On November 4 and 5 the sixth annual Rancho Mirage Art Affaire will draw a broad range of juried fine artists,
premier jazz musicians, local restaurants, and civic organizations to the idyllic lawns of Whitewater Park. Best of all, the event is free and open to the public!
Unlike many festivals, the Art Affaire is a community event, presented by the City of Rancho Mirage Parks and Recreation Commission. The focus is on supporting the artists and honoring their work, while making guests feel as welcome and comfortable as they would at a lavish private gathering. Visitors will stroll the shaded grounds, viewing glasswork, ceramics, acrylics, watercolor and oil painting, mixed media, metalwork and sculptures, textiles, and photography. Some of the artists work on site, creating their pieces before the eyes of interested spectators, while discussing ideas and inspiration.
“The quality of the artists’ work and the level of artistic talent has increased every year because of the popularity of the event,” says Festival Director Diana Beck.
Artist Coordinator Elizabeth Green explains that many popular, award-winning artists will return this year, including acrylic artist Nancy Eckels, ceramicist David Salk, oil painter Robert Williams, and sculptors Daniela and Garret Camé, and Felicia.
“We’re also excited about new artists like William Cain, Jim Stallings, and Bruce Stowell,” says Green.
In addition to savoring the artwork and mingling with the artists, visitors may enjoy delicacies offered by some of the valley’s finest restaurants. Past favorites have included Wally’s Desert Turtle, Peter’s at The Atrium, and Fisherman’s Market and Grill. A wine and beer garden sponsored by the Coachella Valley Latino Peace Officer’s Association offers refreshments that guests may appreciate at an umbrella-topped table or from their own blankets spread across the gently sloping park lawn.
The sound of music will waft over the grounds, luring visitors to the tented concert area in front of the central stage. Among this year’s performers: 23-year old saxophone prodigy and Smooth Jazz Debut Artist of the Year Eric Darius; internationally renowned Latin guitarist Luis Villegas; veteran guitarist and producer Nils Jiptner, whose recent single “Pacific Coast Highway” experienced wild success on smooth jazz radio; and headlining guitarist Steve Oliver, who will perform songs from his stunning new album Radiant.
While music plays and adults sip their wine and browse the outdoor galleries, children may gather under leafy green boughs of the trees to create hats with the “Rad Hatter”, make Spin Art, have their faces painted, and participate in other workshops. And the recently upgraded playground and firetruck offer timeless and wholesome entertainment.
The effects of the Art Affaire reach far beyond the borders of Whitewater Park. Every year the City of Rancho Mirage and event partners sponsor this event in order to promote the artists, enhance the community and support specific local organizations that benefit the arts. Previous beneficiaries have included Desert Academy of the Arts Foundation and Family YMCA of the Desert Arts and Humanities Program.
Join us Saturday and Sunday, November 4 and 5, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Whitewater Park. For information, call (760) 324-4511.
