Corning makes the Top 10 of American Arts Destinations

Baltimore, Md. (April 17, 2009) - Exciting, reliable, budget-friendly locales captured readers' hearts and votes as cities nationwide vied for top ranking in AmericanStyle magazine's 12th annual arts destinations poll.

Chattanooga, Tenn., made a remarkable debut on the winners' list this year, muscling its way to a respectable second-place finish among mid-size cities. Its arrival as an arts destination is a reminder that in tough economic times, art lovers take a closer look at the accessibility, diversity and richness of cultural experiences close to home.

"Remember the vital roles played by artists during the last recession," said Wendy Rosen, publisher of AmericanStyle. "They moved in to dying Main Streets, shuttered factories and warehouse districts, and converted them into galleries and art scenes. Their murals, outdoor sculpture and other public art enchanted tourists and helped spark new investment. Artists led the way then, and they are leading the way now."

"Tough economic times also make consumers conscious of where their products come from," Ms. Rosen added. "Art lovers know they can make a positive impact by buying from local galleries and local artists, so their dollars recycle in the community and support homegrown talent. We all know that art and handcraft galleries are among the few remaining places where you can find authentic, made-in-America gifts and art products."

With its abundant art galleries and warm personality, Santa Fe, N.M., received the poll's No. 1 spot in the small cities category for the fourth consecutive year. Popular festivals and arts events earned Buffalo, N.Y., the highest rank among mid-size cities for the second year running. New York, N.Y., with its world-class museums and lively street festivals, topped the list of big cities for the sixth time in a row.

With so large a selection of arts cities to choose from, readers will be itching to hit the road. Luxury travelers will not be able to resist destinations boasting premier museums, galleries and festivals, while "staycationers" will be pleased to find great art cities within driving distance.

AmericanStyle Top Arts Destinations in 2009

Big Cities (Populations of 500,000 or greater)	Mid-Size Cities (Populations of 100,000 to 499,999	Small Cities (Populations of less than 100,000)
1. New York, N.Y.	1. Buffalo, N.Y.	1. Santa Fe, N.M.
2. Chicago, Ill.	2. Chattanooga, Tenn.	2. Asheville, N.C.
3. Washington, D.C.	3. Pittsburgh, Pa.	3. Sedona, Ariz.
4. San Francisco, Calif.	4. Scottsdale, Ariz.	4. Taos, N.M.
5. Albuquerque, N.M.	5. New Orleans, La.	5. Saugatuck, Mich.
6. Boston, Mass.	6. Charleston, S.C.	6. Key West, Fla.
7. Seattle, Wash.	7. Savannah, Ga.	7. Berkeley Springs, W.V.
8. Atlanta, Ga.	8. Cleveland, Ohio	8. Boulder, Colo.
9. Philadelphia, Pa.	9. Ann Arbor, Mich.	9. Carmel, Calif.
10. Los Angeles, Calif.	10. Minneapolis, Minn.	10. Corning, N.Y.
11. Portland, Ore.	11. Alexandria, Va.	11. Sarasota, Fla.
12. Baltimore, Md.	12.Miami, Fla.	12. Beaufort, S.C.
13. Denver, Colo.	13. Tacoma, Wash.	13. Chapel Hill, N.C.
14. Phoenix, Ariz.	14. St. Louis, Mo.	14. Burlington, Vt.
15. Austin, Texas	15. Athens, Ga.	15. Annapolis, Md.
16. Charlotte, N.C.	16. Kansas City, Mo.	16. Aspen, Colo.
17. Columbus, Ohio	17. Colorado Springs, Colo.	17. Laguna Beach, Calif.
18. Nashville, Tenn.	18. Providence, R.I.	18. Northampton, Mass.
19. San Diego, Calif.	19. Salt Lake City, Utah	19. Eureka Springs, Ark.
20. Tucson, Ariz.	20. Honolulu, Hawaii	20. Brattleboro, Vt.
21. San Antonio, Texas	21. Rochester, N.Y.	21. New Hope, Pa.
22. Las Vegas, Nev.	22. St. Petersburg, Fla.	22. Naples, Fla.
23. Milwaukee, Wis.	23. Cincinnati, Ohio	23. Cumberland, Md.
24. Dallas, Texas	24. Raleigh, N.C.	24. Berea, Ky.
25. Houston, Texas	25. Tampa, Fla.	25. Portsmouth, N.H.

Tips for affordable travel and details about exciting arts destinations in the United States are featured on www.AmericanStyle.com and in the June issue of AmericanStyle, now on newsstands and at major booksellers across the country.