Works/San José, art and performance center

Works/San José, art and performance center Works/San José is Silicon Valley's inclusive, volunteer-run, non-profit art and performance center.

Works/San José is your community art and performance center, a non-profit, volunteer-run creative laboratory dedicated to providing an environment where artists, audience, and ideas interact to expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience. Works presents visual arts exhibitions, literary readings, performance art, music, and educational events. Guest curator exhibitions present a broad var

iety of viewpoints and creative statements. Applications for exhibitions must have a minimum of three exhibiting artists brought together to communicate a conceptual message.

BIG L💚VE to our members and so many thank yous from our Works Working Board Lauren Crittenden Amy Beans 🐡Pezra Felice💃 J...
08/23/2026

BIG L💚VE to our members and so many thank yous from our Works Working Board Lauren Crittenden Amy Beans 🐡Pezra Felice💃 Joe Miller Steven nizzotes Rubalcaba ( not pictured Clayton Moraga Nona Weiner Art Karthika Baiju Wendy Lowengrub Tachiya Bryant )

You all made the Hold Fast member exhibition, annual member meeting, and closing party incredibly loving and meaningful 🥰

Works has been rockin for 49 years because of you and our beautiful community.

Founded in 1977 by local artists, Works/San José is an all-volunteer, non-profit, alternative art and performance center dedicated to providing a venue for artists, ideas, and images that expand the scope of cultural and artistic experience.

Mission statement: Works/San José believes that thriving communities support artistic experimentation. Therefore, we serve as the South Bay community’s creative laboratory where people can experiment, exhibit and engage with art and with each other. We achieve our mission by providing an accessible, supportive and welcoming art center.

Annual member meeting is today 8/22 starting 4pm after final viewing of "Hold Fast!" Pick up your member perk pack (show...
08/22/2026

Annual member meeting is today 8/22 starting 4pm after final viewing of "Hold Fast!" Pick up your member perk pack (shown here with new sketchbook!) and hear a brief 'state of Works' with the Board at 4:30. All interested are welcome and refreshments served! Pick up art till 6pm

A few views of the opening reception for "Hold Fast!" the member exhibition, with 104 artists!
07/28/2026

A few views of the opening reception for "Hold Fast!" the member exhibition, with 104 artists!

"Hold Fast!" Works Member Exhibition opening reception is 5pm-7pm Saturday, July 25! Join us with the work of 104 artist...
07/25/2026

"Hold Fast!" Works Member Exhibition opening reception is 5pm-7pm Saturday, July 25! Join us with the work of 104 artists! Regular exhibit hours start Sunday, July 25, 12-4pm. Open Fridays 12-6, Saturdays and Sundays 12-4, and always free.

Hold Fast! the member exhibitionexhibition opening reception: Saturday, July 25, 5-7pmexhibition runs: July 26 through A...
07/22/2026

Hold Fast! the member exhibition
exhibition opening reception: Saturday, July 25, 5-7pm
exhibition runs: July 26 through August 22
hours: Fridays 12-6pm, Saturdays and Sundays 12-4pm
First Friday artwalk: August 7, 5-9pm
annual member meeting and closing party: Saturday, August 22, 4-6pm
additional art pick-up: Sunday, August 23, 12-4pm

Works presents its 2026 member art exhibition! The title “Hold Fast!” is a nautical term meaning to stay strong and hold on in a heavy storm. This exhibit asks broadly how local artists are standing firm for ideals and creativity in this time—from concrete to abstract statements: formal, societal, environmental, etc. Works member exhibition is a wide-ranging survey of South Bay and nearby artists. From the most experienced and collected regional artists to new voices, see the work of artist members who help support your community art and performance center. Don’t miss this impressive salon of talent in painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, digital art, and more. While Works has many members who are patrons rather than artists, this show celebrates creatives who volunteer and contribute to increase opportunities for everyone.

Some of the art so far.

07/19/2026

It's install day at Works! Sneak peek of the Works Members art show, Hold Fast

“Hold Fast” is a nautical term meaning to stay strong and maintain in a heavy storm. This exhibit is open to every artist member, regardless of practice, so the title “Hold Fast!” asks broadly how your art is standing firm for ideals and creativity in our time—from concrete to abstract statements: formal, societal, environmental, etc.

Key dates:
exhibition opening reception: Saturday, July 25, 5-7pm
exhibition runs: July 26 through August 22
member meeting and closing party: Saturday, August 22, 4-6pm
additional art pick-up: Sunday, August 23, 12-4pm

Who are members?
– those who donated for memberships since the last member exhibition
– those who donated art to the 2026 community art auction
– those who volunteered for 5 or more shifts of any kind from July 2025 to the present

Not a current member? Join or renew to participate under “membership” at: https://workssanjose.square.site

Artwork may be for sale by the artists at their discretion, but must remain for the complete exhibit. Member artists receive 90% of sale price if sold. By submitting here, you agree that images of artwork can be used for promotion of the exhibit, that your work is ready for professional display, and that you agree to any determination of value by Works’ insurance provider. Works is not responsible for artwork damaged due to any form of inherent instability or fragility. Contact [email protected] if questions.

Works Member Call For Art! “Hold Fast” is a nautical term meaning to stay strong and maintain in a heavy storm. This exh...
07/06/2026

Works Member Call For Art! “Hold Fast” is a nautical term meaning to stay strong and maintain in a heavy storm. This exhibit is open to every artist member, regardless of practice, so the title “Hold Fast!” asks broadly how your art is standing firm for ideals and creativity in our time—from concrete to abstract statements: formal, societal, environmental, etc.

One piece per member, wall pieces are limited to a maximum of 10 square feet (ie: 36″x40″, with a little leeway negotiable but we need to fit everyone in), and sculptural pieces up to 10 cubic feet.

Art must be ready to hang or display with hanging wire, frame, etc, as appropriate. No work on binder clips or loose prints with no hanging strategy. Video work can be shown on our screens.

Key dates:
Art drop off on 3 days (enter artwork data on registration form before dropping off - LINK IN BIO):
Sunday, July 12, 2-4pm
Friday, July 17, 2-6pm
last chance: Saturday, July 18, 12-2pm
exhibition opening reception: Saturday, July 25, 5-7pm
exhibition runs: July 26 through August 22
member meeting and closing party: Saturday, August 22, 4-6pm
additional art pick-up: Sunday, August 23, 12-4pm

Who are members?
– those who donated for memberships since the last member exhibition
– those who donated art to the 2026 community art auction
– those who volunteered for 5 or more shifts of any kind from July 2025 to the present

Not a current member? Join or renew to participate under “membership” at: https://workssanjose.square.site

Artwork may be for sale by the artists at their discretion, but must remain for the complete exhibit. Member artists receive 90% of sale price if sold. By submitting here, you agree that images of artwork can be used for promotion of the exhibit, that your work is ready for professional display, and that you agree to any determination of value by Works’ insurance provider. Works is not responsible for artwork damaged due to any form of inherent instability or fragility. Contact [email protected] if questions.

CALL for Art: the member exhibition! Not a member? Join! Who is a member? Donors, volunteers, and community auction art...
06/24/2026

CALL for Art: the member exhibition! Not a member? Join! Who is a member? Donors, volunteers, and community auction artists! See that CALL: https://forms.gle/2naLYJrnZquU4DaB6

Address

38 S 2nd Street
San Jose, CA
95113

Opening Hours

Friday 12pm - 6pm
Saturday 12pm - 4pm
Sunday 12pm - 4pm

Telephone

+14083006405

Website

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