Where will your interest in art take you this summer vacation season? Once Art Basel concludes in June in Basel, Switzerland, many major art centers such as New York and London virtually shut down for the rest of the season. So, why not discover some of the more intimate American art events and cities, such as the 2008 Carnegie International , Art Santa Fe, and Art Hamptons - all held in outstanding destinations which are perfect for a summer getaway.

55th Carnegie International
May 3, 2008 - January 11, 2009
Carnegie Museum of Art
4400 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1.412.622.3131

Pittsburgh should be on every art-lover's summer itinerary to take in Life on Mars, the 2008 Carnegie International. This triennial is the oldest survey of international contemporary art in North America. Founded by Andrew Carnegie in 1895, the Carnegie International was conceived as a way to expose Americans to the newest expressions of European and American art of the time. A secondary goal was to give the gritty 19th century city a bit of cultural luster befitting the social aspirations of its upper classes. The experiment worked! Today, the Carnegie International is one of the most important international art events. While in Pittsburgh, don't miss the Andy Warhol Museum.

Art Santa Fe
July 10 - 13
El Museo de Cultural
Santa Fe, New Mexico

During the summer, Santa Fe hosts some of its best known cultural events. Visiting while the contemporary art fair Art Santa Fe is on will afford you the opportunity to also take in a performance at the renowned Santa Fe Opera and visit the seventh SITE Santa Fe International Biennial. If you're looking for a culture-packed trip in a beautiful location, you can't beat Santa Fe this July!