You’ve probably driven by at least one John Wehrle mural — it’s hard not to as they adorn some of the East Bay’s most well-traveled intersections. But if you’d like to stop and enjoy these mostly public artworks at your leisure, here’s a list of where to find eight of them in Richmond. (Click the John Wehrle bobblehead icons on the above map for information about what’s at each location.)
“Revisionist History of San Pablo Avenue” (1992-1995)
WHERE: The overdressing of Interstate 80 and San Pablo Avenue
NOTES: Commissioned by the city of Richmond, this work depicts Ohlone people, Mexican vaqueros, indigenous wildlife and contemporary residents meeting at a local gas station.
“Macdonald Gateway: Incorporating Past Perfect” (1989/modified 2010)
WHERE: Underneath Interstate 80 where it crosses Macdonald Avenue between Wilson and Nevin avenues
NOTES: Originally a mirror image depicting a mix of historical and contemporary passengers interacting with a 1908 ghost trolley; later modified to include adjoining walls with windows depicting vital geographic statistics.
“Monarchs” (2017)
WHERE: Richmond City Recreation Complex 3230 Macdonald Ave.
NOTES: Depicts a migration of butterflies and milkweed at adjacent Nicholl Park. Includes ghost dodos.
“Birdseye View, Richmond” (2009)
WHERE: Richmond City Council chambers, 26th Street and Barrett Avenue
NOTES: Portrays a view of the city from Wildcat Canyon.
“Century Xing” (2000)
WHERE: Underneath the BART tracks that cross Macdonald Avenue at 18th Street.
NOTES: Painted installation including poems, signage, faux relief painting and architectural elements.
“8:30 a.m./Miller Knox Park” (2011)
WHERE: Interior of Richmond Plunge, 1 E. Richmond Ave.
NOTES: A view of the park’s landscape with shore birds.
“McCarthy Bridge” (2013)
WHERE: 163 Chevron Way
NOTES: Painted mural depicting the Richmond-San Rafael Bridge (which is officially named the John F. McCarthy Memorial Bridge).
“Ferry Point Tunnel” (1996, updated in subsequent years)
WHERE: East Richmond Avenue and Western Drive
NOTES: Painted signage, egrets, pelicans.
I recall when John painted the mural inside the Richmond Plunge (aka Natatorium) in 2010. Architect Todd Jersey gave me the opportunity to photographically document the restoration and that included photographing the restoration and John painting the mural.
I’m really interested in seeing birds eye view at the council chambers. Is there a way to view it without being in session?
Hi Jeff, We think this room may be closed when council is not in session, but I would guess staff would open it since it is a public building.
I wonder if I could start a campaign to restore Wehrles mural on San Pablo under the 80. It is full of tags and graffiti. I feel like it is Richmond’s Sistine Chapel and should be treated as a great work of art. Who can I talk to about this? Anyone else in Richmond who feels the same?