From colorful street murals to sleek gallery spaces, monthly art walks to world-class exhibition halls, every city has its own artistic personality and cultural identity. Below are some of our favorite artful attractions in Palm Springs and throughout the Coachella Valley.
DESERT X – The site-specific biennial art exhibition, which kicked off in the spring of 2017, has returned to Southern California’s Coachella Valley. On view through April 22, this year’s edition includes installations by 19 of the world’s most innovative contemporary artists, dotting the landscape from Palm Springs to the Salton Sea. The sculptures and installations place an international lens on the Valley while encouraging viewers to participate in broader dialogues surrounding social and political issues of the day.
EL PASEO ART WALK – A long-standing tradition on Palm Desert’s El Paseo, often referred to as “The Rodeo Drive of the Desert,” this beloved local art walk is held on the First Friday of every month, November through May. The street comes alive with gallery openings, artist receptions and more, with courtesy carts dropping gallery hoppers off at all the top spots along the way.
MELISSA MORGAN FINE ART – This cutting-edge El Paseo gallery focuses on contemporary art, including paintings, mixed media, sculpture, glass, tapestry and photography. Catering to everyone from savvy collectors to art world newcomers, the 6,500-square-foot space offers diverse programming and lectures throughout the year, encouraging regular visits.
BACKSTREET ART DISTRICT – A unique community of working studios, galleries and art-focused businesses in Palm Springs, this tight-knit enclave is the perfect place to spend an afternoon, chatting with local artists and checking out an array of paintings, ceramics, jewelry, photography and more by local and nationally recognized artists. The collective also hosts a First Wednesday Art Walk year-round from 5 to 8pm.
ELENA BULATOVA FINE ART – Focusing on mixed-media paintings and striking sculptures, this contemporary gallery presents the work of Elena Bulatova, as well as other world-renowned artists, in a sleek and sophisticated Downtown Palm Springs setting.
INDIAN WELLS ARTS FESTIVAL – Now in its 17th year, this colorful and diverse celebration of art brings more than 200 artists from as far as Japan, Africa, South America and beyond to showcase their contemporary and traditional work. Held at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden from March 29 to 31, the event features live music, artist demonstrations, engaging kids’ activities, and an outdoor marketplace with thousands of unique pieces of art for sale.
