By Jozy Prabhu

Staff Writer

The closer one walks to Local Color, the more artwork appears on the streets of San Jose.

Giant, colorful murals adorn buildings beside the sidewalks and follow toward the art haven on First Street.

Just behind a VTA Light Rail station, Local Color illuminates the street with a giant expanse of windows framing the giant white room showcasing art pieces.

Inside, only half of the place is used for displaying art, while the other half is fenced off for workspaces artists can rent. 

There are various kinds of artwork displayed, including sculptures, painted wooden structures, hanging paintings and more.

One wall is dedicated exclusively for visitors to color with paint provided by Local Color.

At a small wooden-block desk near the front of the venue, artists Mario Dimas and Francisco Ramirez sit and watch over the store while making sketches.

“Pretty much everyone here is somewhat of an established artist.” said Dimas. “So everybody just comes here. We use this space to work and to involve ourselves with the community and try to expand and get to know other artists.”

While he says this, a couple is walking around in the space, admiring the art on display, illustrating how important the artists and their creations are to the cultural fabric of the community.

“You get to interact with other artists and the whole community comes in here and as well as people who are not even from here to come visit,” Dimas said.

Dimas got into the local art community through networking and getting involved in Local Color events.

“I knew one of the guys, so I just sent them work because they had open spots for artists to showcase their art [in] events,” said Dimas. “So eventually I just asked about how to get a place here and information, and I got in.” 

In addition to displaying and renting art workspaces, Local Color also creates an environment for artists to collaborate and help each other.

Ramirez expressed his appreciation for the art community he found at Local Color.

“I’m very meticulous when I paint,” said Ramirez, “So being here has allowed me to try different things. Not be so technical . . . It helps me.”

It’s this collaborative environment that has allowed artists such as Ramirez to expand their expertise.

“I’ve learned in putting myself out there, whether it be doing prints or creating a website,” said Ramirez. 

“Cuz I never did that, I just drew or painted. But being here I learned [there’s] more [than that].”

Along with displaying different artists, Local Color also has a small table with flyers and information about different artists and events.

Previous events have included Halloween screenings and art documentary nights.

“Every month we’re gonna do open studio. When we have time, we open up on weekends in the evening for a couple hours,” Dimas said.

To join the creativity, visit Local Color at 27 S. First St. in Downtown San Jose and at @LocalColorSJ on Facebook.