Rayos Magos grew up on the west side of San Jose, spending his childhood playing outside in a neighborhood duplex and drawing on stacks of printer paper while waiting for his parents to finish work. An introverted kid who used art as a natural way to navigate the world, he didn’t initially pursue a fine arts track. He shifted from graphic design to journalism at SF State before realizing that interviewing strangers at Muni stops was not his favorite thing to do. Eventually, he pivoted to earn degrees in psychology and to work on the front lines of community mental health.
It wasn’t until April 2021 that Magos left his nine-to-five counseling career behind to pursue art full-time. That psychological lens, however, remains foundational to his creative output. His practice has expanded past standard graphic printmaking into complex, large-scale mixed-media textiles, canvas manipulation, and embroidery. By digging through his parents’ basement archives—pulling out boxes of untouched elementary school portraits and childhood snapshots—Magos pieces together structural visual narratives that examine identity, contemporary Chicano culture, and Mesoamerican mythology.
Parallel to his studio practice, Magos continues to be out in the community, teaching and leading workshops for “Home Is Where the Art Is,” a creative workshop program built in partnership with the South Bay housing nonprofit HomeFirst. Stepping into transitional housing units to work with residents, Magos uses expressive arts to break through hesitancy and creative baggage that adults often carry. The workshops culminate in a formal gallery exhibition and art auction where 100% of the proceeds are returned directly to the residents, utilizing the creative sector to generate immediate financial autonomy and human connection for this community.
In our conversation, Magos traces his journey from childhood sketching and neighborhood graffiti to slinging prints in Mexico City and hustling as an artist, now working between Toronto, Canada, and San Jose.
The Home Is Where the Art Is program showcases framed artwork created by HomeFirst residents, with 100% of all art sales going directly back to the creators. Custom canvas work donated by Magos also helps fund future workshop cycles to sustain these creative outlets. For the 2026 exhibition, the showcase will be featured as part of the SubZERO Festival on June 5th from 5 to 8p at Open San José (38 S. Second Street, San Jose, CA 95113).
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.
Content Magazine host their Pick Up Party at Open San Jose in San Jose, California, on November 13, 2025. (Stan Olszewski/SOSKIphoto)Content Magazine host their Pick Up Party at Open San Jose in San Jose, California, on November 13, 2025. (Stan Olszewski/SOSKIphoto)Content Magazine host their Pick Up Party at Open San Jose in San Jose, California, on November 13, 2025. (Stan Olszewski/SOSKIphoto)
