The Mission District’s alleys and buildings are home to over 200 distinct murals, many reflecting the Latino heritage of the neighborhood. The Mission District is a virtual outdoor art gallery full of vibrant murals. Hundreds of walls and fences in the neighborhood serve as canvases for colorful works of art featuring themes ranging from cultural heritage to social political statements.
Points of Interest:
Murals first appeared along Balmy Alley in the mid-1980s in response to human rights and political corruption in central America. Since then, themes have expanded to include gentrification and government injustice.
Inspired by Balmy Alley and other murals around the neighborhood, Clarion Alley is known for community and arts activities. More than 700 murals have been created since 1992, speaking to community concerns of social, economic, and environmental justice.
The Women’s Building is internationally recognized for its MaestraPeace Mural, which honors women’s contributions from around the world. Painted in 1994 across two walls, this mural is the result of collaboration between seven women artists.
Known as the “Golden Dreams of the Mission,” the Carnaval Mural is located above the House of Breaks on the corner of 24th Street and South Van Ness Avenue, and checks in at an impressive 1,800 square feet. Originally painted in 1983 by muralist Daniel Galvez with the help of local artists Dan Fontes, Keith Sklar, Jaime Morgan, Eduardo Pineda and Jan Sheild, the painting celebrates the city's first Carnaval event in 1979.
Many people looking to explore the area murals come to the Precita Eyes Mural Arts and Visitor Center, and for good reason. This community-based non-profit is filled with works by local artists and offers tours (both self-guided and guided) that cover the murals' history, cultural and historical significance.
Photos courtesy of https://www.sftourismtips.com/mission-district-murals.html
The best way to learn more about the Mission District murals is through a walking tour, so take a walk over to these locations for an up-close experience!
For more information:
https://clarionalleymuralproject.org/
https://www.7x7.com/take-a-walking-tour-of-the-missions-vibrant-street-art-1787152350.html
