Nigel Sussman was approved by the Walnut Creek Arts Commission in 2019 to paint a lively seek and find themed work on the exterior walls of Tice Valley Gym.

About this Mural

Sussman sites his artistic style as being influenced by the likes of MC Escher and Martin Handford (creator of Where’s Waldo?). You may have seen the artist, busy at work during the winter months, painting a larger-than-life mural at Tice Valley Gym.  From a distance the work appears to be an abstraction of color and shapes, but up close, the viewer is drawn into the detailed scenery portraying residents of Walnut Creek, happily bustling about in their daily affairs.  Onlookers will see birds and flowers, staggering in size, and gain a new perspective of the everyday life activities of residents portrayed in universal life scenes like soccer games to dog walking to shopping, but somehow these typical tasks and activities are magically transformed into a fantastical rendition. 

Art has a powerful way of bringing people together and enhancing the beauty of a community and everyday life for its residents. Visitors and residents of Walnut Creek will revel in this mural for years to come.  An official “unveiling” of the Where’s Walnut Creek? Mural Map, and opportunity to meet the artist is planned for the springtime.   

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About the Artists

Berkeley artist, Nigel Sussman, is a professional illustrator and muralist who has a unique skillset to transform everyday scenes into storybook-like reveries. His ability to freehand paint largescale whimsical and dynamic works of art, using his talent and humor to reimagine existing places into wonderous imagery that delight people of all ages.  He draws inspiration from local flora and fauna depicting, communities in a creative way.  

Location: At the entrance of Tice Valley Gymnasium at 2055 Tice Valley Blvd, Walnut Creek, CA

Artwork Credit: Nigel Sussman, 2024, Where's Walnut Creek? Photo courtesy of Shaun Roberts.