San Jose, Calif.gem in the west

The San Jose Museum of Art has a permanent collection of about 2,000 works of art from the 20th and 21st centuries, including paintings, sculpture, photography and more. The collection highlights moments in contemporary and modern art history as well as emerging West coast artists. There are always traveling exhibits on view, many featuring local Bay area artists. For children, art camps teach exploration and creativity. For adults, programs and lectures are available monthly that focus on the visiting and permanent exhibits. There are also paper, pencils and clipboards and other art-making supplies available for visitors to capture their creative thoughts while at the museum. Public docent-led tours are offered Tuesday through Sunday at 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Meet in the museum lobby to join the tour.