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American Artworks Take Over Times Square As National Art Exhibit Kicks Off

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- If you happen to be in Times Square this month, you may notice a big change on the bright, flashy billboards that tower overhead.

As 1010 WINS' Juliet Papa reported, the Art Everywhere US: A Very Very Big Art Show project is about taking art to the streets through billboards, bus stops, subway platforms and more.

"To see these incredible images situated in this very public space, it's pretty extraordinary," said Donna De Salvo, with the Whitney Museum of American Art.

The Whitney Museum is one of five cultural institutions participating in Art Everywhere, Papa reported.

The billboards will display a total of 58 rotating images of classic and contemporary American artworks that were selected by the public.

American Artworks Take Over Times Square As National Art Exhibit Kicks Off

In Times Square, residents and tourists alike can appreciate famous paintings, including "American Gothic" and "The Portrait of George Washington," all on giant digital billboards.

"Art comes from the everyday world," De Salvo said. "It doesn't spring from somewhere else."

The exhibit is not just taking place in Times Square, but all over the country as well.

The nationwide exhibit launched Monday and runs through Aug. 31.

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