Barefoot Coffee is doing its part to support underground art in San Jose by showcasing several talented local artists’ work this Friday night. Not to mention, all the coffee you could possibly want and loud, fun music courtesy of DJ Doug and Rich.

The featured artist, Alda Nuvia, has a style that marries realistic and expressive portraits with an abstract, child-like innocence. She works with watercolor, highlighters, old coloring books and standard paintings and sketches. It’s never scary or horrifying. Even her most bizarre characters have a friendliness about them, much like the weird drawings child paint and laugh about, telling their parents that it is their friend.

Her more realistic portraits ride are just strange enough that it’s difficult to pinpoint what exactly is off about them, though something indeed isn’t right about them. They are like characters in a person’s dream that are inexplicably and unquestionably in motion. See more examples of her work HERE.

In addition, three other artists are showcasing their work: Jorge Cruz, Noah Geraci and Otessa Crandell.

The opening reception at Barefoot Coffee Roasters in Santa Clara begins are 7pm. Admission is free.