Coachella Valley, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/8/23 – Desert X is a recurring site-specific, international art exhibit. It works closely with education and public programming throughout the Coachella Valley. Education is a cornerstone of Desert X.
The artists who participate in Desert X take on challenging issues like climate change, justice, and the telling of history. All of this is with the goal of creating solutions for our future. Much attention is given to the history of the Cahuilla People and the fact that they are the original stewards of the land on which Desert X takes place.
Great art starts with the young. I attended the Desert X Art Club Exhibition on Saturday. The incredible artwork created and currently on display shows the promise for the future of art in this desert community. The art is created by K-12 students whereby they are allowed to amplify their voices through painting, sculpture, design, drawing, photography, video, and storytelling. This exhibit is on display through May 19 at the Marks Art Center at College of the Desert.
I interviewed some of the participants in this wonderful exhibit:
Stephanie Avila-Martinez: My art brings together the concept of memory and water. Water is part of the formation of art. Water has witnessed how the earth flourished and died over time. I used clay to symbolize nature and I added water to show the beginning and the end.
Perla Zepeda: In order to have life we need water. Here in the desert, there is much we cannot see. Even though it is a simple and clean environment we can find beauty in it. We know there is life all around us in this desert.
Jolette Morales: It’s been an incredible experience. I’ve made a great relationship with my friends. We’ve been friends since junior year, and we are now seniors. I wanted to experience Desert X. I was amazed at how my artist friends could complete these projects so quickly.
To learn more about Desert X check out: