A Community Sculpture in Progress
Layers of San José is a collaborative, evolving sculpture initiated in 2025 and installed at Open San José in downtown San José. Built from the geometric letter forms “SJ,” the work reflects a shared investment in place, identity, and community.
The sculpture was conceived and constructed by Steven nizzotes Rubalcaba and first activated during San José Day in 2025. Attendees were invited to contribute by selecting, arranging, and wheatpasting printed variations of the words “San José” in multiple fonts, colors, and scales onto the surface of the letter forms. Through this public collage process, the sculpture became a co-created surface shaped by many hands.
Sustainability & Materials
Constructed using 75% or more reused and reclaimed materials, the sculpture reflects a consistent baseline within the artist’s broader practice. Wood, found objects, analog technology, and everyday artifacts are intentionally repurposed, extending the life of materials while carrying traces of previous use.
Visible through plexiglass panels, the interior layers artificial flowers — many donated for the project — with analog devices and cultural artifacts from the 1980s and 1990s. Together, these materials reference everyday life, creative culture, and the accumulated memory of the city.
Memory lives inside.
Participation & Growth
The exterior wood surfaces remain open.
During facilitated community activations, visitors are invited to write, draw, cut, and layer blank labels directly onto the sculpture. Each added mark becomes part of an evolving surface — a growing portrait co-authored by the people who live, work, and gather in San José.
Between activations, the sculpture remains installed as a static presence. Over time, the accumulation of contributions transforms the work into a layered civic archive.
Past held inside.
Present added outside.
Community Activations
Layers of San José is designed as a living, evolving sculpture that grows through public participation. During facilitated activations, visitors are invited to write, draw, cut, and collage blank labels directly onto the surface of the geometric “SJ” letter forms. Each contribution becomes part of a collective surface built from personal memories, reflections, and creative marks connected to the city.
Over time, the sculpture accumulates these contributions, transforming into a layered portrait of San José shaped by the people who live, work, and gather here.
March 6, 2026 — South First Friday ArtWalk, Open San José
The first public activation of Layers of San José in 2026 took place during South First Friday ArtWalk at Open San José in downtown San José.
Visitors were invited to write, draw, and collage blank labels onto the sculpture. Participants shared memories of San José, referenced neighborhoods and local landmarks, and added personal reflections connected to the city. Many contributors experimented with the materials — drawing on stickers, cutting custom shapes, and layering them onto the sculpture in playful and inventive ways.
Throughout the evening the surface of the sculpture gradually transformed as each contribution was added, creating a growing collage of community memories. The activation was documented through photography, short video clips, and a time-lapse recording capturing the evolving surface of the work.
View my Notes about the event here.
Upcoming Activations
Additional activations of Layers of San José are planned throughout 2026, continuing the process of community participation and collective storytelling.
Upcoming programming includes:
• April 3, 2026 — South First Friday ArtWalk, Open San José
Additional fall activations are also planned, with dates to be announced.
Future activations will continue to invite participants to contribute their own marks and memories, allowing the sculpture to evolve as a growing reflection of San José’s community and cultural landscape.
Ongoing Project
Layers of San José continues to evolve. The sculpture grows gradually as new voices are added through participation.
For related Notes posts, activation updates, and documentation, visit the Notes section of this website.
About the Artist
Steven nizzotes Rubalcaba is a San José-based interdisciplinary artist whose work centers on reuse, community participation, and material memory.
Follow Along
Follow the project’s evolution on Instagram:
@nizzotes View related Notes posts here.