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2016

2016

Creative Exchange Beta, Springboard for the Arts: San Jose’s MACLA engages a multicultural community

Nonprofit Finance Fund: Arts Nonprofits Embark On Multi-Year Initiative to Strengthen Organizational Health and Bolster Sector-Wide Equity

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COVID-19 Updates

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MACLA is open WED-FRI 12 - 7PM, SAT-SUN 12 - 5PM.

MACLA is open WED-FRI 12 - 7PM, SAT-SUN 12 - 5PM.
Come see our exhibition “Deconstructing to Rebuild” featuring art by
@hernalex_art
@josevillalobosart
@cyanhit
@they_maldonado
@hechoporalex
@ishouldbepainting
@cocteautwinks

Alexander explains his inspiration behind his body

Alexander explains his inspiration behind his body of work for his current work exhibited in Deconstructing to Rebuild. On display until November 13, 2022.⁠
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"Using images the artist received on dating apps, Alex wanted to showcase how queer identities are portrayed online onto something tactile. By pixelating the original image, the artist noticed how much it resembled the grid of a quilt so why not create a quilted wall piece. ⁠
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Images were manipulated on Photoshop then printed onto fabric. The artist then quilted each piece and appliqued fabric scraps onto the art piece by giving them dimension."⁠
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First Image: "Jay" 2018 Printed and Quilted Fabric⁠
Second Image: "Alessandro" 2018 Printed and Quilted Fabric⁠

On View Now! Artist Alexander Hernandez, featured

On View Now! Artist Alexander Hernandez, featured in Deconstructing to Rebuild, now exhibiting until November 13, 2022. ⁠
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"Growing up as a self-proclaimed "sissy-boy" who hated gym class, crafting was my mode of literally creating a safe space where my love of American pop culture, and my Mexican upbringing could coexist freely and openly. In particular, through the act of stitching, my practice conceptually embodies an intersectional connectivity of my identities, rooted in immigrant realities, the navigation of gender expectations, my HIV + status and the sensibilities of the queer experience. In physical practice, my studio work is dedicated to the marrying of quilting techniques with digitally printed imagery, while considering both color and pattern and their relationships with one another– exposing the imperfection of the intersectional experience via raw edges and layering. Both the conceptual and aesthetic considerations stitch together alternations of cultural code- switching and act as a challenge to gender roles."

@ishouldbepainting “I grew up with zero queer, l

@ishouldbepainting “I grew up with zero queer, lesbian imagery and what was out there wasn’t brown, wasn’t tender, wasn’t us. It is my deepest honor to render us visible.” Elizabeth Blancas

Best Buy Teen Tech Centers are a fun, interactive

Best Buy Teen Tech Centers are a fun, interactive space for youth to explore the latest technology and multimedia tools with support from peers and adult mentors. Each location works to bridge the digital divide by giving teens access to tech education opportunities to develop critical skills for the tech-reliant jobs of the future through hands-on activities that explore their interests in programming, film-making, music production, digital photography, graphic design, interactive development, programming and more. A partnership with The Clubhouse Network connects members to a global community of over 100 clubhouses in 20 countries. Make sure to come out Thursday September 29 from 4:30pm-6:30pm for free food and to celebrate the work of our youth members.

"Our Birthright," 2022 by Elizabeth Blancas Exhibi

"Our Birthright," 2022 by Elizabeth Blancas Exhibiting in "Deconstructing to Rebuild" until November 13, 2022⁠
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"Our Birthright, was a commission for The Center for Cultural Power's Movement 2 the Ballot Box campaign. The creative brief was quite broad, but wanted messaging that was uplifting, joyous, and empowering. This excited me as I was personally exhausted from all the doom and gloom, in deep need of joyous narratives all around me. Organically, this illustration came to fruition as I connected with my beloved friend G Rivera who was pregnant at the time. Several years ago having babies felt like a very distant dream and the beauty of witnessing G, a butch mama, will this baby earthside had to be honored. I photographed her and baby Santana (still in belly) during a visit where we organically also decided I would paint a mural for Santana's nursery. I shared this illustration online with this caption: For @culturestrike’s 2022 #M2BBcampaign, I chose to center what fuels me—knowing that joy, please, & liberation is our birthright. It’s easy to get lost in the chaos of this world, especially when our rights are threatened. Remaining connected to my ungovernable spirit is key for me to thrive. & who better to embody this? My sweet friend @quirkyrican in all her glory, as the vessel for her soon-to-arrive baby, Santana Amalia. Butch mama willing her baby into this world with such intention & care. Surrounded by healing hands, herbs, & ancestors guidance. May baby Santana & all our kin always know that joy, pleasure, & liberation are their birthright. " - Elizabeth Blancas⁠
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Get a chance to know Elizabeth Blancas, showcasing

Meet Alyssarhaye Graciano, MACLA’s new Visual Ar

Meet Alyssarhaye Graciano, MACLA’s new Visual Arts Curator! ⁠
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Alyssarhaye is a practicing textile artist, published author, and community curator. Her curatorial practice has focused on emerging and established artists of color, uplifting untold stories, and artistic expressions. An experienced arts administrator, she has held positions at Silicon Valley Creates, New Museum Los Gatos, and ran a small business, @BlackSheepMade offering textile workshops and selling her art. As an arts advocate, she volunteers on the GenArts Steering Committee, writes for Content Magazine, and is currently in the Multicultural Arts Leadership Institute (MALI), Class 14. Born and raised in San José, Alyssarhaye is trilingual with a BA in Languages and Literature with an emphasis in Spanish and French from the University of California, Riverside. ⁠
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Alyssarhaye’s artwork focuses on using fiber to challenge the traditional ideologies around textiles and had been exhibited in the West Coast and Japan. Her DIY book, Chunky Knits: Cozy Hats, Scarves and More Made Simple with Extra-Large Yarn, published in January 2020 and highlights a modern take on knitting in efforts to challenge the stereotype of “who knits.” ⁠
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In her spare time, she is an avid cyclist exploring Bay Area trails. When she’s not on her bike, she is a budding home chef who likes to cook Thai food and explore her Mexican-Filipino family recipes.

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About MACLA

MACLA is an inclusive contemporary arts space grounded in the Chicano/Latino experience that incubates new visual, literary and performance art in order to engage people in civic dialogue and community transformation.

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