Tag along into the lively streets of Concord, California, where the city’s downtown area has been transformed into an open-air gallery, thanks to its remarkable collection of 12 murals that have been crafted by talented artists over the years.
A Walking Tour of Concord Murals
Our walking tour of Concord murals was guided by Sage Loring, who, with his wife, Tori, remains the driving force behind this urban art movement. We strolled through the shaded streets, garages, and alleys of the downtown area, discovering not only murals but the essence of community collaboration. Sage’s passion for both art and organization was palpable.
Our journey through Concord’s streets was a tour through the history, culture, and people of the area. From manga masterpieces adorning a theater to wildlife wonders on garage walls, each mural unveiled a unique chapter in Concord’s narrative.
World-renowned muralist Emily Ding has at least three pieces along the mural walk. Her Falcon is an incredible starting point for the tour.
Manga Magic at the Theater
Our Concord mural tour continued with the dynamic strokes of manga, a form of Japanese comic book art, on the walls of the Brenden Theatres. It captures the energy and creativity pulsating through Concord’s streets. The bold characters seemed to leap off the walls.
The inclusion of manga along the mural walk sparks the imagination of young people in Concord, adding a layer of youthful dynamism to the cityscape.
Wildlife Wonders on Garage Walls
A turn into the nearby garage revealed a breathtaking red bunny suggesting Concord’s connection with nature. It was an unexpected encounter with the wild, reminding us that urban spaces can coexist harmoniously with the natural world.
Enchanting Nature Myths: A Citrus Sun, Lunar Magic, and Mythical Creature
Another turn reveals a captivating piece featuring Concord’s connection with mystical nature, a creation by the locally celebrated artist Arsenio Boca. It features a citrus-like sun that bathes the scene in warm hues. Lunar magic dances across the wall.
Our next stop on Concord’s mural tour continued the theme, with a work depicting endangered animals across nearby Mount Diablo. The inclusion of a purple cow was a negotiation point with the former owners. Industry, commerce, and art mix well with Sage at the helm.
The mythical creatures come to life — a leopard prowls with regal grace, an eagle soars majestically overhead, a wolf embodies primal wisdom, and a frog symbolizes transformation and renewal. Amidst all this, a beauty of a native woman exudes grace, and a Poseidon-like male figure commands the elements.
But this is what it looked like when it was still a work in progress during our visit:
Interactive Art: The Mural You Become
One mural encourages active participation. A blank canvas invited students to pick up a paintbrush and leave their mark. This interactive art piece demonstrates Concord’s commitment to inclusivity, transforming spectators into contributors and fostering a sense of collective ownership over the city’s artistic narrative.
The Captivating Murals of David Cho aka “HYDE” in Concord
David Cho aka “HYDE” lets his art do the talking as we do the walking.
Recognized as the premiere muralist in the area, he often attracts fellow artists who enjoy observing his creative process. His murals, from the magical Manga to a sepia-tone dragon, project his confidence in the ability of art to beautify unadorned spaces.
Mural Alley: A Symphony of Styles
Our mural odyssey reached its end at Mural Alley, a showcase of styles and themes that demonstrates the breadth of artistic expression in Concord. From abstract forms to cultural motifs, Mural Alley is a demonstration of the city’s commitment to providing a canvas for artists to experiment and push boundaries.
How to see the Concord, California Murals
To take a self-guided tour of the murals during your trip to Concord, visit the Visit Concord website and download a map here. You can also get information at the Concord Visitor Center at 2151 Salvio Street.
The author’s visit was sponsored by Visit Concord.
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- A visitor’s guide to Concord, California
- Eating in Concord, California: A Taco Trail and three great restaurants
