Tallahassee Art Walks

05/14/2026

A $2 million grant critical to the operation of the COCA is in jeopardy of being pulled by Leon County and made part of Visit Tallahassee's tourism. Tallahassee Art Walks sent the following to the three county commissioners I can vote for (district and at large).. please share your thoughts on this before the mid-June workshop scheduled to work toward a final decision.

Dear Commissioners Welch, Cummings and Maddox,
Money is tight across the board for everyone these days, so it makes sense to look for ways to improve the grant support you provide for COCA. I want to see that support continue and be provided for years to come.
Moving the grant in-house raises the specter of government bureaucrats trained as planners, publicity promoters and in land use policy becoming the arbiters of what is and what isn't art.
That is the job of the arts community, which is challenged now by the takeover and loss of private land that is converted to mixed used or residential development that is in no part devoted to providing space for public art or supporting individuals or organizations that are.
Moving the grant inside the county work force also would divert your staff's attention from other important matters of public interest such as how to restore tourism and promote the area after a major hurricane, the impact of the current drought situation or the reliability of emergency fire service.
About four years ago I launched Tallahassee Art Walks, which provided free guided walking tours around the murals, monuments and parks in the area. Health issues forced me out it, but not before I met people who were drawn by art to revisit parts of Tallahassee they'd not been in for years and some who didn't realize or know the background of our public art. I maintain a Tallahassee Art Walks page on Facebook and would still be doing the tours if I could because I know the interest is there.
I shall look forward to the forthcoming workshop for creative ideas of accountability and efficient use of the grant money can be used by COCA to help us maintain a thriving arts community in Leon County.
Don Ruane

04/20/2026

WCTV reported this week that part of Tallahassee’s privately owned art district, known as Railroad Square, could soon become a 246 unit “multifamily” apartment complex, according to a permit application on file with the City of Tallahassee. The building would be surrounded by a large parking lot.
This is a call to action by Tallahassee’s arts and historic communities, plus the business sector.
See this link for more information and then let your city commissioners and others what you think of this proposal. Don’t wait for the final public hearing. Minds are set by then.
Part of Tallahassee Art District could become 246 unit apartment building
Previously it was proposed as a building with around 200 housing units, studio space for artists and parking on the bottom floor. That seemed more acceptable than scraping the ground and paving it over.
The Kaye family says some of the current artistic and business uses will be preserved. That’s good and compatible with the artistic and historic improvements Leon County has made along FAMU Way.

Call now to connect with business.

03/25/2026

makes me hungry to look at.

Asian Salmon and Noodles with Mushrooms and Snap Peas 🫛 🍄‍🟫

05/21/2024

Tallahassee is being challenged to be imaginative and

creative to sustain the Railroad Square Art District.

Railroad Square owners Adam and Lily Kaye are signaling the possible demise of Tallahassee’s historic art district unless they receive financial help.

05/21/2024

Tallahassee, don't let this amazing place fade away. Find a way to sustain it. The circle of development for other purposes is growing tighter with proposals for student and senior housing just across Railroad Avenue from the square are getting serious attention. Let Blueprint, city and county commissioners know what you think. Don't leave FAMU and FSU art programs out of the conversation.

Railroad Square owners Adam and Lily Kaye are signaling the possible demise of Tallahassee’s historic art district unless they receive financial help.

05/18/2024

If you walked with me through Railroad Square and enjoyed the tour, you'll remember the outstanding collection of murals. Many of the murals are on the side of buildings devastated by the May 10 tornados. Their future is uncertain. If you want to help the square, the artists and others who worked there recover, please consider donating to a Go Fund Me drive at https://www.gofundme.com/f/poststorm-recovery-for-rrsq-businesses
More than $15,700 has been raised thus far from 253 people. The average donation is $62.

On Friday, May 10 2024, a storm of historic proportions rolled through Tallahasse… Will Crowley needs your support for Post-storm Recovery for RRSQ Businesses

05/15/2024

Support the arts and small businesses of tornado damaged Railroad Square by using this gofundme link: https://gofund.me/b0f92b50

On Friday, May 10 2024, a storm of historic proportions rolled through Tallahasse… Will Crowley needs your support for Post-storm Recovery for RRSQ Businesses

11/02/2023

Looking for a Friday activity? Why not join Tallahassee Art Walks for an informative, free tour of murals and history of Railroad Square and then celebrate First Friday with the Hot Tamales band, artists and retailers there? Tour starts at 4:30 p.m. by the big red caboose.

10/19/2023

Unexpected health issues are forcing us to cancel tomorrow's (Oct. 20) art walk through the Gaines Street area. The next scheduled tour is a guided tour through Railroad Square on Friday, Nov. 3, starting at 4:30 p.m. by the red caboose.

10/05/2023

Get an early start on enjoying FSU's family weekend by joining Tallahassee Art Walks on a free, guided walk among the city's
public art.

Friday Oct 6 Monuments & More 9:30 a.m. Gather by the side of the Challenger Learning Center at Duval and College. Hear stories about the art, artists and the history of downtown and the state government complex.

Friday Oct. 6 Railroad Square 5 p.m. Gather at the red caboose in the square. Learn how this family-owned former industrial park morphed into one of Tallahassee's
unique cultural hot spots.

No registration necessary, but call, text or email Don Ruane at 239-464-3429 or [email protected] if you have questions. Visit us on Facebook at Tallahassee Art Walks.