STREET ART TOURS

Discover the Transformative Power of Street Art
PSAA is passionate about street art and its ability to educate, inspire, and unite communities. Our tours provide engaging opportunities for youth and the general public to explore the history, techniques, and cultural impact of art in shared public spaces.

PSAA’s Street Art Tours offer an immersive, educational experience into the heart of Portland’s vibrant street art culture. Led by our Executive Team, these tours guide you through the city’s stunning murals while delving into the history, politics, and techniques behind public art. Through in-depth discussions, we explore the stories shaping Portland’s dynamic mural scene and the cultural and creative forces that drive its street art movement.

INTERPRETIVE GUIDES: Learn from the Experts

Our tours are led by the PSAA Executive Director and Board of Directors, each with a wealth of knowledge from years of experience in the street art community and public art project management. You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of the cultural and political influences shaping street art today. Expect an introduction to the fascinating history of murals and graffiti, the politics of public space, and the cutting-edge techniques behind large-scale public art creations.

ARTIST GUEST SPEAKERS: Meet the Creators

On select tours, we bring local street artists directly into the experience. Imagine a “show and tell” session where artists share their journey, their unique art practices, and the stories behind their work. You’ll gain personal insights into the inspirations, techniques, and stories that shape Portland’s street art scene from the creators themselves.

DEMONSTRATIONS: Learn from Local Street Artists

Get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to be a practicing street artist in today’s world. Local artists will demonstrate their skills, showing you how to use spray paint to make art. From the different types of spray paint brands, to the caps and techniques used, guests get valuable insider knowledge on how to create large-scale artwork.

TUTORIALS: Hands-On Experience

Ready to try a rattle can?! After learning from seasoned local artists, you’ll have the chance to grab a spray can and create your own artwork! This interactive segment gives you the opportunity to experiment with spray painting techniques, ask questions, and refine your skills in a supportive and fun environment. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity and curiosity!

Customizable Tour Formats: Learning at Your Own Pace

Our tours can be tailored to fit your group’s specific interests and needs, ensuring an engaging and educational experience for all ages and backgrounds. Choose from walking, biking, driving, or even pedicab tours—each format offers a unique way to explore the city’s murals and street art, while allowing us to customize the content based on your group’s preferences. Whether you want a deep dive into the techniques used by artists or a broader overview of public art history, we can cater to your group’s learning goals.

Flexible Tour Durations: Learn at Your Own Speed

We understand that every group has different time constraints, which is why our tours are flexible in duration. Choose from one, two, or three-hour tours, each designed to deliver an immersive and informative experience. Tours can start at the Electric Blocks or other locations (such as Alberta or Downtown), offering the flexibility to meet your group where it’s most convenient.

Team-Building with an Artistic Twist: Education for All Ages

PSAA’s street art tours are perfect for team-building and educational groups, providing a hands-on learning experience that encourages collaboration and creativity. Whether you’re part of a corporation, school group, youth camp, or a conference attendee, our tours offer an engaging way to build teamwork, spark creative thinking, and learn about the local art scene.

We understand that not everyone can afford a tour, which is why PSAA offers several free Street Art Tours each year. In the summer, we often host free public mural bike tours in partnership with local organizations like the Central Eastside Industrial Council and Pedalpalooza. These tours provide a fun, educational experience, allowing participants to explore Portland’s vibrant mural scene while enjoying a scenic ride through the city. It's a fantastic opportunity for both locals and visitors to learn about the history, artistry, and cultural significance of Portland’s street art in a relaxed, community-driven setting.

Snapshot of Past TOURS

Attendance & Impact

2024 TOURS

TOUR GROUPS: Pacific Northwest College of Art, Camp Tawonga, Architectural Foundation of Oregon, Central Eastside Industrial Council, Lewis & Clark College, Lloyd EcoDistrict, Portland State University, Wilsonville High School.

2023 TOURS

TOUR GROUPS: Portland Parks & Recreation Lifelong Recreation, Portland Business Alliance, Airbnb Experiences, Portland State University Freshman Inquiry and School of Urban Studies & Planning, Oregon City Learning Academy, Travel Portland, Lewis & Clark College Fir Acres Writing Workshop and Creative PDX, Parrott Creek.

2022 TOURS

TOUR GROUPS: Cascades Academy of Bend, Society for Experiential Graphic Design, Portland State University, Portland Parks & Recreation, Portland Public Schools, Portland Business Alliance, Lewis & Clark College Creative PDX and Fir Acres Writing Workshop.

2021 TOURS

TOUR GROUPS: Portland Business Alliance, City of Happy Valley Public Art, Portland Public Schools Street Ed, Willamette University Institute for Continued Learning, Lewis & Clark College Fir Acres Writing Workshop.

2019 TOURS

TOUR GROUPS: The Portland Art & Learning Center, Vancouver Island School of Art, City of Portland Environmental Services, Trout Lake School, Oregon City Service Learning Academy, The Emerson School, Lents Neighborhood Association, Lewis & Clark College Fir Acres Writing Workshop, PLACE, SAXX Underwear, Pedalpalooza, Airbnb Experiences.

2018 TOURS

TOUR GROUPS: Mercy Corps, Awesome Berlin, Oregon Bach Festival, Mid-Peninsula High School, Lents Neighborhood Association, ArchRival Hollister, Mirrorball NYC, ECG Events Brazil PediCab Tour, Catlin Gabel Middle School, Forest Grove Community School, Portland State University Freshman Inquiry, Airbnb Experiences, Catlin Gabel School.