Art scenes to explore around the U.S.
Artist Pablo Serrano paints a mural on the sidewall of Carnitas Don Pedro in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Credit: Zbigniew Bzdak
Curious travelers and budding artists can be inspired by the secret stashes of murals and other creative endeavors found in cities around the world. Here are five art scenes to consider:
Chicago
Look for colorful works of art on bridges, buildings, train stations and parking garages throughout the Windy City. In the Wabash Arts Corridor, established by Columbia College Chicago, efforts have been underway to revitalize parts of the city by creating an ever-changing artistic landscape. Several large-scale murals, featuring vivid eyeballs, superheroes and harmony messages, have emerged along a mile-long strip of Wabash Avenue. The 606 Trail, an elevated hiking and biking trail along a repurposed train track, provides the opportunity to view murals painted by community groups. With close to 20 large-scale murals condensed into a seven-block stretch (between Van Buren and Roosevelt Road in the South Loop), the Wabash Arts Corridor is something of a mecca for street art devotees.
In Pilsen, a hub of Mexican culture and artistic expression, travelers can visit dozens of artist’s studios and art galleries. Consider planning a visit during Chicago Arts District’s monthly open studio and gallery walk on 2nd Fridays. Or book the Pilsen Mural Tour, a walk through some of the neighborhoods’ most iconic pieces of public art.
MORE INFO choosechicago.com; ppat.space
Alexandria, Va.
Located just outside our nation’s capital, Alexandria, named one of America’s Top Art Places, is nationally recognized as a community with a "backbone of creative culture." Visit the city’s artsy Del Ray neighborhood to meander by a collection of murals that capture multiple aspects of the area’s rich history and character. A three- quarter of a mile walking tour includes a subtle floral garden mural, a sunset-inspired work and a vibrant market scene painted on the side of Vélocity Bicycle Cooperative. Later, stop by the neighborhood’s creative headquarters, Del Ray Artisans, to see their monthly exhibits and participate in a hands-on workshop. Visit Waterfront Park to see the latest piece in the annual Site/See: New Views in Old Town public art series along the Potomac River.
MORE INFO visitalexandria.com
Los Angeles
Just east of downtown, bordered by the Los Angeles River and walking distance to Union Station and City Hall, the Arts District is a burgeoning stronghold of iconic art. Within 50 or so walkable blocks you'll find shopping, restaurants, creative office space and galleries amid warehouses and former factories, all sporting public art. In the Venice Beach area of Los Angeles, the people are as colorful as the artwork. On and near Market Street look for the Om sign, the Pink Panther and a bulldog chasing butterflies. Don't miss the muraled buildings along the Boardwalk and the Public Art Wall at the beach.
MORE INFO artsdistrictla.org; discoverlosangeles.com
Cheyenne, Wy.
In combination with its well-deserved reputation for cowboy culture, this Western enclave boasts an active art scene as vital as many urban centers. You’ll find more than 50 captivating murals in the downtown area, including "Big Bison" created by Jordan Dean. The artist spent 14 days crafting the 60-foot image of an American blue bison playing guitar and dancing across the wall with a banjo-playing golden eagle soaring overhead. Located on the back of the Historic Plains Hotel, Dean’s mural is said to illustrate the many facets of Cheyenne.
MORE INFO cheyenne.org
Mississippi
This southern state’s creative spirit is alive and well in multiple communities where artists share their talents for the public to experience. In Starkville, patterns inspired by its young student population color the charming downtown. Jackson, the capital city and a significant site for the civil rights movement, is filled with murals from local artists that recognize the city’s past while looking to the future. On Mississippi’s Secret Coast, an array of murals pay homage to the area’s eclectic blend of Cajun, coastal and creative culture that is the heartbeat of the area’s population. A collaboration between the City of Oxford, the University of Mississippi Museum and the Yoknapatawpha Arts Council, the trail celebrates the vibrant arts culture and green spaces of the destination. Located on the flood wall on Levee Street, 32-life-like pictorial murals depict periods of history in Vicksburg.
MORE INFO visitmississippi.org
