Finding Wonder in Your Own Backyard
There's incredible art all around you — on street corners, in parks, outside buildings you walk past every day. Wonder Wander helps you see it, understand it, and connect with it.
Our Mission
Making art accessible isn't just about what's in museums — it's about discovering the extraordinary art already around us. Wonder Wander turns casual observers into engaged learners, and daily walks into art adventures.
We believe public art at its best is an invitation, not a declaration. It doesn't need to impress — it needs to invite. Our app helps people accept that invitation by giving them the tools to really see, reflect on, and create alongside the art in their communities.
What started with cataloguing public art in Minneapolis has grown to cover cities across the world. Every artwork in Wonder Wander has been researched and described to help visitors connect with the art around them — and every piece features educational prompts written by an art educator to help you go deeper.
The SEE, SAY, DO Method
At the heart of Wonder Wander is a simple but powerful idea: looking at art is just the beginning. Our SEE, SAY, DO framework — developed by art educator Shannon Steven — guides you through a sequence designed to deepen your experience with every piece you encounter. The order is intentional.
See
Observe
Before you interpret, just look. SEE prompts guide your observation — helping you notice details you'd otherwise walk right past. What materials did the artist use? How does the light change the surface? Count the colors. Trace the shapes with your eyes.
This is about slowing down and paying careful attention. No right answers, no art history required — just you and the work in front of you.
Say
Reflect
Now that you've looked closely, what do you think? SAY prompts spark reflection and conversation. How did this artwork make you feel? What story might the artist be telling? What would you ask the artist if you could?
Perfect for families exploring together, teachers on field trips, or anyone who wants to go beyond “that's cool” and into something more meaningful.
Do
Create
Art isn't a spectator sport. DO prompts are hands-on creative challenges inspired by the artwork in front of you. Try sketching what you see using only circles. Use materials around you to build a small sculpture. Take a photo from an angle no one else would think of.
Every artwork becomes an interactive experience — and a reminder that art-making is a natural human drive we all deserve to cultivate.
Shannon Steven
Founder · Art Educator · Insatiably Curious
Shannon holds a Master's degree in K–12 Art Education and has spent her career making art accessible, engaging, and personally enriching for people of all ages. Her core belief: art-making and art appreciation are natural impulses we all deserve to cultivate.
She created Wonder Wander because she believes public art has a unique power to strengthen communities and deepen our sense of place. It invites connection, inspires people to stop and notice, and helps us tap into our own creativity and sense of wonder.
Shannon is also the author of the Weekly Wonder, a newsletter she's published every week for over five years — 280+ consecutive editions exploring public art, creative discovery, and the joy of paying attention to the world around us.
The Weekly Wonder
Every Sunday, Shannon shares art discoveries, artist profiles, creative activities, and stories from the art world — from street art and kinetic sculptures to architecture and creative processes. 280+ editions and counting.
Subscribe to the Weekly Wonder