Street art is sometimes regarded as vandalism and urban blight. But in San Francisco it's considered part of life's rich tapestry, a reflection of the Bay Area's colorful history, radical politics and diverse population. Ever since Diego Rivera picked up a paintbrush to create his first SF mural in 1930, the city's sidewalk artists have viewed walls as oversized canvases, and in recent years the artworks have spread beyond their Mission district heartland to other parts of the city. As author of Stencil Nation, Russell is the perfect guy to help you paint the town red. And other colors.
Proceeds from my street art tour go to restoring and creating murals at a community art center.
Whether you see street art and graffiti as art or vandalism, San Francisco walks a fine line between the legal, quasi-legal, and illegal-illegal. Local curator Russell will show you all of it, helping you discover a subculture you might otherwise miss. Warning: This tour may lead to missed buses and BART trains due increased time spent staring at the ground and walls around you.
Make your way through the alleys, parks, streets, and lots of San Francisco. Russell will offer expert explanations for the constantly changing art that livens the city!
IMPORTANT NEWS: PLEASE READ!
This tour available for WEEKENDS ONLY! Last minute bookings usually DO NOT work.
LARGE PARTY (5-6 people)? Weekday tours are possible with enough notice to schedule the time.
PARTY OF ONE? Please contact me for single tour rates and opportunities!
Thanks for being interested in sharing art in the streets with me.
Hey there, I've been wandering the streets of San Francisco and staring at the walls, poles, fences, and sidewalks, since 1997. The City's urban landscapes can be filled with graffiti, murals, stickers, stencils, and other creative styles. I have been documenting, writing about, and making stencils since 1995. In 2008, I wrote the book "Stencil Nation: Graffiti, Community, and Art." It has over 500 photos, 400 artists, from 28 countries. I also have a website (since 2002) with over 20,000 photographs of street art documented. I have exhibited art shows as well as written essays for art books. Go here for more info: www.stencilarchive.org Full profile