The Washington County Fine Arts Museum in Hagerstown City Park is really an unexpected gem. It is located right in the center of City Park, which in itself is a treat. Featuring a large pond fed by several springs, and surrounded by trees, benches, and a children’s play area, the park is a year-round destination. In the summer ducks and geese abound, and many people come to feed them. The art museum is distinguished by its attractive rounded architecture, which has a large picture window with a statue of the goddess Diana standing inside. This statue is a favorite of mine, and is the singular image that symbolizes the museum. Once you go in there is always a friendly greeter waiting to answer any questions, explain the lay-out, and accept any voluntary donations you want to make. There is a suggested donation but payment is not required. The museum contains an excellent collection that includes well-known artists. Plus, they have rotating exhibitions so there is always something new to be seen. These can include anything from local artists to Japanese prints to photography. There is usually a mix of different media and subject matter, which means that everybody can find something to enjoy. The Fine Arts Museum also holds music concerts and information lectures among other special events that are posted on the website. No matter what is going on, I always find something new and interesting no matter how often I go! To find other educational weekend destinations, visit globalYP.net, a local online directory.

123 Gallery Miami is the newest gallery in the Mary Brickell Village of Miami, FL. Focusing on contemporary art they provide you with the top upcoming fine artists in the area. With over 4 artists to chose from you will find something you will fall in love with. Between the two co-owners Artageous and Slabak, there is over 30 years experience in the art industry and plenty of artwork and services to choose from. Not only can you find fine art in the gallery, but there are regular events where there is music by local musicians, raffles, and shows. Also, they have various services they provide such as custom framing for your fine art, reproductions, scanning, restoration, and much more. In the 123 Gallery you will not only find beautiful paintings, but you can also find sculptures both stone and wood, glass blown art, and various other mediums of artwork. I guarantee that you will be satisfied with the choices and service provided to you when you walk in, and you will be blown away by the amazing talents represented there. For wonderful art visit 123 Gallery Miami at 900 S Miami Ave. For yellow pages online make sure to visit globalYP.net.

The Minnesota Marine Art Museum is a delightful little gem nestled in the bluff lands of the Mississippi River Valley in the southeastern tip of Minnesota. After only having been open for just under 5 years, the museum has already expanded into a brand-new wing that provides the climate and humidity controls and security necessary for the preservation of their most valuable pieces of art. The museum is comprised of four main galleries that each houses a different collection. Three of these galleries hold temporary exhibitions, while the fourth contains the permanent collection of the museum. At the time of my last visit in early September of 2009, the first gallery featured a series of images by a photographer who had embarked on a project to take only a single photograph for each of the 90 consecutive days he spent in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area on the border between the United States and Canada. The second held a collection of instruments and various paraphernalia necessary for sailing the high seas before the advent of modern navigational equipment. The final impermanent collection was a suite of folk art showcasing the aspects of the Mississippi River. The permanent collection is, quite naturally, the star of the show here. With paintings by Monet, Pissarro, and many more famous painters, you will not be disappointed by the variety of styles and takes on the subject of the waterways that drove life in these earlier times. After you have taken in all the art this museum has to offer, wander the grounds and enjoy the gardens as well as the natural beauty of the area. To find what else your city has to offer, try searching on globalYP.net, local directory listings available online.