Tag: Murals

Garage Door Graffiti at Artisan Forge Studios Leaving our hotel to go get gas, I chanced across this little gem of a cooperative art studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We ended up spending most of the day checking out the exterior sculptures, the interior artist shoppes, and, of course, the onsite lunch spot, Sweet Driver Cafe and Sweet Driver Chocolates! If you love art, next time you are in Eau Claire, definitely check out Artisan Forge Studios! Click HERE or on Any Photo in the Album Below for the Coolest Selection of Street Art Coloring Books for Kids AND Adults!

Leaving our hotel to go get gas, I chanced across this little gem of a cooperative art studio in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. We ended up spending most of the day checking out the exterior sculptures, the interior artist shoppes, and, of course, the onsite lunch spot, Sweet Driver Cafe and Sweet Driver Chocolates! If you love art, next time you are in Eau Claire, definitely check out Artisan Forge Studios! Click HERE or on Any Photo in the Album Below for Great Ideas on Fostering a Love of ART With YOUR Kids!

All along Broadway in Uptown Columbus, Georgia, you will find loads of fun family dining and shopping options, as well as tons of art! And I mean TONS! Everywhere you turn, there is something for your eyes to enjoy! Murals, street art, sculptures, statues, art installations, painted electrical boxes, banners, and more! They even have some Kelsey Montague pieces, which we LOVE finding on our travels. She has some full size What Lifts You wings, which I still need to add here. But, the mini-wings are great for kids and pets! Check out KelseyMontagueArt.com to see some of her incredible…

As kids get older, the travel destinations change a bit. You don’t spend as much time exploring kids’ museums or playing on playgrounds. But, the good news, if you happen to have a kid that likes art, is that EVERYWHERE can be a destination! Countless communities across the US (and the world) boast all sorts of public art projects. Such as street art, murals, painted utility boxes or fire hydrants, metal art, sculptures, window paintings, and so much more… Even fairy doors! And they are all AWESOME! Every town can indeed be a treasure hunt of beautiful, whimsical, weird, or…

It was a little cold… And a lot wet… But, that didn’t stop us from grabbing a hot drink, and strolling through the quaint Georgia Mountain Town of Helen. This Bavarian-themed village boasts fun German drinks, snacks, and desserts; as well as bountiful German meals. The streets are lined with adorable shops, boasting unique wares from artisans, both local and afar. Woodcarving, wood-burning, glass-blowing, and candy-making… Just to name a few! Beer steins, music boxes, and even Dutch klompen! Pretzels, crepes, lattes… And did I mention candy? Oh, the candy! From Fasching, to Oktoberfest, and everything in between, if you…

On our trips to Nashville now, we are trying to spend more time exploring the individual neighborhoods of the city. Each one lends such an unique spirit to the entire city of Nashville as a whole! Our day today took us through Belmont, and into Hillsboro Village. We explored the campus of Belmont University, had some Bubble Tea and a snack, and found some spirited street art. Then we headed over for a walk through Hillsboro Village, along 21st Avenue South. Quaint and historic buildings house trendy, modern shops and restaurants. All sorts of culinary adventures await, from the high…

Sugar Hill, Georgia, just north of Buford, on the way to Cumming, is a unique little town with a GREAT master plan taking shape. The town center has developed rapidly into a fun collection of quintessential multi-use developments. Up-to-date residential complexes add a distinguished sense of style. Yet, touches of history remain with The Eagle Theatre, better known now in its modern incarnation as The Eagle @ Sugar Hill. You can also find nods to Sugar Hill’s role in the Gold Rush Days of Georgia, with the Gold Panner Statue and Fountain, as well as a beautiful spanse of colorful…

So many great artists, and so many fun, inspiring, and thoughtful creations… Next time you are in East Tennessee, be sure to swing into Downtown Knoxville and check out this plethora of Street Art Creations around the area! Strong Alley is just East of Market Square, and is a fun way to spend the afternoon! Check out our other posts from Strong Alley! Be sure to let us know YOUR favorites!

Follow Your Bliss by Curtis Glover is another beautiful and inspirational piece along the walls of Strong Alley. Curtis stays busy beautifying the walls and alleys of Knoxville, Tennessee. It looks like he does a lot in Memphis, too! Check his work HERE and be on the lookout for his masterpieces throughout Tennessee and beyond! See the rest of our collection of Street Art in Strong Alley in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee! Oh, and like he says, Always…. Follow Your Bliss!

We’re filing Not Kansas: The 865 Robot under our growing collection of awesome Robot Street Art! I’m not sure of the artist… But, we sure do love robots! Be sure to check out the other murals in Strong Alley in Downtown Knoxville, Tennessee!

Local Knoxville Artist Chance Losher, better known as Professor Rainbow, has worked hard to bring this lovely piece to Strong Alley in Downtown Knoxville, just east of Market Square! The Save the Bees Rainbow Mandala represents Chance’s bright, geometric print style. And we love the happy vibes! Be sure to check out Chance’s Bio, and Professor Rainbow’s collection of funky rainbow prints, starting at just $15! ProfessorRainbow.com

Originally painted by Colton Valentine of San Antonio, and restored by Megan Lingerfelt of Knoxville, The Queen of East Tennessee, Dolly Parton, shines brilliantly in Strong Alley! Gorgeous work from both talented artists! If you’re passing through Knoxville, you should certainly visit Dolly, just a block east of Market Square! Click on any of the photos to check out books, music, and other Dolly Parton related merchandise!

Knoxville, Tennessee has an incredible amount of street art. Strong Alley / Graffiti Alley was actually one of my earliest experiences with appreciating murals and street art creations, and one of the reasons I fell in love with seeking Urban Canvas gems on ALL of our travels! Cassiopeia by Addison Karl is a newer piece, and one I didn’t even know about until we were passing through Market Square in Downtown Knoxville, and our heads jerked back and we both exclaimed, “WHOA! Look at THAT! We’ve gotta see THAT!” And then we pulled into the garage and jumped out to…

Just East of the Missionary Ridge Tunnel along Brainerd Road, you can find several gorgeous pieces by The Artist Seven! I believe the name of this particular piece is Shatter the Matrix. Many of his other murals are definitely thought-provoking pieces paying homage to those that came before us. And he uses his art to make a positive impact in his community for those living here NOW! Click any photo to learn more about Urban Street Art Murals by the Artist Seven! If you like what you see, check out his merch and consider supporting him as an artist with your purchases! And…

At this point in the Urban Canvas Street Art Game, I’d have to say The Artist Seven is pretty much our favorite! He is incredible! Just East of the Missionary Ridge Tunnel along Brainerd Road, you can find several gorgeous pieces by The Artist Seven! As you can see, the brilliant colors of Dimensional Evolution make us happy! And some of his other murals are definitely thought-provoking pieces paying homage to those that came before us. Click any photo to learn more about Urban Street Art Murals by the Artist Seven! And be sure to check out all the murals…

From contemporary urban amenities, through the historic districts, and into quaint neighborhoods, New Orleans is an easily walkable city, loaded with fun, and TONS OF FLAVOR! A little bit of Mardi Gras, no matter the time of year, can be found throughout these jovial streets and funky alleyways! Unique architecture, with hundreds of years of stories to tell! Music filling your ears… Art delighting your eyes! And, ’tis even the season, to throw a bit of Christmas spirit into the mix! Statues, monuments, and memorials, an homage to those that came before us… Street cars and riverboats… Moving people through…

Heading Eastbound along the Santa Monica Freeway, you can catch a glimpse of another masterpiece by British Street Artist D*Face. D*Face is one of our favorites to spot on our travels! We’ve seen his work now in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, and Fort Smith, Arkansas! Love Struck is physically located at 3040 Robertson BlvdLos Angeles, CA 90034 And this image was a quick shot from I-10! Click on the links and photos to learn more about D*Face!

The walls of Vegas buildings come alive with one of the best collections of Street Art we’ve seen yet! Colorful murals abound everywhere your head turns! It’s impossible to find them all in one trip, but I’ll stick as many as I can in this post for now! Eventually, I’ll probably pull them all out and make individual posts for each. Here is one collection of Vegas Murals. And a Public Art Map. And Another Mural Guide. And, of course, the ones we have found are below! As I sort through photos, I will be adding a LOT more! Art…

We Exist Somewhere Between Limbo and Purgatory by Ernest Doty on the HDIC Theatre Building “Prolific and passionate street artist Ernest Doty equates justice and vision in his pursuit for more wall space. At once a mystic and a social activist, Ernest seems to want to drag the rest of the contemporary world into an age of neo-enlightenment, kicking and screaming. His ancient characters, with their multiple sad eyes have a message for us: their message is silence, compassion and social justice.” According to the website MurosABQ: “Muros translates from Spanish as “walls”. In Albuquerque, our walls bring people together….

The Fall of the Ten Suns by Jessica Angel on the Imperial Building “Jessica Angel’s design uses the story of the Ten Chinese Suns, in which all suns belonging to the ten Chinese days decided to go out at once, heating the earth and killing the crops. This mural design shows the fall of these suns into the night, bringing a dynamic change to Downtown Albuquerque, fostering the advent of an era with healthy food and accessible housing, paying tribute to the past while celebrating the future of this community.” According to the website MurosABQ: “Muros translates from Spanish as…

Totem of the Ancient Ones by Thomas Christopher Haag on the HDIC Theatre Building According to the website MurosABQ: “Muros translates from Spanish as “walls”. In Albuquerque, our walls bring people together. Throughout our vibrant city you’ll see our diverse culture expressed not just through the color of our skin, but through the color on our walls. Take a journey into the heart of who we are and discover the murals of Albuquerque.” Click Here for an Interactive Map of Street Art and Murals of Albuquerque, New Mexico!

Against a blazing backdrop, The Mother Road / El Camino de Los Caminos captures the spirit of Route 66 across the deserts of New Mexico. Click Here for an Interactive Map of Street Art and Murals of Albuquerque, New Mexico! Albuquerque is FULL of fascinating street art! It really is a part of all of the cultures represented in the city. According to the website MurosABQ: “Muros translates from Spanish as “walls”. In Albuquerque, our walls bring people together. Throughout our vibrant city you’ll see our diverse culture expressed not just through the color of our skin, but through the…

Albuquerque is FULL of fascinating street art! It really is a part of all of the cultures represented in the city. According to the website MurosABQ: “Muros translates from Spanish as “walls”. In Albuquerque, our walls bring people together. Throughout our vibrant city you’ll see our diverse culture expressed not just through the color of our skin, but through the color on our walls. Take a journey into the heart of who we are and discover the murals of Albuquerque.” This particular mural represents freedom of expression, and voting and equality, particularly for Native Americans, Women, and People of Color……

Walking around Downtown Albuquerque, New Mexico… You never know what you are going to find! Cool buildings, Route 66 historic kitsch, fun markets, trendy coffee shops, and lots of street art!

In 2015, English Artist, D*Face, created his first piece for The Unexpected Project in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Isn’t it mind-blowing that this piece only took 5 days to create?! As we travel, we come across D*Face pieces pretty frequently. He is definitely at the top of our favorites because we see him so frequently! Bad Lands by D*Face Loction:317 Garrison AveFort Smith, AR 72901

As he was planning his mural, New Zealand artist, Askew One, met with a modern Cherokee chief in Oklahoma. He then created this stunning design with the faces of the four Cherokee women closest to the chief, his mother, wife, daughter, and sister. Cherokee Women by Askew One Location:505 Rogers AveFort Smith, AR 72901

Belgian Artist ROA is known for his large-scale signature black and white hand-painted wildlife! In Fort Smith, you can find both The Mole and The Otter! We found The Mole! The Mole Location:505 Rogers AveFort Smith, AR 72901 The Otter Location:812 Garrison AveFort Smith, AR 72901

London Graffiti Artist, Pref, has a unique signature style that morphs words and phrases into the most intriguing visual creations! Side by Side is anything but a simple example of this multi-dimensional awesomeness!

Argentinian Artists, Jaz and Pastel, collaborate on this massive piece, Rapto Divino. Jaz is considered one of the most influential street artists of all time. It was an honor to take some time to appreciate the complexities of the symbolism represented in their work. Mural Name:Rapto Divino Mural Location: 15 South 9th StFort Smith, AR 72901

Puerto Rican Artist, Ana Maria, graces another Fort Smith wall with her stunning creation, War Birds! Mural Name:War Birds Mural Location:923 Rogers AveFort Smith, AR 72901 The Unexpected Project Be sure to check out her other self-titled Fort Smith Masterpiece in the Unexpected Project Series, Ana Maria by Anamarietta You can also follow her on Instagram!

There is nothing I love more than the serendipitous beauty of a butterfly! And knowing there is someone painting such magnificent butterfly creations on walls around the world is music to my ears! French Artist Mantra has quite the collection of wildlife street art in his global portfolio, and he has been leaving these butterfly collections in many different places for us to enjoy! Thanks, Mantra! The Unexpected Project

Bicicleta Sem Freio, translated, means Bicycles Without Brakes. These guys are a powerhouse Brazilian art duo transforming cityscapes around the world! Such a magnificent piece here in Fort Smith! Mural Name: Catira Location: 8020 Garrison AveFort Smith, AR 72901 The Unexpected Project

This is the first Anamarietta mural we found in Fort Smith today. The Artist, Ana Maria, is a current resident of Fort Smith, but she originally hails from Puerto Rico. Trillian really loved this piece! Artist: Ana Maria aka AnamariettaMural Name: Ana Maria800 Garrison AvenueFort Smith, AR 72901 The Unexpected Project

I can honestly admit, The Park at West End defies almost all description. We did catch it off season, so it is hard to speak of it in its prime. We investigated the peculiarity from every corner, never sure exactly what we were looking at… Bright colors, unique fixtures… Even a carousel. And a ferris wheel! But, add in the Street Art from The Unexpected Project… And you’ve also got Space Giraffes and Astronaut Chickens, as well as Giant Chicken Statues, Giant Cowboys on Horseback, and yet another GIANT Giraffe… So, putting it lightly, even on a quiet winter day,…

Two local high schools came together to bring this particular mural to fruition. I don’t know if it has an official name, but for obvious reasons, I refer to it as “Metamorphosis” and, quite frankly, I LOVE it. Located on the side of the Designer Again Consignments in Downtown Fort Smith, this bright, bold, and cheerful representation of the life cycle of the butterfly, and our most recognized symbol of the growth of the human spirit, beckons you with a fun and playful welcome! Be sure to check it out! Artist: Northside High School / Southside High School Students Location:16…

Johannes Gutenberg by UAFS Students 709 North B StreetFort Smith, AR 72901 The Unexpected Project

Stunning Tigers come alive in Fort Smith, Arkansas! Royal Spirits by Faith 47 815 North B Street Fort Smith, AR 72901 The Unexpected Project

Our first stop for a day exploring Fort Smith, Arkansas in all its past and present glory, was a quick run through the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. And the first mural we spotted was at the UAFS Alumni Center! We also took a second to check out the UAFS Mascot, Numa the Lion!

In the Creative Corridor of Little Rock, Arkansas, at the corner of 6th and Main, you can’t miss this stunning 30 foot tall mural, Beneath the Surface, by artist Matt McLeod! Depicting a Koi Pond, as seen from above, these bright, vibrant fish add a lively magic to the downtown area! Check out this awesome article for more great information on this wonderful work of art!

Aye… We were just at the What Lifts You Mural in Nashville last week! I didn’t even know there was a sister mural to it in Chattanooga! Alternatively titled, as seen on my Facebook page… I have wings. And I’m not afraid to use them. Let’s FLY!

Some coffee shops are just shops that sell coffee. And then there is Caliber Coffee Co. in East Nashville / Donelson. Caliber is the sweetest, kindest, most awesome coffee shop I have yet to find along our journeys. In the lobby, they collect items to donate to the less fortunate. Inside, they have a Shot of Grace “Pay-it-Forward” Board, where, if you are feeling generous, you can pre-pay for a cup of coffee and leave your kindness there for the person that needs it. Or, you know, if you’re in need of a little encouragement, maybe someone has left a…

I Choose Love, always… And we LOVE this mural in between Little Italy and Chinatown, nestled amongst quaint coffee shops and authentic street markets. It looks like this is one of many GORGEOUS and uplifting Hektad I Choose Love designs throughout the city! Maybe one day we can find some of the others! Have you seen any?

Well, it’s not the clearest photo… But, what the heck, Greetings from Jersey City, New Jersey, you’s guys!

Beautiful murals showcase Urban Community Gardening at the South Philly intersection where Passyunk meets Wharton. Harry O’s Passyunk Gardens were created in 2011 for a taping of the Rachael Ray Show, with space generously donated by Maria Olivieri in honor of her father Harry “The Boss” Michael Olivieri. The murals were created by Delancey Berzin, as well as other artists listed on the wall that touches E. Passyunk. Such a fun little find! Philly has some INCREDIBLE street art! Have you captured any of the great murals throughout the city?

Christmas is a fabulous time to visit the Chelsea Market! So many seasonal gifts, and decorations… So many kinds of candies and cookies from all over the world. And then, the regular shoppes and wares were also wonderful to peruse! All sorts of cultural fare, food, and gifts… Foods, snacks, desserts, drinks… The signs, the art… The ambiance! You can get it all, right here! And it feels MAGICAL!

Santa Lucia’s Ice Cream – Princeton, Minnesota Santa Lucia’s has been serving up the sweetest ice cream in Princeton, Minnesota since 2009! They are a local, family-owned, seasonal business in a small town! With HUGE flavor the size of the hearts! And on this hot summer day, these frozen treats sure do hit the spot! Check Out Our SPGFAN Princeton, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Below forIce Cream Fun In Your Own Home!

Crayola Experience Mall of America Crayola Experience Mall of America Check Out Our SPGFAN Minneapolis, Minnesota QUIKLIST! For ALL the Things to Do in Minnesota, CLICK HERE! See Everything Our Family Has Done in Minnesota! Click HERE or on Any Photo Belowto check out Super Cool Crayola Products for Kids and Adults!

After a day exploring the Minnesota State Capitol Building and Grounds, and the Cathedral of Saint Paul, we spent some time meandering through Downtown Saint Paul, Minnesota. Lots of unique architecture, historic and modern; fun street art pieces; monuments and memorials; and so much more… Saint Paul is a beautiful city, and Minnesota is a GREAT family-friendly destination to consider! Click on any photo for resources to plan YOUR family’s trip to Minneapolis and Saint Paul, Minnesota!

We spent a lovely afternoon, just strolling through Downtown Elk River, Minnesota. The Elk River Lutheran Church was hosting a community festival. The air was filled with sounds of German music, and our taste buds satisfied with a host of German foods and flavored pastries, such as Berliner Doughnuts and Apple Fritters. We also got some cool hands-on animal experiences, as hosted by another community group. We explored Rivers Edge Commons Park, and walked the shops and restaurants throughout the downtown area. A beautiful day in a fun, community-oriented city, on the banks where the Elk River and Mississippi River…

Chicago is loaded with gorgeous buildings, and we are starting to find more and more street art tucked into the corners. Well, I say corners, but some of the street art pieces here are HUGE! Taking up several stories, and sometimes even the entire building! Do you love Street Art? Click on any of the photos for some Super Cool Street Art Coloring Books! Be on the lookout as we add even more Street Art we’ve seen! Check out our Urban Canvas Collection! And Chicago Street Art!

A little driving, a lot of walking… And a whole lot of really tall buildings! Old and new… Shiny and worn… Stories in the stories…. I love architecture photography, and Chicago offers some of the best opportunities for it, so I hope you enjoy scrolling through the collection! Click on any photo to see a selection of books on Chicago Architecture!

After we said goodbye to our friend, we spent a little while longer walking through Downtown Sault Ste. Marie to take in the unique mix of historic architecture, local business, community preservation, and even some of the more modern creative street art.

We are on our way to visit a dear friend in the Soo! Welcome to Sault Ste. Marie on the US / Canadian border in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan!

Knoxville is a phenomenal place to check out murals and graffiti. All throughout downtown, you can find incredible hidden treasures! Graffiti Alley is a sight to behold, and we could literally spend all day appreciating the finest nuances of what really goes into these works of art. If you are in the Knoxville area and would like to check out the infinite variety of Street Art offered in this funky little city, check out this link: Knoxville Mural Map Let us know what you find!

While there was a bit of construction going on, the Desert View Watchtower was still a wonderful experience. The Ancestral Puebloan petroglyphs and murals on the walls and ceilings were stunning! I could spend hours in awe, just wondering about the symbolism in these drawings; and how it represented the life and culture of the ancient peoples of the American Southwest!

One of our all-time favorite museum experiences for kids, is hands-down, the Cincinnati Museum of Natural History & Science. This phenomenal collection of exhibits is just one of the museum units located within the Cincinnati Museum Center Complex at Historic Cincinnati Union Terminal in Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The beautifully preserved old train station houses some of the most interactive environments we have yet to experience. Real live cave and glacier simulations for kids to climb through; amazing geological collections specific to the Southern Ohio area; and even loads of hands-on docent-led activities located all throughout the museum. We learned all…

The sights and sounds of the heartbeat of Nashville, Tennessee and the Country Music Industry! Nestled amongst the skyscrapers of modern Nashville, Lower Broadway is the home of historic Honky Tonk Row, and live music permeates the air all throughout the day and night! Country Music, Cowboy Boots, and Carriage Rides! Sounds like Music City to me! Click on any link for a list of ALL the Family Friendly Attractions in Nashville, TN! Click on any photo for some cute ideas for Country Music for Kids!