2018 was a year filled with travel and with art, and it was a year of evolution where both are concerned. No longer content to be a spectator my quest for art and unique experiences has reshaped the way I approach travel and inspired me to spend more time creating on my own.
Artist: Hilarystyle
Travel will always be a priority in my life, but realistically I can’t always be on the road, so creating adventures closer to home has started to play a bigger roll. That doesn’t mean I don’t have some pretty lofty travel goals. Currently Croatia, Italy and Japan are topping my international wish list, while New York, Nashville and Charleston are at the top of my North American list.
Wynwood Arts District
In 2018, we made it to San Francisco, Atlanta, Palm Springs, Puerto Vallarta, Portland, Seattle, Miami and New Orleans. Speaking of which, San Francisco and the Bay Area are back in our lives in a big way, and while we aren’t leaving Southern California we will be spending a lot more time up north, so stay tuned for more NorCal adventures.
Table of Contents
San Francisco, California
January
A weekend visiting friends in San Francisco was a great way to start the year. We shopped, ate and of course hunted for street art.
Artist: FNNCH North Beach
I’ve been following FNNCH, a San Francisco based artist, for a while, so was excited to see a few of his pieces in person.
View from the Coit Tower San Francisco
A surprise bonus was our impromptu visit to one of San Francisco’s most iconic attractions, the Coit Tower.
You might also be interested in: One Day In San Francisco
Atlanta, Georgia
February
A girls weekend brought me to Atlanta, Georgia in February, and I jumped at the chance to explore a new city.
Artist: Ouizi
A highlight of our visit was Atlanta’s newest park, The BeltLine, which was a perfect way to get an overview of the city.
Piedmont Park Atlanta
The multi-use pedestrian friendly pathways are perfect for cycling, running, and walking, and they’re also home to the South’s largest temporary public art installation! Atlanta is host to multiple mural and art festivals each year, including the Outer space Project, and Living Walls. This means you’ll find murals, sculpture, and performance art throughout the city.
Artist: Ricky Watts
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Palm Springs, California
March
Palm Springs, an easy two hour drive from Los Angeles, happened to be one of the few well known Southern California cities our family had yet to explore, which made it the perfect choice for a quick getaway.
Palm Springs
The Palm Springs Art Museum is the largest cultural institution in Coachella Valley. The Downtown location features modern art and is spread out over three floors. The museum has a nice easy flow, a wonderful selection of art, and a lovely cafe.
Palm Springs Art Museum
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Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
April
In April we joined friends for 4 fabulous days in and around Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. This was my first trip to Mexico, and we filled our days with boating, snorkeling, ocean swimming, and a trip to town. In between all that exploring we even found time to relax.
Puerto Vallarta
We walked along the beach boardwalk, explored the markets, and admired the art installations. There isn’t a lot of street art in Old Town Vallarta, but there is some, and you know I did my best to hunt it down.
Puerto Vallarta
Many of the pieces I found are part of the Restore Coral Mural Project an initiative bringing awareness to the importance of coral reefs and the preservation of marine ecosystems.
Artist: @lizrashell
You might also be interested in: Four Days in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
Los Angeles, California
May
Historically May is a busy month for our family and we don’t often travel, but living in the second largest city in America means a lot of opportunity for exploring right here at home.
Los Angeles, California
We’ve had our fair share of pop up museums in LA, but when I heard about Beyond the Streets: Vandalism as Contemporary Art, I knew this was one exhibition I couldn’t miss.
Artist: Herakut
Unlike other recent “museum” pop ups Beyond the Streets really felt like a museum, and less like an Instagram photo op, but how could I resist posing with these fabulous LA Hands?
Artist: Slick
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Los Angeles, California
June
Not one to stay put, we love to pick a neighborhood and explore and one of our favorites is Silver Lake, a treasure trove of one-of-a-kind shops, restaurants and hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.
View of Los Angeles from the Hidden Stairs in Silver Lake
The area’s hidden stairways, which wend and wind through the vibrant and colorful residential areas are a great way to spend an afternoon. Keep your eyes open as you wander through the streets and you’ll find hidden murals and art installations and if you make it to the top you’ll be rewarded with fabulous views of the city.
Hidden Stairs of Silver Lake
The Hidden Stairs of Silver Lake Route
You might also be interested in: 12 Things To Do With Kids In LA’s Silver Lake & Echo Park Neighborhoods
Portland, Oregon
July
After 10 days exploring the Oregon Coast this self described city girl needed a dose of hustle and bustle and a good cup of coffee, so we made a beeline for Oregon’s biggest city.
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Hawthorne Bridge
I’m impressed with the longevity of the street art pieces in Portland, many of which are years old.
Artist: Faith47
My never-ending quest for street art led me to the Alberta Arts District where we found street art murals and slap tags aplenty.
Artist: Fontana
We took a walking tour of the Central Eastside Industrial District and although it was a blistering hot 95 degree day we persevered.
Artist: Yoshi 47
You might also be interested in: Where to find Street Art in Portland Oregon
Seattle, Washington
August
It’s been 18 years since I’ve called the Emerald City home, but family and close connections guarantee that I visit regularly, and August is my favorite month to be there.
Artist: Unknown
Our quest for art took us from one end of the city to the other including Georgetown, SODO, Downtown, Belltown, and Capital Hill.
Artist: Paul Kuniholm
You might also be interested in: Things To See and Do In Seattle
Los Angeles, California
September, October, November
Autumn found me digging even deeper into our local art scene. Including…
Showcasing my work at my first art market in Downtown Los Angeles,
Triangle Brewing Company Art & Beer Market
getting a chance to assist one of my favorite artists, Bumblebeelovesyou, with a large scale mural in Japantown.
Artist: Bumblebeelovesyou
and finally hosting a graffiti art party in support of my 10 year old son’s elementary school at the Venice Art Walls.
Venice Art Walls Graffiti Party
Miami, Florida
December
With two trips, in the first two weeks, December was a busy month. The first of which was a solo trip to Miami where I spent three days immersed in all things art.
Wynwood Walls Artist: Queen Andrea
A visit to the Wynwood Arts District and the Wynwood Walls outdoor mural museum was first on my list and I know I’ll find my way back to this vibrant and happening neighborhood in the future.
Art Basel Miami Beach
Little Havana Miami
Art Basel Miami Beach, and Little Havana were also highlights of my whirlwind three days in South Florida, and I’ll be sharing more about my experiences soon.
New Orleans
December
Our final trip of the year was our annual visit to New Orleans. I was nervous we might not make it for the tricentennial in 2018, but we managed to fit in a quick visit. Our three days there were filled to the brim with both old and new favorites. Beignets anyone?
Beignets Everyday
New Orleans isn’t known for street art, and what little there is has for the most part eluded me, but the movement has started to catch on, and we managed to discover a few art pockets while exploring the Faubourg Marigny and Bywater neighborhoods. A lot More to come on that…
What Brings You Joy? Artist: Hirsch
The Bywater is home to Studio BE, a 35,000 square foot exhibition space, which features large scale works by New Orleans artist and filmmaker BMike. Unfortunately our visit didn’t coincide with the studios’s opening hours, but it’s on my list for next year’s visit.
One Time in New Orleans Artist: BMike
You might also be interested in: Christmas in New Orleans
So there you have it! It’s been a great year filled with travel and art, and art and travel and I am so grateful for each and every one of you who choose to follow along on all my colorful adventures. Thank you, and Happy New Year!
Artist: DabsMyla
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Are We Adults Yet
This is a beautiful new year post, loved seeing all your photos!
Hilary
Thank you! I had no idea what 2018 would bring as far as travel was concerned and was pleasantly surprised at just how great it turned out!
Wilbur
What a lovely vibrant post! Fantastic artwork and some great destinations. How did your LA exhibition go? I have been to LA, NO, NY & Miami but SF is high on my wish list. I think you would love the Manchester Street art scene. Take a peak here https://wilburstravels.com/2017/04/28/quirky-manchester/ Wilbur. #farawayfiles
Hilary
Thank you! It was a great year of art and travel! I’m sure I would love the street art in Manchester! I’ll have to put it on my list for next time I do a UK road trip. SF is pretty nice, but I admit it’s not my favorite US city, not even close… I’d choose Seattle over it any day!
Nicola Burke
I love your year in art, what a great idea. My bro went to the Wynwood Art District this year (he’s also a graffitti artist) and said it was amazing which is high praise from him!
#farawayfiles
Hilary
Thank you! So much art, how could I not… Wynwood was fab! I’d love to check out you brother’s work, what name does he go by? Happy New Year!
Katherine
So many amazing bits of art in so many places! I’m off to look up FNNCH, considering I’m in the same city as he is. And my favourite of all your photos would have to be the artwork from Portland with the woman walking away. Just gorgeous! #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Definitely look him up, he’s pretty prolific up there! Yes, that photo from Portland is also one of my favorites. She’s immense and so detailed. Happy New Year!
Janis
The street art that you manage to find is amazing, I particularly like the ones in Portland. Looking forward to following your adventures for 2019 #farawayfiles
Hilary
Thanks! Portland does have quite a good art scene. I had to laugh that the large bride piece was just behind my hotel, but I had a tough time finding it! Will be interesting to see where 2019 finds me…
mudpiefridays
What an amazing set of photos and travel for 2018! I know what you mean, I hate that my travel goals have to be limited by realism. Wishing you all the best for 2019 – can’t wait to see where you go to next #farawayflies
Hilary
Thank you! Reality bites doesn’t it? LOL! JK! Happy New Year to you! Looking forward to following along with each other on #farawayfiles
Four Acorns / Quatre graines de chêne
I always love reading about your art-filled travels and ogling your stunning photos, and how cool to find out you’re becoming more creative yourself! Well done for your work on that stunning mural! It probably is my favourite in this post, although it’s very hard to choose. Happy New Year!
#FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you! I definitely love that one, though my contribution was only the grass, but hey you have to start somewhere! Happy New Year!
Ladies What Travel (@LadiesWTravel)
It’s great to bring a bit of colour into your life and you definitely did that well in 2018! I need to make an effort to do something like this in my part of the world this year… #FarawayFiles
Hilary
I’ll look forward to reading about it when you do!
Paul Healy
Love you obsession with street art and some of the stuff you’ve captured looks amazing. We’re in Lisbon at the moment and we’re doing a street art walking tour tomorrow so stay tuned for some Portuguese talent!
Hilary
Thank you! I sometimes wonder if I’m driving everyone nuts with all my art, but I can’t help it! I’m a bit jealous about your art tour in Lisbon as I didn’t get a chance to do that when we visited… I look forward to reading/hearing all about it!
thewsmblog
Beautiful finds and captures!
Anonymous
I’ve enjoyed reading about your travels and look forward to reading all about this year’s travels. #FarawayFiles
Catherine's Cultural Wednesdays
I’ve enjoyed following your travels in 2018 and look forward to reading about your 2019 adventures. #FarawayFiles
Hilary
Thank you! It’s been interesting to look back as much of it was last minute… wonder what this year will bring?
Clare Thomson
I’ve really been looking forward to reading your post. It’s funny how we don’t realise how many great travel experiences we’ve had until we look back on our year. It’s great to see you creating your own art. Just imagine what you’ll achieve this coming year!
Hilary
So true! I’m hoping the same will happen this year. I’m also looking forward to more art adventures, especially my own…