Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Mission District Murals




San Francisco's Mission District is known for its colorful murals, a tradition fostered by the city's Mexican-American community in the 1970s. A walk along 24th Street between Valencia and York is especially wonderful, with vibrant Frida Kahlo-esque designs.

The Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitors Center at 2981 24th Street is the perfect place to start an impromptu tour. And you'll find more than 30 murals on Balmy Alley one block away. I wish I had brought more Polaroid film to photograph it. Next time!

(Photos above by Brooklyn-based home writer Jen Jafarzadeh L'Italien. You can find more on her lovely blog, Haystack Needle.)

10 comments:

Juniper said...

Wow- what great murals!! Love the pallet and underwater feel to some of them!

LenoreNeverM♡re said...

Charming~
Diego Rivera-esque as well!
Colors & public arts certainly bring some smiles~
xo

Sarah said...

These are stunning. I would love to spend some time here.

Melissa Blake said...

Absolutely beautiful!! :)

kimberj said...

Love these! Will have to explore next time we're there. Are you looking for more goodies for your ebay store? I'm a newby to your site and can't wait to see what you find :)

Giulia said...

Beautiful. I wish there were some murals like this within walking distance of me (as I go out to buy batteries in anticipation of power outages, grrr). I miss visiting SF so much & all the more since your posts began. (But I'm ever so glad that you did do them. Let me be clear about it.)

xo

Kristen said...

the bottom one reminds me of the magic school bus :-) Murals are such a joy. who doesn't love a stumbling upon a stunning peice of art while walking down the street. There should be more of them.
~K

Like a Cat said...

along with all the flowers, these murals are gorgeous!

Megan said...

Makes me miss my hometown SF!

alinitaxula said...

Love this murals, absolutely beatiful