A Guide to San Francisco Murals and the Artists Who Make Them

San Francisco isn't just one of the most colorful cities in the country, it has some of the greatest public art and murals in the world. There are a wealth of local artists who regularly pay homage to the city and its disparate neighborhoods, but certain aesthetic threads run throughout, thanks to the most prolific local artists. What follows is a guide to who's making what, and treasure maps to locate each individual's current public works.

JEREMY FISH 

Based in San Francisco for the last 25 years, Jeremy Fish's public works are visual odes to the city, honoring local landmarks, wildlife and businesses. Though his Bronze Bunny outside the Haight Street Art Center is arguably his most famous piece of public art, North Beach is the real treasure trove of his work, both in murals and local business signage. His designs also grace his very own collection of clothes and home accessories at Upper Playground–as well as its storefront.

SIRRON NORRIS

You know the blue teddy bears. You can't miss the blue teddy bears. Whether it's the Bad Hombre at the end of Clarion Alley, or the walls of the Children's Health Center at S.F. General, these smiling blue friends can be found all over San Francisco, thanks to Sirron Norris' dedication to the city he's lived in for more than two decades.

Famously, Norris was also the lead artist on Bob's Burgers—there was uproar when his Bob and Linda Belcher mural on 20th and Bryant was painted over last year. But Norris also finds the time share his talent in art classes, for both kids and seniors.

FNNCH

fnnch is responsible for the nuggets of joy you find nestled in corners all over the city, in his bright bird murals and hallmark honey bears, and the giant poppies transforming otherwise anonymous walls. His series of enormous multicolored lips provide some of the most Instagram-able art in San Francisco, but each and every one of his pieces makes the city a more cheerful place to be.

FEW AND FAR WOMEN

Few and Far is an all-female collective of street artists, muralists and skateboarders from all over the country. Its Bay Area contingent consists of Ursula Xanthe Young, known for her memorable depictions of both the San Francisco skyline and dreamy female figures; Dime, who combines traditional graffiti scripts with a fine-art sensibility; and Agana who creates thought-provoking murals inspired by social movements and urban communities. Though the group's San Francisco pieces are limited right now, go on the hunt in the East Bay and keep your eyes peeled for new work coming soon.

APEXER

Abstract street artist APEXER creates mind-bending murals with mathematical precision and striking color schemes. His design work includes Outside Lands stages and walls at businesses and private residences. Last year, he created art to accompany the de Young Museum's Summer of Love exhibit. His murals dot major cities across the country, from the Bay Area to New York City.

SAM FLORES

With a background in hip-hop, skateboarding and graffiti, Sam Flores' art has been interwoven with San Francisco street culture for well over a decade. His ultra-detailed work conjures hyper-realities, combining wistful women and mysterious men with strange animals and locales. Flores clearly keeps himself busy too. He has a line of prints, clothing and textiles at Upper Playground, has transformed his drawings into three-dimensional vinyl figurines and giant sculptures, designed a shoe with Adidas, and even customized motorcycles. His designs can be found around the city, and the world, in cities as far flung as Copenhagen and Barcelona. No wonder people keep getting tattoos of his work.