Take our tour to see 10 marvelous murals in central Phoenix

Learn more about 10 marvelous murals located in central Phoenix, and then go see them for yourself.

Murals remind us that there’s beauty all around us. They teach us to pause and really take in not just the beauty of the mural itself but our surroundings in general. It’s an easy thing to forget about, which is why murals are so important.

Fortunately, these large-scale pieces of art are plentiful throughout downtown Phoenix, so for my own mural tour, I stuck to central Phoenix. I had driven by many of these murals but had never really taken the time to really savor them. I must admit, it was a pleasant way to spend a Friday morning.

Here’s more about how to find these murals and what to expect. I’ve also noted artists’ names when I could find them. (If you’re looking for even more murals, you can find them using this handy map.)

1. White Dove Thrift Shoppe

Address: 2771 E. Indian School Road

Artist: Kyllan Maney

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

This thrift shop—one of four total locations in the Valley—benefits the Hospice of the Valley. The shop is well-curated, and it’s worth peering inside the expansive windows next time you’re in the neighborhood. We spotted a Samsung flat-panel TV in the window when we took this picture. This long mural features a dark blue background that’s decorated with plenty of flowers for a psychedelic look. What we love most is the vibrant bold colors of this mural that was finished just a few weeks ago. Fine artist Kyllan Maney created this piece. It says it’s for Robert Maney beneath her name.

2. Zong Smoke and Vape

Address: 2501 E. Indian School Road

Artist: Jesse Perry, AKA Mr. Downtown Phoenix

This mural is emblazoned (get it?) on the side of Zong Smoke and Vape shop. It’s also right next to the Moda Pelo Salon Spa, if you’re having trouble finding it. The mural is fitting for a smoke shop. The vibrant mural evokes desert imagery coupled with animals blazin’ up. We love the vibrant prickly pear and stunning Arizona sunset featured. The animal smoking with his sunglasses propped up always looks like he’s one cool dude, as does the snake smoking in the same mural. Although we’re not quite sure what the largest animal in the mural is, we love the texture in the painting. According to artist Jesse Perry’s website, “His technique often fuses an array of bold colors with imaginative imagery. Jesse’s style combines abstract elements with a touch of surrealism, offering viewers a glimpse into his imaginative world.”

3. Belly Kitchen and Bar

Address: 4971 N. 7th Avenue

Artist: @shellshaker

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

The white, narrow building that houses Asian fusion restaurant Belly features a dynamic mural. The eye-catching mural features a woman with long black hair that wraps around from the side to the front. Her eyes are closed, and her face features an open third eye on her forehead for a spiritual feel to it. A black moon starts the mural and is to the left of her face. A ribbon of yellow wraps around from the beginning to the end for some continuity.

4. Shell on Missouri Avenue and 12th Street

Address: 1201 E. Missouri Avenue

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

One of the things we love most about murals is that they can pop up in unexpected places. Like at this gas station. This mural that faces 12th street features plenty of classic cartoon characters. Specifically, Wile E. Coyote is chasing the Road Runner with a desertscape (maybe Monument Valley?) in the background. Marvin the Martian is in his spaceship. Our favorite character? Bugs Bunny munching on a Snickers bar with a yellow Shell in the background.

5. Pizza Heaven Bistro

Address: 5150 N. 7th Street

Artist: Estevan Curiel

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

Pizza Heaven Bistro has been family-owned and operated since 1982. The restaurant serves mostly Italian food and even has an entirely vegan menu too. Pizzas are hand tossed and baked in a brick oven. There’s actually two murals near this restaurant. The one in the parking lot features a heavenly scene—we can only assume it’s a nod to this spot’s name—with a sun either rising or setting with lush green grass and a river underneath. The whole scene is framed by vines that are decorated with grapes and flowers. Don’t miss the second mural that’s on the side and faces a car shop. This one features a smiling woman wearing a crown of sorts. She is surrounded by flowers.

6. Free Arts for Abused Children

Address: 352 E. Camelback Road

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

It’s more than fitting that a charity that supports the healing power of the arts for children who have experienced trauma would have a striking mural right on Camelback. The prominent mural features a young girl holding a crayon who has presumably created the drawing to her right. The colorful drawing features trees, cacti, a dark sky, water and a moon. The entire piece brightens up the road and is something we look forward to seeing every time we drive down Camelback.

7. Hollyrock

Address: 537 E. Camelback Road

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

On the side of the neighborhood bar Hollyrock is a mural that sits behind some parking spaces. This mural features a fiery phoenix rising, a colorful sky and a desert landscape dotted with cacti and agave. Another interesting feature? The billboards—some of which are blank and others which feature a dartboard and a scene of patrons drinking.

8. Joe’s Diner

Address: 4515 N 7th Avenue

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

This colorful mural on the side of Joe’s Diner—known for its buttermilk pancakes and homemade biscuits and gravy—reminds you that you have driven into Phoenix’s Melrose neighborhood. What we loved most about this expansive mural was its many different colors and textures. The word Melrose is in bright green letters with pink buildings below. Further down, the mural features a wave pattern with a blue desert background underneath. There’s plenty to feast your eyes on with this mural.

9. Knee Deep Melrose/Fry Bread House

Address: 4519 N. 7th Avenue

Artists: @Breeze1phx, David Calvillo

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

This colorful mural is in the parking lot of vintage clothing shop Knee Deep Melrose, just a stone’s throw away from the Fry Bread House. One side features a mostly light blue background accented by miniature people and a circle with a ray of light emanating from its center. The artist’s name in the corner is @breeze1phx.

The other mural on the other side of the wall features a darker scene. Quite literally. The stormy gray and purple skies are outfitted with dark clouds. It’s an interesting scene though. A rabbit in an oversized T-shirt is one of the creatures depicted. A dinosaur is also featured along with what may be a fry bread taco with wings. We’re not sure. Either way, it’s a captivating site. The mural is signed with Thunder Iron 2018.

10. HTC Studios

Address: 4624 N. 7th Avenue

Artist: Nyla Lee

Photo courtesy of Teresa K. Traverse.

HTC Studios is a piercing and tattoo studio with two locations in the Valley. The Central Phoenix location features a striking pastel mural that we had to see up close. You can only see this one if you’re driving toward Camelback Road and not if you turn from Camelback onto 7th Avenue. What we loved most were the bold pastel colors of the mural. It felt feminine in an interesting way. A woman with her nose pierced (naturally) is holding a crystal that appears to be glowing and giving off a light green glow. There are also a few butterflies and a tiger in this mural.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.

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