Daily Times

POYDRAS CORRIDOR — NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA

The largest city in Louisiana is considered one of the greatest crossroads of culture in the world. It’s where American jazz was born, Creole cooking was invented and Mardi Gras was perfected. Now, the Poydras Corridor Sculpture Exhibition is putting New Orleans on the map for its visual art. Created after Hurricane Katrina to lift the spirits of residents, the outdoor rotating exhibit features more than 26 sculptures from contemporary artists, allowing solo visitors to enjoy the works while strolling Poydras Street.

NEON BONEYARD — LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

When those giant, flashing signs on the Las Vegas, Nevada, strip need a final resting place, they head to the Boneyard. This outdoor exhibition space features more than 200 bygone signs including the Bow & Arrow Motel, The Silver Slipper and the Hacienda horse and rider. Solo travelers have a better shot at squeezing into a spare spot on a guided tour, whose ongoing popularity makes tickets high in demand.

CONEY ART WALLS — BROOKLYN, NEW YORK

Better known for its famous corn dogs and iconic Cyclone roller coaster, Coney Island, the popular boardwalk in Brooklyn, New York, is becoming a destination for its latest amusement: the Coney Art Walls. Take your time wandering this outdoor museum alone to appreciate the detail poured into lively murals and graffiti from 20 renowned street artists. Afterward, head down to the beach to take in the colourful locals and spend an afternoon of inspiration on the shore.

MIDTOWN VIADUCTS — DETROIT, MICHIGAN

Once the capital of the US automobile industry, Detroit, Michigan, is revitalizing its forgotten byways into illuminated works of art at the Midtown Viaducts. Three once-deteriorated viaducts in the city’s Tech Town District are prime for solo photography enthusiasts. The viaducts are outfitted with colourful reflectors, LED light boxes and interactive installations that light up with the movements of cars and pedestrians. Afterward, check out the Detroit Institute of Arts and the Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit, both in the area.

OLYMPIC SCULPTURE PARK — SEATTLE, WASHINGTON

Get to know Seattle, Washington, with a leisurely solo art crawl through Olympic Sculpture Park, in close quarters with nearby attractions Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Seattle Art Museum and the Asian Art Museum. Stroll through roughly 20 works from renowned artists at this free, 3.4-hectare plot situated along the waterfront that’s open sunrise to sunset daily. And make sure to grab a selfie with the city’s architectural gem, The Space Needle.

Published in Daily Times, August 11^th 2017.