BACKGROUND and vision

The Laurel District Association has helped to facilitate the creation and promotion of murals found throughout our vibrant commercial corridor which spans Oakland’s MacArthur Boulevard from 35th Avenue to High Street. Mural projects were supported using the business district’s “identity budget,” Assessments (annual fees paid by property owners), grants secured from Visit Oakland and Center for Biological Diversity, and some private contributions from business owners. In some cases, our involvement was simply introducing a business owner to a local artist, and they took it from there.

Enough property owners supported our vision of a district immersed in large-scale visual art that it helped the initiative to gain momentum and encourage other owners, businesses, and artists to participate. The Laurel believes that art is needed — not just to spruce up a community — but to give it a unique, artistic identity that celebrates diversity and cultural expression. From live music, street festivals, and visual arts, supporting creative expression helps inspire and grow the district.

Video interviews with artists were created by YouthBeat, an organization that helps underserved Oakland youth reach for their dreams and succeed. They educate, empower, and employ teens and young adults, creating a career pipeline for low-income youth of color in the media industry. Find out more at youthbeat.org.

HELP BRING MORE ART TO THE LAUREL:

 

Take the Tour

Use the Map or scroll down for in-depth info on each mural and its artist(s) organized from 35th Avenue to High Street as you explore MacArthur Boulevard in The Laurel.

Note: Some of the murals will be on the side of the building indicated.

 

3525 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

Fernando “Rush” Santos Ortiz
MURAL NAME: "Civil Rights"
MURAL DATE: 2021

Fernando grew up in Oakland and works as a visual artist, muralist, and is the founder of Beast Oakland clothing.

"Civil Rights” memorializes Oakland native Fred Toyosaburo Korematsu, Gonzalo Mendez, Felicitas Mendez, and John Lewis; all leaders who stood up for others and for the civil rights of all.

Muralist Fernando Santos Interview - "Oakland Civil Rights"

 

3535 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

Robin Gibson
MURAL NAME: "JAzzsWINGS"

Robin Gibson Interview - "JAZZSWINGS"

 

3647 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

Pancho Pescador
MURAL NAME: "Offering Of Peace, Love & Abundance"
MURAL DATE: 2024

Pancho is a visual artist and muralist, originally from Chile. He has created over 200 murals in Oakland.

Created in the style of magic realism, this mural honors female energy and the connectedness of life and nature. It is a testament to the spiritual and ceremonial roots of Latin American culture. 

This mural was supported by AVA COMMUNITY ENERGY.

Your local not-for-profit electricityprovider is a proud sponsor of this mural.

 

3814 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

Day Pollini
TrASH CAN MURAL

 

3900 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

Fernando “Rush” Santos Ortiz & ROGER PEET
MURAL NAME: “A BEAR-SHAPED HOLE”
MURAL DATE: 2017

Fernando grew up in Oakland and works as a visual artist, muralist, and is the founder of Beast Oakland clothing.

Roger Peet is an artist in Portland, OR. He coordinated the Endangered Species Mural Project for the Center for Biological Diversity, of which these murals are a part.

"A Bear-Shaped Hole" depicts the absence of the California Grizzly; a majestic species which is featured on the California flag, but has been eliminated from the state.

Muralist Fernando Santos Interview - "A Bear-Shaped Hole"

 

4055 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

Xochitl Nevel Guerrero
MURAL NAME: "Our Future is in the Hands of Mother Earth"
MURAL DATE: 2024

Xochitl was raised in Oakland and is an artist of fine arts, crafts and murals. One of her earliest murals was a collaboration with her father, Raymundo “Zala” Nevel, in the Fruitvale district.

Zala ran the Galeria Teocalli in the early 1970's in the Laurel district. Xochitl founded her art business Taller Xochicura in 2013.

This work honors Mother Earth and emphasizes the need to focus on what's important in life: preservation of the Earth, the natural elements, the future of our children and all humanity.

 

4055 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

ROBERTO GUERRERO
MURAL NAME: "HEROES"
MURAL DATE: 2024

Roberto was born in Newark and moved to Oakland in the 1970's where he studied art at several local colleges.

He memorializes some of his personal heroes, including his father-in-law, Raymundo “Zala” Nevel; Greg Morozumi, co-founder of Eastside Cultural Center; Marcus Holder, activist and longshoreman; indigenous Californians; Han Wong; the new multicultural generation; and his nephew, Cesar Sopelario.

 

4100 MacArthur Blvd.

AZTEC DANCER

VIVE Y DEJA VIVIR

 
 

Pancho PeScador
MURAL NAME: "Aztec Dancer"
MURAL DATE: 2019

MURAL NAME:  "Vive y deja Vivir"
MURAL DATE:  2020

Pancho is a visual artist and muralist, originally from Chile. He has created over 200 murals in Oakland.

"The Aztec Dancer” and "Vive y deja Vivir” honor Mexican culture and the color and vibrancy it brings to Oakland.

 

Muralist Pancho Pescador Interview - "Aztec Dancer"

 

4166 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

Roberto Gonzalez and William Kavner
MURAL NAME: "Feathered Serpent"
MURAL DATE: 2022

Last Ones is a collective of artists with an extensive background in graffiti, street art, murals, branding and design.

“Feathered Serpent” represents the abundance of life and the importance of cultural and spiritual relevance in our community; emphasizing healthy food sources and choices for Oakland.

Muralists Roberto Gonzalez Interview - "Feathered Serpent"

 

4173 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

AMEND & MIKE TYAU
MURAL NAME: "STANDING TALL"
MURAL DATE: 2021

Amend is a multi-disciplinary self-taught artist from Oakland California and works predominantly with the aerosol medium.  Amend’s style is influenced by traditional Mexican Muralism, yet maintains the grit and raw nature of his Urban Graffiti Roots.

Amend is also a part of TDK Collective. TDK is nationally and internationally respected, known for both their mural projects and  dedication to Aerosol Art.

The intention for this mural is to give the viewer an interactive piece to engage with. Using perspective, we created a feeling of standing with the trees. That said, once a mural is complete, the interpretation is left to the viewer.

 

4233 MacArthur Blvd.

 
 

John “Prime” Hina
MURAL NAME: "HUMMINGBIRD"
MURAL DATE: 2010

Prime has been an artist for over 50 years and now resides in Hawaii. He has created several murals in Oakland.

Hummingbird is the representation of an old story of a hummingbird trying to put out a fire drop by drop while others look on and mock. He equates it with the importance of every life doing what they can to help, the resiliency of Oaklanders and their day to day struggles.