Planning a vacation get-away? Don’t forget to schedule an art walk!
A vacation is a fantastic time to look for art. You are less stressed. You have the time. And, bonus: you could end up with a great souvenir of your trip.
While lots of vacation spots have the obligatory tourist shops with a few generic pieces, with a little research and perhaps an exploration of a different neighborhood you can up your art collector game and discover a truly unique find.
Here’s are a few art walk ideas to help in planning your next vacation.
1. Canyon Road, Santa Fe, New Mexico
I live in Santa Fe, so of course this is one of my favorites, but Canyon Road is a big bang for your buck, so to speak. This half-mile, pedestrian-friendly street is home to more than 100 galleries. Be charmed by the classic adobe homes-turned art galleries, featuring all types of works from around the world. The first Friday of every month many of the galleries are open late. The vibe is fashionable western and the art is heavily influenced by the Puebloan people, the southwestern geography, Spanish colonists and western Americana.
2. East Edge-Pioneer Square, Seattle, Washington
This historic section of downtown Seattle hosts the longest-running art walk in the United States, called First Thursday. If you aren’t there on the first Thursday of any month, art lovers are still welcome to explore the galleries, pop-up exhibits, exhibition spaces, artist-run cooperatives and individual artist studios in the “Original Neighborhood” during business hours or special events. The vibe is Pacific Northwest casual and the art is generally modern, pop or experimental. The area is also known for glass art and indigenous Tlingit designs.
3. River Arts District, Asheville, North Carolina
Once a thriving black-owned business community, this historic industrial neighborhood connected agriculture, industry, and transportation. Now the mile-long district showcases the works of hundreds of artists in studio spaces, galleries and shops. Free trolleys run on the second Saturday of each month and special weekends. While the city’s architecture runs from Art Deco to Arts and Crafts to French Renaissance styles, the gallery art is a blend of contemporary, urban, and local mountain and wildlife scenes. There is also a wonderful mix of woodcraft and glass sculptures. The vibe is relaxed and bohemian with a spirit of adventure.
4. Gay Street, Knoxville, Tennessee
Before the Civil War, Gay Street was Knoxville’s main commercial street, filled with theaters, hotels, stores, restaurants, parades, festivals and political rallies. It was also a traditional meeting point for explorers on their way to the wilderness of the Great Smoky Mountains. The first Friday of the month celebrates local and regional artists but every day you can find contemporary, colorful and whimsical pieces. The vibe is cozy and friendly with a sprinkle of university students for good measure.
5. Wynwood, Miami, Florida
A globally-recognized art neighborhood, Wynwood’s warehouses once housed a thriving garment district. Now, the area is briming with colorful murals, outside exhibits, studio spaces and over 70 galleries. This may be your place to find a bold, modern or experimental piece from an emerging artist. Opt for a self-guided audio tour, wander on your own or take a golf-cart tour to cover more ground. The second Saturday of each month is an opportunity for special events and entertainment. The vibe is fun, funky, vibrant and hip with the bonus of being near the famous Miami beaches.
Have you ever done an art walk? Do any of these art walks make you want to plan a trip? Leave a comment below:
This is awesome Gian!! I made note and hope someday to visit all 5!