MuralsTour: Ranch residents and 8Ar’s Bob and Janelle Authur, Pamela Kalbfleisch, Vicki Froistad, and Debbie and Steve Chapman in the Tucson Gallery shop after enjoying “Tucson’s Ultimate Mural Tour.” Each letter in the “Tucson” background showcases a mural or other site viewed on the tour. (Photo by Tom Heath)
Janelle Authur
Always looking for something different to do, an adventuresome group of Unit 8Ar’s ventured to downtown Tucson for a tour of the city’s murals on March 28.
The three-hour trolley tour, dubbed “Tucson’s Ultimate Mural Tour,” highlights the city’s street art, showcasing over 50 bold and vibrant murals. The tour began at the Tucson Gallery on Congress Street, wound through downtown Tucson, Fourth Avenue, the Warehouse Arts District, the Mercado St. Augustin, Barrio Viejo, the Transportation Museum, and beyond.
As the trolley passed through various neighborhoods, the guide entertained passengers with stories behind the murals—his personal talks with the artists, their inspiration, and how each particular mural came to be. He described the approval processes and challenges the artists go through to paint the murals on buildings and pointed out specific “messages” left by some of the artists in their artwork.
The tour also highlighted public art and memorials and their connection to Tucson’s heritage and spirit.
If you are looking for a fun afternoon without walking, all who attended would recommend this tour. For more information on this tour and others, go to tucsontrolleytours.com.