About Town Taste leads walking tours through local neighborhoods of Fresno that engage both visitors and residents through discovering the city in a new way, following the adventures outlined in their children's booklet "Seen Around Town" which provides scavenger hunt-style activities for kids ages 5-12 while with parents or guardians to explore public art, architecture, and history. The self-guided tours are intended to be done during daylight hours for safety using sidewalks and crosswalks while following traffic laws.

1. About Town Taste has
successfully lead walking adventures into four
local neighborhoods engaging visitors, and
residents alike, with their city in a FRESH
way.
About Town Taste materials and tours ©2009
You are about to embark on a self-guided adventure of
discovery using our new children’s booklet, Seen Around Town©.
Best described as a scavenger hunt for the eyes, you can take as long
(or as little) as you like to complete one or all, of the discovery walks.
Seen Around Town© is intended to be used by children 5-12 yrs
while with their parent/guardian.
Once you complete one of these adventures you may want to step
out sometime on one of the regular walking adventures noted at the
end of this booklet.
So, what will YOU discover?
The walks are intended to be done in daylight to maximize the art viewing and for safety. Please obey all traffic laws and use sidewalks
and crosswalks. While the neighborhoods described here are very safe Always the Best! LLC dba as About Town Taste (ABT) is not
liable for your voluntary use of this self-guided booklet. Discretion for your personal safety should always be used.
Answers follow each tour

2. A) Start location of the Tower Taste adventure
B) Start of the Urban Art adventure
C) Start of the Art of Graffiti adventure
D) Start of the Art & Antiques adventure

3. Tower Taste ©2009
Starting point: NE corner of Olive & Wishon streets, (Roger Rockas parking lot)
Historical Background: This neighborhood gets its name from the theater across the street.
Item 1: Tower Theater
Question: what is title of the current show on the marquee (sign)?
Questions: what is the open area called (where the doors are)?
Observation: does this theater look like movie theaters you know today?
What are the differences/similarities?
Using the sidewalk begin walking north on Wishon toward the houses.
Historical Background: You will see many different architectural styles in the neighborhood.
Architecture is the name of the science of buildings.
Items 2: Architecture
See if you can find some of these styles of buildings as you walk-
Streamline Modern or Art Deco-based on math shapes (geometry)
Traits-curving forms, long horizontal lines often with nautical themes
Hint: Look at the buildings you just walked in front of or back to the corner.
CA Mission-Inspired by the missions in California
Traits-walls with little or no decoration, long deep covered walkways. Usually built with
adobe (mud) bricks covered with white plaster.
Roofs often made of red tiles. Hint: Look to the left just after passing the shops.
Craftsman or bungalow- A casual style popular throughout America in the 30-40’s
Traits- deep porches, a lot of wood like shingles on the sides, natural use of materials hand
crafted often looks like a cabin.
Hint: Watch for some after crossing the next street before you get to the church.
Continue walking north on Wishon toward the church. Before you cross to the church, pause to
observe it. Historical Background: Churches are important in any community. They often serve as a
community center for activities. Churches are a place people go into to pray and think about God.
Item 3: St Therese Catholic Church
Question: What style does this look like?
Question: What type windows does the church have?
Observation: It is usually OK to go inside churches, just be quietly respectful in case
someone is praying. The door into the church on the south side as you cross the street is often
open. Quietly look into the church and enjoy its special beauty.
Using the sidewalk begin walking around the church. Observe the windows. These are stained glass
but they are very different than usually found in churches.
Historical Background: These windows were made in France and the glass is over an inch thick. The
glass is cut like a jewel.
Using the sidewalk begin walking south on Wishon back to the Tower Theater. At Me & Eds
turn right into the parking lot.
Historical background: The back of the theater is sometimes used to show old movies during the
summer. People bring their lawn chairs and sit here to watch the movie.
Continue around the back of the theater, turn left walking toward Olive.
Historical background: Graffiti goes back to ancient times. Today some think it is ugly and causes
problems. Some believe differently.
Art is about causing the viewer to think. In this neighborhood graffiti is part of its coming alive again.
Today the art born of graffiti is called murals.
Item 4: Murals
Question: looking at the mural on the side of the building on your left, what is the lady doing?
Question: looking at the building across the street called Karen’s Keepsakes, what style is it?

4. Using the sidewalk begin walking around the building. Go along Olive to your left. Cross the
street at Wishon going south then back along Olive the store called Karen’s Keepsakes.
Question: Name the artists/famous people shown here.
Discuss with your parents: what is graffiti? Is it bad; is it OK?
Today some graffiti is called tagging. This is done without permission and can be found most
anywhere.
If you were the artist of one of today’s murals, how would feel if someone ‘tagged’ your mural?
Although this is the end of the Seen Around Fresno spy adventure today…. You might enjoy a treat
from one of the many restaurants too.
Keep an eye open for more art… there’s a lot to find!
Answers:
1) Box office and portico 3a) Mission 3b) stained glass 4a) she is
playing a keyboard 4b) Streamline Modern 5) Superman, Michael Jackson, Frank Sinatra

5. Urban Art & Architecture ©2009
Note: One piece shows a nude woman washing her clothes (Renoir). If you feel it is not appropriate for your child please omit. May be
replaced with The Big A to the west of the green bush marker.
Starting Point: The Clock Tower on the Fulton Mall near 1060 Fulton Mall
Historical Background: Fresno was founded by the railroad looking for a rest spot on their route
through California. This site was ideal due to its wide open flat geography, good for trains.
At that time Fresno was very dry and arid. This exact site was good because the green bush showed
there was water here.
Walk from the clock west about 30yds to the flowerbed on your right. Look for a small square
marker under a tree.
Item 1: Green Bush Spring
Question: What year was Fresno founded?
Question: What is the name (type) of tree over the marker?
Walk back to the clock and then over to the tall building at 1060 Fulton (Security Bank).
Historical Background: The Security Bank chose this site for their bank; right in the center of Fresno,
1925
This style of building is called Classic Revival for its Greek elements
Item 2: Security Bank Bldg.
Question: how many floors does the building have?
Historical Background: The Fulton Mall was constructed from an idea of our city’s founders. They
hired professionals to make their idea come to life.
The mall has over 20 famous pieces of sculpture on display. The art is owned by the people of the city
for their pleasure and enjoyment.
Item 3: Look mom, a Renoir!
Go to The Washer Woman just N of the bank building (outside Payless Shoes)
Mr. Renoir was a famous impressionist artist most known for his paintings but he did sculpture too.
Question: what is the woman doing?
Historical Background: The ground we walk on was designed very carefully. Some places have
different ribbons of stones or different colors of cement. These ribbons are to remind us of the rivers &
streams and are made with materials from them. The ribbons also work to move the rainwater away
from the buildings!
Walk along the mall south toward Mariposa street.
Item 4: The floor of the mall
Question: As you walk along the mall how many different shapes of ribbons can you see?
Question: What material is used in the ribbons?
Question: Why is some of the cement different colors?
Continue walking along the mall south toward Tulare street. Stop in front of the stack of rocks on
your right, in front of the Dept. of Heath building.
Historical Background: Art can be very different from these simple rocks to the sculpture you saw
earlier. Art is about causing the viewer to think.
Item 5: Public Art, too
Question: How many rocks are there in this sculpture?
Activity: carefully look at the ground around the art.
Find the small brass plaque set in the ground. Use your pencil and the back of this paper to
make a rubbing.
Question: compare/contrast this piece of art to the one earlier.
Although this is the end of the Seen Around Fresno spy adventure today….Feel free to walk along the
mall to enjoy the art. You might enjoy a treat from one of the many food vendors too.

6. Answers:
1a) 1872 1b) Fresno Ash 2)
3) washing clothes or Big A… it just is! 4a) many 4b) stones from local streams 4c) some due to bad
repairs; most to reflect the ground before the mall.
5a) 5c) smooth/rough natural/man-made tall/short

7. Art of Graffiti ©2009
Starting point: Outside IronBird café Divisdero & Fulton St.
Historical background: Graffiti goes back to ancient times. Today some think it is ugly and causes
problems. Some believe differently. Art is about causing the viewer to think. In this neighborhood
graffiti is part of its coming alive again.
Question: There are at least three sculptures here. Can you find them? Hint: look up, way up.
Question: why does the man look like he is throwing the baby?
Activity: Take a picture of yourself in front of the lion sculpture
Mom & dad: these sculptures are a beautiful illustration of life and allude to famous mythology. In one the man is catching the baby
before it falls as it attempts to fly; the other he joyfully lets the baby go on its own. The middle sculpture of the 3 shows the phases of
life: youth, middle age & elderly in the lion.
Using the sidewalk, go south along Fulton St to Amador St, turn right. On the south side you
should see some buildings being built. These will be homes and stores soon. Many artists live here and
at the IronBird lofts. This neighborhood is called the cultural arts district for all of those artists.
Mom & dad: This alley is between the buildings you just past on Fulton and the Econo Inn. It is safe to go through and enjoy the
murals.
Keep walking toward the alley way. Turn right into the alley. Walk along to the mural on the
left. Historical background: This mural was created by Josh Wigger & Merhan Heard famous
graffiti artists. The murals are not protected from the weather and disappear over time. What you see
today may not be here when you grow up.
Item 2: This mural is about the bounty of the valley; Its animals, trees, plants and water.
Question: can you find an example of each item?
Question: is all of this mural art or can you find some modern graffiti or tagging?
Turn around to your right and look at another mural through the fence.
Question: Compare/contrast these murals.
Activity: You may want to take another picture in front of a mural.
Continue walking north in the alley to Sacramento St. Look to your left at the blue mural,
through the fence.
Historical background: This mural is by Will Portis, a Fresno artist. It shows the musical contribution
of African Americans to the community. Mr. Portis in known for his modern Picasso style and the
joyful people you see.
Item 3: the african-american cultural experience
Question: what are the people doing?
Carefully cross the street to the north side. Go to the mural on the loft building straight across
from the alley.
Historical background: This mural tells us about creation and even the phases of life.
Item 4: Life
Question: Who is the lady with the lightning bolt? What is she doing?
Question: Who is the lady on the right side?
Question: can you see how the mural is dying already?
Hint: look at the very bottom of the lady on the right. Do you see the drips and paint running down the wall?
The running paint is from the weather and part of the temporary nature of murals. What you see today
may not be here when you grow up.
Discuss with your parents: what is graffiti? Is it bad; is it OK?
Today some graffiti is called tagging. This is done without permission and can be found most
anywhere.
If you were the artist of one of today’s murals, how would feel if someone ‘tagged’ your mural?

8. Although this is the end of the Seen Around Fresno spy adventure today…. You might enjoy a treat
from one of the many restaurants too.
Answers:
1a) 1b) 2a) 2b) look near the north end of the mural for
scribbles
3) playing music & dancing 4a) mother earth or god. She is giving life 4b) the created earth

9. Art & Antiques: Old Town ©2010
Starting point: At the NE corner of Clovis Ave & Third St, outside the Tarpey Depot
Historical background: The Depot is the last original building of the San Joaquin Railroad from
1891.
Marcus Pollasky came to town to build his railroad. Clovis Cole quickly sold him some of his land and
asked for the Depot to be built. Sadly, the railroad was never finished as promised and many people
who also gave money to build it never got the money back.
Item 1: Tarpey Depot
Activity: Read the story on the big rock outside the depot.
Activity: Find the old RR sign
Using the sidewalk go through the parking lot behind the depot heading south with the Depot to
your back.
Watch for a mural on your right about halfway to the next street.
Historical Background: Art can be found in many places. Here is a fun way to turn something plain
into art!
Item 2: Utility box mural
Question: What does the mural show?
Continue walking to Fourth St. Stop at the sculpture of the child and parent.
Item 3:
Walk west toward Clovis Ave and cross the street following the rules using the crosswalk. Go into
Osterberg’s Mercantile.
Historical Background: Osterberg’s were a pioneer family who were important to Clovis. They
owned a store here where today they now sell antiques.
Item 4: Antique Store
Activity: Look around at some of items. Many are very very old.
Question: Ask the owner if they will tell you about the baloney man.
As you leave the antique store, turn right and walk on the sidewalk west to Pollasky Street.
Historical Background: Many towns name their streets after people in the community who were
important to remember.
Item 5: Pollasky St
Question: what was Mr. Pollack’s first name?
Question: How many other antique stores can you count?
Observation: Look at the buildings. Do they look like most others you know around town?
why/why not?
Walk along Pollasky St back toward Third St. On the corner of Pollasky & Third is the Dry Creek
Museum.
Historical Background: Museums are an important part of any community. They collect many things
from the past and share them with the town people and visitors.
If they are open go inside for a visit and see all about the story of Clovis.
Although this is the end of the Seen Around Town spy adventure today…. You might enjoy a treat
from one of the many restaurants too.
Keep an eye open for more art or visit the Foxtail Gallery on Pollasky for some fun and interesting
rocks.

10. Answers:
2 western scene 3)xxxxxx 5a) Marcus. Old Town stores show an old west theme in their
architecture

11. Out of Town Options
For some art a bit farther afield, try The Rotary Club’s Freeway Murals.
Local Freeways 41 and 168
The Rotary Club of Fresno was honored by the state for their Highway Art project
along the Freeway, depicting our region’s unique landmarks and diverse cultural
composition. In addition to beautifying the areas highways, mosaics are intended
to attract business, recreational travelers and residents to the rapidly growing
Central Valley.
The mosaics are considered to be the only ones of their type in the nation. Murals
measure a hefty 8 by 20 feet and consist of some 25,000 tiles chosen for their
vibrant colors. Community members young and old donated thousands of hours in
planning and construction of these works of art created through area high school
art departments.
Each work features uncommon colors and textures, showcasing a city landmark.
Murals are placed at several key locations:
‘Wilderness’
Strategically placed on Hwy 168 at Shields Ave.
‘Fields’
Featured at Hwy 41 & Audubon Dr.
‘The Tower Theater’
This memorial welcomes visitors at the Hwy 99/180 interchange.
‘Sunset at the Water Tower’
Set Hwy 41 & Jensen Ave.
See how many more you can find as you explore our city!

12. Children's Tours and Programs
Children are some of our best customers and they love
our tours!
Brownies and Girl Scouts: Need help with
your Listening To the Past Try -It or your Local Lore
badge? We offer programs that meet most of the
requirements for these two achievements.
Listening To the Past Try-It begins at the
Free Speech area on Fulton Mall where we examine
and draw the historic marker of our city’s founding.
Then it's down the mall to learn about old buildings,
hear some fascinating stories, and play a bit of I Spy.
We'll be together for about an hour.
Local Lore badge begins on the oldest residential
street in Fresno where we learn about historic
preservation and the uses for old buildings.
Then we explore the cultural arts district and learn
about the different architectural styles in some of the
buildings in our city. This program takes about 90
minutes.
Each Scout program costs $8 per participating scout, with no charge
for non-participating siblings or leaders. The tours are scheduled by the
troop leader at the troop's convenience.
To schedule a troop tour contact the office at
559.392.4471 or
info@AboutTownTaste.com

13. We also offer Explore the City! guides for interesting tours on a theme.
These self-guided adventures take you to the art and buildings, give you
the historical information and include a map by local artists. We try to
include discounts to businesses along the route as well.
Some current titles
 Planes, Trains & Automobiles
 Mural, Mural on These Walls
 Sacred Places
Published quarterly, Explore the City! guides are available at All Things
Fresno, 1425 Fulton, Fresno, CA or by mail from our office, just $10 ea
Send payment to 4666 N. Glenn Ste D, Fresno CA 93704. Please allow 3
wks for processing.
About Town Taste unique walking adventures…
…weave art, architecture, history and food into walks of discovery in diverse
local neighborhoods.
Our vision is to be experts on our community and share our love of this city with
locals and visitors alike. Each weekend our walking adventures tread into local
neighborhoods that explore the art and architecture of the area woven with tales of
our historic past.
 We take you to the art, discussing various aspects of art and the
community
 We have exclusive interior access into historic buildings
We examine neighborhoods as they are and face its current conditions as well as
what is in development. We hope you enjoyed your introductory taste of the city
with your child.

14. About Town Taste offers the regular walking adventures every
weekend:
 1st wkds Downtown Art & Architecture
 2nd wkds Art Born of Graffiti
 3rd wkds Art & Antiques
 4th wkds Tower Art Taste
Each of our regular adventures include more art, architecture and tales of
our historic past along with food tastes along the way.
Be they artists, pioneers or restaurateurs; characters all, they make our city
unique!
Walking adventures step out every Saturday morning @10a and May 1st to
Sept 1st we add Friday evenings about 6p too.
All walks last about 2hrs. and include tour, tax and food.
Advance reservations necessary via
BrownPaperTickets.com (discounted tickets)
info@AboutTownTaste.com or 559.392.4471
Scouts: We'll give Scouts in uniform a discount off the regular price of the
full tour when accompanied by an adult.