On a wet November evening, some of the South Bay’s creative energy settled downtown at Open San José to celebrate the release of Content Magazine Issue 18.1, “Discover.” It was a gathering of artists, creatives, musicians, and supporters who came together to engage with one another and the creatives featured in the issue. The mood was immediately set by DJ Arturo Garces, whose selections carried throughout the venue. Friends from Californians for the Arts had just wrapped a conference at the same location and seamlessly folded into the scene.
Locals and visitors alike enjoyed beer and wine served by Filco Events. Chef Alex Whiteman and his team from Goodtime Bar elevated the experience with refined bites—from a delicate persimmon salad to their classic deviled eggs.
That hallway connecting resident galleries, Chopsticks Alley Art and Works/SJ, and the performance studio was turned into a pop-up exhibition presented by Works/San José. The one-night-only showcase featured eight visual artists from the issue, including Hadi Aghaee, Tachiya Bryant, Sarah Bianco, John Contreras, Low Le, Betty Proper, Jasmine Reid, and Augie WK.
The performance schedule kicked off at 7:00p with remarks from CreaTV CEO Chad Johnston, who welcomed everyone to Open San José. The program, held on the second Thursday of each month, became woven into Chopsticks Alley Art’s regularly scheduled CreativiTEA Open Mic Showcase, featuring powerful performances by House of Asha and Chansing Dai. Afterwards, the event hit its stride with a Hair and Tattoo Runway Show. Tattoo artist Low Le and hair stylist Ming Schipper presented their visions on models that adorned intricate illustrations inked to skin and colorfully stylized hair and nails.
The success of Issue 18.1 relies on the collaboration of everyone in our community—from event partners and contributors to the creatives featured, and anyone who walked through the doors or picked up the magazine. The spirit of Content Magazine lies in the relationships found within the community. As with all of our pick-up parties, the main goal is to come together, meet someone new, and introduce them to old friends.
Join us in February 2026 at Hobee’s Restaurant in Downtown San José for Pick-Up Party 18.2, “Sight and Sound.” The issue will feature creatives such as Akeen Raheem, William Johnston Bohrer, and Jacque Price, students from San José State University (photo 125), and our Santa Clara County Supervisors.
