Upon first thought, a public art tour might seem straightforward: a viewing of art that was made for the public through a community-involved process. But, public art, more romantically, is an artist’s response to the now—a reflection of how one views the world and a portrayal of who we are. There are few better places than the Southeast to be submerged in the dynamic world and history of unforgettable public art.
Beginning with an extensive record of all public art in the region, One Columbia for Arts and Culture in Columbia, South Carolina, offers a viewing roadmap to locate Columbia’s endless murals, statues, sculptures, and historical sites. The Columbia Museum of Art (CMA) offers a variety of general group tours and specific exhibition tours, diving into the details. “Tours at the CMA are guided by the principle that art is for everyone and, no matter what your interests are, there is something for you at this museum,” says Glenna Barlow, the museum’s curator of education. “Our collection spans centuries and continents, making the CMA the only international museum in the state, and our rotating slate of featured exhibitions covers a broad range of artists and media, from contemporary quilts and 1960s photography to medieval paintings, to name just a few.”
In Macon, Georgia, awaits another extensive public art viewing opportunity. Embark on the “Great Art Hunt” with your group. Follow a detailed map of Macon’s public art, collect clues, and complete the list to be entered into a unique drawing. When in downtown Macon, stroll down the Macon Sculpture Walk to view this year’s “high-quality public sculptures.” The list goes on for Macon’s art galleries, and it is worthwhile to attend the monthly Macon Arts Alliance event, featuring art shows, activities, and classes.
Credit: Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau
While in Georgia, Atlanta is not a place to miss when exploring public art. Hosted by Unexpected Atlanta Tours, the “Cabbagetown & BeltLine Street Art” tour will take your group walking along the streets of Atlanta. The captivating 2 1/2-hour walking tour will show you how Atlanta’s street art “carries out the mission of the city’s historic changemakers and how every mural tells a story,” according to the Unexpected Atlanta website. Self-guided street art walking tours have been mapped out, and make sure to book a tour with The Mural Walk, which provides the opportunity to view beautiful murals as your group walks through many of the area’s historic African American communities.
Paducah, Kentucky, offers the self-guided Paducah Mural Art Experience, which includes more than 20 stops and sites to see along the Ohio River. In Miami, Florida, have your group participate in the “Wynwood Walls Street Art & Neighborhood Walking Tour,” hosted by Bobby’s Bike Hike. The Wynwood neighborhood has been described as a “trendsetting and eclectic neighborhood that pulses with creativity and energy,” according to the Bobby’s Bike Hike website. “Known for its vibrant street art, Wynwood is a living canvas where every corner bursts with color and expression.”
By Maya Mackinnon
Main Image: Columbia Museum of Art, Columbia, South Carolina; Credit: The Columbia Museum of Art
