Weekends are a time for exploring and enjoying the weird and wonderful things that The Bay Area has to offer. Artists have created some fun pubic art to see throughout SF and Oakland and with the weather mostly sunny it’s time to put on those walking shoes and get out there.

Honestly, after writing the first American Steel article, I needed to lift myself up a bit and remember why I love the Bay Area so much. What better way to lift myself up but to share some of my favorite mystical, inventive, silly, adorable and totally Bay Area hopefully permanent interactive art pieces? Kid friendly -or- kid at heart friendly. Completely FREE.

Here is a list of must see heart-warming Bay Area spots to see art:
(in no particular order)

The Troll Trail

Still called The Bridgeview Trail on any map but now called The Troll Trail by those in the know. A completely DIY mini-hike filled with trolls made of found objects. 

Little Point Richmond – Fairy houses aplenty

Get yourself over to Point Richmond and walk the blocks around Washington to find tiny fairy houses in front of nearly every single house. I lost track of how many My Neighbor Totoro figurines I saw. To find this place, navigate to the corner of Washington and Nicholl Ave. in Point Richmond. This adventure is right by the small downtown area of Point Richmond – perfect for a lunch date!

Tiny Fairy Music Store in Point Richmond

Alameda Faery Doors

There is an interactive Google Map of dozens and dozens of faery doors hidden on the island of Alameda! I haven’t explored them all yet but they are on my list.

Albany Bulb

Once a landfill that no one wanted to deal with, this is basically an ever-changing outdoor art exhibit featuring interactive art and industrial art which often uses found objects. It’s been around for over 50 years if you can believe it. Spend an afternoon there and wander around -or- if you want, you can also volunteer to keep it going for more decades to come.

Explore SF and East Bay Ghost Signs

Fading images (usually old advertising) you can barely see on the exterior building walls are “ghost signs”. I’m not sure if this is an art project but moreso looking at old art. A google map created by Artist Kasey Smith shows you where you can find ghost signs and take yourself on a self-guided tour in SF and she’s been working hard to complete the East Bay locations as well. She also leads tours so keep an eye out for those!

1900 Broadway, Oakland. Image by sfghostsigns

Ghost sign google map

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