A Pop-Up Art Event Reinvigorating and Reimagining a Vacant Building in San Jose and Showcasing Innovative Art and Furniture while Benefiting Artists Impacted by the L.A. Fires.
FREE!
March 17-22, 2025
451 South First St. San Jose, CA
The WALLFLOWERS Arts Interactive ExPop is set to transform an aesthetic downtown space into a vibrant, immersive art experience. Opening during the NVIDIA GTC AI Conference, this innovative pop-up reimagines the former home of the San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art at 451 South First St., inviting the public to rediscover the power of in-person artistic space. At a time when San Jose’s SOFA District is struggling with vacancies, this initiative breathes new life into the neighborhood, proving that creativity is a catalyst for revitalization.
A New Approach to Experiencing Art
“Art should be spontaneous, accessible, and woven into the fabric of everyday life,” says Alexandra Stein, Founder & Director of the Arts Interactive ExPop. “This pop-up is more than an exhibition—it’s an opportunity for unexpected encounters with art as the catalyst and an ideal way to reimagine vacant commercial real estate.”
“As a broker, artist, and cultural curator, my goal is to merge empty buildings with artistic vision,” adds Stein, “Through pop-ups like this, we create not just exhibitions, but experiences—moments of discovery that stay with people long after they leave.”
Unlike the technology-forward focus of NVIDIA’s GTC AI Conference happening across the street, the WALLFLOWERS Arts Interactive ExPop celebrates the tactile, the handmade, and the deeply human side of creativity.
The event will feature a curated selection of works from renowned artists:
- Matthew Rose’s whimsical collages, crafted as poetic visual haikus, showcasing his internationally renowned yet rarely exhibited work in California.
- Alex Itin’s expressive, freeform paintings and animations, offering a raw, energetic glimpse into the mind of an artist who defies convention.
- Mila Libman’s photo-like works capture the raw beauty of the environment, offering peace and contemplation. “I’m not trying to imitate reality,” says Libman, “but to create reality from within.”
- Alan Rath’s kinetic masterpiece Wallflower II, a mesmerizing array of pulsating speakers that draw viewers into a rhythmic, meditative experience.
- Steelcaseisaglobaldesignandthoughtleaderintheworldofwork. Along with their expansive community of brands, they design and manufacture innovative furnishings and solutions to help people do their best work in the many places where work happens.
- OneWorkplaceopenedin1925asabookstore, OneWorkplaceis now one of the largest commercial office furniture dealerships on the U.S. West Coast. Through the integration of architecture, office furniture, and technology solutions, One Workplace creates environments that are tailored to the way leading organizations do business.
Art as a Force for Good
In response to the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, the pop-up will also serve as a benefit for artists impacted by the crisis, directing funds to organizations providing crucial support. Donations will be delivered to Grief & Hope.
Revitalizing Space Through Art
The choice of venue is deliberate. Once a beacon of contemporary art, 451 South First St. has sat vacant for years. WALLFLOWERS Arts Interactive ExPop is an invitation for the public to reimagine its potential and experience its transformation firsthand. Collaborations with Steelcase and House of Sorcery will further enhance the space, enticing passersby with dynamic, creative installations visible from the street.
Custom Framing by FRAMEWERK
FRAMEWERK is committed to serving the Bay Area arts community by providing Museum quality custom conservation picture framing and art installation services. FRAMEWERK prioritizes art preservation and is steeped in the tradition of contemporary art presentation.
For collectors looking to preserve their new artwork, FRAMEWERK will be present at the event, offering expert consultations on framing for any art purchased. Buyers will have the option to add professional framing with sample framed pieces available for viewing. Founder, Jalal Poehlman will be offering 20% off to all frames purchased at the event.
Steelcase in conjunction with One Workspace will be supplying the furniture for the ExPop.
Exhibition Hours:
- Monday 11am-6pm (evening Opening Reception 6-9pm)
- Tuesday 11am-6pm
- Wednesday 11am-5pm
- Thursday 11am-6pm
- Friday 11am-8pm
- Saturday 11am-6pm
Special Events:
- Tuesday, March 18 (4pm-6pm): Nvidia GTC AI Conference Welcome Reception,
- Wednesday, March 19 (2pm-4pm): Artist Talk and Panel Discussion, AI Demos
- Wednesday, March 19 (5pm-8pm) TBD
- Thursday, March 20 Extended hours (11am-8pm) possible Nvidia GTC closing night party
- Friday, March 21 (6pm-8pm): Collectors’ Evening and Gallery Dinner Party
- Saturday, March 22 (6pm-9pm) Closing Reception which coincides with the Opening Night of the new show at the ICA across the street.
For press inquiries, interviews, or additional details, contact: Karin Conn PR 415-902-5800 karinconnpr.com
Image: Matthew Rose 2006 @maybemistahcoughdrop