Pacific Art Collective - Cultural Xposure Through Unity of Art

The Pacific Art Collective is presenting a unique gathering of artists at San Jose Repertory Theatre. Call it a party, a happening or -- as the collective's founder, William Rowan, puts it -- a PAC Session.

``Our goal is to spark a new outlook on the way art is presented,'' says Rowan, a musician and DJ who created the collective to serve artists and art lovers.

``The way people see art today is through isolated mediums,'' he says. ``The museum of art showcases paintings, sculpture. The repertory theater shows plays. The club down the street showcases DJs or a live band.

``We don't believe that art should be alienated from other genres. Like chocolate and peanut butter, they taste great together.''

At this PAC Session, the sixth in a series, the audience will have a chance to watch artists Reesa Jacobs and Tina Lynn Deane painting works that will be sold in an auction that caps off the evening.

``It will be fun, something out of the ordinary,'' says Jacobs, 29, a San Jose painter. ``I'll feel energized by all the people around me.''

The audience will also see a fashion show by Harleen Rana, featuring summer outfits, some of them from the Capitola boutique In the Raw. Attendees also will groove to the music of UNEAQ and DJs Paul Leath and Stevian.

``This is the millennium version of a happening,'' says Ruth Pangilinan, sales manager for San Jose Rep. ``There will be painters painting, a light show, music and dancers -- a party with an artistic flair and people-watching.''

Also included in the show: Kate Melia will demonstrate tabletop art and decor. Glittergirl will perform dances. And video artist Andrew Deagman will provide a kaleidoscope of projected visuals.

``This a chance to be part of something unique to San Jose,'' says Deagman, 28, ``creative minds coming together. Each session is a special environment, very upbeat, a people-from-all-walks-of-life event.''

``PAC combines all art genres,'' Rowan says, ``and creates a collective community between artists, buyers, students, connoisseurs and the general supporter of art.''

The collective's Monica Williams describes a PAC Session as ``a culmination of music, cultural diversity and increased awareness. A PAC Session fosters an environment in which the life and soul of San Jose can be translated into art.''

A year ago, Rowan -- a former Silicon Valley software and hardware sales manager -- had an epiphany. ``I had just traveled to New York City and felt that there was something missing from the nightlife in the valley,'' he says. ``The idea of PAC is to bring together artists and guests from all walks of life, culture and diversity in an artistic setting in which we can learn from one another and feed off one another.

``The artists,'' Rowan says, ``can create off the vibe of the people attending, making it a magical experience for everyone involved.''

There is no cost for artists to join PAC, he says. ``Currently, we are giving artists free exposure and 20 percent of the profits obtained from the live auctions, with the rest of the money going into PAC Sessions.''

When asked how many artists have joined the collective, Rowan says, ``PAC has a fluid network of painters, musicians, performance artists, photographers, writers, poets, actors and more. We have about 20 artists so far, and there will be approximately 50 artists in the collective when all is said and done.''

PAC is also developing a youth program, which, he says, ``will expose children early on to all genres of art. This investment is the catalyst for the future of our community's young artists.''

Another goal is to raise funds for a trip next year to New York, which Rowan is calling the ``NYC Exposure Event Fund,'' in which a cadre of PAC artists will present the ultimate PAC Session.

PAC Session An Evening of Art, Music and Ambience Producer: Pacific Art Collective Where: San Jose Repertory Theatre, 101 Paseo de San Antonio When: 6-10:30 tonight Tickets: $8, free ages 12 and under Information: (408) 298-0450.

Contact Nora Villagrán at nvillagran@sjmercury.com or (408) 920-5909. Fax (408) 271-3786.