ANNO DOMINI Gallery

Decent size gallery. The artis rotate so the viewing do not become stale. The owners are full of passion and I'm glad they are downtown so that the art is accessible to everyone. I wish SJ would be more art gallery friendly and bring some culture into our city.

Masterpiece after masterpiece: you walk through the halls and feel as if you are leafing through an encyclopedia of contemporary art

Gallery AD (Anno Domini) is a gem in the heart of San Jose and the curators, Cherri and Bryan are corner stones of the local art movement. The gallery regularly showcases local and international artists and steps up the quality of art offered to the public. This is a must see if you love art and are looking for a friendly, inclusive atmosphere.

If you're looking for an art gallery to make you think, share incredible "art finds" that traditional galleries wouldn't even consider, and open your perspective, then AD is for you. The owners have a fresh, creative take on art, society, community and how they work together. Even when the art isn't our taste, we love the exposure to it, AD's purpose and philosophy and will support this forever!

It legitimately kinda smelled bad… like a musty basement or something. I had to leave pretty quick after arriving.

Great Art studio in the heart of downtown San Jose. The south bay and silicon valley desperately need more places like this. A true gem.

A door to your journey into the dark underground of your mind. Street artists, activists, necromancers, shamans, conjurers, enchanters of the collective experience from all corners of the world.

Always interesting and in my top 5 First Friday art walk destinations.

Funky unusual artists are highlighted at this local art gallery. Awesome owners here well known in the local art community. The art on exhibition shifts regularly showcasing unique artwork not seen in the more run-of-the-mill commercial galleries. I appreciate this special gallery and try to visit it whenever I'm downtown.

It legitimately kinda smelled bad... like a musty basement or something. I had to leave pretty quick after arriving

Of the Now and Near. A place to confront your vision and challenge your expectations. Art should be experienced to provoke your senses and intellectual boxed interpretations or definitions. To appreciate creativity is what its all about.

Went to SOFA & stopped at Anno Domini art gallery. I liked "The Lady & the Unicorn" made w/ about 55,000 Lite-Brite pegs attached to 36 pegboards & glue. Pretty cool. Other artwork just ok for me.

The outside of this unsuspecting gallery look like an abandoned or perhaps cheap little movie theater but inside lies eclectic local art exhibits that rotate. I came here on a First Friday and was a little confused as the front room is a smallish gift shop, but in the back around the corner leads to a giant exhibit room complete with a stage and a DJ. Tonight they had 2 exhibits by 2 different artists, one on each side of the big room. I wish I had gotten the names, both were interesting in their own ways. I loved it! One was mostly paintings and drawings of very intricate designs. The next consisted of humanistic sculptures, dark yet sad in my opinion. I would definitely check this place out again, now that I know they're not showing B rated movies. Many fliers in the front room to inform you what's coming up and what's nearby!

Every December, the art gallery Anno Domini presents artists from around the world in a collection of affordable art called "Fresh Produce". There are always wonderful pieces of work that come from the street art scene. These artists are helped by the sale of the work and the gallery benefits as well. These are the two paintings I purchased. I love the detail of the woman's eye on the left, and the way the paints are roughly mixed but delicately applied. Anno Domini is always a treat. The owners are always there. They are art and culture enthusiasts. They love what they do and it shows in the way the space is arranged and the work chosen for display. They are the real deal. They live artfully and it is catchy. Spend some time wandering through. The space isn't museum of modern art, it is more avenue of awesome street art. There is a both grit and refinement in Anno Domini. Check out the art as well as the special events. It will inspire you.

Cool little space to showcase artists. Came to the Dig Dug event and caught up with an old friend/co-worker and current Yelper, Richard P. Whoever the DJ was off tha hook, playing some wonderful tracks that you just want to bob your head to. They have toys, books, and apparel available for sale. The books grabbed my attention. They had separate books depicting graffiti in Los Angeles, Brazil, and Japan.

Dope little art venue with some unique urban collector items and shirts. I was able to find the Upper PlayGround sponsored art book by Sam Flores which was sold out in the SF Upper Playground shop. They also have a variety of art books and unique Graffiti books featuring both international and US based graf movements. They participate in the local "South First Fridays" art walk each first Friday of the month. I checked out the recent event called Dig Dug, featuring some live dj mixing and vinyl for sale. My bf copped some records, and I was able to score some free 45's such as the latest Stones Throw re-issue of Stark Reality! Word!

Gallery A.D. is and has been for a while one of the best showcases for contemporary art in the South Bay. I like their new First street location because it's more in the heart of downtown & gives more exposure to the artist & their arts. With monthly events like Dig Dug (record swap), WEARS (diy clothing showcase) & Trinity Sessions (local live music performances) Anno Domini is a much needed staple in San Jose's art scene.

Confused*....THIS is a gallery? It's the size of my closet! I've noticed my friends are always scratching their heads the first time they're here. Fear not! The gallery is actually quite spacious and oftentimes accommodates live artists for South First Fridays. This is one of my favorite spots downtown because they tend to have very interesting pieces on display. The art really gets you thinking, unlike some where you can tell it's complete BS because it's just a square in the middle of the canvas. Easily one of the best galleries Downtown San Jose has to offer! The crowd here is awesome too. So many hipsters in one place!

So happy to find out this type of galleries where everybody is so friendly and welcoming exist in San Jose! I am liking this town more and more. Thanks to those First Fridays events where many galleries and shops are open in downtown San Jose for this. The outside is deceiving because you think is just a little shop and then when you go inside you will find a very big expo room with stage for music and all. Perfect place to watch exhibits and talk to artists!

So this is Anno Domini... Several years back, I remember missing out an exhibit on Lomography that was supposedly here. Last night...after watching our first Cinequest feature film, my friend and i decided to walk around and enjoy more of the film festivities...I got intrigued by the hip crowd walking in and out of Anno Domini (i was people-watching while taking a breather)... So..we decided to check it out. As you enter, you see items on sale...from books, to plastic cameras, to shirts...super cool toys.... Just unique collections of things. And there were two entrances that lead you to the main floor of the exhibit... it was a WOW moment for us! we didn't know there was an exhibit going on..and super cool ones too! Auroral Dreaming: really exquisitely made sculptures...by Derek Weisberg and Funerals by Mike Egan. Oh. just amazing. I'll definitely come back, and check the website out from time to time. It's such a haven of unleashing the artistic side within.

This gallery used to be on Montgomery Street. Then it was a hidden jewel of San Jose, now it's an exposed jewel that everyone talks about. The founder's, Cherri and Brian, are two of the fundamental movers and shakers of the San Jose art scene. They have helped galleries such as Phantom Gallery, Kaleid Gallery, and Anno Domini flourish. They've definitely helped out with beautifying San Jose. You can usually find them in AD working on something or hanging out. They're very friendly and I've often had a good conversation with them. (Oh they once went to panel discussion at San Jose State and blew everyone else on the panel away.) As for the AD Gallery, it's a huge improvement on location. It's easily located in the SOFA district near the clubs and other art galleries; an easy walk from the SJSU campus. The gallery used to be the old Camera 5 Cinema, so they still use the Movie board sign and you can still see the theater ticket office thing outside. The wall that is exposed to the parking lot has huge paintings covering its surface. It's a great way to beautify the space and shed some light on artists. As you walk in you'll find a kind of store front thing. This isn't the actually art gallery space. They sell art books, small art stuff, design toys, a bike (last time I was there), apparel, bags, and other art/design goodies. All of these things aren't cheap, but have you ever been to a cheap art gallery? If you buy something you know it's going to a good cause, or back to the artist. (Every December/January they have a huge art sale show from a variety of artists.) There is also a kind of counter that divides the middle of the room. On the counter are free fliers, postcards, and promotions for you to take. It's a great way to find out about the local scene. I'm pretty sure you can put your own there if you ask. In this room they've finally opened up a bathroom. Hopefully it doesn't get too nasty from those art geeks. There's two entrances to the main art gallery; hence a retrofitted cinema. This space is quite big. High ceilings, a little stage, and great wall space. The hall is divided into two by a ceiling to floor curtain. I guess that they use the back for their office and art storage. In the space are two rectangular columns. It depends if the artist wants it, but they're usually there so that more art can be hung. The art is mostly street inspired. That means stuff like graffiti, social descent, local, independent, experimental, alternative, craft-like, untrained, and stuff that won't be found at the Legion of Honor. There are the occasional "been there done that" type of exhibitions, but its mostly really great stuff. They get great national recognized artists as well as local talent. Sometimes if you go when they're transitioning with another artist, you can meet the artists. They're typically friendly-chill people. If I were a local artist I'd definitely talk to Cherri and Brian. Anno Domini also has events. Dig Dug (vinyl trade/sale), music events, special exhibitions, live art, etc. etc. All of the exhibitions are free, although they do ask for door donations at some events. This gallery is constantly pushing the art scene in San Jose and I keep coming back for more! And why complain? It's all free.

I come here at least once a month, once for South First Fridays and maybe even again when I'm hanging out with artsy friends :) Always always the impressive galleries and sometimes you can discover some really amazing local artists. They also host small events like Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School or local band shows. One of downtown San Jose's gems!

Uhm...past shows, Carson Ellis(!), Shepherd Fairey, Know Hope..etc in San Jose?!!! Whaa??? I randomly found this place on yelp and how no idea that such a cool gallery would exist in San Jose. They seem to be the tastemakers of finding new, interesting artists, and have hosted artists that have become art superstars. The people running the gallery are super friendly, passionate about art, and in general, truly support artists and the production of ART! Super cool murals outside too. What will make me love this place forever is the support of zine culture. Their current "Art of Zine" show automatically gives this place 5 stars in my book, and they have a zine library too. Way to go AD in giving San Jose a dose of culture! Definitely support this place! It's a gem!

EDIT: First Fridays are back in action for the summer!!! Definitely a good reason to put some air in the tires of that old cruiser and have a cheers for TGIF! Props to the owners for getting behind and moving forward in reviving San Jose's ART Culture. Their relocation to downtown san jose has been great. They have been key in building the atmosphere that is a mainstay in DTSJ's art scene. Cheers to them! Gotta love Dig Dug, Frist Fridays, and so many other events!!!!!!

I wrote more about this place on my blog, but I found this place via Twitter of all things, and as someone who has walked down First Street quite often I was a little shocked I had not noticed it. I suppose since I remember the days when this was a theatre and I always just thought this place was still closed, but I couldn't have been more wrong. As you walk in you're immersed in a sea of flyers, cards and booklets mentioning the various exhibits that are held here in downtown San Jose. From public art installation events like the one being held in the lobby of the new Axis luxury high-rises to the consistently influential exhibits held at the Kaleid Gallery. There are also a series of more pop culture type events, such as Canvas Ghost's Wonderland 2010 where various artists will gather to discuss their work and dress up in their favorite characters from Alice in Wonderland. Next to these announcements are mixed in a number of flyers that focus on galleries supporting the more complex side of humanity such as Falun Dafa Artist Center's The Art of Truth, Compassion, Tolerance held at the Art Ark Gallery and a booklet, the Village Savant, an informative piece on supporting the subculture economy of San Jose and filled with pages on local coffee, tattoo, music, galleries and alternative shops. Before stepping into the gallery, I started up a conversation with the lady at the desk, who besides being a delight to speak with gave me loads of information on how I could go about plunging myself deeper within the art community. While there are great organizations like Zero1, 1stAct and Artsopolis - it's sometimes easy to miss the more grass roots based movements going on such as the SubZero Festival and the South First Friday Art Walks of downtown San Jose. I was fortunate enough to have her walk me into the exhibit for February, The Art of Zines, which consisted of half the room housing independent prints filling three rows of shelves wrapped along the walls. She talked a little about the current exhibit, and the plans for the coming exhibit and cross-over of the two in March, as well as the stage area they have and the openings they have done. The exhibit itself was a collection of everything from odd off-beat child-like stories, to contemporary, angry and adult themed publications and newsletters. The literal wall of text before me felt at first a bit overwhelming, but fortunately there were a couple of sitting benches within the exhibit hall that allowed me to leisurely flip through the pages of the books that caught my eye.

Of all of the art venues in San Jose, Anno Domini is my favorite. My wife, kids and I visit Anno Domini almost every first Friday of the month, and every time we visit I grow more attached to this place. I've been visiting art shows of various kinds for over 15 years, and I often find myself roughly uninspired with shows I see. Yet nearly every time I visit Anno Domini, I stay a bit longer to soak up what's in there because it really seems to have something that invites me to think. The gallery owners (Cherri and Brian) are adorable and so incredibly dedicated to contributing to the San Jose art scene. They are, at the core, lovers of all things art. We talk to them each time we visit, and they never fail to spend some personal time with us. For anyone the least bit interested in art, AD should be at the top of your regular visit list.

One of the best curated galleries in Silicon Valley. This is always my first stop on First Fridays. Count on discovering an exciting new artist here! Great gallery space and good art book selection in the gift shop. Most openings have live music or DJ's and a cash bar.

I have always really loved coming to Anno Domini and I think I can now honestly say that I have seen their main gallery room in every way, shape, and form - when there's a band on the stage, when they're having their holiday art sale, when the room is packed to the gills, and (most recently) when my husband and I were the only two people there. We hadn't attended a First Friday in months and I thought it would be a good opportunity to beat the crowds by braving the inclement weather and going this past Friday. We arrived around 6 pm, the time when things were really just getting started, and made AD our last stop. When you walk in, you are greeted by an employee in the small shop/lobby, but don't let the shallow entry area fool you - follow the doors around and you'll end up in the spacious gallery. There is a little stage set up for music and the like, but the majority of the room is open space for moving through any sort of crowd during a show. Sometimes they set up a bar and sell drinks (I seem to remember it was mostly cans of Pabst) but it has always been a comfortable environment to actually hear who you are speaking to and enjoy art. It was a little spooky being there essentially by ourselves because I know the capacity it is capable of accommodating, but also pleasant and peaceful nonetheless. If you are looking for a fun place to go any day of the week, check out Anno Domini - but if you can, especially try to visit on a First Friday.

Support the Arts!!! Good place to check out what the locals have to exhibit. Cool place to hang around and see some awesome stuff and familiar faces. Always down for first fridays!!! Art, Music, and more Art.

This place is a winner as much for its involvement in the art scene as for the art it actually displays. It's hosted poetry slams and fun mixers, as well as art openings and live music. Get on their mailing list to stay in the know, or stop by occasionally and pick up a flyer for an upcoming event. I enjoyed the current exhibition, which centers on ideas of death. Appropriately much of the art is dark in color, with pops of strong, basic hues. The charcoal masterpieces are stunning.

Hello, come to meet and see regional artists. Good mix of mediums and frequently changes. National artist in residence adds a nice international flair to this gallery. Cheri is a fantastic art curator and a column of art history too. Go during the week when you have the gallery to itself.

this place is always packed during the art walk, so i guess there's an audience for this stuff. the self-professed "urban" bent of anno domini manifests in both the look of the gallery and in the work itself. as for the gallery, there seems to be a conscious effort to reject the look of a clean, up-kept gallery or museum space, in favor of a (contrived?) homespun and junky kind of look. maybe to seem more anti-establishment? for me it just comes off as a bit sloppy. the artwork follows this 'urban' or 'street' look, often made using cheap materials (paintings on cardboard, etc) and often on a disappointingly small scale. most work i have seen here is representational and takes on this graffiti artist's sketchbook sensibility, with cartooney bulbous figures, or the beginner-painter-first-discovering-paint-drips look, or supposedly charged religious iconography juxtaposed with other 'jarring' (not jarring) overused imagery to yawnable effect. at first you want to be charitable and think 'oh they're just starting out,' until you read this stubborn sort of anti-academic, "art school is useless" (read: "i dropped out of art school / didn't even bother applying") sentiment flowing beneath the surface. i have to give credit to the way the place is run -- like clockwork, there is always new work up (even if it does look like the last show that was up), there is cheap beer/wine, and there is often live music to accompany the event. hopefully they drop the urban theme but keep up the work ethic, maybe someday i'll be surprised.

really don't know how san jose allows such awesomeness to stay. In such a city where they always seemed to kill anything that isn't a strip mall or tech company, this is a beacon of hope. I swing by during there art walk nights and the place is always packed and full of amazing art. I leave wanting to come back with my credit card and put myself in major debt. It's really a great spot.

I've come here about four times to see the Oversocial Mofo Review hosted by David Perez. Although the show has little to do with the venue, I just wanted to thank Anno Domini for having this venue available. As for the venue itself, I wish it was larger of course as it can get quite crowded at this particular show. I haven't actually seen the artwork except in passing but I'm sure it's good as well. They have some pretty interesting books as well.

The curators are the finest people you will ever meet. One of the beacons of culture in our city. This is an absolutely vital piece of our city. Brian and Cherri are behind the scenes everywhere in San Jose, promoting anyone and anything that breathes life into the place, and this is their home base. They are, of course, also exceptional in their main gig which is choosing and displaying exhibitions.

SJ doesn't have many galleries, but this place is interesting. I can't say I care for all of the art but I did enjoy hanging out here and looking around, some unique pieces.

Anno Domini showcases some great art by local and little known artists, and encourages all forms of art, which needs to be encouraged in the black hole we know as San Jose. The first Friday of every month (First Fridays, as they are so aptly called) new art comes on display, and the atmosphere is really great as crowds gather and socialize in the tiny gallery. In the summer the art is shown outside, and locals bands play, and those are even more fun. This is definitely one of the few highlights of San Jose.

i have been coming here every first friday for two years. san jose doesnt have a huge art scene, but this gallery always has the best exhibits. the people there are always friendly. It gives me something to do in san jose, instead of going to starbucks or walking around aimlessly. yayyy first fridays : )

Much of the art and media that appeared in Anno Domini when visiting there did seem a little beyond me in its sophistication as well as any level upon which the artist(s) were trying to communicate with their audience, the general public and university crowd from downtown. Some of it almost seemed absurd, though am sure this is clearly not the case and that people like me can not understand the message here; probably for sure and if you do not know what is meant here, dash down there and look at what's on display. I did get somewhat upset at the content, at least some of it. Otherwise a good place for an art show.

Its great to see that San Jose has an awesome gallery that can compete with the likes of SF. The owners, Cherri and Brian, definitely have a vision and support art in many different ways. They are always bringing in fresh new talent, so the works on display never get stagnant and repetitive. Last month, they brought out an amazing, young, talented artist all the way from Brazil!! The gallery used to be a theatre, which gives it a great character. When you first walk in, there is the gallery store with limited prints, toys, clothing, and books. Then you walk through to the back and the space includes a stage that they use to put on performances during First Fridays and other events they hold here. I really enjoy coming to AD and am glad that this gallery and others are continuing the growth of making San Jose an art city!! Please come out and show your support!

dear anno domini. you are great. thank you for always taking the time to talk and discuss everything and going out of your way to tell me more than i was looking for be answered.

Just the coolest gallery in San Jose! This is the place to see the most unique and exciting exhibits, and even pick up a piece or two. They also host some pretty rad special events, like Dr. Sketchy's Roadshow! During First Fridays it can get really crowded, so come by early if you can.