The Best and the Worst of the 50 State Seals, Part 3

This is the third post (of five) rating the designs of each of the 50 state seals. I suggest starting with the first post, which gives the background and explains the criteria I'm using for grading. 

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Rating the State Seals: Massachusetts through New Jersey

The Massachusetts state seal was modified most recently in 1900. It includes the coat of arms of Massachusetts, which depicts a Native man holding a bow and an arrow pointing down. Above his head is the state crest, a disembodied arm holding a sword; this is controversial and is the primary reason Massachusetts is developing a new seal, flag, and motto. The banner below the coat of arms loosely translates to "By the sword we seek peace, but peace only under liberty," which is the state motto. The text around the seal translates to "The Seal of the Republic of Massachusetts." I am very glad to see that Massachusetts will have a new state seal. All of the choices are much better than this existing one, which depicts two weapons and little else. 

Design: 1.5, Representation: 1.5 = 3

The state seal of Michigan includes the state's coat of arms. On a dark blue shield, there is an image of a man standing by a lake with the sun rising behind him. His raised hand represents peace and the gun the ability to defend his rights. Tuebor translates to "I will defend." Around the shield are a moose, an elk, and a bald eagle. The other banners include the US motto ("Out of many, one") and the state motto ("If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." The date at the bottom (1835) is the year the seal and coat of arms were adopted, two years before statehood in 1837. I'd prefer that the date referenced statehood, but using the coat of arms for the seal is not a bad choice. It's too busy for my taste and there's a lot of Latin going on, but now that I've taken a careful look at 21 other state seals, I can say with confidence that I've seen a lot worse. 

Design: 2.5, Representation: 3 = 5.5

Minnesota's state seal is the newest among the 50 states, adopted in 2024. It features a loon (the state bird), wild rice (the state grain), pines (the state tree), the North Star (representing the state motto, "The Star of the North"), and water representing the many lakes and rivers in the state. The phrase above the loon comes from the Dakota people and means "Land where the water reflects the sky" and is the origin of the name Minnesota. There are 98 golden bars around the outside edge, representing the 87 counties and 11 federally-recognized tribes of Minnesota. I love everything about this seal. The design is near perfection, as is the symbolism. This is the gold standard of state seals.  

Design 5, Representation 5 = 10

The state seal of Mississippi was adopted in 2014 and features a bald eagle holding an olive branch (representing a desire for peace) and arrows (representing the power to wage war). A shield with 11 stars and stripes is on its chest. "In God We Trust" appears under the eagle. While this is an aesthetically pleasing design, it's hard to ignore the similarities between it and the US Great Seal. Other than the word "Mississippi" there is literally nothing about this seal that represents the state in any way. They could have included their own state motto instead of the national one, or put their own flag on the eagle's shield, or put the date of statehood - anything. 

Design 2, Representation 0 = 2

Missouri's state seal was adopted in 1822. In the center is the Missouri coat of arms and the US coat of arms, surrounded by "United We Stand, Divided We Fall" on a belt. The crescent represents how Missouri grows in population and wealth over time, and its status as the second state formed from the Louisiana Territory (since the crescent moon is the second phase after a new moon). The grizzly (and the two on either side of the shield) represent the strength and bravery of Missourians. The helmet signifies state sovereignty and the 24 stars the fact that Missouri is the 24th state. The state motto ("The welfare of the people shall be the supreme law") appears on a banner above the date 1820, when Missouri adopted its constitution (actual statehood was 1821). Fun fact: Grizzly bears don't live in Missouri. While this isn't the most attractive design, there are a lot of elements representing the state. 

Design 2.5, Representation 4 = 6.5

The current design for the state seal of Montana was adopted in 1893. It highlights the beauty and natural resources of the Treasure State, including the mountains that led to the state's name and the stunning Great Falls of the Missouri. The plow, miner's pick, and shovel above the state motto ("Gold and Silver") symbolize the agricultural and mineral wealth of Montana. Lawmakers debated adding people, animals, and transportation to the seal but ultimately decided that it would be too cluttered. Good decision. This is among the best of the 100+ year old state seals. 

Design 4, Representation 4 = 8

Nebraska's state seal was adopted in 1867. It shows a blacksmith at work, a settler's cabin with corn and wheat nearby, a steamboat on the Missouri river, and a train headed to the Rocky Mountains, pictured on the left. A banner displays the state motto. The date of statehood is at the bottom of the seal. Overall, this is an attractive design. It represents the state's role in western expansion, but I'm not crazy about the Rockies appearing on Nebraska's seal, since they aren't within the borders. I'd rather see Nebraska's prairie represented.  

Design 3.5, Representation 3.5 = 7

The current version of the state seal of Nevada was adopted in 1866. The main image includes mountains (with snow and without), a quartz mill, a silver mine and miner, a plow, sheaf, and sickle, a wagon, a train, a telegraph line, and a rising sun. There are 36 stars for the 36th state and the state motto sits right above the state name. While there is a lot going on here, it is well-balanced and attractive and doesn't feel too cluttered. It represents many facets of historical Nevada. 

Design 4, Representation 3.5 = 7.5

The state seal of New Hampshire was modified most recently in 1931. At the center is the frigate USS Raleigh in the harbor of Portsmouth. It is surrounded by a laurel wreath. There is a granite boulder in the foreground and a rising sun in the background. 1776 represents the date it ratified the state constitution; statehood came in 1788. I'd say this seal is solidly OK. It's not the most attractive or the most representative of its state, but there's nothing inherently wrong with it. I would have done 9 yellow rays on the sun instead of 7 to represent New Hampshire's status as the 9th state. 

Design 3, Representation 3.5 = 6.5

New Jersey's state seal was modified in 1928. In the center is a shield with three plows, representing agriculture. A helmet and horse's head represent sovereignty, speed, and strength. On either side stand Libertas (goddess of liberty, holding a Liberty Cap) and Ceres (goddess of agriculture). Below them is the state motto and the date 1776, representing the first state constitution. This is another seal that is... fine. Three identical plows seems like overkill. While the goddesses don't represent New Jersey specifically, I do appreciate the tie-in to the state motto. 

Design 2.5, Representation 2.5 = 5

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So far, we have Arizona (10), Minnesota (10), California (9.5), Kansas (8.5), Alaska (8), Idaho (8), Montana (8), Delaware (7.5), Hawaii (7.5), Nevada (7.5), Colorado (7), Nebraska (7), Florida (6.5), New Hampshire (6.5), Missouri (6.5), Maine (6), Maryland (6), Iowa (5.5), Michigan (5.5), New Jersey (5), Kentucky (4), Louisiana (4), Indiana (4), Alabama (3), Georgia (3), Massachusetts (3), Illinois (2.5), Mississippi (2), Arkansas (1.5), and Connecticut (1). Let me know your thoughts in the comments. On Monday I'll look at the next ten seals.

The Best and the Worst of the 50 State Seals, Part 2

This is the second post (of five) rating the designs of each of the 50 state seals. I suggest starting with the first post, which gives the background and explains the criteria I'm using for grading. 

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Rating the State Seals: Hawaii through Maryland

Hawaii's state seal was adopted at statehood in 1959. It features King Hamehameha, the goddess Liberty holding the Hawaiian flag, a rising sun, a phoenix, 8 taro leaves representing the 8 main islands, banana leaves, ferns, a kapu stick, and more. The state motto, written in Hawaiian, translates to “The life of the land is perpetuated in righteousness.” There is no question that this seal represents the state well with all those elements, but the resulting design is very crowded. It would be a much better design with just half the elements. 

Design 2.5, Representation 5 = 7.5

The state seal of Idaho was updated in 1957 to highlight Idaho’s main industries (mining, agriculture, and forestry) and the state’s natural beauty. The woman symbolizes justice and the virgin land of Idaho and the man is a miner; together, they protect the items shown in the shield. Idaho's state flower (syringa) is represented, as is the state motto. It represents the state well and is nicely balanced, if a bit crowded. I'd change the colors to be more harmonious. (Fun fact: Idaho has the only state seal designed by a woman.)

Design 3, Representation 5 = 8

The state seal of Illinois was most recently updated in 1869, replacing the original seal that was nearly identical to the seal of the United States. The design features a bald eagle in profile, on a rock, holding a shield, with a banner in its beak proclaiming the state motto (State Sovereignty, National Union) reading from bottom to top, with a twist in the banner that makes word Sovereignty upside-down. There is an oddly-shaped sunrise over water. I am not a fan of this design. While it no longer looks like the seal of the US, it still has many of the same elements, including a shield with 13 stars and stripes. Illinois is the 21st state, not one of the original 13 Colonies. The statehood date (1818) appears twice, which is unnecessary. There is no reason for 1868, the year the seal was redesigned (before being adopted in 1869), to appear on the seal. I hate the spacing / kerning of the text. 

Design 1.5, Representation 1 = 2.5

The most recent version of the state seal of Indiana is from 1963. It features a forest with a man felling a sycamore tree, a bison running away, and the sun setting behind some hills. The designs in blue on either side of the date are the leaves of the tulip tree (the state tree), with dots and diamonds in between them for no apparent reason. (Am I the only one who sees a chicken?) There are 14 rays on the sun (Indiana is the 19th state, so this is not symbolic). I don't hate the seal, but I don't like it either. Without the text and the date, I would have never known this was supposed to be Indiana. Many states have (or had) bison, forests, and hills. 

Design 2.5, Representation 1.5 = 4

The state seal of Iowa was created in 1847, a year after statehood. It includes a soldier in a wheat field (the predominant crop of 1840's Iowa vs. the corn and soybeans that dominate now). He is holding a gun and the US flag topped with a liberty cap. He is surrounded by symbols of farming, mining, and transportation. The ship is the Steamboat Iowa, famous for holding the speed record on the Mississippi from 1843 to 1849. An eagle at the top of the seal holds the state motto. (Fun fact: The wording describing the seal is controversial, but it remains unchanged as of January 2026.) The design of this seal isn't terrible and it represents 1840's Iowa decently. The scale of the items is weird, unless that's a child's dollhouse with a working chimney. The motto is hard to read, since you have to start with the bottom left, move above it, then across, then down. I'd like this seal more without the soldier, US flag, and (especially) the gun.

Design 2.5, Representation 3 = 5.5 

The state seal of Kansas, adopted in 1861, focuses on the history of the state. It includes a sun rising in the east, a river and steamboat (representing commerce), a man plowing (representing agriculture), a settler's cabin plus covered wagons heading west (representing pioneer life and Westward Expansion), indigenous people on horseback hunting bison, the state motto ("To the stars through difficulties") and 34 stars representing Kansas' admission as the 34th state. This is a well-balanced design that represents the state very well. I appreciate that the original inhabitants are acknowledged (and not in an adversarial way). 

Design 4, Representation 4.5 = 8.5

The state seal of Kentucky was originally designed in 1792, then simplified 170 years later to portray "a pioneer meeting a gentleman in a swallowtail coat." Many believe the man in buckskin is Daniel Boone (a pioneer in the exploration of Kentucky) and the man in the suit is Henry Clay (Kentucky senator and eventual Secretary of State), but officially they are not specific people and instead represent all frontiersmen and statesmen. The seal also includes the state motto and goldenrod, the state flower. This seal could be so much better, but at least it's not too busy. 

Design 1.5, Representation 2.5 = 4

The state seal of Louisiana was most recently revised in 2006. The seal is very distinctive, featuring a pelican in her piety, traditionally a Christian symbol of self-sacrifice. The state motto (Union, Justice and Confidence) appears prominently. While the pelican might have first been chosen to honor the state's Catholic heritage during a time of anti-Catholicism elsewhere, I'd rather see the Pelican State design a more secular seal with a pelican that isn't actively bleeding. It's not the Self-Sacrifice State, after all. 

Design: 2, Representation 2 = 4

The state seal of Maine was adopted in 1820. In the center is a shield featuring a moose, resting in front of a pine tree, between the water and the woods. Two men (a farmer with a scythe and a sailor with an anchor) stand on top of a banner, on either side of the shield. The top of the seal has the state motto ("I direct") and the North Star. This design isn't particularly attractive, but it could be dramatically improved with just a few changes. I would expand the scene in the shield to fill the entire background of the seal, then move DIRIGO to where MAINE is located and write STATE OF MAINE in large letters across the top. Right now, the red DIRIGO banner looks like a brand name on a package of pasta sauce. 

Design 2, Representation 4 = 6

The state seal of Maryland is two-sided, but since the front was never cut and thus not used as a seal, I'll be focusing on the reverse. It was updated in 1959. It features the Calvert coat of arms being held by a farmer (holding a spade) and a fisherman (holding a fish). Behind them is ermine fur and at the top is a crest with two pennants. Below is the state motto. The literal translation is "Deeds are males, words are females" but in 2017 they changed the official translation to "Strong deeds, gentle words." The poorly-spaced text around the seal translates to "With favor wilt thou compass us as with a shield" and 1632 is the date Maryland was established. This design represents the origin of the (province then colony then) state well enough, but I think there is too much emphasis given to the founder. I'd like to see more of the natural resources, industry, or something else. 

Design 3, Representation 3 = 6

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So far, we have Arizona (10), California (9.5), Kansas (8.5), Alaska (8), Idaho (8), Delaware (7.5), Hawaii (7.5), Colorado (7), Florida (6.5), Maine (6), Maryland (6), Iowa (5.5), Kentucky (4), Louisiana (4), Indiana (4), Alabama (3), Georgia (3), Illinois (2.5), Arkansas (1.5), and Connecticut (1). Let me know in the comments if you agree with my rankings. Tomorrow I'll look at the next ten seals. 

The Best and the Worst of the 50 State Seals, Part 1

I had a lot of fun ranking the 50 state flags and then the 50 state quarters. Now it's time to tackle the state seals! 

The design of a state seal serves a completely different purpose than state flags or state quarters do. Unlike a state flag (which is usually viewed outdoors, at a distance, and thus should be simple in design, completely unique, and readily identifiable in all weather conditions) or a state quarter (always viewed up close, with the reverse design serving no real purpose other than to delight collectors and thus make money for the government), a state seal is used to authenticate official documents, government buildings, and other state property. It is not nearly as important that the design be unique or readily identifiable. 

State seals typically include images, symbols, and mottos that represent the history, identity, and values of that state. Most states have have official full-color and single-color versions. Variations of the seal are used for different governmental departments or positions. Some states have updated their seals multiple times over the course of their history; others are using the same seal as when they received statehood (or earlier). 

I will be grading each seal on scale of 0-10. I am considering two factors: 

• Does the seal have an aesthetically pleasing design that makes good use of the space? (5 points)
• Does the seal's design represent the history, identity, and values of the state? (5 points)

I'll be looking at the states alphabetically, so let's get started with Alabama. 

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Rating the State Seals: Alabama through Georgia

Alabama's seal was adopted in 1939. It features one of Alabama's most important resources, its major rivers, presented in a map of the state. I like that. I'm not particularly fond of anything else about the seal. I don't love the colors. It seems really weird to include other states in your state seal (although I'm amused that the Gulf of Mexico is labeled). I was not able to find any meaning the six stars; I assume they're just decorative. I'd rather see 11 smaller stars on each side, representing that Alabama is the 22nd state. 

Design 2, Representation 1 = 3

Alaska's state seal has been in use since 1910, long before statehood in 1959. The seal features the natural beauty of Alaska (the Northern Lights, mountains, forests, and waterways) and its industry (mining, railroads, shipping, timber, agriculture, and fishing). Overall, I like the design and the colors are nice. It represents the state very well. I question including train tracks that extend onto a short wooden pier (that doesn't seem safe) and I'm not sure why the close ship is entirely in silhouette. I wish the seal and fish were a little clearer on the dark blue background. While I'm fine with the font, the spacing of the words and the inconsistent kerning are pretty bad.  

Design 3, Representation 5 = 8

Arizona adopted its state seal at the time of statehood in 1912. I'm impressed; it looks surprisingly modern. I love the colors and how well they represent Arizona. The overall design is interesting and very well well-balanced. The design features each of Arizona's "Five C's" - copper, cattle, cotton, citrus, and climate, as well as the state motto and the date of admission. If I have to criticize anything, I would tweak the font slightly since some letters are heavier than others (compare the O and N in Arizona). But that is such a small detail that you can go ahead and forget that I even mentioned it. I love this seal. 

Design 5, Representation 5 = 10 

The state seal of Arkansas was adopted in 1907. It features an eagle with a scroll, arrows, and an olive branch (just like the Great Seal of the US), both an angel and a goddess, a circle of rays, a sword, and a shield with a steamboat, beehive, plow, and wheat. That is a lot of elements. And unfortunately, they don't say "Arkansas" to me. The design doesn't feel relevant to the state today, nor does it convey much about the state's history. I don't love the colors, nor the empty spot at the bottom of the text, where the date of admission would fit perfectly. The more I look at this seal, the less I like it. 

Design 1, Representation 0.5 = 1.5 

California's seal was adopted in 1849, with several minor changes since then. The seal features a grizzly bear (California's state animal), grapevines (representing the wine industry), grain (representing agriculture), a minor (representing the Gold Rush), and sailing ships (representing economic power). The goddess Athena is there because she was born an adult, just like California became a state without being a territory first. The seal shows the state motto and 31 stars, representing its admission as the 31st state. There's no question that the seal represents the state well. Overall, I like the design, the colors, and the decorative border. 

Design 4.5, Representation 5 = 9.5

The Colorado state seal was adopted in 1861 when Colorado was a territory; after statehood in 1876, they changed the text to "State" and added the date. The design features the Eye of Providence (just like the dollar bill), a Roman fasces (used to inflict punishment, symbolizing strength and authority), a shield with mountains and miner's tools, and a scroll with the state motto. The design of the seal is very well balanced and aesthetically pleasing, but I'd like it a lot better with more emphasis on the mountains and other natural beauty of the state and less on the Eye and the weapon. 

Design 4, Representation 3 = 7

The state seal of Connecticut has been unchanged since 1784 and is the only non-circular seal among the 50 states. It features three grapevines, thought to represent the first settlements in Connecticut. The large text translates to "Seal of the Republic of Connecticut." The text on the banner is the state motto, which means "He who transplanted sustains." While I appreciate the unique shape, that's about all I like about this seal. It's not particularly attractive and the colors are uninspired. Other than the state motto, it doesn't particularly represent Connecticut which, incidentally, is not a Republic. 

Design 0.5, Representation 0.5 = 1

Delaware's state seal has been modified four times in its nearly 250-year history, most recently in 2004. The wheat, corn, ox, and farmer represent the importance of agriculture and animal husbandry in Delaware. The blue stripe represents the Delaware River; together with the ship, it highlights the importance of the ship-building industry and coastal commerce. The rifleman acknowledges the critical role of citizens to maintain liberty, which is echoed in the state motto that appears below their feet. The three dates are the most significant in Delaware history: when the First General Assembly was established (1704); when Delaware joined the other colonies in declaring independence from Great Britain (1776); and when Delaware became the first state to ratify the US Constitution (1787). I don't love the design (particularly the floating ship, the river placed above the ox's head, and the not-attractive color choices), but I love how much symbolism there is and how well it represents so many facets of the state. 

Design - 2.5, Representation 5 = 7.5

The current version of the Florida state seal was adopted in 1985. It features a Seminole woman, a steamboat, a sabal palm (the state tree), and the state motto. This version fixed errors that were present in previous versions of the seal. While I don't hate the design, I don't especially like it either. Although, that might be largely due to the color palette and the horizontal lines throughout the design. 

Design 3, Representation 3.5 = 6.5

The state seal of Georgia was adopted in 1798; since then, the only modification that has been made is changing the date on the seal from 1799 to 1776. The design features an arch (representing the Georgia State Constitution), supported by pillars of Wisdom, Justice, and Moderation (representing the three branches of government). The militiaman shows that Georgia is ready to defend these principles. Georgia's state seal is one of very few that is 2-sided, but for this series I'm only grading the side that is most commonly used. The design is not terrible, but it's not in any way unique to Georgia (all states have a constitution and three branches of government, and 1776 relates to American Independence). Blue and gold are a classic pairing, but they're not the state colors. 

Design: 2.5, Representation 0.5 = 3

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So in order, we have Arizona (10), California (9.5), Alaska (8), Delaware (7.5), Colorado (7), Florida (6.5), Alabama (3), Georgia (3), Arkansas (1.5), and Connecticut (1). Let me know in the comments if you agree with my rankings. Tomorrow I'll look at the next ten seals. 

Chinese New Year Paper Lantern

Back in my teaching days, we used to decorate the classroom for Chinese New Year with paper lanterns. They looked so pretty hanging all around. My students thought they were just doing a craft, but it was as much a lesson in measurement and following directions. Kids always need practice in both of those! Affiliate links below. 

Chinese New Year Paper Lantern

Materials: 

• red cardstock or construction paper
• ruler
• scissors
• Folk Art Treasure Gold
• craft glue
• binder clips

Steps:

Fold the red paper in half lengthwise (hot dog, not hamburger). On the side opposite of the fold, draw a line 1/2" from the long edge. This will be your cutting guide and will prevent the lantern from falling apart. 

Make marks every 1/2" along your cutting guide. Then make marks every 1/2" along the fold. Connect those lines. Your paper should look like this, with the open end toward the top and the fold at the bottom.

Cut along the lines you just made, stopping at the cutting guide. 

Open up the paper. Use a brush to apply Treasure Gold along the cutting guide. Do the same across the top of the paper. There isn't a line, but it's the same as the cutting guide that you drew. Look how much shine comes from Treasure Gold! I love that stuff. We didn't use it back in my classroom, but that's only because it wasn't invented yet. 

When the paint is dry, bring the two short sides of the paper together, with the paint facing out. Glue the lantern in place, then secure it with binder clips until it dries. Cut a 1/2" strip of paper to make the handle. Glue and clip that in place. When the glue is dry, remove the binder clips. 

You can hang your lantern (that's what we did) or set it on a tabletop. Either way, it makes a beautiful and festive decoration for Chinese New Year.  

Voting for the Best Museums and Art Destinations

US Today is asking the public to vote for the Readers' Choice 10 Best across a series of travel-related categories. I'm never shy about sharing my opinion and I have strong ones when it comes to travel. So I thought I'd share my thoughts with not only US Today, but with you, my readers. The categories currently open for voting fall under the headings of Alaska, Art, and Museums. Voting is open until February 9 (Museums) and February 16 (Alaska and Art). You can vote once per day. 

I've been to Alaska, of course, but I haven't been to enough places on the lists to have an informed vote. So I'm not going to be discussing those here. It's a totally different story when it comes to Art and Museums. Art + Museums + Travel? That pretty much defines who I am! I don't know that I'm an expert, but I'm pretty close. 

I'm going to start with museums. I love museums and I have visited a lot of them. I know what separates the best museums from the rest. There are 10 categories up for voting; for each, I thought about what museum I would name as the winner before I looked at the nominees. In every case, my winner was among the top 20. Incidentally, the images below are not links - they're screenshots of my votes. To vote, go to Museums.

Best Children's Museum

No question, it's the Strong National Museum of Play. It is my all-time favorite museum. And unlike many other children's museums, it's a teenager and adult museum as well. No other museum comes close in this category. 

Best Free Museum

There are some really strong museums in this category, but there's no question to me that the best free museum in the US is the National Museum of American History. I've been there 4 times, but not since I've been blogging. I'm overdue to visit!

Best History Museum

The National Museum of American History isn't a nominee in this category, but a lot of really strong museums are. I really agonized over this one. If I were choosing the one I enjoyed the most, it would be Mill City Museum, but for overall best, I'm going with the Legacy Museum. It is incredibly powerful and important. 

Best Maritime Museum

The National Museum of the Great Lakes exceeded my expectations in every way. I'm not usually all that interested in maritime museums because they all start to feel the same to me, but this one was totally unique. I loved all the hands-on elements.  

Best Music Museum

I've written a whole post about my favorite music museums! There are so many great ones, but the National Museum of African American Music is my top choice. 

Best Open Air Museum

It's been 25 years since I've been there, but Colonial Williamsburg gets my vote for the Best Open Air Museum. It's enormous and immersive and a really cool place to visit. 

Best Pop Culture Museum

I wanted to vote for The Strong again because it is my favorite museum and packed with tons of pop culture in the form of toys and games, but I decided instead to vote for the Museum of Pop Culture since it covers a broader swath of pop culture. 

Best Science Museum

I'm going to have to go with the Exploratorium for Best Science Museum. It was the first museum I loved as a child. It was a magical place and I have so many fond memories of visiting there. It's in a new location now, covering nine acres, with three times the exhibit space than when I was a kid. I have been twice since I started blogging, but not since I started blogging about travel destinations, so sadly I don't have a link to a visit. 

There are two categories remaining: Best Planetarium and Best Small Town Museum. I don't feel like I've been to enough of the nominees in either category to vote. 

Time to move on to the Art categories. I voted in four of the six categories. I skipped Best Art District and Best Immersive Art Experience, again because I wasn't familiar with enough of the nominees. As for the rest, let's take a look. 

Best Art Museum

I've been to a lot of art museums, but one that stands out to me above the rest is the Joslyn. This is probably a controversial opinion, because it isn't the largest art museum nor the one with the most significant holdings. It stands out because it is free, in an unexpected location (Omaha), in a stunning building with beautiful grounds, and offers great hands-on activities for kids.  

Best City for Street Art

I love how many cities are embracing street art. It's becoming more and more common, which is fantastic. I voted for Denver as the best city for Street Art. 

Best Sculpture Park

I highly recommend a visit to Grounds for Sculpture. It's the best sculpture park I've visited. 

Best Small Town Arts Scene

Healdsburg is an art-lover's paradise. There are so many galleries surrounding the town square. It's an adorable town. Not to mention, it's home to the largest moss wall in the US!

I can't wait to see which museums and art destinations get the top spots!