Discover Tempe's Captivating Murals: Part II – Artist Stories and Self-Guided Tour
Welcome Back, Art Enthusiasts!
This is Part II of our Murals in Tempe, Arizona series. If you missed Part I, read it here.
In these inspiring times, the healing power of public art shines brightly. Tempe, a vibrant community, is elevated by local artists' stunning outdoor creations, accessible to all.
View these masterpieces from your car or parking lot while maintaining safe distances for that perfect Instagram shot.
Follow our suggested route to explore these Tempe murals, complete with details on each artwork and its creator.
“Valley Rockstar Memorial” by Gina Ribaudo
1992 E. Richards Dr., Tempe, AZ 85283
Completed in summer 2020, Gina Ribaudo's Valley Rockstar Memorial was commissioned by homeowner Tommy Gwinn to honor Phoenix-connected rock musicians. This 55-foot mural took weeks amid summer heat, with each of five portraits requiring about 8 hours. Ribaudo cherished interactions with locals, noting Tempe's kind, down-to-earth residents.
Her works span Seattle and Phoenix, including Rock Legends at Tempe Marketplace, which inspired this project. She draws from vibrant colors and expressive strokes to capture personalities. Featured artists: Vince Welnick (Grateful Dead), Glen Buxton (Alice Cooper Band), Doug Hopkins (Gin Blossoms), Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), and Mike Condello (Wallace and Ladmo Show).
Danelle Plaza
3400 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, AZ 85282
Danelle Plaza, at Mill Avenue and Southern, transforms a historic site into an art hub via The Danelle Project, celebrating local arts and music.
Highlights include Yucca Tap Room (open since the 1970s), Rocket a Go~Go vintage store, and Double Nickle Collective for vinyl, books, and clothing.
Robert Moore spearheaded the murals and installations starting in 2016, realized in 2018. Daytime views dazzle; nighttime LED lights animate them. It's an evolving project with rotating pieces.
Owners Rodney Hu (Yucca Tap Room) and Evan Liggins (Tempe Art A Gogh-Gogh) earned City of Tempe Arts & Culture awards.
“Dreams on Pause” by Clyde Thompson
Painted during the initial COVID-19 lockdown, Clyde Thompson's Dreams on Pause (65’ x 20’) depicts a relaxed basketball dreamer pausing to reflect. View it driving east on Southern Avenue, south side near the car wash west of Mill.
“Amazed Baby” by Lucretia Torva
Featured at Danelle Plaza on a soon-to-be-demolished building, Lucretia Torva proposed this pop-comic art over a street view, blending bright colors and words like “WOW!” Her works include “Sharing Happiness” in Mesa, a utility box at Rio Salado Pkwy. and Mill Ave., Tempe Library cards, and portraits for Tempe Marketplace’s Rock Legends with Gina Ribaudo.
“Woman in a Dream III” by Clyde Thompson
1700 S. College Ave., Tempe, AZ 85281
Thompson's first commissioned Woman in a Dream (2017) at Montage Apartments showcases large-scale impact with retro vibrant colors. He aims for 10-story murals.
“Rangoli Sunrise” by Kyllan Maney
The Dhaba | 1827 E. Apache Blvd., Tempe, AZ 85281
At The Dhaba Indian restaurant, owner Raveen Arora commissioned Kyllan Maney's 20’ x 60’ mural symbolizing truth and knowledge. A New School for the Arts teacher, her style marks the Big Chair in Downtown Tempe and early Danelle Plaza work.
El Valle del Sol by Champ and Such Styles
Tempe Marketplace | 2000 E. Rio Salado Pkwy., Tempe, AZ 85281
Tempe natives Champ and Such Styles completed this 8-hour graffiti tribute in June 2020, capturing the city's vibe. See their works in Guadalupe, Rise on Apache, Danelle Plaza, and New School for the Arts. Show Sun Devil pride while shopping.
What Embodies Tempe? Artists Share:
Explore Tempe's public art—tag @tempetourism #ourtempe #tempemurals. Follow on Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | TikTok | Pinterest | YouTube.
