When you think of small town U.S.A., it may surprise you to discover that there are many artsy small towns in America. And we’re not just talking about towns with cute crafty stores populating their main streets.
In a previous post, we looked at five great mid-size towns where artists can make it in the United States.
This post looks at much smaller towns that also recognize the importance of art and are embracing artists within their borders.
The Best Artsy Small Towns in America
At one time, the major art hub cities were New York, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. If you wanted to make it as an artist, you went there. Eventually, cities like Portland (Oregon), Miami, and Chicago joined the ranks – albeit on a lower tier.
Because of social media and the internet, it’s (at least a bit) easier to make it as an artist now than it was before this technology existed. As such, those who are unable to “make it big” can still survive as artists.
Increasingly, small towns are becoming havens for resident artists as well. We’ve got eight here that carry that torch quite nicely.
1. Abingdon, Virginia
Wander into Abingdon in the Blue Ridge Mountains and you’ll find the Arts Depot. Featuring three different art galleries, the Arts Depot hosts an array of resident artists who welcome visitors to watch them working in their studios. In addition, Abingdon is home to Virginia’s Barter Stage – the most famous in the state. It’s also home to the William King Museum; a free museum that makes art accessible to everyone.
2. Saugatuck, Michigan
Saugatuck has long been a mecca for artists and art lovers alike. Nestled on the shore of Lake Michigan, this small beautiful town is full of galleries and hosts numerous art festivals. There is also a variety of public installations peppered throughout the town including the “Smile! You’re in Saugatuck” mural on Water Street.
3. Manitou Springs, Colorado
Back in the 1870s, the tiny town of Manitou Springs attracted attention when folks discovered the mineral-rich waters there. Sitting at the base of Pikes Peak, the town hasn’t grown a lot since then. Yet, this gorgeous haven is filled with art galleries and boutiques, as well as the Manitou Art Center which offers classes and maker spaces.
4. Cody, Wyoming
Most people associate Cody, Wyoming with Buffalo Bill. So it may come as a surprise to discover that it also has a vibrant arts community. One of the highlights of theyear in Cody is the Buffalo Bill Art Show and Sale which offers pieces celebrating the American West. But it’s also year-round home to the Cody Country Art League, Simpson Gallagher Gallery, Big Horn Galleries, and nearby Mountain Valley Artistry.
5. Homer, Alaska
Make your way WAY north to Alaska and you’ll find Homer – a veritable hive of painters, musicians, writers, actors, and every other imaginable artist. This small town offers a huge calendar of artsy events all year long that showcases not just their local talent, but brings in national and international artists as well.
6. Tubac, Arizona
When Tubac was founded in the 1700s, it was established as Arizona’s first European settlement. Today, the tiny town outside of Tucson is an artists’ colony that attracts art buyers and collectors from all over the globe to its 100+ shops and galleries.
7. Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Tucked in the Ozark Mountains, Eureka Springs is an arts utopia. With as many as 300 artists calling Eureka Springs their home, there’s art at every turn. For example, the Art Colony Eureka Springs allows visitors to watch artists at work, as well as speak with them about and buy their work. There’s also an impressive public arts scene including murals, a larger-than-life statue known as “Christ of the Ozarks,” and their iconic Rainbow Stairs.
8. Berea, Kentucky
When you come upon the small town of Berea, you may be surprised to come upon the Artisan Village right in town. Yet, Berea is known as the “Folk Arts & Crafts Capital of Kentucky,” and the center features artisan studios where visitors can buy handmade jewelry, candles, glass art, and much more. A simple stroll through town and you’ll see “Studio Artists at Berea: Artists at Work” icons everywhere.
Is Your Child Interested in Pursuing the Arts?
Many other artsy small towns in America cater to the creative spirit. And as an arts academy middle school or high school, we find this exciting.
It means that our students who dream of having a career in the arts are not consigned to a future of living in huge cities and hoping they’ll be discovered. Instead, they can thrive wherever they land.
So if your creative child isn’t thriving in the conventional educational system, then contact us today to schedule a tour of our school. And give your child the opportunity to become the artist that he/she/they envision becoming.