Here’s some great Art travels to explore.  I recently returned from a month-long trip to explore some major art centers in Utah, Arizona, and New Mexico.  I was actually escaping our Montana sub-zero winter for a while. What a trip! 

1)    SALT LAKE CITY has a vibrant art scene. Same goes for Park City.  I seemed to have missed their 150 Open Studios Tour this year, but still managed to visit my favorite places.  The A Gallery, the Phillip’s Gallery, and the 15^th Street Gallery are my usual haunts.  Absolutely EVERYTHING in Park City is thrilling! Also, lots of new beer pubs!

2)    SEDONA is always a treat.  Their TLAQUEPAQUE Arts and Shopping Village hosts a big, big group of interesting art galleries. The attached video reveals how relaxing just being in the center and listening to street musicians can be on a delightful sunny afternoon.  The Sedona Arts Center is definitely not to be missed either.  Besides their galleries, they have a wonderful array of art studios and classes.

3)    SCOTTSDALE is Amazing! Besides the exciting “Old Town” galleries, each January through March offers two more incredible art venues.  The “Celebration of the Arts” on the north side of Scottsdale hosts 100 selected artists from all over the world. Then, just a few miles north of that, the “Arizona Fine Arts Expo” has another 125 artists for the same length of time. Neither should be missed!!!

4)    TUCSON art was not only interesting, but definitely situated in warmer temperatures.  They have an artist community in oracle (just north of town), another artist community south of town, and then, of course, the art district right downtown. Construction in the area made it quite difficult getting around. Various other quality galleries can be found when you do some driving around.

5)    SANTA FE … Wow! Now that’s a vibrant arts community!  You can tell that the town supports their artists.  So, so many galleries and museums, I don’t even know where to start.  Even the food was fantastic.  I spend a considerable amount of time in the Railyard Arts District and on Canyon Road.

6)    TAOS, as always, is a delightful arts mecca. Although fewer galleries than in Santa Fe, it was still a great learning experience for me.  I met some lovely people running artist-owned galleries.  They were so very informative.

Okay, my month was now over and the long venture home began just as more snow set in.  I think I drove on ice and in snowstorms most of my way back to Montana.  Very happy to get back into my studio and get painting again!

NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN!  WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ART LOCATIONS?  I would love to hear from you.