West Art Gardens? or We Start Gardens?
- Derek Bryant
- Mar 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Mar 8
Art has a unique way of bringing people together. It tells stories, shares culture, and sparks conversations. The event, We St(ART) Gardens: SoFA Black Art Walk, celebrates Black creativity and community in Downtown San José. This event offers a chance to meet talented local artists, see their work up close, and even create your own art. In this post, we highlight some of the featured artists, sharing their bios, photos, and links to their work. This will give you a deeper look at the creative minds behind the art you’ll see at the event.
Event origin story
In December 2025 We Start Gardens applied and received a grant from Black Leadership Kitchen Cabinets "Lets Stay Together Series". Funding is intended to support initiatives that strengthen our community, build capacity, and reflect shared priorities. Since SoFA Park is located in the Arts District of downtown, we thought it appropriate to honor the artists of our community that are making impact in our region.
"Hello, may i speak to West Art Gardens?" - says almost everybody
The title: We St(art) Gardens pokes fun at the common "mistake" people make when they first contact our work. Sometimes you can't fight the tides, and we decided to use the variation of our name to title this event. If it sticks, it sticks.
Featured Artists
Paige Mason
Paige Mason is the artist responsible for mural "Braided full of Sunshine".
The mural is most appropriately placed as the first of a series of murals that grace the walls of the SoFA Park, sponsored by Local Color and San Jose Museum of Quilts and Textiles. to compliment the theme, WSG has planted an African Ancestry garden in the beds placed in front of it.
She leads the hands-on art activity at the event, encouraging everyone to experience art as creators, not just observers. Paige’s approach makes art accessible and fun for all ages.
James Green, Art Teacher
James Green has been teaching art in the South Bay for more than 23 years, working with students from age four to “young at heart” artists in their seventies. He currently teaches through the City of Santa Clara Community Center and partners with homeschool families throughout San Jose, Saratoga, Los Gatos, and Morgan Hill.
Trained in drawing, painting (oil, watercolor, and acrylic), pastels, color theory, design, and sculpture, James blends traditional art fundamentals with contemporary techniques. His classes—offered in his San Jose studio, online, and occasionally at traveling locations—welcome artists of all levels, from beginners to advanced.
James believes that creativity grows through encouragement and imagination. His teaching focuses on helping students build confidence, enjoy the artistic process, and discover the creativity waiting just beneath the surface.
He is also a founding owner of The Gathering Artisans Collective, a family-based group of skilled creatives offering classes in baking, music, and visual arts.
You can meet James Green at the event and find out how and where to take his classes for you and the family.
Institute of Contemporary Art: The Data Trust Exhibit
The ICA San José is in its final weeks of the Data Trust with a multimedia interactive experience in its galleries. Immersive projections, animated by real-time generative AI processing of collected oral histories, create a living narrative spanning around the walls of the gallery. WSG contributed to the installations with heirloom okra plants grown at SoFA Pocket Park.
During the event, ICA staff will take us on guided tour of the exhibit.
Discover more about The Data Trust by Stephanie Dinkins
Why Attend the SoFA Black Art Walk?
This event is more than just an art show. It’s a space where community and creativity meet. You can:
Meet artists and learn about their creative process
Buy original artwork directly from the creators
Participate in hands-on art activities for all ages
Our almost famous mock tail bar with herbs from the garden.
Enjoy light Hors d'oeuvres and music in a relaxed outdoor setting
Connect with local cultural organizations
Raffling off plants herbs and artistic items.
The event highlights the importance of supporting Black artists and entrepreneurs. It also strengthens the cultural fabric of Downtown San José.
How to Prepare for the Event
To make the most of your visit:
Wear comfortable shoes for walking around the park and nearby areas
Bring cash or cards for purchasing art and refreshments
Arrive early to join the guided tour of the Data Trust at 1:30
Join the interactive art activity led by Paige Mason
Check the weather and dress accordingly, as the event is outdoors
Come early for the guided tour of The Data Trust exhibition by the Institute of Contemporary Art San José at 1:30 PM
Final Thoughts
The We St(ART) Gardens: SoFA Black Art Walk offers a unique chance to experience Black art and culture in a welcoming community space. By highlighting the artists and their stories, this event helps build connections between creators and audiences.
Whether you are an art lover, a family looking for a fun outing, or someone curious about local culture, this event has something for you. Take the opportunity to meet the artists, explore their work, and maybe even create your own piece of art.
Mark your calendar and join the celebration of creativity and community in Downtown San José.
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