August is the art world's slowest month, with galleries shutting down for the summer and museums holding off on new programming until the September blowout openings. But that doesn't mean you can't see cutting-edge art--in fact, you can discover some of the hottest up-and-coming talent hidden in plain sight on the streets.

As an introduction to street art--the higher-minded branch of graffiti, often executed by artists with art-school training and gallery aspirations--we've compiled a map pinpointing notable pieces that can be found in downtown New York City (with a few uptown sites thrown in for good measure). The works we've singled out are by famous artists like Banksy, Os Gemeos, and Swoon, plus a few of Dash Snow's "Sacer" tags in memory of the late artist, but be sure to scope out the other pieces at the sites. Among the anonymous stencils and wheat-paste posters you just might discover the next street-art star. And if you know of any great pieces you think we're missing, email the name of the artist, the location, and a photo to andrew@artwelove.com--you'll get credit for anything we add to the map.

(Disclaimer: due to the mutable nature of the medium, some of these works may have disappeared by the time you get to them.)

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