Oakland Gnomes

gnome and toadstool
photo CC-A from Our Oakland

The Oakland Gnomes are anonymously-painted gnomes on pieces of wood tacked to the bottom of utility poles throughout the City. There are over 2,300 gnomes painted on utility poles throughout Oakland. ²  In early 2013, the gnomes received a significant amount of press after being featured in the San Francisco Chronicle. ³  A few days after the SF Chronicle article appeared, The Associated Press (AP) picked up the story and identified the artist. ⁴ 

Although there was some question as to whether the gnomes would be allowed to remain on the utility poles, on 1/28/13, after intervention from City Council, PG&E agreed to let the gnomes remain on the utility poles. ² 

Adams Point Gnome, 2013Adams Point gnome courtesy of greenkozi  Adams Point gnome courtesy of greenkozi kilt-wearing gnome
photo CC-A from Our Oaklandphoto by greenkozisecret indoor location gnome by gk

fire station #19 gnome and fire dog
photo CC SA-BY Our OaklandCC SA-BY Our Oakland

rare and weathered Chinatown gnome. photo by greenkozi

this gardening skunk was spotted at Sausal Creek 4/14 Same artist or interloper? photo courtesy of TastyLatkes

Gnome and toadstool outside Fourth Street Lofts.

Links and References

1. PG&E: Gnomes can stay on Oakland utility poles KSBW News

2. PG&E grants reprieve to Oakland's gnomes SFGate

3. Painted gnomes bring smiles in Oakland SFGate

4. California: A Win for the Little People New York Times/AP

• Gnomes of Lake Merritt: This mysterious series of teeny guerrilla installations sheds a whimsical light on street art in Oakland Atlas Obscura 

• The Painted Gnomes of Oakland Fragmentary Evidence

• Painted Gnomes Allowed to Roam on Oakland Utility Poles (NPR, 1/31/13)
• How Oakland Became a Gnome-Man's Land KQED March 15, 2018
• The Gnomes of Oakland Live On Oakland Magazine August 2019