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Public art not only beautifies an area or town, it also draws visitors. And in the U.S. Western states public art is very much focused on it's identity and history. This makes a fascinating, interesting and fun way to discover more about places, big or small.
Cheyenne,
Wyo., boasts 'These Boots are made for Talking' - a
trail of cowboy boots decorated by local artists depicts
the history of the city. A brochure, or an app you can
download on your phone (call 310-316-0067), gives you
the location and story behind each boot. The town also
features sculptures of horses, the greatest friend to
man and a necessity to explore the West.
A very cool public art piece is the 'Play Me' piano in Cheyenne's main square. 'Play Me' started in a small town in Texas and has spread further afield. Piano's are painted by local artists and then placed in public places. Anyone with the talent is welcome to sit down and tinkle the ivories for everyone's enjoyment. While I was in town a man who had been wandering around the farmer's market sat down and entertained us for nearly half an hour. Such an enjoyable experience, it was lovely to see the children reacted so positively.
Gallup, N.M., unfortunately is usually a stop to fill up on gas and head on down the Interstate. This is a pity and a mistake I hope folks will correct. The town has fabulous murals, they supply a detailed brochure with locations and descriptions at the visitor's center.
As if that isn't enough, there is a fabulous collection of W.P.A. paintings by various artists lining the walls outside the court room. Gallup has about 90 of these gorgeous W.P.A. paintings in a couple of locations in Gallup, including the library, the county school district and storage. You need time to absorb the mural and the paintings in the passage. They truly are a treasure not to be missed.
Nevada isn't only about gambling and glitsy shows. There is a strong focus on the arts. Little Caliente, a small town in South East Nevada is not to be outdone as they strive to prove size doesn't matter. They have a beautiful classic old railroad station in the center of town and across a dusty lot is the Boxcar Museum cheerfully painted with murals showing all the peoples in the area - the original Native American inhabitants of the area, European settlers and the old town. And they love it when you stop by and say hello.
Sioux Falls, S.D., holds an annual sculpture walk. Each
year they display approximately 40-60 sculptures
throughout the downtown area. All the sculptures are for
sale during the year and the organization actively
promotes them. This is important, artists must be paid
for all public art. The public vote throughout the year
for their favorite and at the years end, the city buys
the winner of the public vote, which is then placed in a
permanent position in the park around the falls or
downtown. It is truly uplifting to see a city support a
project like this and to see the high level of work
submitted.
The city produces an excellent brochure featuring a
walking tour of the sculptures each year and docent
tours are available for groups of 6 or more. More
information can be obtained online or from the visitors
center at the Chamber of Commerce downtown. Sculptures
can also be found in the lobbies of a couple of the
banks, at the Sioux Falls regional airport, at the
convention center and on 41st Street. In addition there
is a USF Campus Sculpture Walk and another at Avera
McKennan Hospital & Health Center.
This is just a small sample of the variety of public art on show. There are towns, big and small, featuring various public art projects like tiny Carrizozo, N.M. has colorful burros dotted about town including on top of buildings. Or if you're a certain age you just have to go stand on the corner in Winslow, Ariz., but don't miss visiting La Posada Hotel just a couple of blocks away. They feature the large scale impressive paintings and murals of artist Tina Mion.
Keep an eye out as you travel and follow the stories
public art tells you. Compliment a town when you can,
the more towns hear how much travelers enjoy their
public art the more they will focus on it.
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Two of the large boots
in the 'These Boots are made for Talking' art
project 
An
unknown pianist plays for the crowds at the
'Play me' piano in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
The
mural by artist Be Sargent in Gallup, New Mexico
honoring the Navajo Code Talkers 
A
section of the W.P.A. Mural depicts the
fascinating legend of an African prince 
A
section of the W.P.A. Mural depicts miners and
explorers inside the 
Part
of the mural on the Boxcar Museum in Caliente,
Nev., 
One
of the popular sculptures, 'Who rescued who?'
by artist Lorri Acott 
One of the many burros of tiny Carrizozo, N.M.
art district.
Who could resist some fun and not take part in
Standin' on the Corner in Winslow, Arizona?
