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, 2013
Adams Point gnome courtesy of greenkozi
Adams Point gnome courtesy of greenkozi
kilt-wearing gnome
photo CC-A from Our Oaklandphoto by greenkozi
secret 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.
Gnome on Athol and Haddon, Getting some shade on a sunny evening
In 2020 following the outbreak of COVID-19, several new gnomes appeared in Adams Point featuring related themes like using video for calls. 5
CC SA-BY Our Oakland
CC SA-BY Our Oakland
CC SA-BY Our Oakland
Links and References
-
California: A Win for the Little People New York Times/AP
- Remember those mysterious Oakland gnomes? A new batch of coronavirus-inspired characters are popping up KTVU April 16, 2020
-
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 January 3, 2013
- How Oakland Became a Gnome-Man's Land KQED March 15, 2018
- The Gnomes of Oakland Live On Oakland Magazine August 2019