Hayward (is).....on the side of a building that sells motorcycle gear, supplies & parts. It's next…read moreto a self-service car wash. The mural shows 3 young teens around a bubble making machine. Nearby are circles with images of Hayward: -Hayward water tower -Ron Thompson-a local guitarist -apricots & beans-reminders of fruits crops of cherries, berries, pears, plums et al. that once grew here -Ohlone hut of Native Americans that had land here. -an house indicating many landmarked buildings. *many aspects not shown-i.e. Mexican natives who were here when Spain left land to Mexico. Mexico ceded land to America after the Mexican-American War (1846-48). **Mexicans & Native Americans were granted "rights" in treaties. U.S. Congress ignored it... !mural erased history of early inhabitants of Hayward..

this "sculptural collaboration" located next to the base of the stairs across from the elevator is…read morein Castro Valley Marketplace. this "larger-than-life sized 'Cameraman' using Ed's 45-year-old camera collection and Marc's engineering genius"... the signage elaborates what materials are used along with the unique, artisanal touches to tweak the creation to make it "life like", naturally, there are signs to avoid touching or any physical interaction with "Cameraman". sounds and a "Cameradog" were added by associates.... the sculpture is embedded in plain sight in the decor of the marketplace. creators: Ed Holmes & Marc Ribaud w/Joe Paullno & Maria Chenut from Collection of East Bay Natural Grocers, Inc.

This is such a unique sculpture, by Ed Holmes and Marc Ribaud, featuring not just Cameraman but…read morealso Cameradog! Located in front of the grocery store inside Castro Valley Marketplace, it was cool being able to see this lovely artwork up close and marvel at the range of cameras used to create this interesting piece, some dating back to the 1920's, from colorful toy cameras shaped as feet to brownie hawkeyes along the body of this human-like figure, even a red box camera in place of a heart and old camcorders forming its neck. Cameradog, created by Maria Chenut, is made up of camera cases and even has a little dog bowl. Imaginatively and skillfully put together, this is truly an impressive art display.

one of the locals stopping for a pose while eating her pizza…read more looks like pepperoni on cheese. creator: unknown

Five stars because it costs no yen…read more As far as Japanese gardens go, this one is my least favorite because it is rectangular, with a visible metal fence perimeter, with ugly trash and graffiti visible from across the creek and no opportunities to feed the koi fish. Three things, though, that make it special is that they have memorial plaques, stray cats, and blowtorched wood for an aged and weather-resistant finish. From 1913-1962, the site was a practice site for farming and raising livestock for Hayward Union High. It became a garden by the late 1970s, and when dedicated in 1980, focusing on botany (with plants donated by local Japanese-American nurseries) rather than religion. Every first Saturday at 1pm there's a free lecture/tour. It's not especially beautiful or big (3.5 acres) or exciting (the few people I saw there were on their phones), but it's a peaceful, clean area. I think informational displays could help people enjoy it more. Or phone chargers. Information like, many of the wooden connections (including the main entry gate) have notches instead of notches to fit together like puzzle pieces. This more authentic approach prevents rust. Or, the garden uses the Shakkei technique: when you can stand at the highest point, the surrounding trees are meant to look like distant mountains, with specific plants blended with the Japanese maples and native Oaks to make the garden feel ten timers larger than its actual 3.5 acres. Or, the hand-selected granite boulders from the Sierra Nevadas are buried one-third into the ground so it looks like they are growing, which is why I don't manicure myself often. .

I did not know this place existed until my partner found this and brought his family here…read more It's a nice, serene and scenic short walk with plenty of nice photo spots and benches to sit and take in the greenery. I loved seeing all the koi, bansai and various plants they had in the area. It is well worth a visit to come check it out!

This Hayward streetscape painting is a lovely colorful display of the city, completed in 2009…read more Images include the market, art studio, movie theater, shops, restaurants, animals, musicians, first responders, and ordinary people from all walks of life portrayed beautifully in a playful and harmonious community representing downtown Hayward. According to the artist, Suzanne Gayle, the mural aims to encourage passersby to blend in with the art. It's certainly a great opportunity for photo ops, or just a little amusement for theatre-goers as they trek to and from the cinema along the alleyway off of B Street, near the theater entrance and box office, and adjacent to Rockit Char Grill. The paint is more cracked and faded toward the back end of the alley, but overall, the mural is in good condition (as of Jan 2024), and is a nice feature in this otherwise dull and uninspiring walkway.

Big mural in downtown Hayward. I think what prevents it from being a five star review is the…read morereasoning behind the murals - its not a love for art - it is to try to stop graffiti - and ultimately to save money. If you've ever listened to Hayward city council meetings you quickly see how planning commissioners and city council members think. Planning commissioners are obsessed with art and investors often sweet talk them with their artistic visions. I'd love to see art because of a love for art. That is not what this is here. Its sort of like a person wearing expensive brands that are of cheap quality. All about an image and not about character. Hayward does try to improve things and they mean well. The council members are always listening and quick to give a call back. Downtown is their darling and luckily that is where I live - so my neighborhood gets all the attention. If you ever need help with sleeping - let me invite you to listen to Hayward city council meetings on Youtube. I love to watch the city manager and mayor in action.

Needing a safe public space to meet up with a stringed musical instrument seller, this library fit…read morethe bill! It was midway between cities, offered plenty of parking and a warm place in the "Friends of the Library" Bookstore for me to quietly evaluate a potential purchase. The staff was gracious in allowing us to do so at one of the tables. Beforehand as we waited for the seller to arrive, I saw a healthy buzz of activity with people arriving, returning books and using the library, many with littles in tow. As an avid reader, it felt good to see this. From my brief peek into the high ceiling main room, the library looked very comfortable. There's a small playground west of the library, but at the time of this review, was fenced off. Perhaps undergoing a refresh. Overall, a library with a pleasant vibe.

Cute, quiet, large area for small children to learn and play…read more Very nice parents and librarians. The parking lot is so small with very small spaces. We cannot wait to come back!

this mural is in the marketplace. it's opposite the natural grocery…read more the background is black. "CASTRO VALLEY California" is highlighted in block lettering, drawn in white with black shading. clouds above are in write. pastures beside it and underneath are drawn in dull green. there are fruit trees at the bottom left and pumpkin plants at the bottom right. everything is drawn by chalk. creator: @ScottSawyer

mural with header "East & West at Peace" is on the 151st St. side of an existing liquor store…read more The header is a reference to an old rap rivalry in which Tupac Shakur on the West Coast and Notorious B.I.G. on the East Coast died. Their pics are at the top left and right, respectively. The feud is no longer oncoming. A truce was negotiated. other themes portrayed: -break dancing -bay bridge labeled "Dreams" -Jemco sign a reference to Gemco now Target. -In Loving Memory John Gomes -"welcome to San Leandro" sign -Bal theatre sign -DJ spinning vinyl -Raider fan in gear carrying boombox -teenage female hanging around -smiling Sikh wearing turban -a convenience store -skyline of Oakland downtown skyscrapers.. Creators: Amend, TDK, MERX

this mural is hiding in plain sight not far from Downtown Hayward. unknown how long it's been here…read more may have been in the last few years. the mural isn't easily seen. can only be seen on Foothill Blvd. leaving the downtown area. the mural has a few fruits pictured at the left (alluding to it's orchard days) and 2 roadsters roaring forward on a dirt road in a rural setting. creator: City of Hayward funded (to avoid graffitti)

What a great place to let your creativity flow. They have pottery, raku firing, jewelry…read morefabrication, lost wax casting, painting and so much more. And if you are the creative kind, they have an awesome gallery that is used to exhibit some of the local artists. Oh, I should not forget to give a shoutout to the instructors. They are each top notch, kind and willing to share their experiences to set you down the path to prove your artistic talents. So don't wait, set yourself free from those reruns and sign up for a class through the Hayward Arts and Recreational Department (HARD) and try your hand at your new you. It's a great place to learn, meet people and share experiences.

My daughter attended an art camp at this location, and she loved it! She had so much! She will be…read moreback for sure next year.