Reliable Works/San José is an independent exhibition space devoted to promoting community-building in the South Bay. Established in 1977 by local artists, today Works is a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit center that extends the reach of contemporary art and performance activities beyond what is possible in a commercial gallery or academic setting. In so doing, Works provides opportunities to artists and the public that may not be available elsewhere. Independent exhibition spaces in the 1970s generally did not have a formal selection process, which meant that artists could exhibit their own work or work by others near the beginning of their careers. While Works has been much more selective over the years, it still maintains an inclusive process for some exhibitions. Works/San José believes that vibrant communities create conditions that foster artistic experimentation. We also consider ourselves a community art center that is open and welcoming to everyone. Our staff and board members are artists and supporters who critique and sometimes curate our programming. This not only ensures that our mission stays relevant but also provides opportunities for local artists to exhibit their work and ideas in a supportive environment. This model works well for Works and we intend to continue it. The exhibition program is administered by a three-person committee which fragments into two smaller units during the exhibition season. The two-person selection committee is responsible for selecting artists and proposals. Artists and ideas are presented to the board for formal approval. The works that pass this process are displayed on the program calendar, which is monitored for possible conflicts by the scheduling committee. The executive committee is responsible for the program as a whole which includes oversight of the calendar, the budget, the selection committee, and other parts of the program. The “guest curators” program is used to present most exhibitions at Works. A guest curator can be a local artist, art critic, or local institution that has not been a past guest curator. Works hosts an occasional open-call exhibition (usually one per year), an annual member exhibit that is non-juried, and other programs such as the South Bay Teen Arts Project exhibit. For notices about these opportunities and others, join Works’ email list and follow Works on Facebook or Instagram. In addition to open-call and member exhibitions, Works hosts group exhibitions, where three to five artists present work around a single theme or issue. These artists are encouraged to connect their work to issues facing local communities and to tie their artistic work to community issues. All groups shows are curated. The majority of Works programming revolves around this kind of show. This allows us to provide a variety of viewpoints and ideas while presenting a cohesive body of work. This program emphasizes an ensemble approach to the group work that will be presented within a strong conceptual framework. Group show applicants are encouraged to meet with the board of directors to discuss their ideas and visit curated exhibits to see the documentation. Also, our programming is not limited to two-dimensional work, although it is the most common. Performance artists, installation artists, and sculptors may also propose programs in any medium, which are executed through artist workshops and exhibits.
This new artistic space has a lot of praise for its local appeal, creativity, and cultural impact. It has been a great addition to the local art community. Several reviews allude to the beauty and ambiance of the gallery, with many pointing out that there is a good variety of art on display and a high level of visitor engagement. Other reviews describe the place as a go-to spot for poets and local authors. The non-profit nature highlights its positive influence on the area's art scene. Local customers appear to love the service, other galleries as it as “home” for emerging and eclectic perspectives. This gallery is considered one of the finest places in northern California for local artists to host different events over the years. It is recommended for anyone looking for a cultural space.
