Layers of San José, my community-built sculptural installation, will be on view at Open San José in downtown San José.
The sculpture will be activated during the upcoming First Friday Art Walk on March 6, 5–9pm at:
Open San José
38 S Second St
San Jose, CA 95113
www.opensanjose.org
Originally co-created with residents during SJ Day in 2025, the geometric “SJ” letter forms are constructed using at least 75% reused and reclaimed materials. The front surfaces are partially enclosed with plexiglass, revealing interior objects that reference personal and cultural memory — analog headphones, Walkmans, boomboxes, spray cans, artificial flowers, and artifacts from everyday life and creative culture from the 1980s and 1990s.
Memory lives inside.
The exterior wood surfaces remain open for public participation.
Throughout 2026, I will facilitate four community activations where visitors are invited to write, draw, cut, and layer blank labels directly onto the sculpture. Each contribution becomes part of an evolving civic portrait — a living surface shaped by the people who move through this city.
The March 6 activation will take place during First Friday from 5–9pm, followed by a second program on April 3. Two additional activations are planned for the fall.
The work will continue to grow over the next twelve months.
Past held inside.
Present added outside.
If you’re downtown during First Friday, stop by Open San José and add your mark.
