San Francisco, California

In the spring of 2011, I moved to San Francisco for an internship with a feminist, anti-war organization. My first day in the city was also the first day of the Egyptian Revolution. I joined a solidarity rally in the Civic Center and spent the following 8 months working closely with a radical group of anti-war activists pulling off actions, demonstrations, and public spectacles for social justice.

Women’s Building in Mission, which housed my internship office.

A bus spotted in Berkeley

From Civic Center

Mexico City, Mexico

Mexico City is such a sight for murals. But there’s a catch!

In order to get the best look at the street art - you must visit before the city wakes up. We hit the Zocalo and surrounding neighborhoods well before store fronts were open and caught a look at dozens and dozens of murals affixed to the metal security gates on store fronts that would otherwise be rolled up during working business hours. Sipping a coffee and strolling through the quiet streets of Mexico City, visiting with the endless rows of faces and creatures painted to the doors was such a joy.

Medellin, Colombia

In November 2018, Mural Map LA creator Chelsea Byers visited Medellin, Colombia. Once the “Most Dangerous City in the World,” Medellin has been transformed by artwork and public transportation, bringing great hope and opportunity for all communities.

In the 6 day trip, Chelsea walked many miles across the city and found dozens of murals. The highlight of the trip was a visit to Comuna 13, a neighborhood that built a series of escalators through the winding hillside and brought with it, a public street art gallery that is ever unfolding!

Medellin is situated within a valley surrounded by many mountains and hills. The Cable Cars created greater access to the hillside communities and gave residents much-needed transportation to navigate their daily lives.

Aside from Comuna 13, public art and murals thrived throughout the rest of Medellin. There were full boulevards and streets lined with murals. Underpasses and freeway pillars were adorned with curated mural work. Even the hotel we stayed at, The Charlee, had murals lining the staircases, parking garage, and outside alongside the 14 story tower!