Located throughout North American, these artist colonies are the perfect place to visit if you are looking to encounter or renew your creative spirit this summer.
Carmel-by-the-Sea: California
Known for its natural beauty and rich history in the arts, Carmel-by-the-Sea has been making a name for itself amongst artists since the early 1900s. Once upon a time, more than half of the full-time residents in this scenic town on the Monterey Peninsula were individuals who were dedicating their lives to pursuing work in the arts in one form or another. Nowadays the artistic vibe is alive and kicking with more than 100 galleries, the historic Golden Bough Playhouse-a regionally renowned theater that presents more than 175 performances a year– a number of tasting rooms, and an endless supply of uniquely artsy boutiques dotting the landscape of this coastal town.
Laguna Beach: California
If you want to submerge yourself in a community dedicated to the Arts, head over to Laguna Beach. Each summer this beautiful California town presents a trio of art festivals- Art-A-Fair, the Sawdust Art Festival and the Festival of the Arts. These annual shows draw a continuous crowd into the community throughout the summer and for a large part of the year. In addition to these fests, the town also presents the Pageant of the Masters each year, an event which recreates famous works of art with real people dressed as the subjects. The spectacular clifftop setting and beautiful California beaches add the perfect backdrop for each of these annual shows.
Salt Spring Island: British Columbia, Canada
This artistic haven located between Vancouver and Victoria is the perfect destination for travelers looking to be surrounded by natural beauty and the arts in a unique vacation location. The island has more than 30 galleries and studios, most of which are open to visitors year-round. From late spring to late fall visitors can experience the Saturday Market. This weekly marketplace offers the perfect spot to find island-made art and homemade eats from local artists and vendors. Whether you come to see the blossoms in the spring, enjoy the beautiful beach weather in the summer, or enjoy the cooler temperatures of fall and winter, there is no time that is better than another to visit.
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