You might be surprised to learn that during my many visits to New Orleans, I’ve spent very little time in the pursuit of street art. That’s partly because there isn’t any street art in the French Quarter, nor should there be, and what little there is in other neighborhoods had, until very recently, eluded me.
#onetimeinneworleans Artist:Bmike
The street art/mural movement has started to catch on and I was thrilled to discover, stumble upon, some pretty nice pieces while walking town. I know there is more, and that I’ve missed a number of wonderful pieces, but time was limited and I look forward to seeking them out the next time I’m in town. In the meantime, here’s what I did find…
Faubourg Marigny
Location: Brieux Carré Brewingn Company 2105 Decatur Street
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Location: 2121 Chartres Street
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Location: 2121 Chartres Street
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Location: 1101 Elysian Fields Avenue (in the back)
Artist: Unknown
Artist: Unknown
Location: The Art Garage Marigny Street
Artist: MegZany
Artist: MegZany
Location: The Art Garage 2231 Saint Claude Avenue
Artist: Ramiro Diaz
Artist: Ramiro Diaz
Location: The Art Garage 2231 Saint Claude Avenue
Artist: Kate Hanrahan
Artist: Kate Harahan
Location: The Art Garage 2231 Saint Claude Avenue
Artist: Saul
Artist: Saul
Location: Saint Claude Avenue (Across the street from the Art Garage)
Artist: Henry Lipkis
Artist: Henry Lipkis
Location: Elysian Fields Avenue/Saint Claude Avenue Metro Station
Artist: Craig Cundiff
Location: 2200 Saint Claude Avenue
Artist(s): Multiple
Faubourg Marigny New Orleans
Bywater
Location: Studio BE 2910 Royal Street
Artist: BMike
The Bywater is home to Studio BE, a 35,000 square foot exhibition space, which features large scale works by New Orleans artist and filmmaker BMike. Be sure to walk around the entire building.
Bywater New OrleansArtist: BMike
StudioBE Artist: BMike
StudioBE Artist: BMike
Location: 732 Louisa Street
Artist: S & E Hirsh
Artist: S & E Hirsch
Location: 732 Louisa Street
Artist: Unknown
Location: 3221 Dauphine Street
Artist: @socialfatigue
Location: 601 Franklin Avenue
Artist: Unknown
Bywater New Orleans
Magazine Street
Location: 2855 Magazine Street
Artist: Unknown (Azwashere?)
Magazine Street
Have you found any street art in NOLA? If so, I’d love to hear about it.
Recently I had the chance to meet up with Urban Canvas, a new social media and street art finder app based out of Buenos Aires, Argentina. We spent an afternoon in the Downtown LA Arts District filming and talking about street art, why I love it so much, and the positive impact it has in Los Angeles, and other cities around the world. Wondering where you can find all this amazing art? We talk about that too!
Matias from Urban Canvas with @hilarystyleme
The app, currently available in Spanish (English, French and Portuguese coming soon), allows users to upload photos and location information about street art in real-time. Users around the world can use this tool to browse by location, user or specific artist. Basically, street art just got its own social media! This is great news for all my fellow street art hunters out there!
You can watch the video clip of my interview below, or if you prefer I’ve included a transcript along with some street art and graffiti pieces from my travels.
It was my visit to Lisbon three years ago that really awakened my love of this art genre I was blown away by not only the large amount of art covering just about every imaginable surface, but by the level of obvious talent displayed. Since then I’ve been hard at work curating my “collection”, and was even inspired to do a bit of amateur painting myself!
Graffiti Escadinhas De Sao Cristovao Lisbon Portugal
I started www.hilarystyle.me 3+ years ago. I’d been doing a fair amount of traveling and wanted to share my travel experiences with friends. Initially I focused on travel and fashion however, I’m now focusing more on travel and art with a heavy emphasis on my hometown: Los Angeles.
Street art is important in communities for so many reasons.
There’s something so wonderful about a giant piece of art out there in the open for everyone to enjoy. You might just see it out of the corner of your eye as you walk, bike or drive by, but if you do have the time or inclination, it’s there for you to admire at your leisure any time of day or night. Stay as long as you’d like, or take a photo, interact with it. It’s there for your enjoyment, no walls, opening hours, admission, or strings attached.
Koreatown Los Angeles California
In recent years street art festivals have helped to raise awareness and money for various causes and at the same time bring communities together. The appearance of a fresh mural can brighten up an area and at the same time help to eradicate urban blight.
Artist: Ricky Watts 10 Krog St NE Atlanta Georgia
A great example of this is the Mural Trail in Glasgow, Scotland. The Trail, a series of paintings in just about every style imaginable, was created to reduce the negative impact of an economic downtrun and to help bring new life and visitors to the city center. You’ll find these amazing works of art on the side and front of buildings both occupied and vacant.
When did Street art began to grow in popularity here in L.A.?
Today there are countless murals throughout the city of LA, but there was a period of 10 years, referred to as the Mural Moratorium, where it was illegal to paint any kind of fine art mural. Anywhere. Even on private property. The penalties included steep fines and even jail time. Many artists chose to move away and even now many graffiti and mural artists are anonymous, preferring instead to use pseudonyms, in order to protect their identities. I believe the mural moratorium ended in 2013.
What are some of the best locations to see Street art in L.A.?
Los Angeles has literally exploded with art, and there are so many great locations in which to see it. Here are just a few:
Melrose Avenue stretching from N. Robertson to Highland Avenue with a high concentration around the Fairfax District
West 3rd Street and Robertson
Downtown Los Angeles Arts District
Downtown Los Angeles Historic Core
Silver Lake and Echo Park
Mission Junction – East of Chinatown
Venice Beach – including: Abbot Kinney, Main Street, Ocean Front Walk, Speedway, Lincoln Blvd, and Rose Avenue
Santa Monica – Main Street
Santa Monica – The Pico Corridor stretching from Main Street to Sawtelle Blvd
Artist: SelDog
Why do you think Street art used to be criminal and what contributed to it becoming an acceptable art form?
If a piece of “art” isn’t commissioned by a building owner, then it is still illegal. However, that doesn’t mean the owner won’t decide to keep it up, or that it isn’t art. I believe there is a vast difference between a complex painting, even if it isn’t commissioned and someone randomly spray painting a few words (tagging) on the side of a building or over someone else’s work.
Jimmy C Whitby Street
Social media and positive interaction between the art and people have contributed greatly to helping street art become an acceptable art form. A new piece of art will draw visitors, who in turn frequent nearby business, who in turn contribute to the gentrification of an area and so on.
Redemption Wings Old Street Shoreditch
Does LA city government (or California) give money to support street artists?
I don’t know if any city funds are allocated towards street art per se, but I do know that individuals can work with the city in order to facilitate or sponsor a piece of art. For example the not for profit organization Beautify Earth works with the city and private building owners to put up murals all over LA and in other cities as well. The City of Santa Monica has an ongoing project dedicated to featuring artists, street and otherwise.
Who are some of LA’s most popular Street artists?
There are so MANY popular artists in LA and I discover more everyday! Here are just a few:
Bumblebeelovesyou
Jules Muck Rock
WRDSMTH
Thrashbird
Colette Miller Angel Wings
OG Slick
James GoldCrown
Starfightera
Artists: Bumblebeelovesyou and Mikael B. Slauson Blvd.Artist OG Slick Misson JunctionArtist: Colette Miller Fashion District Historic Downtown CoreArtist: James GoldCrown Alfreds MelroseArtist: WRDSMTH The Hanger on CentinellaArtist: Thrashbird Downtown LA Arts District
In your opinion what is the difference between graffiti and Street art? Which do you prefer?
I’ve asked many an artist this very question and it differs every time. I think the big difference between street art and graffiti is legality. If something was put up without permission it is graffiti. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t art.
Taylor Electric Street Art Project Portland OregonArtist: UnknownArtist: Dan Kitchener Old Town EurekaArtist: Roy McMakin La JollaArtist: FNNCH San FranciscoArtist(s): Dface, Vhils, & Felipe Pantone Las VegasArtist: Invader Paris FranceArtist: Fanakapan Brick Lane LondonGraffiti Alley Werrengaren Straat Ghen BelgiumBelfast Northern IrelandArtist: Muck Rock New OrleansArtist: James Haunt Palm SpringsGraffiti Puerto Vallarta MexicoArtist: Dface Seattle
*I was not compensated for my interview with Urban Canvas. All opinions stated here are my own and are based on years of wandering aimlessly in search of art.
The amount of street art going up in cities around the world is simply staggering, so you might think finding it would be easy, but strangely that’s not the case. It’s always a lovely surprise when you come around the corner and are greeted by a larger than life mural, but with limited time in a city wandering aimlessly and hoping to get lucky just won’t do.
Artist: Kevin Ledo Portland Oregon
As luck would have it I noticed the reflection of this Kevin Ledo mural in another building.
Street Art Scavenger Hunt
I think of finding street art as a giant scavenger hunt. I use clues from Google searches and Instagram to try and work out where I can find multiple murals or a specific piece within a city. Still, I can’t tell you how many times we have walked right by a piece, or simply can’t find it at all. I will even admit that I’ve walked within feet of amazing art, and never knew it was there until it was too late.
Artist: Faith47
I found this Faith47 piece just prior to leaving the city, it was around the corner from my hotel.
Once I do find a piece it’s not always easy to work out the artist’s name, but I will always do my best to share with you not only the artist’s name, but the mural’s exact location.
Artist: Unknown 125 NW 4th
During our recent visit to Portland we visited art in four different neighborhoods, including, Downtown Portland, The Alberta Arts District, the Central Eastside and SE Division.
Artist Unknown Invader?
Bad lighting, fencing, trash, dumpsters and parked cars can all get in the way of snapping an unobstructed photo of street art murals. Still, I was able to “collect” a large amount of art on this trip, and if you can believe it these are just the photos I deemed acceptable for sharing.
Pasteup Wall Portland Oregon
Street Art Walking Tour
To help make my Portland street art scavenger hunt successful I reached out to the Portland Street Art Alliance (PSAA) and arranged a walking tour in the Central Eastside Industrial District. Unfortunately it was 95 degrees out the day of our tour, making it difficult to stop and enjoy the art, but we did our best.
Artist Unknown
During my visit I learned of Forrest For the Trees a nonprofit organization that organizes and facilitates public art in the city of Portland. You’ll find a gallery of murals on their website, however the locations and murals aren’t listed together…
Artist: Kevin Ledo
Location: SW 2nd & SW Stark Street
Artist: Kevin Ledo Portland Oregon
Artist: Unknown
Location: Dante’s W Burnside & NW 3rd Street
Keep Portland Weird
Central Eastside Industrial District
Location: South of I-84 to Powell and the Willamette River to SE 12th.
Though still very much an area of industry the Central Eastside is also dotted with hip eateries, trendy bars, and one-of-a-kind shops. It’s also a hotspot for murals!
Central Eastside Industrial District Portland Oregon
Artist: Fin DAC
Location: SE Division & SE 10th Avenue
Artist: Fin DAC
The Taylor Electric Project
Curated by: The Portland Street Art Alliance
Artists: Multiple
Location: Parking Garage 240 SE Clay Street
Our tour started here write about what it is…
Artist: Ben Patterson
Taylor Electric Project RX Skulls
Taylor Electric Project Portland Oregon
Taylor Electric Street Art Project Portland Oregon
With just three days in which to explore Atlanta I knew I wouldn’t even scratch the surface, but I had to try, and what better place to get an overview than the Atlanta Beltline. The addition of this mixed use redevelopment project, which takes advantage of the City’s existing railway corridors, is transforming and revitalizing the city of Atlanta in the best possible way. When complete The BeltLine’s 22 mile path will encircle and connect the city of Atlanta and its many diverse neighborhoods.
Bike rental stations can be found along the BeltLine
The multi-use pedestrian friendly pathways are perfect for cycling, running, and walking, but the BeltLine is much more then just an exercise path getting you from point A to point B. With a skate park, shopping, restaurants and the South’s largest temporary public art installation the BeltLine is a destination!
This fun mural can be found at Paris on Ponce
Did someone say the South’s largest temporary public art installation?
As soon as I knew I would be visiting Atlanta I immediately started researching what the city had to offer in the way of public art, and boy did I hit the jackpot!
Guess what kind of business this is?
Essentially The BeltLine is an outdoor art gallery featuring a revolving display of both local and international artists. Additionally, Atlanta is host to multiple mural and art festivals each year, including the Outer space Project, and Living Walls. What all this means, is that you’ll find murals, sculpture, and performance art just about everywhere, much of it located along the BeltLine, or nearby!
Time Star by Charlie Smith in Historic Fourth Ward Park
Because the BeltLine is so big, and we had limited time, we chose one area, the Eastside Trail, and focused on that. In hindsight I might have walked the trail as we got on and off our bikes countless times to explore all the amazing art we saw. Starting at Park Street and ending at Edgewood Road, here is just some of what we found as we rode the Eastside Trail.
Piedmont Park
We rode through and along the edge of Piedmont Park with lovely views of Midtown Atlanta before connecting to the BeltLine at 10th & Monroe.
Skyline Midtown Atlanta as seen from Piedmont ParkPiedmont Park is beautiful even in the winter months
Title: The Service Station
Artist: Wesley Forlines
Location: 10th and Monroe Area
Fuel Station
Park Street Underpass
We found on-street parking and a Relay Bike rental station just off Park Street. This gravel path connected with the BeltLine’s paved path at 10th & Monroe.
Title: Purple Rain
Artists: Karl Addison & Jarus
Location: Piedmont Park at the Park Street Underpass
We loved these pinwheels, which were spinning in the breeze, and we stopped to explore some of the businesses along the trail, including Paris on Ponce a quirky collection of shops within a shop selling vintage and locally made items.
Title: Swirling Colors
Artist: Alex Rodriguez
Location: BeltLine at Dreary Street NE
Alex Rodriguez
Artist: OUIZI
Location: Paris on Ponce BeltLine side
Ouizi
Artist: James Bullough
Location: Paris on Ponce Street Side
James Bullough
Artist: Nate Frost
Location: Alley off of Paris on Ponce
Nate Frost
Artist: Thomas Turner
Location: Alley off of Paris on Ponce
Thomas Turner
Title: 10:28
Artist: Chris Veal
Location: BeltLine between Spot for Dogs and Paris on Ponce
While I wasn’t traveling with my kids I know they would love a visit to the Historic Fourth Ward park. The 17 acre park intersects with the BeltLine and includes Atlanta’s first public skatepark, a playground and athletic fields.
Old Fourth Ward Park Skatepark
Just next to the park is the Freedom Parkway Underpass and, much like the Venice Art Walls in my hometown of Los Angeles, people come here to express themselves via spray paint art. If you’re wondering I didn’t have time to make any of my own… this time…
Freedom Parkway Underpass
Artists:Unknown
Location: Freedom Parkway Underpass Old Fourth Ward
Ladybird Restaurant
While I admit I didn’t eat at Ladybird, if time had permitted I would have! Stopping here for a much needed drink, we encountered true Southern Hospitality either that, or I looked like I was desperate, because they wouldn’t let me pay for the soda I ordered. Located right on the BeltLine!
Edgewood
Towards the end of the day my desire to see a particular mural led us off the BeltLine and through the Sweet Auburn Historic District, the location of Dr. Martin Luther King’s Birth Home. Unfortunately daylight was running out, and we didn’t have time to visit. its on my list for next time…
Artist: Nychos
Location: Corner of Edgewood Avenue and Boulevard SE
Nychos
Artist: Tommy Bronx
Location: Corner of Edgewood Avenue and Krog Street
Tommy Bronx
Artist: Ricky Watts
Location: Edgewood Avenue & Krog Street
We were delighted to discover #tinydoorsatl (what is it about tiny things?) during our visit. Turns out there are a number of these adorable lilt doors throughout the city, but with limited time we only found the three located along the BeltLine. Adorable!
Location: Eastside Trail at Virginia Avenue
Location: Paris on Ponce
It’s polite to wipe your feet!
Location: Freedom Parkway Underpass Old Fourth Ward
Tips & Advice
There are multiple access points to the BeltLine.
Keep in mind that the BeltLine is a work in progress, and that you can complete as little or as much of the trail as you’d like. We chose the Eastside Trail and our route was 7. 25 miles roundtrip.
We parked on the street just outside Piedmont Park, but parking is also available at the northern end of the trail in the paid lot beside Park Tavern and at the Piedmont Park. You can also find on street parking at the Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark.
The Eastside Trail hours are 6 a.m. – 11 p.m.
If you don’t have access to a bicycle you can rent the city’s public Relay Bikes. You’ll need to download the app first.
Bring water!
Relay Bike Stations can be found along the BeltLine
Outer Space Project
If you’re interested in finding more of Atlanta’s amazing art, this map from the Outer Space Project should be helpful.
Pin for later:
Take Me With You!
Would you like directions to these fabulous places? Why not take me with you! You can download this and other fun hilarystyle articles using the GPSmyCity app!
The street art scene in Los Angeles has gone viral, one can hardly turn a corner, drive down the street, or grab a coffee without running into yet another fabulous work of art. I recently read a Bombing Science article, which listed the top 99 instagrammable cities in the world for graffiti, and It came as no suprise to me that Los Angeles, at #6, was ranked in the top 10. If you’ve been following my instagram feed you’ll know that I definitely contributed to that ranking.
Expression through art is nothing new, but with today’s social media phenomenon artists now have the ability to get their message to more people than ever before. While at times I get annoyed by the competitive nature of social media, I do love the ability to discover so much amazing art, not just here in LA, but around the world.
It’s A Living DTLA Arts District
All this positive exposure has definitely helped to bring about the mainstream acceptance of an art form that was at one time considered vandalism and nothing more. Whether it be loving, Inspirational, motivational, cheerful, political, bitter or just plain fun the street art in LA is sending a message. The question is are we listening?
Social Fatigue Media
This fun mural can be found in Downtown LA’s Little Tokyo. I just love the message @dmirworld is sending, and the moment I saw this I just knew I had to share. For me the message is so clear. It’s crazy how we get so wrapped up in social media and whether or not someone else appreciates/loves what we choose to share. I share what brings me joy and I hope that it will do the same for others!
Little Tokyo Village
Love Notes
James Goldcrown’s #bleedinghearts love walls are some of the most popular expressions of love in LA, but you’ll find messages of love all over town!
J. Goldcrown Alfred’s Coffee MelroseGina Flo w/ Beautify Earth Melrose and Western.
No longer available
Main Street Venice
Motivation, Inspiration and Imagination
Much to my delight there are messages of inpsiration and motivivation everywhere! I get so excited when I come upon something new, which is just about every time I go out and about! Like these angel wings I stumbled upon just the other day while exploring the Fashion District.
The first Angel Wings were painted on Traction Avenue in the DTLA Arts District, but lucky you they can now be found all over the world! These are just a few of the many wings located here in the City of Angels. Check the official Collette Miller Angel Wings map to see if there are any near you!
Temporary Installation
Collab with Collette Miller and WRDSMTH
The Original Angel Wings
WRDSMTH’s positive words of widom can be found everywhere in the City of Angels, as well as around the world. He recently held a solo art show featuring canvases and prints of some of his most popular street art, and I happily attended.
Here are a mix of images some from the show and some from the street.
Faisdodo
Melrose Avenue
Washinton Blvd Venice
Washington Blvd Venice
Artist: WRDSMTH The Hanger on Centinella
Meeting WRDSMTH at Fais Dodo
Sound Advice
Looking for some advice? Don’t worry you’re covered:
Explore your surroundings. Life is full of wonderment!
Unknown Venice Art Walls
Wish your dream!
Megzany Arts District Co-Op
Be the best version of you! Be happy with it!
Sidewalk Sayings
These little sayings are all over the sidewalk in LA. Some are more postitive/friendly than others, however, if like the message says, you don’t look up from your phone now and again you’re bound to miss them. At least that’s how I choose interpret it!
Artist: Thrashbird Downtown LA Arts District
Politics Politics Politics
I generally gravitate toward more positive messages when it comes to taking photos of street art, but these political murals can be found all over town. Written words or not, their messages are clear.
I literally can’t keep up with all the fabulous new art going up in this town, but I’m having a great time trying! Having already written a number of posts on LA’s street art scene I’ve done my best to feature all new images in this post! I hope you enjoy!
To discover more fun street art pieces around LA check out these related posts:
What can you do in Las Vegas if you’re not interested in gambling, nightclubs, or extreme roller coasters? Why, look at art of course, and if you’re me, it’s street art. Las Vegas is a treasure trove of amazing art!
Shortly before our visit I learned about some large scale pieces (thank you social media), and once we decided that Las Vegas would be our “rest” stop between Los Angeles and Zion National Park, I started researching what else might be available to view! I’d hit the jackpot! Yes, pun intended! There was literally art around and on every corner!
There was so much to see, my head was spinning, or maybe that was the effect of the 112 degree temperatures, and burning pavement? Maybe both? The heat prevented me from exploring the area the way I would have liked, but we managed to see quite a lot. Thankfully many of the works are close to one another.
It was SO hot out!
Fremont East District
You’ll find all this amazing art in Downtown Las Vegas, and more specifically in the Fremont East District. Downtown Las Vegas has experienced a major revitalization, and Fremont Street is the second most popular destination in the city after the famed Las Vegas Strip.
The concentrated number of murals in the area are remnants of the Life is Beautiful Festival, a three day event, which takes place in the Downtown core each year, and includes music, food and street art. The event is put on by JUSTKIDS, an organization dedicated to spreading art all over the world. Who doesn’t love that mission? The 5th annual Life is Beautiful Festival will take place in September 2017. Hmmm, I see a return trip coming on…
Downtown Las Vegas Street Art
The 21 story Plaza Hotel, located at 1 South Main Street, is home to two amazing murals. While Shepard Fairey’s painting can be seen from the street, D*face’s mural, entitled: Behind Closed Doors, is harder to see and requires a trip to the Plaza’s Pool Deck located on the 5th floor.
Artist:D*Face Location: The Plaza Hotel Pool Deck, 5th floor Country of Origin: England Artist:Shepard Fairey Location: The Plaza Hotel Country of Origin: USA Artist: Alexis Diaz Location: 6th and Ogden Country of Origin: Puerto Rico Artist:Chor Boogie Location: 6th & Ogden Country of Origin: USA? Artist:Zio Ziegler Location: 6th & Ogden Country of Origin: USA Artist: ROA Location: 6th & Stewart Country of Origin: Belgium Artist:Vhils Location: 7th between Ogden & Steward Country of Origin: Portugal Artist:Felipe Pantone Location: 7th between Ogden & Steward Country of Origin: Argentina Artist:D*Face Location: 7th & Ogden Country of Origin: England Artist:Mark Drew Location: 7th & Ogden Country of Origin: Australia Artist:Martin Whatson Location: 7th & Steward (around the corner) Country of Origin: Norway Artist:Dface Location: 7th between Ogden & Fremont Country of Origin: England Artist:Pixel Pancho Location: 7th and Fremont Country of Origin: Italy Artist:Ana Maria Ortiz Location: 7th & Ogden Country of Origin: Puerto Rico
The Fremont East District is also home to many amazing sculptures! Artist: Kirk Jullum Location: 7th & Fremont Country of Origin: USA?
Take a look at the specs on this! Impressive to say the least!
Created by aerospace engineer Kirk Jellum the mantis is a 150:1 scale exact replica of a female preying mantis he found in an open field. The mantis can speak 20 different languages, and is operated by a team of four.
Street Art After Dark
Visit the Fremont East District at night for a completely different experience, though I can’t promise the temperatures will be any cooler the lights are pretty spectacular!
Miscellaneous Street Art
The second most popular area in the city can’t quite be called “off the beaten path”, but it’s not the Las Vegas most people envision either. If you do find yourself in Las Vegas, I highly suggest you take some time to visit the Fremont East District!
Tips & Advice:
Las Vegas is HOT! Wear proper shoes, and bring water! I’m NOT wearing proper shoes… My feet were on fire! I had to drive between the murals.
The Fremont East District is 3 miles from the Stratosphere “end” of the Strip. Don’t plan on walking, especially in the summer months.
The 5th annual Life is beautiful festival will take place September 22 – 24, 2017.
The Fremont East District is comprised of six blocks. The boundaries are from Las Vegas Boulevard East to 8th Street, and from Ogden Street South to Carson.
These are just some of the many pieces of amazing art located within this vibrant district.
Would you like directions to all these fabulous places? Why not take me with you! you can download this and other fun hilarystyle articles using the GPSmyCity app!
San Francisco, is famous for many things, I’m sure you’ve heard of the Golden Gate Bridge, Ghiradelli Chocolates, and the infamous Alcatraz to name a few, but there is so much more to the City by the Bay. During my 8 years living in the Bay Area, I found time to see some of the more touristy attractions mentioned above, but spent very little time exploring beneath the surface of San Francisco’s many unique neighborhoods.
I suppose I thought I’d spend more time there later, and instead spent my free time exploring father afield. If you read this blog, you’ll know that I’m doing my best not to make that same mistake here in our new home, Los Angeles.
The good news is that I visit the Bay Area often, it’s just a six hour drive up Interstate 5, and during our most recent visit we were on a mission to see more of the City. We chose to explore the vibrant Mission District (pun intended), where we discovered delicious food, a fabulous park, and amazing street art! So in other words, my perfect day!
The Mission District
The Mission District, or The Mission, is located in east central San Francisco, and is borederd by SOMA, Potrero Hill, The Castro, Noe Valley and Bernal Heights. Due to it’s location the Mission is insulated from San Francisco’s famous fog, which means it’s often warmer and sunnier than other neighborhoods.
Tartine Bakery
Our first stop upon arrival was Tartine Bakery & Cafe, which is known for it’s mouth watering breads and pastries. The line is usually around the block, but luck was in our favor and we walked right in!
I had a tough time deciding, as I wanted one of everything, but ultimately went with something on the smaller side, a Mexican wedding cookie, while Elliot got an eclair! Located on the corner of Guerro and 18th, Tartine doesn’t have a sign, so look out for the long line and you’ll know you’ve arrived.
Mission Dolores Park
Sweeping views of the city, large grassy areas, and a fabulous playground are just some of what you can expect while visiting Mission Dolores Park. There is also a large off leash area for those dog lovers out there.
The kids enjoyed the Park’s playground, while I followed them around taking photos of the gorgeous city views. As we were leaving we met, Chris, the Paint a Record guy, and decided this would be a fun activitity. Chris gets the records from yard sales and thrift shops, and sets up at the Park most afternoons and weekends. The acrylic paint dried within minutes and wallah, the perfect Father’s Day present!
Bi-Rite Creamery
There’s no time like the present, and after all that park play an ice cream seemed like a great idea! Lunch? Isn’t ice cream lunch? Another San Francisco institution, the Bi-Rite Creamery is a popular place, so we joined the line and patiently waited our turn.
Peach season is upon us, so the Peach Cobbler flavor seemed like a perfect choice, and with large chunks of fresh baked cobbler and peaches throughout, it did not disappoint! Bi-Rite Creamery is just up and across the street from Tartine on 18th Street.
Street Art
The Mission is famous for it’s wall murals, some of which were painted in the 1970s, and reflect the neighborhood’s Latino culture and traditions.
More recently other types of street art have entered the mix and there are litteraly hundreds of murals throughout the neighborhood.
Don’t worry, I won’t be posting hundred’s of photos, only a few. You’ll have to visit the neighborhood yourselves if you want to see more!
These cuties can be found at Faye’s Coffee
Clarion Alley
Clarion Alley, off of 18th between Mission and Valenica, is the home of the Clarion Alley Mural Project, which was started in 1992 by Mission residents. The murals here were predominately political in nature, some quite extreme in their views.
19th & Mission
My favorite street art discovery of the day was this Mini Heros mural painted in 2009 by three indivduals known as KEB, WAND and BUTR. Miraculously it’s still in existence! What could be better than street art and superheros?!
Across the street from the Mini Heros you’ll find an amazing tribute to Carlos Santana painted by local artist Mel Waters.
Walk a little further up 19th and you’ll come to San Carlos Street, which is also the home of a giant honeybear painted by local artist, and a favorite of mine, Fnnch.
Lilac Alley
Wandering along Mission Street we went as far as Lilac Alley, located half a block from the 24th Street Bart Station. The Alley is 2 blocks long between Mission and Capp Streets, and is lined on both sides with vibrant murals.
Straw Restaurant
Knowing the kids might be hungry at the end of the mission, we decided to end our day with an early dinner. We chose Straw, a carnival themed restaurant with unique comfort foods, and decor. Straw is located on Octavia Street in Hayes Valley, a short drive from The Mission and another super fun SF neighborhood worth exploring.
After having cookies for breakfast and ice cream for lunch it made sense to chose the Ringmaster, a burger sandwiched between two glazed doughbnuts for dinner. The idea was fun, but I think I’ll stick with a more tradational bun in the future! We finished up with cotton candy for dessert! Yum!
Tips & advice should you choose to go on your own Mission:
I’ve pinpointed some of the places we visited, but keep in mind there isn’t really any right way to explore The Mission.
San Francisco can be a tough park, but using the parking app Pay by phone, enables you to manage everything directly from your phone eliminating the need to keep running back to feed the meter.
Walking along Mission Street you’ll find shops, restaurants and markets selling everything from luggage and fidget spinners to t-shirts and fruit. Keep your eyes open, you never know what you might discover.
Interested in finding more of San Francisco’s street art? Check out SF Mural Arts a webiste showcasing the city’s vibrant art scene complete with artist and locations.
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If you’ve been reading my blog, you’ll know that I’m a fan of street art! I spend a good amount of my free time seeking out and enjoying the murals and graffiti art throughout Los Angeles, and lately, any other city I visit. Lucky for me there’s no shortage in LA! Although, It was my visit to Lisbon a few years ago that really awakened my love of this art genre and since then I’ve been hard at work curating my collection!
I love art museums too, but there’s something so wonderful about a giant piece of art out there in the open for everyone to enjoy. You might just see it out of the corner of your eye as you walk or drive by, but if you do have the time or inclination, its there for you to admire at your leisure any time of day or night. Stay as long as you’d like, or take a photo, but either way, its there for your enjoyment, no walls, opening hours, admission, or strings attached!
LA’s Mural Moratorium
During the Mural Moratorium the art walls were the only place”Michelle” could have written her real name.
In my quest to see the art I’ve learned a ton about the culture and the artists behind these amazing paintings, but that wasn’t always possible and even now, many graffiti and mural artists are anonymous, preferring instead to use pseudonyms, in order to protect their identities.
Today there are countless murals throughout the city of LA, but there was a period of 10 years, referred to as the Mural Moratorium, where it was illegal to paint any kind of fine art mural. Anywhere. Even on private property. The penalties included steep fines and even jail time. Many artists chose to move away…
During my art seeking adventures, I’ve often wondered what it would be like to be a street or graffiti artist, to create a mural, or paint the side of a building when no one was looking…
The Venice Public Art Walls
Thanks to the Venice Public Art Walls, I’m able to find out, and it’s legal!
The Venice Art Walls are all that’s left of the Venice Pavilion, and while there has always been graffiti on the walls at this location, it wasn’t until 2000 that painting them became legal. 2017 is the 10 year anniversary of the name Venice Public Art Walls. The LA Mural Moratorium officially ended in 2013!
The Walls are transformed from week to week by amateurs and professionals alike. One of my favorite Monday morning activities is riding my bike along the beach path to the Art Walls, so I can see what’s new!
Sometimes I see familiar characters, like Snoopy the dog, or Frosty the Snowman, other times, its giant ice cream, or corn on the cob. There are countless sayings, some hopeful, some not, occasionally there are memorials, but no matter what it always smells like fresh paint!
While I haven’t had a chance to leave my mark yet, I did purchase some cans, and did a little practicing at home. Are you interested in making your mark? Every wondered what it might be like to be a graffiti artist? Feeling creative, grab a can and join the fun!
Tips & Advice:
You’ll find the Venice Public Art Walls just west of Windward Street on the other side of Ocean Front Walk and the bike path, just adjacent to the Venice Beach Skatepark. The approximate address is: 1800 Ocean Front Walk
The Walls are always open for viewing, 7 days a week, but painting is only allowed on Saturday and Sundays on a first come first serve basis between 10 am and 5 pm.
A free permit is required before you can paint. Do not paint without one or it will be considered graffiti and you can be fined.
Before you can get your permit you’ll need to fill out the Artist Agreement. Permits are given on site.
Children under 18 require the presence of an adult, and should only use brushes and rollers when painting.
Do get plastic gloves and a mask. Do not wear anything you care about.
Did you know that spray can nozzles come in different sizes for better control?
Pressing down on the nozzle for extended periods of time is harder than it looks!
The Art Walls are available for filming and private events. These photos are from an Autism Fundraiser.
Do grab a coffee at Menotti’s or a bite at The Wee Chippy, both within walking distance, before or after you create your work of art!
Maybe you’re not interested in creating? The Venice Public Art Walls are also a great place to catch the sunset!
Attention #dreamers, wanna be #angels, #lovers, and #wildthings, are you ready for some #instafun?! I hope so, because I enjoyed putting together my previous InstaLA post and the ensuing #wallantics so much, I decided a part two was in order.
#lovewall by Artist J. Goldcrown on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica
From Santa Monica, to Silver Lake, Mar Vista to Venice Beach, Melrose to Downtown LA, and everywhere in between, there is no shortage of fun to be found in and around the City of Angels and I’m so excited to share this next round of #insta favorites and their locations with all of you! While some of these might be familiar, I’m hoping there will be a few surprises as well!
Getting a photo isn’t as easy as it looks… Incase you need some Insta inspiration, check out this incredibly silly video of me at the Paul Smith LA Pink Wall… trust me when I tell you I wasn’t the only one…
16 Fun Instagram Locations in and Around LA!
1. Rock Paper Scissors Building Artist:Risk RockLocation: The corner of Broadway and Cloverfield, Santa Monica
Occupied by post production company, Rock Paper Scissors, the “graffiti” building on the corner of Cloverfield and Broadway, recently received a fresh coat of paint! Take the time to walk all the way around!
Named for their location, the Swan Stairs were painted in 2015 by The Painted Line Mural Co. and are separated into three different flights totaling 287 steps. Each flight of stairs is unique with different shapes and colors.
Alfred Coffee has become something of an LA institution, and rightfully so! Their coffee is excellent! They have multiple locations throughout town, each with it’s own unique decor. This particular location happens to be conveniently located near the Hidden Stairways of Silver Lake…
5. Dreamer
Artist:Ruben RojasLocation: Walgrove Ave and Palms Blvd., Mar Vista Los Angeles
The minute I discovered this recent street art addition to the Mar Vista neighborhood, I just knew I had to see it in person. I love the bright colors and positive message created by artist Ruben Rojas as part of the Beautify Earth initiative.
Beyond world class shopping, great food, and overall good vibes, Abbot Kinney is a treasure trove of fabulous art, like this fun mural painted by The Art of Chase. Be sure to walk down both sides of the street, so you don’t miss anything!
7. Barry’s Boot Camp Artist:Kelsey MontagueLocation: 1500 Lincoln Blvd., Los Angeles
No matter how many times you drive up and down Lincoln Boulevard there is always something new to discover! My latest discovery was these fabulous wings painted by Kelsey Montague. Of course I had to stop… #whatliftsyou
8. Collete Miller Angel Wings Artist:Colette MillerLocation: Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
With multiple locations around LA, and the world, there’s a pretty good chance you’ve heard of Colette Miller’s Wings! This particular pair, which are located on Melrose Avenue were pretty busy, with a long line of Instagrammers anxiously waiting their turn.
9. Where the Wild Things Are Wall Mural Artist: PDB Crew Location: 7629 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
My little one was really excited when he recognized these characters from one of his favorite stories, Where the Wild Things Are, painted larger than life on the side of a wall! He happily posed for this shot, and in fact he requested we have it printed. It now hangs in his bedroom!
10. American Vintage Wall Artist:Adam DareLocation: 7575 Melrose Ave, Los Angeles
The entire American Vintage shop is covered in fabulous wall art! Big small, pasted, painted, you name it! Artists of all kinds leave their mark here and it’s definitely worth a visit. There’s some pretty neat stuff inside the shop too!
11. Arts District Co-op Artist:RoyalLocation: 453 Colyton St, Los Angeles
I’m crazy about the DTLA Arts District and no trip would be complete with a visit to the Arts District Co-Op. Not only will you find loads of #insta opportunities on the outside, the inside is pretty great too!
12. Kiss The One You Love… Mural Artist:WRDSMTHLocation: 300 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles
I’m a big fan of WRDSMTH! He often uses a “typewriter” stencil to convey his very positive WRDs of wisdom, but went a different route this time. Might be a fun place to pose with your sweetheart?!
13. Cafe Gratitude Love Is… Artist:J. GoldcrownLocation: 300 S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles
While I felt I might be pressing my luck if I asked for an action shot in front of WRDSMTHs mural, I thought I might have a good shot with this one just across the way! You might recognize these #bleedinghearts from my previous InstaLA post as they’re in multiple locations around town!
14. Colette Miller Angel Wings – The Very First Pair! Artist:Colette MillerLocation: Traction and Hewitt in the Arts District, Los Angeles
These are the wings that started it all, and considering how temporary street art can be, its pretty amazing that they are still there. Every pair is unique, why not make a stop at each one if you can?
15. Artist & Craftsman Supply Artist: Kurt Thompson Location: 1660 S La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles
Last but not least, is my most recent discovery, and one of my favorites, the fabulous California Dreaming wall located at the company headquarters of Chinese Laundry!
Now that we’ve taken so many pics and had so much fun in the process, what will we do with all the photos? I mean, beyond post them on Instagram? Make our own wall art of course!
Los Angeles is a veritable treasure trove of art and fun! The more I search the more I find, so don’t be surprised if there’s an InstaLA! 3 in the future…
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A self described urban girl, art lover, and travel addict one of my favorite pastimes is “collecting” street art. It’s a hobby I picked up a few years ago, while traveling in Portugal. Over the past few years, I’ve been lucky enough to have collected some great “pieces” from cities around the world, Glasgow, London, Paris and Seattle to name just a few*.
Lucky for me Los Angeles has no shortage of local and international artists who are literally painting the town, enabling me to continue collecting even when I’m not on the road! I like to think of it as sort of a worldwide treasure hunt, and along the way, I’ve come to know and love the styles of many artists, recognizing their unique styles on sight.
WRDSMTH is a favorite! I ❤️ his positive messages!
The scale, accessibility and temporary nature of street art are all part of its draw, and thanks to social media it’s easier than ever to follow and find new works by some of my favorite artists. When I do discover a fun new piece there’s no time to waste, as one never knows how long it will be on “display.” Legal, or not, you never know when it might be tagged, buffed over, or even torn down.
This Bandit / WRDSMTH collaboration has since been buffed over.
I’ve been doing a pretty good job of discovering pieces on my own, but recently I decided to enlist a little help, and signed up for a graffiti/mural walking tour in Downtown Los Angeles.
The Tour Starts Here out side of Dejavita Boutique!
A walking tour of DTLA was the perfect way to view the city’s vibrant mural and graffiti scene and get a feel for the neighborhood. Not only did we view amazing works of art, but we learned about the street art culture including, the techniques, territory, hierarchy and lingo of these incredibly talented artists. It was fascinating and I could go on and on, but let’s get to the art!
Colyton Street
Your tour begins and ends on Colyton Street just outside of Dejavita and Shreebs Coffee in the Arts District. The tours are led by local artists, and I’m sure just like their art, they all have their own style. Our guide started by giving us a quick lesson in street art vocabulary, “rules” and the history of the area.
Colette Miller Angel Wings
That’s one big typewriter!
Reluctant Angel
We were excited to come back and explore this area after the tour, taking tons of photos and poking in and out of the various shops. I love the DTLA Arts Co-op, which sells local art, jewelry and clothing, some of which is based on art you might recognize from the tour.
The Container Yard
Bumblebeelovesyou & Mikael Brandup
Sadly, you won’t be able to see this Bumbleelovesyou and Mikael B. collaboration, as it’s been painted over. However, you can see the fresh new piece by Deferism, which took its place along with many other fantastic murals, which are located at the Container Yard, an undefined collaborative art space, in the heart of the DTLA Arts District and one stop on the tour. Other stops on the tour were located along Traction Avenue, at The Angel City Brewery, and along 3rd Street. There was so much amazing art it was hard to decide which pieces to share…
Christina Angelina
Nychos
Tristan Eaton
Royal Dog
Traction Avenue
El Mac
Trixster
Angel City Brewery
Paste Up Wall Angel City Brewery
Shepard Fairey
3rd Street
Kim West
Shepard Fairey
Kim West
Paste up JR
The Lingo
Angels – Famous or respected graffiti artists who have died. Sometimes represented by tags or tributes with halos above them.
Crew – A group of artists who regularly collaborate often in the same part of town. Examples of local crews: UTI and Mad Society Kings
Legal Walls – Walls, buildings or neighborhoods where artists are encouraged to create graffiti. The ability to create without having to look out for the police means larger and more creative pieces.
Legal Wall behind Dejavita
Mural – A huge work, often on a legal wall. It might be done by an individual, an informal group, or a crew.
Roa
Piece or Masterpiece – Short for “masterpiece.” The term is frequently used to describe a more labor-intensive work.
Tristan Eaton
Stencil – A design cut into heavy paper or cardboard, then spray-painted onto a wall. A stencil may be a phrase, an image, or a combination thereof.
Tag – A stylized name or signature done with various materials, such as a marker or an aerosol spray can, often freehand.
Dame
Throw up – A tag or small “piece” thrown up in a hurry, often located down low.
Throw up
Toy(s) – A derogatory term referring to either poor workmanship, or an inexperienced writer. Going over or “toying” someone else’s work is an act of disrespect. An acronym meaning Tag Over Your Shit.
Wheatpaste/ Pasteup – A type of street art which is literally pasted onto the wall using an adhesive made from flour and water.
Paste up
Woodup – Similar to a paste up, however the stencil is imprinted on wood and then pasted up. This little guy, Nicky Nailed It, is literally everywhere in Los Angeles, often in the least expected places!
Tips & Advice:
The Downtown LA Graffiti and Mural tour is offered on Thursdays and Saturdays at 11:30 am. The cost is $12.
The tour starts outside of Dejavita Boutique at 533 Colyton Street.
You’ll walk around 2 miles over the course of 2.5 hours.
You will be continuously walking and standing for the majority of the tour. It might might not appeal to younger children.
Proper attire and walking shoes highly recommended.
After the tour, consider exploring the area on your own…
You never know what you might find!
Work in progress
Lady Aiko
Kid Wiseman
Risk Rock
Fnnch
WRDSMTH
Anti Girl
The Most Famous Artist
Klassy
Padhia Avocado
*As you can see my street art collection has grown substantially in recent months, and I’m still collecting, so stay tuned for more discoveries from both near and far…
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Artist: Kirk Jullum
My favorite street art discovery of the day was this Mini Heros mural painted in 2009 by three indivduals known as KEB, WAND and BUTR. Miraculously it’s still in existence! What could be better than street art and superheros?!
Wandering along Mission Street we went as far as Lilac Alley, located half a block from the 24th Street Bart Station. The Alley is 2 blocks long between Mission and Capp Streets, and is lined on both sides with vibrant murals.
I love art museums too, but there’s something so wonderful about a giant piece of art out there in the open for everyone to enjoy. You might just see it out of the corner of your eye as you walk or drive by, but if you do have the time or inclination, its there for you to admire at your leisure any time of day or night. Stay as long as you’d like, or take a 
