Some of the best art in Wauwatosa is not hanging in a gallery. It is painted right onto the brick walls of our businesses. East Tosa is home to NoMAD, the North Avenue Mural Arts District: nine larger-than-life murals created by artists from Milwaukee to Ireland, spread along a walkable stretch of North Avenue. It is a free, open-air gallery, and every mural doubles as an invitation to step inside the business behind it.

Grab a coffee, take your time, and look closely. Here are a few to get you started.

Roan the Raccoon at Cranky Al’s

A techno-colored, spray-painted raccoon carrying a fish skeleton, equal parts 90s cartoon and street art, by Irish artist Dan Leonard (who named it for his son). Best enjoyed with a fresh donut from inside. Find it at 6901 W North Ave.

A Life of Gold at Tosa Yoga

A giant goldfish tangled in sunflower stems, symbolizing fortune, joy, and prosperity, from Cuban-American artist Ivan Roque. You will find it at 6734 W North Ave.

Field of Play at The Little Village Play Cafe

A 1,500-square-foot collaboration with the Milwaukee Brewers by Milwaukee artist Whitney Nettles, where the playful spirit of childhood meets the rallying heart of Brewers fans. Catch it at 6505 W North Ave.

Taste the Sweetness at The Nobleman Barbershop

A dazzling 3D geometric mural by Maryland artist Eric Ricks, with butterflies hidden throughout, a hummingbird at its heart, and a lotus flower that melts right into the sidewalk. Look closely, then look again. It lives at 6831 W North Ave.

Tessa at Voline Garage

An optical illusion by Chicago artist Matthew Mederer: up close it is abstract blocks and shapes, but step back across the street and the whole mural leaps off the building. See it at 6902 W North Ave.

Take the whole walk

These are just five of the nine. You will also find What Blooms is Us, Tiger Godmask, Myth Spinning, and Light Seeker along the way, each on the wall of a business that said yes to it. All nine sit along a walkable stretch of North Avenue, so start at either end, wander the district, and duck into the shops as you go.

Ready to explore? See the full guide with every mural, artist, and location on our Murals of East Tosa page. Share your photos with #EastTosa and we will feature our favorites.

Mural details via Discover Wauwatosa.