Detour Art

A curated guide to Artist-built Environments

region by region, coast-to-coast.

Dedicated to the sheer joy of outsider, folk, visionary, self-taught, vernacular art and environment discoveries found all along the back roads (and side streets).

creative finds … region by region

Artist-built Environments in the United States

Note: Things change, so check first before arriving. When visiting art environments, remember they are usually on private property, so please be respectful and don’t trespass.

“PECULIAR TRAVEL SUGGESTIONS ARE DANCING LESSONS FROM GOD.”

— Kurt Vonnegut

Road stories

Second-Coming House - Prophet Isaiah Robertson

Isaiah Henry Roberson was a middle-aged home builder from Canada via Jamaica when he had a vision that the world would end in 2014 near Niagara Falls. He began to transform his humble home into a multi-colored showplace of awe. It was a beacon to all to be saved. If you were lucky enough to meet him, you would find yourself and your car sanctified, guaranteeing a safe journey until the apocalypse. The multicolored cut-outs that adorn his home are as bright as he was warm.

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Quigley's Castle - Elise Quigley

In 1943, Elise Quigley asked her husband to build her a new house. Because she loved nature, she designed the house with 32 glass window boxes. When he didn't act quickly enough, Mrs. Q took matters into her own hands. She moved all their belongings out to the barn - forcing him to begin the building process. Along the way, she started adding the decorative rockwork that adds to its splendor. With a Plexiglass butterfly wall inside and bottle trees and stone fences around the grounds, Mrs. Quigley's digs are undeniably memorable.

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