Monday Mural: apartment upgrade

Someone was inspired to repaint the facade of this Victorian era apartment building.  The Pow! Wow! feel reminds me of Peter Max. This building now sparkles on a corner of a sketchy neighborhood on San Pablo Avenue in West Oakland.  I spoke to some of the neighbors who seem happy with the results and are proud to know the artist.

If you like murals or have a mural you'd like to post, this meme's for you.  Just follow the Linky steps below.  You get to decide what constitutes a mural.  Be sure to link back to this blog and visit your fellow posters.  Looking forward to the mural finds posted this week. 

blue and white tiles

More Oakland tiled buildings.  This one is on San Pablo Avenue at about 59th St.

Monday Mural: Street Tattoo

This large mural celebrating the cultural diversity of Oakland is under the 980 freeway on San Pablo Avenue and 22nd St.  It was done in 1982 which makes it one of the oldest Oakland murals I've encountered.  Street Tattoo is the name given by the artists.  It's beautifully executed but in terrible shape due to long exposure to water runoff.  I've driven this street countless times and only today noticed it for the first time.  How is that possible?  For more murals, click here, here, and here.  I think a mural meme is in the works.  Would you participate?

Monday Mural: The Lord is my Shephard

The St. Vincent de Paul Community Center has recently added murals painted by local clients based on the 23rd Psalm.  The artistry is naïf but heartfelt.  Go here, here, and here for more murals.

ABC Wednesday: G is for Greyhound

The Greyhound bus service was founded in 1914 and appears to be going strong with 25 million passengers a year.  The Oakland terminal was built in the 30s but doesn't have many deco features except maybe the sign.  This is an iconic image that has survived the decades.  For other "G" images, visit ABC Wednesday for visual treats from around the world.  Also linked to Leslie's Signs Signs.

small church, big name

Another storefront church.  Isn't the name wonderful?

Skywatch Friday: Oakland's Greyhound Bus Station

The Greyhound Station is located at 22nd St. and San Pablo Avenue.  This is an edgy neighborhood that is on the cusp of being transformed by the new condos in the area.  Still, a security guard meets everyone at the entrance to the waiting room (under the blue dome).  I think this station was built in the 30s, but there is no vestige of the deco era either inside or out.  For more Skywatch Friday photos, click here.