I found it interesting that when I asked top travel bloggers to share photos of their favorite Canadian and American street art, nearly all sent photos of people. Is this a trend in North America, or simply a coincidence?
I am a huge fan of street art, generally preferring the colourful and fun over the political, but really I like it all. Street art tells a story in images, something we can all understand, or at least ponder over for a while.
Canadian and American street art are the second in my series of Street Art Around the World.
Canadian Street Art
Toronto, Ontario
Toronto’s Rush Lane has one of the largest and densest collections of street art in the world. Hundreds of murals extend for over a kilometer. Nearby Chinatown has its own graffiti alley.
Photo contributed by Lance and Laura of Travel Addicts. See more at A Walk Through Graffiti Alley in Toronto.
Quebec City, Quebec
Photo contributed by Paula McInerney of Contented Traveller.
Montreal, Quebec
Photo contributed by Paula McInerney of Contented Traveller.
Vancouver, British Columbia
Hidden in Downtown Vancouver off of Cordova Street is one of the most impressive street art mural collections we’ve ever discovered.
Photo contributed by Lance and Laura of Travel Addicts. See more at Vancouver’s Surprising Street Art Murals
American Street Art
Portland, Oregon
Starting the American street art section with a shot I took, this piece is from one of the Lovejoy Columns. From 1948 to 1952, long before street art was popular a railway watchman kept himself occupied by painting on these columns, often from the top of train box cars as they waited at the crossings. See more at A Relaxing Day in Portland.
San Francisco, California
San Francisco is a city defined by its urban art. Murals in the Mission District depict everything from struggle, to satire, to cultural legacies lost. This Art by CK1
Photo contributed by Taylor and Daniel of Travel Outlandish. See more at Gritty is Pretty: Street Art in San Francisco, USA
Austin, Texas
The city of Austin is the least ‘Texas’ thing about The Lone Star State. Populated by ultra cool looking people and decorated in impressive street art, Austin has got it going on. Some of the most notable street art in Austin is found at Castlehill, close to the hipster So Co area. We actually took advantage of the skilled artwork during the photo shoot of our secret elopement in Austin, posing in front of the Frida Kahlo print (not shown). Other cool spots to find is the ‘I love you so much’ wall as well as the ‘I hate you so much’ counter graffiti! Snapping street art is one of the many cool things to do in Austin.
Photo contributed by Gemma of Two Scots Abroad. Photo Credit: Corey Mendez Photography for Two Scots Abroad.
Astoria New York City, New York
Street art from Toofly Welling Court, Astoria, Queens, New York City.
Photo contributed by Ben and Jazzy of Road Affair.
Rapid City, South Dakota
Located between 6th and 7th street in downtown Rapid City, Art Alley is a fluid display of color and culture.
Photo contributed by Lisa of Lisa Kerner – Simply Living Photography. See more at Happy 4th of July, and a Little Art Randomness.
Brooklyn New York City, New York
Entitled Dream this was painted by Iranian street artists Icy and Sot
Photo contributed by Paula Morgan of Expert Abroad. See more at Finding Street Art in New York City.
The Street Around the World series includes:
Five World Regions
Two Artistic Expressions
Often larger than life, creating street art takes a certain set of skills. If you’re thinking about becoming a street artist, this “cookbook” might be useful: Street Art Cookbook: Street Art Cookbook: A Guide to Techniques and Materials.
Do you see a style difference between the Canadian and American street art?
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Claudya says
I love street art. Happy to see my beautiful city of San Francisco represented.
Rhonda Albom says
I love Street Art and San Francisco.
indah nuria says
Those are beautiful displays of artworks, Rhonda. Interestingly, I have similar, if not exactly the same mural, in Welling Court Astoria, NYC, with the one shown in Brooklyn here :). I put it on my Wordless Wednesday last week and they are indeed the same.
Check it out here http://www.indahnuria.com/2016/07/ww-welling-court-mural-project-astoria.html
Cheers from NYC
Rhonda Albom says
Interesting that you both shot the same mural. I looked it up on the artists page, and changed my caption above. I was pretty sure that was going the be what I found, as your second shot has you standing in front of the art. I know sometimes when I get home at night and download my photos for the day, I get a bit confused as to which one was where. Thanks.
Ruth Daly says
I’ve never really taken much notice of street art until last year when I was in London. Now I’m completely fascinated by it and find myself looking for it whatever city I’m in. Really enjoyed your blog – great pics!
Rhonda Albom says
I’ve been on walking tours of street art and they have totally drawn me in.
Lauren says
Love this roundup!! So many great websites to check out, not to mention all those beautiful urban landscapes that I need to add to my must-visit list.
Rhonda Albom says
And there are a lot of places with urban art. Too many to see them all.
Jackie says
I have many posts about Canadian and US street art. They are filed under “mural”.
I also have a lot of Mexican murals,
Rhonda Albom says
Thank you for that. You have photos of a wide range of street art, some of it quite elaborate.
Comedy Plus says
I’ve seen some lovely street art that the gang bangers have tagged. It’s a shame. I do love it though.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Rhonda Albom says
Sounds like you have some pretty rough thugs in your neighborhood. Too bad they spoil things for everyone.
stevebethere says
Love these they are absolutely stunning I can’t even pick a favourite it wouldn’t be fair all talented artists
Have an artistictastic day Rhonda 🙂
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, I gave you a challenge I couldn’t do either. They are all my favourites of what was submitted. That’s how they ended up here.
bettyl - NZ says
I often wonder if the artists that do this type of art go on to do different types. I admire their talent so much.
Rhonda Albom says
Interesting thought, and I hope so.
Gemma says
I really am such a big fan of street art. This article displays such lovely work! Thanks for featuring us!
Rhonda Albom says
Yes, and your submission has such a cool story to go with it.
Hilary says
Hi Rhonda – what a wonderful idea … and yes street art is extraordinary … so creative and so amazing … cheers Hilary
Rhonda Albom says
Thanks Hilary.
Melody Lassalle says
I love street art. I am always in awe how one turns out such beautiful works on such a large imperfect surface.
This is a neat representation of different styles. I like the Asian themed mural. I also like the simplicity of Dream. This is a neat representation of different styles.
Rhonda Albom says
It was fun pulling it all together.
Amy says
LOVE street art! Some people are really clever
Rhonda Albom says
It always amazes me when people can visualize what something that big will look like before they start.