During these unprecedented times, it’s challenging to go to the places we normally would, yet if you’re looking for a place filled with culture, great food and art, The Palm Beaches are your one-stop shop. Celebrations of BIPOC (Black, Indenigious and People of Color) artists and creators have manifested in The Palm Beaches by way of photography, street murals and captivating sculptures.   One of the first stops that is sure to captivate you is the Palm Beach Photographic Centre adjacent to the Mandel Palm Beach Library on Clematis Street. It showcases a variety of prints from local and international photographers. The current exhibit, “From the Heart,” showcases the work of Maggie Steber, a noted American documentary photographer. Her work captures numerous social justice issues, including the African Slave trade, the struggles of Black and Brown people on a global basis, and the lives of Indigenous People. She spent time in Haiti capturing the history and culture of the country and its people. One print that is guaranteed to capture your attention is “Laughing Girl,” which shows a young girl in Gonaives, Haiti, dancing with joy in the slum of Rabato. This exhibit is open to the public through April 30, 2021. Find other works from incredible South Florida artists on display at The Palm Beach Photographic Centre year-round. The center is located at 415 Clematis Street and is open Monday through Thursday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Also featured at the Mandel Palm Beach Library is a compelling sculpture called “COVIDA” by Colombian artist Emilio AponteSierra Paretti. Emilio is a Colombian immigrant who made his way to South Florida seeking political asylum. He is a multidisciplinary artist who uses his platform to shine a light on social issues in the LatinX and LGBTQ+ communities. The piece sheds light on the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic has on many people. It highlights a “woman, a mother, a sister, a neighbor who brings awareness to COVID.” In the piece, the woman is wearing a colorful mask made of paper and sustainable materials, which represents “protection, but also hope for our future.” The public library is open Monday to Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. It’s located at 401 Clematis Street in West Palm Beach.

Some of the most colorful sights in The Palm Beaches are the street art murals. At 518 Clematis Street, you will find an incredible mural on the wall of Respectable Street, a local bar, art and music venue. The mural encompasses the history of the civil rights moment and has portraits of Black American civil rights leaders including Fannie Lou Hamer, John Lewis, Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, Kathleen Cleaver and Martin Luther King Jr. This mural was created by the Street Art Revolution, which is a Black-owned, artist-led public art collective and firm. They specialize in providing highly curated and culturally sensitive public art, civic design and sculptures.

World-renowned Brazilian muralist Eduardo Kobra has a street mural on Clematis Street next to Kapow! Noodle Bar at 519 Clematis Street. His work is recognized for its bright colors and often features notable creators, poets, civil rights activists and people of color. His West Palm Beach piece is a hidden gem, featuring a colorful, jean-shorts wearing Albert Einstein.

The charming area of downtown Lake Worth has an incredible amount of history and personality. On the back wall of 601 Lake Avenue, you’ll find another mural by Kobra portraying Martin Luther King Jr. on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., during his famous “I Have A Dream” speech. This site is located next to the Lake Worth Beach Art Park and The Cultural Council for Palm Beach County, which also hosts exhibits by local artists throughout the year. Its recent exhibit, Karibu, was a celebration of Black artists in Palm Beach County and was nothing short of inspiring, powerful and spiritual.

Delray Beach, located in the Southern portion of Palm Beach County is home to Morikami Museum and Japanese Gardens. This popular spot is a favorite for people who enjoy Japanese culture and refreshing walks through nature. There are exhibits all throughout the year that showcase Japanese culture and artists. Starting May 8, 2021, the museum will showcase a new exhibit called “Painting Enlightenment: Experiencing Wisdom and Compassion through Art and Science,” which will feature works from Japanese artist Iwasaki Tsuneo. Much of his work explores the connection between science and Buddhism. Find this and much more at 4000 Morikami Park Road in Delray Beach. It’s open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; admission costs $15 for adults, $13 for seniors and $9 for children.

You’ll find several more interesting pieces of art in South Palm Beach County at Spanish River Park in Boca Raton, which has tunnels to the beach adorned with murals from various artists. One of the most interesting pieces, at the Northeast Tunnel leading to the beach, is from visual street artist Ivan Roque. The mural is inspired by the local community and the ocean and features bougainvillea and sea life. Roque is a Latino artist from Miami whose work has been exhibited in different galleries including the Coral Springs Museum of Art.   Although public art walks, exhibits and galleries can be enjoyed safely through social distancing and mask-wearing, there are options that wouldn’t require you to leave your couch. The Boca Raton Historical Society and Museum is offering an online exhibit, HERstory, that explores the early female settlers of Boca Raton through historic photographs. Some of these pioneers include African American pioneer Pearl Swanson and Japanese pioneer Sada Sakai. You can also test your knowledge after enjoying the exhibit.