September – December, 2020
We have been captivated by street art and murals. Austin got us started searching for the planned, unplanned, pop-up and gonzo visions of artists equipped with a paint brush and cans of latex and/or enamel paint, spray paint, and even at times a handful of sharpies. Tucson got us excited about the variety of expression, the whimsy, political, cultural and philosophical statements, the wide array of drawing styles, and color used in murals. We’ve found street art and murals in unexpected places like Boulder City, Tucumcari and Tijuana, and enjoyed the hunt for art in Las Vegas, Flagstaff, and now Phoenix. Every place is a little different, and each has its own idiosyncrasy.
The epi-center for Phoenix street art begins on Street One and 1/2 (!) – also known as Roosevelt Row.
We started searching out murals and street art in this museum of sorts in the Coronado neighborhood of Phoenix. One and 1/2 Street is a quiet little stretch that’s part street, part alley, and covered in dozens of colorful murals by local artists. We traveled down the street and then sought out additional pieces by walking around the neighborhood, expanding our search a little further to explore the Oak Street Alley murals nestled between 14th and 15th streets. Into our car for our own treasure hunt. Enjoy.
Oh yeah…let’s us know of your favorite(s).
Teddy Roosevelt
While we didn’t leave ourselves enough time to forage about to find and experience the more than 90 murals in downtown Phoenix what we did find was pretty cool.
Barbara and Brian
Aimless Wanderings 
What a cool way to express yourself! I love the hummingbirds and Teddy’s quotes!
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Hey Twisted Sister…never know what you’ll find wandering about in this crazy life. Thanks for loyally reading and commenting on our ramblings…and , yeah, I thought the TR quotes were apropos at this time in the US
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Holy cow! That was a lot to see! I think my favorite might be “You Are Amazing,” though I thoroughly enjoyed most of them. The sort-of Banksy-inspired kid with a watering can was interesting, and big Teddy on the glass (office presumably?) building was fascinating, too! Of course, all I can think of when I see Roosevelt is Rap Battles of History. (I’m not sure if they’d be your cup of tea, but we’ve watched many of them with Marty after we discovered the Lewis/Clark vs Bill/Ted rap battle. You can find them on YouTube, if you’re interested. Some are quite funny!)
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Hello and Greetings from somewhere out of the snow! Wow-what a beating our old stomping grounds has taken the last week or so…STAY WARM! Thanks for the feedback and tip to view Rap Battles of History-sounds like a hoot. Stay tuned-2 more blogs are nearing completion. Be Well and Safe
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Wow, I can’t believe all those murals are in one town! That’s inspiring. I love the range of styles and subjects. Thanks for a colorful moment on a grey February day!
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Grey days just suck…unless there’s a good read involved while wrapped in a warm throw with a cup of your favorite hot beverage! What’s interesting to me about mural art is that I believe graffiti gave life to this as an urban art form. Hope all is well.
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