Sabrosarosa
2024. Acrylic, charcoal, paper on canvas. 14 x 11 in.

The week before last I did my monthly docent hours at the Desert Art Center collective in Palm Springs. This is a busy season for a desert resort. Many of the folks who come through the doors are, not surprisingly, tourists or snowbirds, and we routinely ask them where they are from. Canadians of course are a big part of the snowbird season, whether part-time residents or regular visitors. And Canadians, you may be surprised to know, are also some of the biggest purchasers of art in the gallery!

But that is coming to an end. Almost every Canadian I spoke with that day is not planning on returning to Palm Springs, or to the U.S. anywhere. They are discontinuing long traditions of annual visits, and those owning homes locally are selling them. They were, in typical Canadian fashion, quite polite about it, but the anger is nonetheless clear. This exodus will impact not only the artists at the gallery, but businesses throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley.

In ordinary times, the most important event coming up this week in my universe should be the opening of the new show at the Art Center this Friday, which will feature three of my recent collages including the one posted above, Sabrosarosa.

But these are not ordinary times. Instead, the most important thing happening this week will be YOU showing up on Saturday April 5 as part of the mass mobilization to protest the theft and vandalism of our nation by the current Administration. Find a protest near you at the Hands Off website. Not to be overly dramatic, but…it may be the last chance you get.

But Friday night, before the day of mass mobilization, do take a moment to relax and enjoy a whole new exhibition by desert artists at DAC with reception from 5-7, including beverages, refreshments, and a great time on the back lawn and in the galleries. The show will be open daily 10-4 through June 1. One hopes.

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