La Quinta's Art Under the Umbrellas decisively served notice today that the season has indeed begun. Under blazing bue skies and 90° temps, it is hard to believe other states have seemingly bypassed autumn for winter weather. Here in the east end of the Coachella Valley, I can see the recent infux of Canadians and others who have opted for sleeveless sartorial garb!
I happily strolled the streets with my girlfriend, Marianne, salivating over artists new to me while listening to live music, enjoyed lunch al fresco, and left quite contented.
Today marks the fifth season of the outdoor art festival at Old Town La Quinta sponsored by the La Quinta Arts Foundation. Its root harken back to the '90s when it started as a small art show at the La Quinta Resort & Spa. Even though the nation is weathering an economic downturn, this year's collection of fine artists has grown to more than 70 artists, 13 of whom are brand new to the event.
“So many artists are anxious for this year because they found out that the show has gained popularity with locals and visitors alike,” said Christy Salamone, La Quinta Arts Foundation Executive Director, to the Desert Sun. She added that inquiries have increased from further afield, indicating artist willingness to travel significantly.
Art Under the Umbrellas easily has the nicest venue in the entire Coachella Valley. Old Town's whitewashed-walls-and-red-roofed Spanish-Colonial architecture, pedestrian-friendly streets, and inviting covered passageways provide a welcoming, easygoing ambiance.There are also four great restaurants vying for your dining dollar.
The event pairs works encompasing paintings, ceramics, glass, jewelry and bronzes with live backround music and wine tasting at Old Town Cellar. Pioneertown potter Thomas Alban commanded a steady audience while deftly spinning whimsical "drunken shot glasses" on his wheel.
Roger Isabell, a La Quinta artist, creates compelling canvasses of digitally-captured floral images. While he explains to Marianne his special process of capturing flowers without a camera, I admire his exquisite giclee renderings. For more examples of his beautiful work, check out his website at RogerIsabell.
I was happy to see another familiar booth selling unique resin-based jewelry. Sean Hill Designs, a French husband-and-wife team who now reside in Indio and LA, create marvelously affordable rings, bracelets and baubles out of the colorful, lightweight resin set in either silver or recylced brass. Women adore his work; my art-show-devotee girlfriend and I own many pieces and it's truly my favorite go-to jewelry.
Formerly a professor of contemporary French literature in several U.S. colleges, Hill achieved tenure while teaching in San Francsico. Instead of enjoying the hard-won academic security, he decided to explore a completley unrelated track, jewelrymaking. Designing with his hands brought the satisfaction writing had not—he had discovered his true metier—and he and his wife, Patricia, have together forged a successful new career in the field of fine art.
While I was examining his latest work, I overheard one women delightedly tell her friend of the three pieces she already owns. To see more examples of their wonderful, wearable designs, go to SeanHillDesigns.
Art Under the Umbrellas will be held select Saturdays through next April and there are only two scheduled before Christmas, November 7 and 28. For more information, visit www.lqat.com.
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