d.p.Fong is one of three connected buildings owned by Dennis Fong and wife Polly Kam, all three displaying contemporary art of various media. Cafe Matisse is a coffeehouse steeped in the aroma of ground beans and steamed milk and punctuated by the sounds and smells of downtown San Jose. Looming front doors are propped open, and people from all walks of life stroll in and out. Some sit reading quietly for hours while others meet friends and fill the air with excited conversation. Several styles of art are rotated on four walls of the shop. Local emerging artists drop off slides of their work to be reviewed by the neighboring gallery, and, once chosen, the artist can rent the wall space.

Next door at the Wine Galleria, art from the owners' private collection and pieces on consignment grace the walls, complementing the warm earth tones of this comfortable room. The wine bar, open daily from 11 a.m. to midnight, is an unintimidating environment to enjoy and possibly purchase art. A wide assortment of wines is offered for tasting and pairing with cheese and desserts. Patrons are encouraged to wander next door to d.p.Fong Galleries, glass in hand, to view the artwork on exhibit, which is often mixed with pieces from the owners' permanent collection.

Two new exhibitions will open on Dec. 15; The Narrative Figure, which will focus on the human form, will showcase eight artists. The solo exhibition Character Creations highlights mixed media painting, monotypes and video animation by Katrin Straub. A reception on Dec. 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. will mark the opening.

Cafe Matisse is located at 371 S. First St. in downtown San Jose. Wine Galleria is located next door at 377 S. First St., and d.p.Fong Galleries is at 383 S. First St.

The San Jose Institute of Contemporary Art may not serve wine or specialty coffee in the evenings, but that's no reason to discount this gallery after dark. After hours, the street-side windows come alive with a rotating exhibit called Night Moves. Starting on Nov. 22 passersby can observe Drip Drop: Jeanne Finley and John Muse. The two artists will create a series of illusions, projecting water and a pool of floating objects.

Inside the gallery, nearly 300 artists from around the world are showcased each year.

Assistant Director Stacy Laughlin says there's a big community of artists to draw from in the Bay Area, which allows the ICA to exhibit a wide variety of contemporary art, including paintings, sculptures, collages and more cutting-edge media like video and computer art.

The current exhibit highlights work from Sam Richardson, the recently retired San José State University professor and sculptor, printmaker, and performance and installation artist. The show runs through Dec. 30 and includes 75 of Richardson's works, from the 1960s to the present.

Visit the ICA at 451 S. First St. in downtown San Jose. For more information or gallery hours, call 408.283.8155 or visit www.sjica.org.