LOVE this gallery for the amount of artwork and how big the place is. There is something in every nook! I’ve come here with a VERY limited amount of cash before and I was still able to buy a sick painting and a digitally made card that I thought would look cool on my wall! The people who work here are generally kind, I mean, I smelled the sweet scent of introverts right as I walked I there so it was ok that they didn’t necessarily greet me right when I walked up but, I would’ve been nice since I was the only person in there at the time. While being rung up tho the man was slightly talkative with me, and politely answering any questions only to find out he is one of the artist I’ve admired since last years First Friday! So overall, pretty cool place! Def would recommend and I hope it stays much longer than most of the stores that have been placed at that location!
Sarah B.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
I’ve been coming here for about 2 years now to the Two Buck Tuesday events and from time to time for special events or First Friday. Street parking can be touch if you get there after 7, but there is a parking garage right there if you want to use it. Mix of artists, new work monthly and live art on the third Tuesday of every month. Sometimes I bring my photography to that event as all are welcome to showcase their work and do live art also. Two buck event, artists bring in items they are selling for $ 2, they will teach you something or better yet, get you to make something that gets put into an art instelation. They also have live preformances. I’ve seen live bands, DJs, tebeten singing bowls, Aztec dancers, belly dancers, comedy improve groups! If you do preformance art and want some exposure contact them and book in advance for a spot at one of these events! First friday events also have live music. There is art for all tasts there. Photography, painting, sketches, sculptures, found art and much more. No cover to get in. Go visit and enjoy the art scene San Jose has to offer! It’s a surprise every time.
Connie Y.
Place rating: 4 San Francisco, CA
It was a Friday night… what to do? Well, my boyfriend and I decided to have dinner at Boiling Crab with some San Jose friends(we’re San Franciscans). During dinner, our friends told us that there was an event at an art gallery. We thought, «why not?!» It was a good decision going with them, being that it was the First Friday of the month! Besides getting to enjoy all the creative, beautiful, crazy, weird art, there was live music and a DJ! Great vibe! You can walk around and enjoy all the art of many artists. I really liked the two cardboard houses(one was a treehouse). They were beautiful in different ways but the details were pretty amazing. There’s also some nice custom jewelry too! Lots of canvases on sale as well. The prices definitely range from really cheap to thousands of dollars if you are looking to buy things. I ended up just getting some custom cards with beautiful flowers in front. This was quite a different experience for us since we don’t normally go to art galleries but it was fun to come by. I’m glad our friends brought us!
Donbon I.
Place rating: 5 Milpitas, CA
This place is awesome! They’ve gathered what must be 70 or so of the best loacal artists and put them in one HUGE gallery. The art inside is amazing, It’s all across the board in terms of style and mediums. I personally like the cartoony stuff and they’ve got a couple a VERY talented people who’ve got amazing Cartoony things. One in particular is Christine Benjamin. WOW! This girl is awesome, check her out! If you’re more into jewelery, they got that too. Not just one or two jewelers, they must have 7 or 8 of them! So if you’re ever looking to touch up your room, or give a one of a kind gift check out Kaleid Gallery, it legit!
Ronnie N.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
Went to two dollar Tuesday’s(every third Tuesday of the month) and it was awesome. It’s a free event and that night there was free finger food catered by Myth Lounge. Local artists did live paintings and portraits for 2 –10 bucks. It’s an awesome place for artists to display their art and perform. Lots of cute artsy girls=]]]. Check out Lacey Bryant’s awesome cardboard houses and dark scary paintings.
Candy P.
Place rating: 5 Campbell, CA
This place is awesome. Wonderful art, jewelry, paintings, hand made beads, cards, etc. Its amazing what teasures you’ll find in here. I love this place. My favorite artists are Donbon, Michael Foley and Lacey Bryant.
JoAnne Y.
Place rating: 5 Alameda, CA
Kaleid is a great space to see a wide variety of art from different artists, lots of which is for sale. You’ll find plenty of gift items, art for your walls, plus find out what’s going on in the local art scene. 2 Buck Tuesdays on the third Tuesday of every month includes performances, art demos, live painting, and collaborating — and it’s free!
Bonnie S.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
Kaleid is totally AWESOME! The gallery is super chill and they even let you take pictures inside(unlike other galleries i’ve been to). The people are super nice and the art is always AMAZING! There’s a variety of artists featured there and some artists even have little trinkets(keychains, etc.) or miniature prints of their work next to their art pieces that you can buy for a couple bucks. And it’s always free, so you can just walk in and enjoy the art whenever it’s open.
Jasmine P.
Place rating: 3 San Francisco, CA
This spot is nice. Yes… I said«nice». It’s not great, or something super special, it doesn’t suck, and it’s not mundane… it’s just«nice». On occasion there are mixers with free wine and pizza. I’m like; hey! I like pizza, and I don’t mind wine! Hum… Perhaps, I’m a cheap date? The art on the other hand, ranges from extravagant to extra freaky. Be ready to be in awe when viewing one artist’s corner, and then in fear or disgust when peering into another artist’s dark little world.
Richard G.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
I love Kaleid! It’s such a great art gallery and the staff here are wonderful. The artists they feature here have in there own ways great talent. I like they accept all forms of art weather its on canvas or in 3D form, I am a fan of this institute
Elaine T.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
Probably the largest art space in Downtown San Jose. This was actually the first gallery I visited when South First Fridays started up. Most pieces are from local artists whom you might even be able to meet on certain days. Unlike the other galleries downtown, the art here is more affordable if you’re looking for a special gift. Check their website for upcoming events. One of the best galleries Downtown San Jose has to offer!
Tina M.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
Kaleid Gallery is an asset to downtown San Jose! A great spot to pop into and see some really nice, cool art and a great place to shop for unique gifts. I like that they mix up the displays; it keeps me coming back to see what’s new. I’m happy it’s there!
Trudy H.
Place rating: 4 South Florida metropolitan area, FL
This gallery has a beautiful and eclectic collection of art that is passionate, powerful and pleasing to the senses. So many of the artists’ work there really engaged me as a viewer with strong use of colour and storytelling. It was an enjoyable experience.
Michelle T.
Place rating: 5 Milpitas, CA
The concept of Kaleid is really unique and cool. Local artists display their works on their own wall here and there is continually new work being displayed as artists get the chance. In addition to original art, prints, and posters, Kaleid also features artists that make any kind of arts and crafts imaginable. There are handmade greeting cards, jewelry, ceramics, and glass works on sale. There are tons of hidden treasures here. Be ready to take it all in! Take the time to appreciate all the hardwork that goes into everything displayed here. It’s a great place to show support for local artists and to keep an eye out for up and comers. Kaleid is a part of the SOFA First Friday art walks and they always have an amazing show with great entertainment and catered food from local businesses. Also, there is a complimentary rickshaw service that takes you between the galleries, so don’t hesitate to head on out here! First Fridays are great because everyone is out to have a good time, and the galleries stay open later just for this, so please show your support! Kaleid also does $ 2 buck tuesdays, which is on the third tuesday of each month. They have a quirky speaker series along with food and drinks, all from local businesses! There is a live sketching table for anyone who wishes to participate and you can also grab original art for $ 2 from artists sketching. Tons of great finds and you get to meet great people. One of the months had a gentlemen with snakes! If you haven’t been out to Kaleid, definitely make the stop!
Karen g.
Place rating: 4 San Jose, CA
Great Co-Op gallery that makes art accessible to all. There is always something new and interesting to see.
Patti F.
Place rating: 4 Saratoga, CA
I was walking around SJ in between classes and happened to see Kaleid Gallery. My friend and I walked in and were surprised to find a wide variety of items made by local artists. They sold paintings, prints, sculptures, glass art, greeting cards, and jewelry, all at reasonable prices. I’d definitely recommend stopping by if you’re in downtown San Jose. It’s not often that you can find a place like Kaleid that showcases the work of local artists.
Deb N.
Place rating: 4 Palo Alto, CA
Part of the South First Street First Friday Art Walk, but quite a bit from the main South First Street Galleries.
Flora M.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
I think art should be available to anyone, and Kaleid offers this opportunity to those that walk by and either want to merely admire art from local artists or buy it and take it home with them(at very reasonable prices, especially $ 2 Tuesdays). Kaleid is also a great place to learn what’s going on around downtown San Jose. It makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside to know that there is a lot of talent in our own proverbial backyard.
Bella p.
Place rating: 5 San Jose, CA
Kaleid is a great place to view works or art from local artist in the bay area. It’s runned by the artist and is a great place to buy affordable original pieces of art. The selections are plentiful so anyone can walk in and find that handmade craft, jewelry, photography, sculpture and paintings, that no one else has. it’s a great place to find a flavor you’ll want to take home or give as a gift! I attended their 2 buck Tuesday event last night(happens every third Tuesday of the month) and got a chance to see some cool experimental collaborations and buy affordable artworks for 2 dollars! they also have openings every first Friday of the month! check it out!
Michael H.
Place rating: 3 Hayward, CA
It is a bit ironic that the art supply store that left for San Francisco is replaced by an art gallery. From the same hands of Two Fish Design, KALEID is a project of Phantom Galleries intended to use empty business areas to beautify city of San Jose. The interior of Kaleid is very spacious. Plenty of room for sculpture, paintings, fashion design, and installation work. There are several box columns, walls and tables that display paintings and other arts. On South First Fridays they tend to have a live band playing. Kaleid is utilized more as an «affordable» art gallery. It hosts a greater variety of local artists, yet the quality and price range tends to be quite lower than other well established galleries; although there are many exceptions(!). Artists can showcase a single piece of art, to an entire collection. It basically depends on the artist and gallery. This gallery is, in my opinion, in a absolutely great location. As the first floor of the 4th street parking garage, Kaleid is right across the street from San Jose State University. It’s open windows expose the gallery’s insides for all to see. Visit this free space to view local art for sale. You will be surprised.