Content Magazine

Featured Artist: Kim Meuli Brown

Kim Meuli Brown is an artist and graphic designer whose journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Textile Design from UC Davis. Inspired by nature, Kim's creations blend traditional textile techniques with contemporary innovation. Her canvas, often cotton, silk, or wool, becomes a testament to the beauty of local flora, adorned with natural dyes and botanical prints. Her current focus on fiber arts celebrates sustainability, weaving a narrative of harmony between humanity and the environment. Learn more about Silicon Valley Open Studios. 

Silicon Valley Open Studios 2024 will take place the first three weekends of May and showcase the studios of over 200 Silicon Valley Artists. Weekend two, May 11-12, will be held in the Mid-Peninsula region, and Weekend three, May 18-19, will be hosted in the South Bay. Thirty-three artists at The Alameda Artworks in San José, including textile artist Kim Meuli Brown, will open their studios to guests on May 18 and 19.

Follow Kim at:

https://www.instagram.com/kimmeulibrown/

https://www.kimmeulibrown.com/

https://www.thealamedaartworks.org/kimbrown

At West Valley College in Saratoga, Shannon Mirabelli-Lopez and Mel Vaughn have joined forces to launch the college’s first interdisciplinary graduation expo, STEAM’D Fest, where “Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Math, and Design” reimagine collaboration.

Guided by the collective vision of Dean of The Cilker School of Art & Design, Mirabelli-Lopez, and Dean of The School of Math and Science, Vaughn, STEAM’D Fest represents a step towards fostering future integration across traditionally divided academic disciplines and further building a culture where all disciplines at West Valley recognize their connections and contributions to problem-solving in this modern world.

STEAM’D Fest plans to catalyze cross-pollination between sciences and arts by showcasing the work of students graduating from both schools. The 3-day public event will feature an art & design industry night portfolio review, film festival, Cilker School of Art & Design Fashion Show, and Dance Caravan, as well as birds of prey raptor show, chemistry and physics demonstrations, planetarium exhibition, and moon garden tour. As educators, Mirabelli-Lopez and Vaughn believe that STEAM’D Fest creates a unique platform for students and faculty members to break down boundaries between respective disciplines and leverage the complementary nature of their fields, emphasizing user experience and human-centric approaches.

Mirabelli-Lopez’s success in organizing two previous graduation expos for her school fuels her desire to support Vaughn in elevating his disciplines, aiming for increased visibility and recognition in Silicon Valley’s tech hub. In their eyes, a successful STEAM’D Fest would allow visitors to seamlessly engage with the event’s artistic and scientific dimensions.

In our conversation, we discuss Mirabelli-Lopez and Vaughn’s journeys toward higher education, their thoughts on how teachers impact students’ lives and academic success, and the music they are listening to. RSVP Here.

Joel Hangai (@jthangai) is one of three graduating West Valley College Cilker School of Art and Design @wvccilkersoad students featured in issue 16.3, “Perform.”

A student and tutor in West Valley College’s Music Department, Joel Hangai hopes to one day become a music professor. No matter what, he will always find a way to keep music a part of his life.

Join us on May 17 at West Valley College 2024 Grad EXPO and celebrate the release of Content Magazine Issue 16.3 alongside the @westvalleycollege STEAMD Fest.

Featured Mini-Profile: SubZERO Festival 2023, Joey Richardson

ArtWalk SJ is back this Friday, May 3, and we are counting down the days to SubZERO Festival 2024 by looking back on 2023.

At SubZERO Festival 2023, Content had the opportunity to spotlight the festival through the artists in attendance.

Landscape oil painter, Joey Richardson, began painting as a form of meditation and has since dedicated his time to traveling the Bay Area in search of inspiration. Inspired by light, Richardson, is drawn to the diverse natural landscapes of Northern California.

Content will continue to recap SubZERO Festival 2023 each month until its valiant 2024 return this summer.

Thank you to ArtWalk SJ & SubZERO Festival for bringing together the arts community and allowing us to spotlight these artists’ work.

Learn more about South First Fridays ArtWalk SJ & SubZERO Festival:

https://www.southfirstfridays.com/

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Videography by: Destiny Quesada

Joshua Cruz is one of three graduating West Valley College Cilker School of Art & Design students featured in issue 16.3, “Perform.”

Experience Joshua’s work at the May 17 Cilker School of Art & Design 2024 Grad EXPO and celebrate the release of Content Magazine Issue 16.3 alongside the West Valley College STEAMD Fest.

“As an artist, I find the need to defy the challenges that we face every day. Defying culture, defying concepts, and stigmas; Life allowed me to use Fashion as a tool to create a new perspective on my life. My creations are “Just the espresso, the shot in the morning to get you going.” Inspiring the new generations to be fearless and defy what’s in front of them is the vision.” - Joshua Cruz Artist Statement

Order by May 3 for free shipping.

Pre-Order:

https://bit.ly/perform163

Save the Date:

https://bit.ly/pup163perform

Content Pick-Up Party, 16.3, 6:30p - 9:30p, Friday, May 17,

West Valley College and The Cilker School of Art & Design

14000 Fruitvale Ave, Saratoga, CA 95070

THANK YOU, Partners

West Valley College and The Cilker School of Art & Design

Filco Events

Issue 16.3 Featuring:

Creative Studio - The Coterie Den - Lucas Millan, Isandro Biaco, Danny Cardona, Wyatt Perkins, Angel Cabebe, and Bryan Reed | Professional Arts Supporter - Pamela Hornik | Professor of Interior Design - Diane Hurd | West Valley College Student Profiles - Joel Hangai - Joshua Cruz - Shraddha Karalkar | Visual Artist - RC | Visual Artist - Xiaoze Xie | Music Venue - SJZ Break Room, Scott Fulton | Actor/Educator - Aldo Billingslea | Youth Poet and Activist - Thy Hope Luong | Theatre Company - Palo Alto Players, Elizabeth Santana | Performing Artist - Carolina Pérez | Community Space - Red Rock Coffee Open Mic Night, Ashley Markowicz & Henri Boulanger

Published by SVCreates

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Photo and video by Daniel Garcia

Joshua Cruz is one of three graduating West Valley College Cilker School of Art & Design students featured in issue 16.3, “Perform.”

Experience Joshua’s work at the May 17 Cilker School of Art & Design 2024 Grad EXPO and celebrate the release of Content Magazine Issue 16.3 alongside the West Valley College STEAMD Fest.

“As an artist, I find the need to defy the challenges that we face every day. Defying culture, defying concepts, and stigmas; Life allowed me to use Fashion as a tool to create a new perspective on my life. My creations are “Just the espresso, the shot in the morning to get you going.” Inspiring the new generations to be fearless and defy what’s in front of them is the vision.” - Joshua Cruz Artist Statement 

Order by May 3 for free shipping.

PreOrder: https://bit.ly/perform163

Save the Date:

https://bit.ly/pup163perform

Content Pick-Up Party, 16.3,

6:30p - 9:30p, Friday, May 17,

West Valley College and The Cilker School of Art & Design 14000 Fruitvale Ave,

Saratoga, CA 95070

THANK YOU, PartnersWest Valley College and The Cilker School of Art & Design Filco Events

Issue 16.3 Featuring:

Creative Studio - The Coterie Den - Lucas Millan, Isandro Biaco, Danny Cardona, Wyatt Perkins, Angel Cabebe, and Bryan Reed | Professional Arts Supporter - Pamela Hornik | Professor of Interior Design - Diane Hurd | West Valley College Student Profiles - Joel Hangai - Joshua Cruz - Shraddha Karalkar | Visual Artist - RC | Visual Artist - Xiaoze Xie | Music Venue - SJZ Break Room, Scott Fulton | Actor/Educator - Aldo Billingslea | Youth Poet and Activist - Thy Hope Luong | Theatre Company - Palo Alto Players, Elizabeth Santana | Performing Artist - Carolina Pérez | Community Space - Red Rock Coffee Open Mic Night, Ashley Markowicz & Henri Boulanger

Published by SVCreates______

Photo and video by Daniel Garcia

Episode #112 - Zach Waldren, Tailored By Design LLC

With a belief in the power of culinary experiences to showcase cultural diversity, Zach Waldren introduces the exciting 2024 Silicon Valley Taco Throwdown, set to take place at Blanco Urban Venue on Cinco de Mayo weekend.

We sat down with Zach Waldren, founder of Tailored by Design LLC (TBD), a consultancy dedicated to crafting personalized user experiences. Inspired by Disneyland's attention to detail, Zach discusses how he channels his diverse background in marketing, hospitality, and DJing to address clients' challenges. Join us as we delve into Zach's journey from wrestler and referee to entrepreneur, exploring his passion for family and Christianity and creating unforgettable experiences.

Follow Zach on Instagram @Zach.Waldren

Get Tickets to Silicon Valley's 2024 Taco Throwdown

https://bit.ly/tbd2024tacothrowdown

Episode #111 - Steven Huynh – Owner of Goodtime Bar – Natural Wine Bar in San José

Steven Huynh, a former software engineer and co-owner of San José's Goodtime Natural Wine Bar, discovered natural wines through travels. Burnt out from Silicon Valley's tech scene during the pandemic, Steven sought to create a space offering respite from the blur of remote work.

Inspired by the cozy natural wine bars he has visited, Steven envisioned a welcoming space. He has partnered with Chef Alex Whiteman to create a menu of seasonal dishes that complement their wine selection. Goodtime fosters community, hosting events like a weekly run club and live entertainment.

Steven has found fulfillment in connecting over wine. He is planning a vibrant first-anniversary celebration on April 27th.

Follow @goodtimebarsj

Read more about Steven'sjourney on the Content Blog.

(https://content-magazine.com/article/episode-111-steven-huynh)

Episode #110 Jonathan Borca – Community Organizer, Story Teller, and Poet

This podcast is also available on Spotify, Apple Podcast, and YouTube.Jonathan Borca is a San Jose community leader, performer, and rapper. He is currently the Deputy Director at the School of Arts and Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza and the San Jose District 5 Arts Commissioner.

He performs poetry and rap as ‘The Francis Experience.’From his early days in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to his nomadic childhood following his father’s Air Force career, Jonathan Borca’s journey is one of determinant care for the community. Settling in East Side San Jose at the age of seven, Borca’s progressive mother, who introduced him to hip-hop albums from Tupac and Arrested Development, ignited his passion for poetry and the transformative power of music.

Borca attended Bellarmine College Preparatory High School in his teens through an East Side pathway program. Reflecting on his time at Bellarmine, he holds two realities to be true: the program did not do enough to support the students from under-resourced backgrounds, but it also was beneficial in developing his interest in pursuing a career in nonprofits. Throughout his journey, music, performance, and storytelling have always been a common thread, sometimes for himself and, more recently, a craft to share with others.

Under the moniker ‘The Francis Experience,’ Jonathan Borca has crafted a unique storytelling platform. His live performance projects, such as ‘Color Me Gold,’ are a fusion of storytelling and various performance genres. These curated performances, featuring a blend of poetry, rap, dance, and jazz, serve as a platform to showcase local San Jose talent.

Most Recently, Borca secured a 3-part residency at the San Jose Museum of Art funded by California Humanities. The project, currently preparing for part 2 on April 5, 2024, is titled First Friday: Hip Hop(e), Jazz, & Storytelling that will offer students and diverse audiences community members new ways to engage with exhibition themes of migration, identity, self-love, and inclusion through written and spoken word. The series is presented in partnership with Francis Experience Quartet, with co-founder Gabby Horlick (drums), standout musicians Bennett-Roth (keys, vocals), and Miguel “Frunkyman” Leyva (bass). Together, the quartet blends rap, poetry, and storytelling, which will be augmented by SJ Storyboard’s digital art and will showcase with a monthly featured poet).

The residency will be offered on SJMA’s late-night “First Fridays” with open galleries, held from 6–9 p.m. on April 5, 2024 (Rasanna Alvarez) and May 3 (Tshaka Campbell).In our Conversation, we discuss Jonathan Borca’s Background as a youth growing up in East Side San Jose, what led him to a career in nonprofits, and the vital role music plays in his life.

You can follow Jonathan Borca’s on Instagram @francis_experience (https://www.instagram.com/francis_experience)

Featured Mini-Profile: 2023 SUBZero Festival, Mason Roberts, @masonrobertsartist

ArtWalk SJ is this Friday, March 1st, 2024

Featuring: Inspired! Natural Forms, Layers and Flowers  Mason Roberts Solo Exhibition at Phantom Galleries in The Pierce Apartments Lobby Gallery

2 Pierce Ave.

Painter and workplace designer Mason Roberts, @masonrobertsartist, combines curvilinear lines and bright colors in his works to tell stories about what is happening under the earth’s surface.

Join Mason this Friday at Phantom Galleries in The Pierce Apartments for the opening of Inspired! Natural Forms, Layers and Flowers.

Thank you to @subzerofestival and @artwalksj for bringing together the arts community and allowing us to spotlight these artists’ work. Stay tuned for the release of more 2023 SubZERO Festival artist mini-profiles in the lead up to summer.

Learn more about South First Fridays @artwalksj & @subzerofestival:

https://www.southfirstfridays.com/

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Videography by: Destiny Quesada, @desitnyy