Want to experience the beauty of Washington, but don’t have excess time or budget to accommodate group tours? Planners can recommend these self-guided tours of local public art for attendees to explore between meetings for some free-time fun and fresh air.
Seattle and Seattle Southside
Seattle’s Washington State Convention Center (WSCC) is the first convention center to be featured on STQRY, a mobile app that provides an interactive way for visitors to engage with the arts and attractions in different cities.
With STQRY, convention attendees could easily locate and explore the over 100 artworks—sculptures, paintings, multimedia, etc.—on display at WSCC.
At the Seattle Southside-based Des Moines Marina, groups will find murals, sculptures and art installations created by area artists.
Tacoma
In Tacoma, dozens of pieces by native Dale Chihuly are scattered throughout downtown.
“The best example is the Bridge of Glass,” said Matt Wakefield, senior communications manager for Travel Tacoma + Pierce County. “This is a pedestrian bridge specifically built to display Chihuly’s art.”
Bellevue
More than 120 works of public art, both indoors and out, are situated within walking distance to Meydenbauer Center and Bellevue’s downtown hotels. Attendees can find particular pieces by following an ArtMap courtesy of the Bellevue Arts Commission.
“Feed your creative side and experience the Bellevue Art Walk, which takes you around downtown to discover soaring sculptures, engaging exhibitions, unexpected art pieces and vibrant glass formations,” said Alexis Beeton, director of visitor experience for Visit Bellevue.
San Juan Islands
Groups may follow various mapped trails at the 20-acre San Juan Islands Sculpture Park, which is the largest of its kind in the Pacific Northwest, according to Amy Nesler, communications/stewardship coordinator for San Juan Islands Visitors Bureau.
Vancouver
Attendees walking around downtown Vancouver will see dozens of building murals, colorful storm drain murals, sculptures and public art installations, including stacked rainbow-colored umbrellas.
Interested groups can book a downtown party tour via Couve Cycle, which includes brewery and public art stops, added Erica Thompson, communications manager for Visit Vancouver USA.
Spokane
In Spokane, groups can grab maps of the Spokane Sculpture Walk, which features a garbage-eating goat and a red wagon.
“The self-guided tour meanders through Riverfront Park,” said Kate Hudson, public relations manager for Visit Spokane. “Groups can then wander into Gonzaga University’s free art gallery, Jundt Art Museum.”
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