Kayla Jimenez
Watercolor Artist | Illustrator | Community Artist
San Jose, California
Kayla Jimenez is a San Jose–based watercolor artist and illustrator whose work celebrates community, local landmarks, history, inclusion, and meaningful personal stories.
Her artistic journey has included public art, children’s-book illustration, charitable projects, NASA-related artwork, and multiple appearances on NBC Bay Area’s Bay Area Proud.
Exhibitions & Public Art
Saratoga Rotary Art Show
Saratoga, California | 2026
Exhibited 23 original watercolor paintings and sold 19 during the show, marking an important milestone in Kayla’s development as an exhibiting artist.
City of San José Utility Box Public Art Project
San José, California | August 2022
Selected to create original artwork for a City of San José utility box, bringing her artwork into a permanent public setting.
Historic Garden Theater
Willow Glen, San Jose, California | 2016
Created a watercolor of Willow Glen’s historic Garden Theater. The painting was selected for display inside the theater and became an important turning point in Kayla’s artistic journey.
The project subsequently became the subject of an NBC Bay Area Bay Area Proud feature.
Selected Artwork & Commissions
NASA — Apollo 11 Splashdown 50th Anniversary
2019
Created two watercolor paintings in connection with the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 splashdown.
Kayla also participated in anniversary activities aboard the USS Hornet on July 24, 2019. Her Apollo artwork was subsequently highlighted on NBC Bay Area’s Bay Area Proud.
Memorial Artwork
Circa 2018
Created meaningful artwork to help a mother honor her late daughter.
The project became the subject of an NBC Bay Area Bay Area Proud follow-up feature documenting Kayla’s continuing artistic journey and the meaningful connections created through her art.
San Jose Sharks — Joe Pavelski
October 2016
Created original artwork honoring San Jose Sharks captain Joe Pavelski and personally presented the painting to him.
Published Illustration
Mandy and Izzy: Fun with Sports — Volume 2
Illustrator | 2018
Illustrated the second book in the Mandy and Izzy series, written by Edith Cruickshank.
Mandy and Izzy
Illustrator | 2017
Illustrated Mandy and Izzy, written by Edith Cruickshank.
The series promotes inclusion and portrays children of different abilities participating in everyday activities and experiences.
Television & Media
NBC Bay Area — Bay Area Proud
July 25, 2019
Appeared in Catching Up With Those Giving Back to the Community, which highlighted Kayla’s Apollo 11 Splashdown watercolor artwork.
NBC Bay Area — Bay Area Proud: 500th Story Special Promo
2018
Personally invited by reporter Garvin Thomas to participate in the promotional video celebrating Bay Area Proud reaching its milestone 500th story.
NBC Bay Area — Bay Area Proud
Circa 2018
Featured in Artist With Disabilities Helps Mother Honor Late Daughter, a follow-up story documenting Kayla’s continued artistic development and community impact.
NBC Bay Area — Bay Area Proud
2016
Featured by reporter Garvin Thomas in San Jose Businessman’s Unwitting Act of Kindness Helps Change Young Artist With Disabilities’ Life, highlighting Kayla’s Garden Theater watercolor and artistic journey.
Watch Kayla's NBC Bay Area appearances on the Press & Media page.
Community & Charitable Work
Christmas in the Park
San José, California | November 2024
Volunteered her artistic talents to retouch and restore props for San José’s annual Christmas in the Park celebration.
Hand-Painted Acrylic Ornament
2022
Created an original hand-painted acrylic ornament, demonstrating her artistic work beyond her primary watercolor medium.
Disney Character Artwork
2017
Created and donated two Disney-character artworks to a school serving students with special needs.
“Running Free”
2017
Created and donated original artwork for a charitable auction.
Artistic Focus
Watercolor Painting · Local Landmarks & Architecture · Public Art · Community Art · Children’s Book Illustration · Historical & Commemorative Art · Memorial Artwork · Charitable Art
Professional CV
For galleries, exhibitions, art organizations, media, and professional inquiries, Kayla’s one-page Artist CV is available for download.
DOWNLOAD ARTIST CV (PDF)
Contact
Kayla Jimenez
Watercolor Artist | Illustrator | Community Artist
San Jose, California
contact@kaylasartgallery.com
KaylasArtGallery.com