Art Ark’ Common House Gallery

Definitely didn’t know this community is thriving in San Jose. Much less know that there is this whole block of community of artist in this area. It’s beyond the SOFA art galleries in d/​t San Jose. Hard to find and even harder to find was the entrance.
Once we got in it was such a joy to discover this other world. Surrounded by friendly artist showing their beloved work. So much talents last night.
I fell in love with a couple of things but went home with one of them courtesy of Adam D. :) it was a necklace by Jack Line Studio all glass and and all shiny! Mostly black but the patterns vary. Mine was a pendant that was made to look like there is a hole in the middle. In fact it’s one whole piece. So the pendant takes the color of whatever you’re wearing. Check him out.
One other note worthy artist is Stephanie Metz. She works with felted wool. She makes the scary bear look waaay too cute! Even her business card is cute! Check her out at
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I’d like to see more of this world. It’s very refreshing to meet a totally different breed of very talented folks!

I’ve been there after 2 BFA Graphic Design shows. Either the show makes the entire experience, or the place is just a really great space for art work to be showcased. I’ve enjoyed both visits and dig the openness of the area being right next to a park.

The Art Ark Gallery is situated past the 280 freeway, pretty much away from downtown and the rest of the SOFA art galleries. It’s a bit of a walk if you’re coming from the SJSU campus.
Art Ark is part of an artist community where there are apartment/​condo structures for artist housing. This takes up a pretty big area of about an entire block.
This complex is done in a contemporary style. With a white, yellow, and sand color scheme, these structures stick out from the rest of the surrounding older houses.
Art Ark itself sits next to a nice green lawn. There isn’t a lot of signage to tell you that it’s an art gallery, but there is a vertical banner stating the current exhibition.
Inside the gallery you’ll find a nice little space similar to the size of Works Gallery. The white rectangular space has a wall right as you enter — where the usual title, sponsor, and names are stated. The high ceilings allow for the space to breathe. Additionally there are windows situated high up on the walls as well as glass walling and glass doors on the left side. This allows a lot of natural light to fill the space.
There are several posts that can allow for metal hanging wire as well as hanging posts near the high-​wall windows. There is a good amount of space, but if you have a big show you’ll either have to hang things high on the wall or cram things together.
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Three stars mainly for its secret location and failure to promote itself. It doesn’t even have a website — just how am I going to know what exhibits are going on? Plus it’s too far away from downtown to justify a visit. I hate the exclusive demeanor that some art galleries possess — this one is no exception.
Nonetheless, nice design and a cool concept for an artist community.