Deeptapioca Magazine
Weds, January 11.2003
San Jose Collective Mind Spreading "Goodwil"

An artistic breed of entrepreneur is using business strategies
to stimulate San Jose Artists

BY Franklin Narvini

"Sure, that would be great, but who are you? What can you do for me?" This is what some friends and business associates in San Jose said to William three months ago when he told them about his dream. His passion was to assemble unknown talents, from all genres of art, gel them into one collective, and expose them to the mainstream.

William Rowan, aka DJ Goodwil, is the Founder of the Pacific Art Collective (PAC). PAC focuses on up and coming local artists, showcasing them through events hosted at dazzling, eye-catching venues throughout San Jose. These events are known as PAC session.

Each PAC Session includes live art, music, dancing, food, drinks, and an auction of the art created during the session. PAC's one-year mission is to host a PAC Session at a world renowned venue in New York City, showcasing the entire PAC ensemble of Artists, Sponsors, and the complete collection of art created during PAC's 2003 season.

"What makes PAC Session so successful?" I asked Goodwil on a Saturday afternoon as he gulped Slim Fast in his Downtown San Jose home/workplace. He explains, "PAC session functions as a medium and catalyst for San Jose artists, sponsors, venues and the local community. PAC seamlessly combines art genres and creates a community of artists, buyers, students, connoisseurs and the general supporter of art."

"Through synergetic partnerships and collaborations, PAC aims to create cutting edge, artistic communities coast to coast. These communities will hopefully become the catalyst for America's next best art movement." says Rowan.

Goodwil adds, "The venues also play a key role in the success of each PAC session. The right ambience is vital to draw guests in and to help stimulate the creativity of the Artist's performing at the events. PAC session draws a brand new audience to these venues, boosting revenues through membership sales, increasing patronage, and creating awareness for their future events and other happenings."

The Pacific Art Collective raises funds by holding live auctions for all art created during PAC session events. A percentage of funds from each auction are given to the showcased artists of that event. The remaining funds are donated to the "PAC - NYC Exposure Event Fund." PAC raises additional funds by charging each guest an admission fee at the door of each event. These fees are donated to the Collective fund as well.

Local Artist Reesa Jacobs say's, "Joining the collective wasn't a difficult decision for me to make. PAC is helping me get the exposure I need to sell my artwork, plus I may get to go to New York! I need to help support a family and it's hard enough to get the time to paint, let alone do my own sales and marketing."

Artist's that join the collective perform live during a PAC Session. By networking with other artists and guests during each session, the artists have an opportunity to reach a wider audience and potential buyers.

PAC session hit a home run at their last event, drawing in more than 200 people, showcasing 10 different Artist's. "We had Painter's, DJ's, Photographers, Visual Artist's, and Middle Eastern Belly Dancers", said Goodwil. "That night we auctioned off the first painting these young artists had ever sold and two days later the buyers invited them to perform at one of their own art-centric events." This appears to be PAC's biggest motivating factor. Sharing artist's enthusiasm and supporting their success seems to be PAC's true mission. "PAC benefits everyone involved, the Artist, sponsors, venue, and guests. This is why I love my job!"

PAC session's are an all ages event and accessible to the general public. Each session appeals to anyone who appreciates art, music, and the overall ambience of people just getting together for a great cause. Guests may attend PAC session for less than the cost of a movie ticket and most events are held from 6pm to 10pm in order to accommodate those who turn into pumpkins after Midnight.

For more information regarding the Pacific Art Collective check out their website, www.pacificartcolletive.com

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