Redwood City’s Art Commission held its opening of the Youth Mural Alley on Sunday, revealing a vibrant display of 10 murals installed behind Hotel Sequoia in the heart of Redwood City’s downtown.
To celebrate the opening, guests were greeted with art, music, and an array of complementary coffee, pastries, and bagels. Each attendee received a scavenger hunt sheet, which tasked them with finding elements from the different murals in exchange for a goody bag of themed stickers, a reusable thermal cup, and candy.
The new murals are a part of the commission’s Youth Mural Alley project. The event was organized by a team of 10 commissioners, who share a passion for public artwork and exhibiting the talent of San Mateo County’s youth.
In March, 10 groups of student artists were selected from different San Mateo County schools and communities, including Menlo-Atherton High School, Design Tech High School, Bowditch Middle School, Casa Circulo Cultural, Henry Ford Elementary, Hillview Elementary, Generations United, Hoover Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula, Upper Laurel 5th Grade Art Club, and Alto Artists.
The project was created to brighten up the alley behind Hotel Sequoia. “This has been a tremendous way to revitalize and reimagine the space, where people can walk off the street and discover something beautiful that sparks their curiosity,” Commissioner Pamela Swint said.
Swint, who played an integral role in organizing the project, also gave credit to local muralist Elizabeth Gomez, who helped support and lead the project. “Elizabeth Gomez was the lead artist who gave direction and design to the [youth] participants,” Swint said.
Attendees gathered for speeches from commission members and student artists. Naisha Oberai, now a freshman at San Mateo High School, shared her experience working on Bowditch Middle School’s mural ‘Just Imagine.’
“Seeing how our different ideas and styles blended together was incredible. It showed how collaboration can turn a single concept into something truly beautiful,” Oberai said.
Each group centered their piece around a unique theme that showcases an important aspect of their community.
“Our group aimed to create a work of art that embodies how diverse communities can fuel positive change,” senior Charlotte Anthony said, who worked on M-A’s mural ‘Community Brings Color to the World.’
Redwood City’s Vice Mayor Kaia Eakin was also in attendance and spoke about the project. “These murals add beauty, depth, and delight to the heart of our community,” Eakin said.
After the speeches, the artists and commissioners grouped together for a ribbon-cutting ceremony, officially marking the alley’s opening.
In addition to the new installation, the Center for Creativity, who the Art Commission collaborated with on the project, had various artworks on display.
The new murals are located at 800 Main Street in downtown Redwood City, and are open to the public.
‘Community Brings Color to the World’ by Menlo-Atherton High School. 
‘Path of the Koi’ by Design Tech High School. 
‘Just Imagine’ by Bowditch Middle School. 
‘The Art In Us’ by Casa Circulo Cultural. 
‘Words Matter’ by Henry Ford Elementary. 
‘Whimsical Woods: A Splash Of Color’ by Hillview Elementary. 
‘Dancing Food’ by Generations United. 
‘Greater Together’ by Hoover Boys and Girls Club of the Peninsula. 
‘Galactic Ocean Dream’ by Upper Laurel 5th Grade Art Club. 
‘Cats of California’ by Alto Artists.
