Visiting or staying at Portmeirion Village on the coast of Wales is a not-to-miss experience. Sure, it’s where the cult classic, The Prisoner, was shot. But this quirky village is so much more: trails thread through woodlands, waterfront vistas are abundant, as are the diverse works of art on display.
No matter where you gaze, including through your windows, brings into view something fantastical.
Wherever I go in the world, I’m always on the lookout for public art and I found plenty to admire in Toronto. Some of the works were difficult to find while others are on the tourist radar. This is my latest for ForbesLife where I discuss the sculptures, art installations and street art that peppers the landscape of Toronto.
While I was in Reno, Nevada attending the awesome Cordillera International Film Festival with my feature-length comedy script, I had the opportunity to explore the fab public art that peppers the nicely landscaped plazas at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks, Nevada. (Many of the festival’s features and shorts played at the Galaxy Theaters Legends.)
One more example of the creative public art that dots the plazas at The Outlets at Legends in Sparks, Nevada. This botanical sculpture is part of a small water feature.
Even biking the Toronto Islands off-season is a delight. Taking a guided tour with Toronto Bicycle Tours, I discovered a pristine, undeveloped stretch of sand.
Sculptor Duane Linklater created this series of concrete gargoyles that are replicas of those found around Toronto. This series that’s set in a green space populated with box elder, maple and hickory is referred to as Monsters for Permanence, Beauty and Individuality. It’s along a section of the Lower Don Valley Trail that’s well used by everyone from walkers to cyclists.
Parts of downtown Toronto, such as the Queen Street West area, are awash with exciting street art. These creations can be found at the condos that border the well known nexus of graffiti and street art, Graffiti Alley (aka Rush Lane). I got the low-down on the scene, thanks to Tour Guys Canada.
This work was created by Toronto natives Nick Sweetman, Poser and others in the Montreal-based artist collective called En Masse.
The vivid boar in this work that’s found along Graffiti Alley (aka Rush Lane) was created by Nick Sweetman.
At the Max Tanenbaum Sculpture Garden, some two dozen colorful pieces of art bedeck a terrace outside a hospital in Toronto. Created by William Lishman, each one reflects a vibrant, active human, something that’s inspirational for all.
This giant, whimsical sculpture of an Iberian lynx, an endangered species, was created by Bordalo II. It soars above a pavement in the Parque de Nacoes neighborhood in Lisbon. The artist used objects found in junkyards, including computer parts, reflecting his sensibilities on materialism and consumerism.
This is probably one of the coolest coworking spaces around. Village Underground Lisbon (VULX), a nexus of creativity, culture and art, consists of stacked shipping containers and even a pair of double-decker buses. It’s down the street from the ever popular LX Factory.
Over the past several months, I’ve been exploring walkable downtowns in New Jersey. I discovered the Bourbon Street Beignet in Westwood. This is an atmospheric coffee shop with a New Orleans vibe and plenty of scrumptious baked goods.
As I walked through downtown Maplewood, a glass of Tempranillo called out to me one sunny afternoon.
In downtown South Orange, I found some captivating street art.
On Aero Island in Denmark, these charming cottages, including one with a thatch roof, line a stretch of sand in Marstal at Erik Hale Beach.
One thing that made my travels on Aero Island especially lovely was staying at the Aero Guesthouse and Cafe where breakfast is a warm, welcoming and sunny affair. This is one of the two rooms — along with the plant-filled outdoor terrace — with contemporary art where you can enjoy a wonderful cappuccino or a filling and tasty vegetarian breakfast.
On the island of Aero in Denmark, every summer, established artists and art students put on an exhibition around the scenic Soby Harbor. This delightful seahorse was created by Christian Aagaard Ovesen.
As an artist who’s in love with nature, I was delighted to explore Tickon - Tranekaer International Center for Art and Nature on Langeland, Denmark. Trails weave through the 200-acre forested grounds of the Tranekaer Castle. Like all the naturalist installations here, this one - by artist Alfio Bonanno - was created from materials found in the park itself.
When I met artist Barbara Gelardi in St. Croix, I fell in love with her vibrant paintings. So, I was thrilled to see she was commissioned to do most if not all the art at the lovely Grape Tree Bay Hotel on the island’s East End. Next time I visit, I intend to stay at this contemporary, low-key accommodation.
Whether driving, walking or biking, you’re bound to discovery myriad examples of St. Croix’s vibrant street art.
Among the many street murals on St. Croix, “Change the Cycle” by Taj Francis depicts how the goddess of the seas protects sharks, which are sadly killed for their fins. This dramatic work of art embellishes an apartment complex in Frederiksted.
This striking mural by artist Kelly Spencer is aptly named “A Beautiful Death.” Though the coral displays vibrant purple hues, it’s their last gasp. Already bleached, the fragile coral produces these vivid pigment as a desperate attempt to protect themselves from the sun.
Biking around Denmark’s scenic Fyn (Funen) Island, I made many art discoveries, including in the town of Faaborg. This creative mural by Els Cools references the city’s bell tower. (In the foreground are mini bell tower sculptures in flowerpots, an art installation by Bruno MacDonald.)
As I bicycled along serene country roads on Tasinge Island in Denmark, I found a delightful abundance of nature around each and every turn. (This is the estate of the 17th century Valdemar’s Castle.)
On St. Croix, I found the vibrant street art, whether murals or sculptures, captivating. These pepper building facades, sea walls and even garbage receptacles, especially in Frederiksted and also Christensted.
Strolling through 18th century Fort Frederik (including the art gallery) first thing in the morning is an atmospheric experience when you have the place all to yourself. This fort is located on the waterfront of Frederiksted in St. Croix.
The Fort Frederik Museum is hosting an art exhibition until mid September. “The Revolution Is Not A One Time Act” honors Emancipation Day on St. Croix.
With its Giverny-inspired landscaping, this fine-dining restaurant at Grounds for Sculpture is also perfect for sipping a chilled Pinot Grigio or an iced coffee on the shaded terrace.
As I walked through a particular grassy expanse at this sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey, I was captivated by this giant that appears buried in the lawn. (I took a separate photo of his foot.) This striking sculpture by Seward Johnson was cast in aluminum.
It’s easy to spend the whole day at Grounds for Sculpture, an expansive and ultra creative sculpture garden in Hamilton, New Jersey. After all, there are surprises aplenty in niches, alcoves, beside bodies of water or snuggled in the woodlands. This is “Birth of the Messenger” that was carved from granite by the American sculptor, Viktor who was born in Odessa.
Surprises galore await as you roam the trails networking this 40-some-acre property. This bronze set in a mist-laden venue is “Redon’s Fantasy of Venus” by Seward Johnson.
St. Martin is peppered with colorful murals, including those by artist Jimmy Sheik. As you drive the roads on the French side, it’s worth doing so slowly and pulling over to check out the many pieces of vibrant art that celebrates the island’s energy and creativity.
I was so honored and delighted to take an acrylic class with noted Nevisian artist, Deborah Tyrell, who has the phenomenal Charlestown Gallery in town. This was one of many fun and relaxing activities I was able to participate in while enjoying the luxe Montpelier Plantation and Beach in Nevis. My painting captures the landscape where the original Main House once existed on this former centuries-old sugar plantation.
It’s easy to fall in love with Montclair, New Jersey, especially if you delight in parks, gardens and other green spaces. But this cosmopolitan town is also noted for its vibrant culinary and art offerings. Now, the recently opened luxe MC Hotel taps into this scene by sourcing numerous foods and beverages from local makers as well as paintings and other works created by artists who live nearby. This is my recent article for ForbesLife on the MC Hotel.
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