th

Culture Night Market heads to Emma Prusch Park this weekend! In collaboration with Feast Mode, the family friendly event will feature over 30 vendors, food trucks, a beer garden, live entertainment, and a kids zone. Click here for more event info. (Flyer: @culturenightmarket on Instagram)

Music, Makers, and Mindfulness at Creekside Socials

On July 11, Chopsticks Alley will offer their latest workshop as part of their Makers, Music & Mindfulness series at Creekside Socials. The free series encourages inner exploration through art creating and fostering a growth mindset. Next week, weave a tale of transformation with patchwork and sewing. Bring new life into pre-loved garments, symbolizing the art of mending life's inevitable tears. This workshop features visual artist Elizabeth Blanco Saenz and music from Lucas Tecson. RSVP here.
(Flyer: @creeksidesocials on Instagram)

Submissions Open – Love Letters To San José

Love Letters to San José is a DIY zine operating with San José Strong, a volunteer-run organization connecting residents to South Bay resources and creating in-house initiatives that build community. They’re accepting submissions for their second issue, “Wish You Were Here.” Share your favorite San José places and spaces that you would send in a postcard. Submissions can be text, photography, or video! Click here for submission details. (Image: @LoveLetters2SJ on Instagram)

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