The inaugural Paint the Grove mural festival (June 1–6, 2026), presented by the City of Elk Grove in partnership with Talking Walls, has officially come to a close, leaving behind eight vibrant murals and a renewed sense of energy throughout Historic Main Street. Below is a recap of the festival highlights, including the murals and community events that brought this project to life.

Over the course of a week, eight talented muralists from near and far transformed blank walls into large-scale works of public art along Elk Grove Blvd, creating an outdoor gallery that will be enjoyed by residents and visitors for years to come. The murals now serve as both landmarks and conversation pieces, celebrating creativity while encouraging exploration throughout the historic district.

Paint the Grove brought together incredible artists, each contributing a unique artistic voice and perspective to Elk Grove's growing public art collection. As community members watched the murals take shape, many returned day after day to follow the artists' progress, ask questions, and learn more about the creative process behind each piece. Today, the eight murals can be found throughout Historic Main Street, creating a walkable public art experience that invites visitors to discover local shops, restaurants, and gathering places along the corridor.

While the murals are the festival's lasting legacy, Paint the Grove also featured a series of events that gave the community opportunities to engage directly with artists and experience the creative process firsthand.

VIP Reception

June 1, 2026 | Explore Elk Grove Office

Paint the Grove would not have been possible without the collective support of our participating building owners, sponsors, elected officials, artists, volunteers, commissioners, Talking Walls, and City staff. Each played an essential role in bringing this inaugural festival to life, from providing access to walls and supporting production to shaping the creative vision and executing the work on the ground.

To celebrate these partnerships and kick off an exciting week of mural-making, the festival began with a VIP Reception recognizing everyone who helped make it possible. Featuring music by Mia Mercado and local catering the evening set the tone for a week centered on collaboration, creativity, and community.

Street Art 101

June 3, 2026 | Old Town Plaza

As part of the City’s commitment to arts education and workforce development, Paint the Grove hosted Street Art 101, a unique learning opportunity for 20 Elk Grove students. Participants from Elk Grove Charter Academy, Elk Grove High School, Franklin High School, Harriet Eddy Middle School, Katherine L. Albiani Middle School, Laguna Creek High School, Monterey Trail High School, Sheldon High School, and Consumnes Oaks High School came together to explore the history of street art, engage directly with festival muralists, and gain hands-on exposure.

Through this hands-on experience, students were able to see firsthand how public art connects creativity with community impact, reinforcing how programs like Street Art 101 can serve as both a cultural asset and a gateway to creative learning, exposure, and future career opportunities.

Walking Mural Tour

June 6, 2026 | Old Town Plaza

At the end of the week, the community came out in droves for the Paint the Grove Mural Walking Tour, filling Historic Main Street with residents and visitors eager to experience the newly completed artworks.

Attendees traveled along Elk Grove Boulevard, stopping at each mural to hear directly from the artists about the inspiration, symbolism, challenges, and techniques behind their work. The tour offered a rare opportunity for the public to connect with the muralists and gain a deeper appreciation for the stories being told across the corridor.

Local Artist Battle

June 6, 2026 | Old Town Plaza

The festival concluded with the Paint the Grove Local Artist Battle, showcasing nine talented local artists competing live before a crowd of enthusiastic supporters, alongside approximately 20 local artists and arts organizations who activated the space with tabling and community engagement.

Throughout the event, spectators watched artworks come to life in real time, interacted with artists and creative organizations, and casted votes for their favorite pieces. The competition highlighted the depth of creative talent within the region while providing artists with a platform to share their work with the community.



Congratulations to Erica Thomas, winner of the $1,000 People's Choice Award, selected through public voting, and Annie Peony, winner of the $1,000 Judges' Award, selected by the Paint the Grove mural artists.

Beyond beautifying the corridor, the murals have helped establish Historic Main Street as a destination for arts and culture, bringing new visitors to the area, increasing foot traffic for local businesses, and generating excitement about the future of art in Elk Grove.

Paint the Grove generated remarkable community engagement throughout the week, with residents and visitors following the artists' progress, attending events, sharing photos and videos, and celebrating the completion of each mural.

More importantly, the festival sparked new conversations about creativity, community identity, and the role public art can play in shaping the future of Elk Grove. Paint the Grove was about more than painting murals. It was about creating connections, investing in creative talent, and activating public spaces. As residents and visitors continue exploring the murals throughout Historic Main Street, the impact of Paint the Grove will continue to be felt long after the paint has dried.