Postcards from San Jose

Capture the spirit of San Jose on a postcard! Draw or write what inspires you about the city, snap a photo to share online, and then send your postcard to spread the love!

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram stickers.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

ESPAÑOL

April 2

Wonderful Wings

Use the butterfly template and add a pattern, design, or collage. Send us your butterfly design and check back in the last week of April for a surprise challenge when you will see your design in the sky using augmented reality.

Download the template.


Share and win!

One special entry will be eligible for the Membit Augmented Reality Channel and Workshop giveaway!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 3

Strum, Sketch, and Shout!

Tune into a lively Mariachi track—and jot down one bold line about the music’s spirited flair; then, seal your creativity with a triumphant “¡Grito!”


BONUS: Join us on April 4th for Viva el Mariachi at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. Can't make it this week? Join us again on July 26th for Fiesta Del Mariachi.

Create and Share!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shouts are given daily to participants.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 4

Art is Healing

What creative activity helps you heal? What does healing mean to you?


BONUS: Lành: The Healing Journey Exhibition First Friday Art Walk

Share and Win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov. Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram stickers.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 5

Superhero Zine

Make a 1 page-folded book featuring the story of a superhero; they can be real or imagined.

Try it out in person at San Jose Day on April 13th. Join us on April 19th at Martin Luther King Library and 26th at Waygoose Print Fair for a zine making with Creative Ambassador Julie Cardenas. #SlowArtDay

Create and Share!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 6

Dreamscape

Create an imaginary, surrealistic or dreamlike scene or setting and share it with us.


BONUS: Visit ArtNow 2025 Dreamscapes annual juried high school art exhibition for free on the first Sunday at NUMU.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

A selected submission will be eligible for membership to the New Museum Los Gatos. See more dreamscapes ArtNow 2025: Dreamscapes at NUMU starting May 3rd.

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 7

Create a Lego Creature

Use Lego blocks to create a creature that you can then photograph and post on your social media. If you don't have Legos, use cut-out rectangles and squares instead.


BONUS: Join Children's Discovery Museum Artist-in-residence Zachary Ramos during Spring break week to build legos together.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

A selected submission will be eligible for passes to the Children's Discovery Museum, where you can check out artist-residence Zachary Ramos.

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 8

408 Day

Make a collection of your favorite murals in San Jose. Where can you find them and what do they mean? #408Day

Share and Win!
Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.

Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 9

Outsiders Inside Me

With a partner, share something about yourself using creative makeup or face paint. What can you discover about each other? Take a photo and share it.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

A selected submission will be eligible for a limited edition zine by artists Esteban Garcia Bravo and Nandi Marocco.

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 10

Do You Remember When…

Call or see an old friend and share a joyful story. Take turns telling it and record it using your phone’s voice app. Notice the differences and similarities in your storytelling. Share it with loved ones and online at #WeCreate408.


Tip: For better recording quality, use wired headphones with a mic. BONUS: Stop by the CDM for Play Your Way, an event for children with Autism

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.

Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 11

Pet Portrait

Celebrate your pet’s one-of-a-kind charm—whether they sport spectacular jumps, silly faces, or whiskers for days—by creating and sharing an inspirational portrait in any medium!

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

One selected entry will be eligible to receive tickets to the Dancing Cat! 😻

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.


Share and win! Giveaways are available for participation while supplies last. Giveaways vary from day to day. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram stickers.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 12

Collage

Gather your old newspapers, magazines, or photos, and create a collage celebrating your favorite spots in San Jose—then make it pop with markers, paint, or any medium you love. Show off your creation at San Jose Day/Viva CalleSJ with Creative Ambassador Steven Nizzotes Rubalcaba and help him collage massive SJ letters.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

One selected submission will be eligible to receive a digital subscription to CONTENT Magazine!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shouts are given daily to participants.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 13

Creative Caravan

Embrace your inner explorer and embark on a creative adventure to celebrate San Jose Day! We invite you to document your journey from your doorstep to the heart of the

VivaCalleSJ going from Mayfair at Emma Prusch Farm Park. Along the way, capture the unique landmarks, vibrant art pieces, and fascinating objects that catch your eye.


JOIN US the in person #WeCreate408 Challenge, and come down to Emma Prusch for the annual San Jose Day with VivaCalleSJ, celebrating San Jose's diverse arts & culture.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

Join us at the #WeCreate408 Creativity Area of San Jose Day/Viva Calle and pick up a passport to visit the Creative Ambassadors art areas and be eligible to win swag from Viva CalleSJ and San Jose Day!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.
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Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 14

Chopsticks Cookies

Create this fun Cambodian treat. This edible playdough recipe involves Mixing Rice flour, Coconut milk, Eggs, Sesame seeds, sugar, and salt. Then, you can shape the dough how you like and fry it. You can also add food coloring for different colors.

BONUS: Come by Angkor Chef and try this and other treats for the Khmer New Year's Celebration from April 13 to 16th.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!

One selected submission will receive a gift card to Angkor Chef Cambodian restaurant in downtown San Jose!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.

Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 15

Sing-a-long

Together with family and friends share a video of your favorite sing-a-long or lip sync song!

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 16

Frame Your Neighborhood

Who better to document your neighborhood than you! Take a stroll around your block and take photos of what you see.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!

One selected entry will be eligible for a 35 mm film camera from Creative Ambassador SJ Shooters and a gift certificate to a downtown restaurant from the San Jose Downtown Association.

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them.


Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 17

Scribble

Draw a scribble and create something from it! Be spontaneous and make it unique.


BONUS: Join us tonight at Art Boutiki for an all-ages Drink & Draw event with friends.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY!

Once selected, you will be eligible for a coloring book from DJ Carlos Velazquez, creator of Drink & Draw.

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 18

Nailed It: Beyond the Fingertips

Let your imagination run wild—paint, shape, or sculpt to transform nails (real or press-ons) into wearable art, accessories, or miniature sculptures. Have a blast breaking all the rules and share your most playful, unexpected designs!

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 19

Home means...

Share a photo, artwork or poems responding to what "Home" means to you.

BONUS: Join us tonight through May 4th for the premiere of Zoro with Opera SJ.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

Win tickets to House on Mango Street with Teatro Vision - May 15-18 or tickets to a performance with Opera San Jose.

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 20

AI & I: A Self-Portrait in Bits or Verse

Use your favorite AI to conjure a poem or an image that captures the essence of who you are share it proudly for the world to decode. Because, as Maya Angelou reminds us, “You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.

SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

One selected entry will be eligible for passes to the Tech Interactive museum!

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 21

Honoring Mamas

Create a piece of art that celebrates and appreciates the hard work and love of Mamas and Motherhood. BONUS: Collaborate with your own mama and/or your children!

EVENT: Attend a For the Mamas Workshop on April 26th with Creative Ambassador Jessica Gutierrez at Noble Gallery.

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 22

Easy as One, Two, "Tree"

Trees are like friends or neighbors for life. Share a tree you love with us - through photos, paintings, sculptures, or poems.

BONUS: Join Council Member David Cohen for a citywide tree planting event and get a chance to receive your own tree.

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 23

Support Arts

Celebrate California Arts, Culture, and Creativity Month on Arts Advocacy Day! Express the significance of arts in your life through a creative endeavor. Craft a sign or poster reflecting its role in your personal experience, school years, or community.


Take advocacy further by sharing your arts story with leaders. Email or tag them on social media to highlight the importance of arts and encourage support. Let's celebrate the transformative power of arts together!


#ArtsAdvocacy #ACCM2025 #CAArtsAdvocacy

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

Support Arts

April 24

Rethink the Runway

Repair and redesign your wardrobe. Create a new look and record yourself doing a runway walk. BONUS: Check out the Rethink the Runway where sustainable fashion meets climate action with Fafafoom Studios

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 25

Rotoscope Rally

With a sticky pad or small sketchpad create a series of silly doodles on each page then flip through your drawings to see your old-school animation burst to life—show off your creation on social media and join the fun!


BONUS: Join the San Jose Museum of Art on April 26th for the workshop Art 101: Animation, Movement and Me: A Lesson in Rotoscoping.

BONUS GIVEAWAY!

One selected entry will be eligible for passes to the San Jose Museum of Art.

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 26

Strike a Pose

Create a reel of you striking a pose in front of your favorite San Jose Mural.


BONUS: Show of your dance moves at the CAPZ Dance Battle and Paint.

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.  

Prizes are given out for participation. Prizes vary daily. For a full list of prizes, please see wecreate408.org. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shoutouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram filters and stickers.

April 27

A Very Short Movie

Re-create your favorite movie moment—comedy, drama, or anything in between—in under three minutes. Gather your friends (or go solo if you’re feeling extra bold), let your imagination run wild, and share your short performance with the world. Lights, camera…action!

Bonus: Want to take your media skills further? Take a film making class at CreaTV

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.

Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 28

Your Food Story!

Tell us about your favorite local or native ingredients and where you get them from? This could be from your local community gardens, farmers markets, or even your own garden. How do these ingredients make you feel? You can share your story creatively through photos, recipes, poems, and more.


BONUS: Share your story with @fromsoiltosoul.film and #WeCreate408 a chance to win an Urban Farmers Almanac.

BONUS GIVEAWAY!

One special submission will be eligible to receive an Urban Farmers Almanac from Soil to Soul Film.

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.

Giveaway Terms: Giveaways are available only while supplies last. Some items may be limited in quantity. Terms and conditions apply. Eligibility requires a valid response to the designated creative prompt. Submissions containing inappropriate, offensive, or irrelevant content will be disqualified. Open to U.S. residents only.

April 29

Butterfly Scavener Hunt

Remember the creative challenge from earlier in the month to create a butterfly pattern? Take out your smartphone and download the Membit App to find butterflies designed by you and others around the city. Win a prize at the end.
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🌟 Share what you create on social media and tag us, and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov. Share and win! Prizes given out for participation.

DOWNLOAD MEMBIT

April 30

Afro-Jazz Jam

It's International Jazz Day! Take center stage by mixing the soulful melodies of jazz with the uplifting pulse of Afrobeat/Afrobeats. Share your playlist or mashup.


BONUS: Add the songs "Daddy" by Reminisce featuring Davido, Kokoroko and Sons of Kemet to your playlist. Check out and intimate jazz concert at the SJZ Jazz Break Room in SoFA.

#InternationalJazzDay #Afrobeats

Share and win!

Share what you create on social media, tag us and use #WeCreate408. Other ways to participate: Email what you made to wecreate408@sanjoseca.gov.


Share and win! Giveaways are available for participation while supplies last. Giveaways vary from day to day. Note: Make sure your posts are set to "public," or else we won't see them. Shouts are given daily to participants. Have fun using special #WeCreate408 Instagram stickers.

JOIN THE CREATIVE MOVEMENT.

Share your creative voice and join your fellow residents in celebrating San Jose this April. Sign up to have daily prompts delivered to your inbox.