A cool place to get art is local artisan shops in touristy areas. I’ve gotten prints of original artwork signed by local artists and linocut prints which are pieces of linoleum that is carved to make basically a rubber stamp with multiple colors with more of the linoleum cut out to make a beautiful painting. Only so many of the artwork is printed because the process destroys the linoleum. The prints are often less expensive than works on canvas. Watercolors are often less expensive too. Even handmade cards are beautiful framed. Michael’s will cut you a mat to fit a frame so you can frame it yourself instead of having it professionally done. I’ve gotten art from all over including some gorgeous linocut cards of the seasons at an artisan gift shop at the historic Grove Park Inn in Asheville, NC. Historic building or other museum gift shops often have artwork from local artists. I’ve also bought shadow boxes from Michael’s and put seashells in them along with photos. Seashells are also beautiful glued onto a frame or made into a wreath/wallhanging. Artwork is also easily brought home if it’s flat with cardboard and will fit in your flat sided suitcase. Place them right on the inside of the suitcase in a plastic bag then place clothes on top. Often the artwork is sold in clear plastic covers, but a plastic grocery bag adds extra protection. Taping the bag to the side of the suitcase helps keep it from slipping down. Places that sell large posters or prints that come rolled up will often sell you a shipping tube. Or get one from a package store. I carried one all over England and France once adding extra posters as I went. Then I laminated them for longevity. Coastal places often sell cool maps that make great artwork. Sometimes local artists will hand draw one and add cool local landmarks like lighthouses.
