April 27, 2026

Unpoken Impressions by Ashley Ogle at The Pierce Lobby Gallery

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

Unpoken Impressions

Life leaves marks that live in our body before they become clear stories. Monotypes bridge the connection between the kinesthetic and the intuitive by imprinting the emotion of felt experience.

Ashley Ogle Solo Exhibition

Ashley Ogle is a monotype printmaker based in Los Gatos, California. Ashley learned printmaking from her father, David Ogle, a bronze sculptor and ceramics professor, who in turn studied with renowned printmaker Eileen Hill. What started out as a father-daughter project 15 years ago has evolved into a dedicated solo practice. Ashley has shown her work in Lake Tahoe and San Jose, California as well as Punta de Mita, Mexico. 

Ashley’s work is abstract and contemporary with a sensitivity to light and atmosphere that echoes Impressionism. She is drawn to abstraction because it creates room for a unique narrative to emerge, inviting both maker and viewer to find their own meaning. Her monotype process translates the kinesthetic into visual rhythm and emotional expression through color, gesture, pressure, texture, and movement on the plate. She is interested in how this process mirrors intuitive, embodied cognition- how the hand often understands something before the mind finds words. Above all, Ashley wants people to encounter her prints and simply feel. 

In a world that can feel fragmented and fast, Ashley sees art as a way to slow down, reconnect, and remember our shared inner worlds. As Leo Tolstoy wrote, “Art is a means of union among men, joining them together in the same feelings, and indispensable for the life and progress toward well-being of individuals and of humanity.” 
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Artist’s reception: First Friday, May 1st, 5pm–9pm
Free admission, part of First Fridays ArtWalk SJ in SoFA District.

Exhibition dates: May 1 – July 18, 2026

Gallery hours: Monday–Sunday 9am–5pm

The Pierce Apts. Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Ave.
SoFA District downtown San Jose, CA.

January 23, 2026

Intuitive Abstraction by Anna Gelman _ Solo Exhibition

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

Intuitive Abstraction
Anna Gelman Solo Exhibition

I call my style “abstract intuitive.” The process is guided entirely by intuition, emotion, and the subconscious rather than a predetermined plan or sketch, focused on the act of creation itself as the primary subject. 

It is a conversation between the artist and the canvas. Each mark informs the next move in a continuous flow of response.

I use two general principles in my paintings: the spontaneous inner impulse and professional control over the painting as a whole. The strokes and colors are controlled instruments to express inner impulses and feelings. The shapes are often derived from landscapes and recognizable motifs, but they go beyond those elements. 

Painting is the way to explore the inner world and express the intuitive sense of beauty. It is a passionate way to explore the unknown, inventing a new and a different reality.


About the Artist
Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Anna  Gelman has called the Bay Area home since 1997. After earning a degree in Computer Science, she realized her passion for art and began painting in oils. Over time she discovered her own distinctive style, which she calls “abstract intuitive.” Her paintings have won multiple awards and have been exhibited in galleries throughout California.
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Artist’s reception: First Friday, February 6th, 5pm–9pm
Free admission, part of First Fridays ArtWalk SJ in SoFA District.

Exhibition dates: February 6 –April 15, 2026

Gallery hours: Monday–Sunday 9am–5pm


Phantom Galleries at The Pierce Apts. Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Avenue
San Jose, CA 95110
408-271-5151
info@PhantomGalleries.com

November 4, 2025

Mis Raises by Leysar Garcia Sandoval Solo Exhibition

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

Mis Raises / My Roots
Leysar Garcia Sandoval solo exhibition

My work represents the Indigenous peoples of Guatemala, who are survivors of genocide and are striving to preserve their culture. They are people who struggle every day against a government system that neither supports them nor allows them to pass on their culture and traditions to future generations.

In addition to this, I also highlight the beauty of their clothing, which is made from natural resources. Through my paintings, I seek to teach and share stories of people who are still alive and continue to fight to preserve the cultural identity of Guatemala.

Artist's reception: Friday, November 7th 5pm–9pm
during First Fridays ArtWalk SJ

Exhibition dates: November 7–January 17, 2026

Gallery hours: Daily 9am–5pm
Free entry.

Phantom Galleries at The Pierce Apts. Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Ave. (at Market St.)
SoFA District, downtown San Jose
info@phantomgalleries.com

September 22, 2025

Visual Umami Photography by Jerry Berkstresser

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

Visual Umami Savory Landscape Photography
Jerry Berkstresser Solo Exhibition

Six different feasts for the eyes to savor, each featuring a nearly six-foot wide panorama for the main course and side dishes of standard sized photographs to complete the menu. Color, black and white, and infrared photographs are on display, each with a unique interpretation of the subject.

About the Artist:
Jerry Berkstresser is a contemporary San Jose-based photographer with a life-long passion for photography. He is best known for his creative use of infrared photography that renders water as black, vegetation incandescent white, skies inky black with brilliant white clouds. His panoramas are far wider than standard and capture the viewers attention from afar, inviting a closer examination to reveal the intricate details.

Solo Exhibition Dates: August 1– October 11, 2025

Gallery Open Daily: 9am-5pm

Artist in attendance First Fridays ArtWalk SJ 5pm–9pm.
Free and all ages.

Phantom Galleries at The Pierce Apts. Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Ave. (at Market St.)

For more information please email: info@phantomgalleries.com

"Urban Abstractions" Street Planters Mural Project

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

Urban Abstractions: Street Planters Mural Project

The oversized planters on San Carlos Street (at S. 1st) received a massive creative treatment by seven talented artists working in their own signature abstract styles inspired by our urban environment.

The collective project entitled: “Urban Abstractions” is located at the south gateway to the SoFA District. These works are a signal to the passersby that we are an arts and culture district with galleries, music venues, residents and businesses that foster creativity and care about inspiring community well being.

Come by anytime and check out these unique works of art on the sidewalks of San Carlos Street between Market & S. 2nd streets.

Featuring Artists: Apexer, Gwen Reyes, Joey Reyes, Emoventuer, Force129, NOA–, and Poesia

Curated and faciliitated by Phantom Galleries, in partnership with The San Jose Downtown Association.

#urbanabstractions #streetart #murals #publicart #sofadistrict #dtsj

May 1, 2025

"Breathe Easy" Mario Dimas Solo Exhibition

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

Breathe Easy
Mario Dimas solo exhibition

"Breathe Easy" is about my creative connection with nature and plants. A series of works inspired by my time spent around plants, gardening, and hiking in nature. Plants are essential in our everyday lives, and we are very much dependent on them, from the air we breathe to the food and medicine they provide. We have them everywhere—in our homes, businesses, and hospitals—bringing us positive energy with their presence. They possess healing properties and create a stimulating visual effect in our surroundings.

In "Breathe Easy," my pieces are abundantly green with welcoming vibes; the use of dark backgrounds conveys my mood and emotion during the painting process, further bringing my subjects forward with vibrant light. In this exhibition, I invite the viewer to explore their own imagination and visualize the air and auras emanating from plants.

Artist's Reception: Friday, May 7th 5pm–9pm
during First Fridays ArtWalk SJ

Solo Exhibition: May 7–July 17, 2025

Artist in attendance First Fridays ArtWalk SJ 5pm–9pm.
Free and all ages.

Gallery Open Daily: 9am-5pm

Phantom Galleries at The Pierce Apts. Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Ave. (at Market St.)

For more information please email: info@phantomgalleries.com

January 31, 2025

"Beyond Borders" Natasha Kramskaya Solo Exhibit at The Pierce

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

Beyond Borders
Natasha Kramskaya Solo Exhibition

Artist’s reception: First Friday, February 7th 5pm–9pm
Free admission, part of the First Fridays ArtWalk SJ in SoFA District.

Ukrainian-born Californian artist Natasha Kramskaya’s first solo exhibition Beyond Borders, showcases a broad collection of vibrant paintings ranging from portraits to abstracts.

Cultural identity, kindness, and the fragility of life are central to Natasha’s work, reflecting the human experience in its most profound forms. In her recent works, Natasha explores the fusion of ancient symbols and traditions with contemporary elements and unconventional colors, creating a unique visual narrative.

Recurring motifs of sunflowers, both realistic and stylized, symbolize Ukrainian resistance and appear throughout her work, embodying strength and resilience. Natasha creates a unique blend of Ukrainian heritage and contemporary American art. Her ability to balance realism and abstraction offers viewers a captivating visual experience that transcends cultural boundaries.


Natasha creates a unique blend of Ukrainian heritage and contemporary American art. Her ability to balance realism and abstraction offers viewers a captivating visual experience that transcends cultural boundaries.

www.kramskaya.com

Exhibition dates: February 7–April 12, 2025

Gallery hours: Monday–Sunday 9am–6pm


Phantom Galleries at The Pierce Apts. Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
408-271-5151
info@PhantomGalleries.com

October 24, 2024

The Women _ Judy Rookstool solo exhibition

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

The Women Judy Rookstool solo exhibition

Artist’s reception: First Friday, November 1st 5pm–9pm

“Art does not reproduce what we see; rather, it makes us see.” -- Paul Klee

For San Jose-based artist Judy Rookstool, art-making is a means of exploring what she observes and communicating her observations to others in conversation with paint. Her art encourages the viewer to see beyond their personal realm to engender empathy for and understanding of the human journey – especially womankind.

Whether combining joyful colors or moody chromas, her paintings transcribe emotions and render a history of unexpected elements in a manner that elicits thoughtful introspection and compassion.

For The Women, Judy probes multiple aspects of what it is to be female: celebrating their public strength in the In Her Element series, illuminating their private struggles in her Faces series, and depicting their resolve to transcend earthly restrictions in BirdWoman.

These are women who will be heard.


Purchase inquiries may be directed to www.judyrookstoolart.com

Fifteen percent of all sales will go to Next Door Solutions, a SCC women’s shelter.


About the Artist:
Judy is active in the local arts community. Her work is held by private collectors and over time exhibited at: The Triton Museum, Mineta San Jose International Airport Showcase, Kaleid Gallery, WORKS Gallery, Mexican Heritage Plaza School of Arts & Culture Gallery, Phantom Galleries, Campbell Museums, San Jose Jazz Public Art Gallery, Cathy Down Gallery, University Arts, Evergreen Valley College Library Gallery, San Jose City College Gallery SVOS, Silicon Valley Virtual Open Studios, Marin Society of Artists Online Gallery, O’Hanlon Center for the Arts Online Gallery, Las Lagunas Online Gallery, and ArtFluent Online Gallery.


Exhibition dates: November 1, 2024–January 11, 2025

Gallery hours: Daily 9am–5pm, and First Fridays 5pm–9pm.

Phantom Galleries at The Pierce Apts. Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Avenue, San Jose, CA 95110
408-271-5151
info@PhantomGalleries.com

July 21, 2024

TIME _ Trieu Dao Solo Exhibition

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Phantom Galleries is proud to present:

TIME
Trieu Hai Dao Solo Exhibition

Artist’s Reception: Friday August 2nd, 5pm–9pm
Part of First Fridays ArtWalk SJ

The Pierce Apartments Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Ave. (corner of Market St. in SoFA District)
Free admission and all ages.

Trieu Dao is a Vietnamese artist based in San Jose, with a career spanning over 45 years. Born in Vietnam, Dao fled the country in the early 1980s with his wife and two children, embarking on a perilous journey across the South China Sea before eventually settling in the United States.

A self-taught artist, Dao creates artwork built on the traditions from his native homeland and informed by his experiences as an immigrant refugee. He works primarily in oil paintings, sculptures, and multimedia pieces. His vibrant compositions contain figurative or abstract elements which reflect his vivid memories and deep emotions that become visceral to the viewer in their presence. As an evolving artist, he continues to seek new and innovative ways of expressing and evoking the emotions which drive his artwork.

Trieu's work has been exhibited in galleries, museums, and cultural centers throughout California, including the VAALA Center, the Morgan Hill Culture Community Center, the Saigon Civil Center, La Gallaria, the Viet Bao Gallery, the Works Gallery, the San jose Civic Center, Paradise Art Gallery, the Rose Garden Gallery, Martin Luther King Jr. Library Gallery and Citadel Art Gallery.

Solo Exhibition Dates: August 2 – October 12, 2024


The Pierce Apts Lobby Gallery
2 Pierce Ave.
downtown San Jose

Gallery Hours: Daily 9am–6pm and First Fridays 5pm–9pm @ArtWalkSJ

For more information, please contact info@PhantomGalleries.com

March 2, 2024

Cinequest x Phantom Galleries UPLIFT Live Painting Contest 2024

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CINEQUEST & Phantom Galleries are proud to present this year's CQ Live Painting Contest featuring artists Bre Contreras, Jemal Diamond and Francisco Ramirez.

These talented artists will be painting live at KALEID Gallery during gallery hours March 7th–9th, as well as the 14th– 16th, with closing ceremonies on Sunday, March 17th.

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Breanna Contreras

Bre Contreras is a captivating artist with roots in San Jose, California. She also blossoms across the sea, in Norway, as she plants seeds and breathes life into her artwork wherever she goes.

Her art is powered by limitless expression as she explores a variety of different artistic mediums, spanning from the expected to the overlooked. Using art as a creative release, she brightens everything she touches as she reaches for colors that could warm any perspective.

www.thestuffbremakes.com


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Jemal Diamond

Jemal Diamond is a Bay Area-based artist, and native Californian. He exhibits at KALEID Gallery, is a member artist of Works/San José, and creates from his studio at Visual Philosophy, all in San Jose, California. Jemal holds an MFA in studio art from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and asks viewers like YOU to title all of his artwork.

www.thejemalshow.com


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Francisco Ramirez

Originally from Mexico City, Francisco migrated to San Jose in 1987. His early life trained him to be resourceful and is a self-taught artist. His inspiration comes from everywhere and everyone, from Bob Ross, and Boris Vallejo to his Peers at Local Color to DDEF studios where he currently works from.

His style of work include realism, hyperrealism, abstract, and surrealism. He has worked with oils, watercolor, sculpting, photography but spends most of his time painting with acrylics. Since becoming a full-time artist in 2017, he has painted over 20 collaborative and solo murals in San Jose. His canvas paintings number well over 400 strong, the sizes ranging from 4’x6’ to 5”x7” His commissioners include various construction companies, local businesses, residential, nonprofits and independent curators that align with his mission to empower, beautify and protect this community.

www.fcoart.net


All are welcome to visit KALEID Gallery to watch the progress of the artists paint their vision of this year's festival theme "UPLIFT" and vote for your favorite while there! The artists will be present at the Cinequest Closing Ceremonies and the winner announced on stage.

Check out this year's films at CINEQUEST Film Festival.

Gallery hours: Thursdays–Fridays 12pm–7pm & Saturdays 12pm–5pm.

Location: KALEID Gallery
320 S. 1st St.
(across the street from the Cinequest Film Festival at the California Theatre.)
Downtown San Jose
info@kaleidgallery.com