communities out west?

Question:

Art museums/ sites/ communities out west?

my boyfriend and i are going on a road trip out west this summer. we're starting in chicago, then definitely going through missouri, colorado, maybe california, back through arizona, new mexico, and then back to chicago.

we're not sure what cities we're going to stop in yet.

What are museums that I shouldn't miss out this way?

i'm an art student ,and don't want to miss anything out this way!

Thanks!!

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Souix Falls SD is well known for its art community-and its sculpturewalk downtown. 50 artists chosen from over 10 countries display outdoor sculpture from May till December I think. Colorado and actually Utah have many small art communities and large Museums too. Springdale,UT at the entrance to Zion Natl. Park is exquisite in its galleries, nice hotels, cafes and the park is a feast for the eyes-stay at Pioneer Hotel or Angel Inn-Don't forget to be a tourist to all the Parks- you will use the photos for art and memories! Southern CA is a mecca. Laguna Beach is well known artists community, as well as the beach areas of Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano-Newport Beach (stay at the Little Inn by the Bay (site on web) and Laguna have excellent Museums- modern works. Great seaside too. Laguna has the Sawdust Art festival during August and I think July- known worldwide and really a great day.Festival of the Arts at the same time too. LA has the Contemporary, and many others- Albuquerque in New Mexico is also well known for its excellent galleries and art and architecture---one I would like to see. Good Luck!