Street Art Magic

Recently I had the opportunity to travel to one of the strangest and most beautiful places I've ever been; the spirited and seemingly unflappable city of New Orleans. While the style and pizzazz of the French Quarter is enough to make jaws drop and inspire visions of  elegance and grandeur, the ever-present sparkle of Cajun flare and fun is what makes the city truly unique. Part of the individuality that sets New Orleans apart from other places around our great nation, is the way art permeates every nook and cranny of the Mississippi-cradling city. Not only is it impossible to escape the sounds of jazz--be it blues played by a single sax on the sidewalk, or the perfectly imperfect rhythms created by small quartets making camp in cafes along balcony-lined streets--but the city is also a living breathing art museum. The scenery is magnetic to artists young and old, and breathes life into works which, in my opinion, rival some that carry famous names along with them. This art, this way of life, is what makes New Orleans so special. It is new expression born of its surroundings and the spirit of those holding the brush. Challenge: next time you go somewhere new, seek out street artists; their works may open your eyes to a whole new perspective.