Today I volunteered as an “art ambassador” for Wide Open Walls. I followed a route and checked in with the artists to see if they needed anything. Emily Ding:

Kosono Okina:

Patrick “Kane” McGregor:

Ana Valentine:

The best part is still coming. Going back later to see the finished murals.

Today’s route was all downtown – a pain using a car, much easier on a bike. I parked in Old Sac. I couldn’t find the first artist, Bryan Valenzuela in Firehouse Alley:

The next four artists were all in Improv Alley between 7th & 8th:

In Merchant Alley, the artist 2 Hermano:

The artist 594evah painted a tribute to Danny Sandoval, a well-known local musician:

And this very special moment:


Diana Ormanzhi:

Paige Woolford:

My last stop of the day. Raphael Delgado:

Raphael said he chose to do this mural because he thought everyone could use a hug during our current challenging times. So true.

I volunteered this year at Wide Open Walls. The Sacramento mural festival was first conceived as an idea to activate spaces in alleyways and buildings throughout Sacramento. I was called an Art Ambassador. I drove a route to visit all the art but mostly to see if the working artist needed anything.

Jose De Gregorio:

Ana Valentine:

At Canon Restaurant:

Michele Murtaugh & Paige:

E.O.N.75 aka Max Ehrman:

Keya Tama:

Edgewater Rd:


Finished! Allison Bamcat signing her art:

Spencer Keaton Cunningham:

Shane Grammer:

Kirileigh Jones:

MJ Lindo-Lawyer:

Brandon Gastinell:

Shonna McDaniels:

Lily Mott:

Lisa Elias:


I had a lot of nice chats with artists, no one needed anything. I especially enjoyed listening to Lisa Elias as she analyzed her work from across the street.

Lisa also recommended the restaurant across the street: Casa Tulum. In addition to good food, I am supposed to check out more of her work in the bathroom. I’m going to do that!

I wanted to show Billie some of Wide Open Walls and other public art downtown. This is Coloring Book by Jeff Koons, an $8 million piece in front of the Golden 1 Center.


We rode from my house for a total of 23 miles.

This morning Thais and I took a 2 hr, 3 mi walking tour of the mural projects going on in Sacramento right now.
Shepard Fairey’s Johnny Cash, 15 stories tall, looks toward Folsom Prison:Grizzly bears and golden poppies are requested elements.
The entrance to an alley of public art including the dumpsters.
A very long post but worth it, right?