Media Room Strategic Initiative Creativity through the Arts

Immersive Mural Boldly Transforms Museum Entryway

El Observador
December 8, 2017

The museum's massive stucco-covered entry has been transformed into a pallet of brightly colored imagery and bold symbols inspired from community input. Acclaimed multi-media artist Jaque Fragua of Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico, and local curator Juan Carlos Araujo of Empire 7 Studios created the iconographic motifs based on design ideas submitted by 50 Rocketship Alma Academy 2nd – 5th-grade students, EY corporate volunteers, and museum staff. The project supports the museum’s strategic commitment, Creativity through the Arts, and is part of Community Pathways, the museum’s pilot program funded by San Jose’s Office of Cultural Affairs to activate the spaces outside the museum. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Early Childhood Development, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Partnerships & Resource Development

Immersive Mural Transforms Enormous Covered Entryway

November 30, 2017

Creativity is ignited every day inside the museum's purple walls. Now visitors' creative juices will be stoked as they approach the museum. Acclaimed multi-media artist Jaque Fragua of Jemez Pueblo, New Mexico is transforming the museum’s massive stucco covered-entry into a pallet of brightly colored imagery and bold symbols sparked from community input. The artist created the iconographic motifs based on design ideas submitted by 50 Rocketship Alma Academy 2nd – 5th grade students, EY corporate volunteers, and museum staff. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Creativity through the Arts, General Museum, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Partnerships & Resource Development

Mural-cle of a Makeover

The Mercury News
November 30, 2017

Big, bold, and bright. That's the best way to describe the museum's new mural. Using only the simplest of materials - paint, brushes, and rollers, the mural artists Jaque Fragua and curator Juan Carlos Araujo have transformed the museum's plain, stucco entryway into a stunningly beautiful and welcoming space celebrating creativity and community-building. Learn More

Community Service Learning, Creativity through the Arts, General Museum, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Partnerships & Resource Development

Chain Reaction, Domino Topple Record Broken

ABC 7
April 14, 2017

As part of Question Quest week and the museum's strategic commitment to Science Learning, visitors witnessed the Flashdomino team break a California record toppling 25,000 dominoes and more than 300 chain reaction steps. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, General Museum, Science Learning

Annual Weekend Celebrates Rainbow of Diversity and Inclusion

The Mercury News
August 27, 2017

Kids and parents braided friendship bracelets, learned what the colors of the rainbow flag represent, and participated in a lively crochet jam, led by social justice artist Ramekon O' Arwisters at this year's annual Proud of My Family event. As part of the museum's Inclusion and Cultural Competence initiative, the program is designed to build awareness and understanding among people of diverse ages, backgrounds, ethnicities, sexual orientations and family configurations. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Partnerships & Resource Development

Tree of 40 Fruit Only Public Sculpture on West Coast

Gardening Know How
July 19, 2017

Imagine picking 40 different types of stone fruit from one tree. The Tree of 40 Fruit is a delicious intersection of art and agriculture that will deliver the goods. Bursting with a kaleidoscope of pink, crimson, red and white blossoms, this living sculpture was created by environmental artist Sam Van Aken and will be the centerpiece of Bill's Backyard, producing 40 different heirloom and antique varieties mostly from Santa Clara Valley. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Environmental Stewardship, Science Learning

Sesame Street Legend Sonia Manzano Wowed Legacy Crowd

The Mercury News
May 23, 2017

More than $1.3 million was raised for the museum's educational hands-on exhibits and programs at the annual Legacy for Children Award gala. Sonia Manzano, the evening's honoree better known as Maria for 44 years on Sesame Street, wowed the crowd of more than 750 museum supporters, and local rock band Smash Mouth got revelers dancing to a string of hits. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Inclusion & Cultural Competence

Children of the Dragon Festival 2017

March 15, 2017

As part of the museum's Cultural Celebration series, visitors will experience Vietnamese culture with lively music, colorful dances including the famous Lion Dance, and culturally rich hands-on art activities. This series supports the Inclusion and Cultural Competence strategic commitment. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Inclusion & Cultural Competence

Prestigious Grant Engages Immigrant Families and Children

October 25, 2016

The voices of immigrant families and children continue to inform museum work, thanks to a prestigious grant from The Institute of Museum and Library Services for the Common Ground program. This furthers the museum's strategic commitment to Inclusion and Cultural Competency. Learn More

Creativity through the Arts, Inclusion & Cultural Competence, Learning Research