Art, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. So where can you find the unique pieces that not only match your aesthetic, but elevate it? Galleries? Maybe.
But it might be more fun to hit up the art fairs and festivals that dot the landscape this month in and around the Coachella Valley. They’re more relaxed than a gallery and, typically, there’s the added perk of festival food to keep your belly happy while you peruse potential purchases.
La Quinta Arts Festival
March 2–5
Single day: $17;
multiple days: $22
This is the granddaddy of Coachella Valley arts festivals and over the past 35 years it has been scored as one of the best in the nation by Art Fair Source Book. Walk around the park and pop into the booths to see works by more than 200 artists and artisans.
Fill your walls, your jewelry box, and your china hutch with unique pieces. When you need a break, grab a bite and enjoy the sounds of hot rock and cool jazz.
La Quinta Civic Center Park
78495 Calle Tampico
La Quinta.
760-564-1244;
www.lqaf.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LA QUINTA ARTS FESTIVAL
Painter Clara Bosch shows her work at La Quinta Arts Festival.
Desert Arts Festival
March 4–5 and 18–19
You’ll uncover accouterments for your home like a metal wall piece that looks like a vertical koi pond. At least you won’t have to clean it or feed the fish. And if you get tired of the art, there are scads of Palm Canyon restaurants and shops to explore.
Frances Stevens Park
538 N. Palm Canyon Drive
Palm Springs
818-813-4478;
www.westcoastartists.com
College of the Desert Street Fair
Year Around
For more than three decades,
this open-air market has remained a
Palm Desert favorite. It’s open Saturdays and Sundays, with more
than 300 merchants during high season. A portion of funds raised support student scholarships and financial aid and other college programs.
College of the Desert
43500 Monterey Ave.
Palm Desert.
760-636-7957;
www.codaastreetfair.com
Desert Oasis Market
March 7, 14, 21, and 28
Cathedral City’s largest outdoor market happens every Tuesday evening during season. Produced by the operators of Palm Springs Vintage Market, the event brings together live music and booths filled with artwork, plants, decor items, and pet accessories. If you still can’t find the statement piece you’re searching for, it’s a short drive to Cathedral City’s Cent$asional Mile, a cluster of resale, thrift, and antique shops located on East Palm Canyon Drive.
Welk Resorts Palm Springs
34567 Cathedral Canyon Road
Cathedral City
760-534-7968;
www.discovercathedralcity.com
Palm Springs Village Fest Year-Round
Downtown Palm Springs’ staple Thursday night event gathers more than 180 vendors carrying everything from custom paintings and handmade windchimes to gourmet jalapeño brittle and open-pit barbecue lengua sandwiches. Hunting for a psychedelic Salvador Dali–meets–The Simpsons pop art print to hang over your mantle? You’ll find it here. Plus, the surrounding shops are open late.
Palm Canyon Drive between Baristo and Amado roads, Palm Springs. www.villagefest.org
PHOTO BY DAVID A. LEE
VillageFest brings together 180 vendors.
Desert Oasis Market
March 7, 14, 21, and 28
Cathedral City’s largest outdoor market happens every Tuesday evening during season. Produced by the operators of Palm Springs Vintage Market, the event brings together live music and booths filled with artwork, plants, decor items, and pet accessories. If you still can’t find the statement piece you’re searching for, it’s a short drive to Cathedral City’s Cent$asional Mile, a cluster of resale, thrift, and antique shops located on East Palm Canyon Drive.
Welk Resorts Palm Springs
34567 Cathedral Canyon Road
Cathedral City.
760-534-7968;
www.discoverycathedralcity.com
Spectrum Indian Wells Art Show
March 16–19
Single day: $20 online or $30 at event; three-day pass: $25 online or $35 at event; students and seniors receive a discount; kids 15 and under are free
Spectrum Indian Wells is intended to be an antidote for those spending their day watching the little balls bounce back and forth at the BNP Paribas Open. The producers are setting the show up with galleries, studios, and artists from around the world.
Renaissance Indian Wells Resort & Spa
44400 Indian Wells Lane
Indian Wells
www.spectrum-indianwells.com
Desert Mountains Art Faire
March 18
This monthly showcase of local makers presents photography, paintings, ceramics, and pottery in all of your favorite desert colors. The fair takes place in the foothills of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains, we recommend showing up early so you have some extra time to wander the trails and check out the wildflowers.
Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center
51500 Highway 74
Palm Desert.
760-862-9984;
www.desertmountains.org
Indian Wells Arts Festival
March 31–April 2
Adults: $13;
kids 12 and under are free
You know the organizer is a child of the ’60s when the festival motto is “Where art is a happening!” Groovy, baby! You’ll find an assortment of fine arts and crafts, but this fesival also has special activities for budding artists and, once again, some tasty food and drink to heighten your art buzz.
Indian Wells Tennis Garden
78200 Miles Ave.
Indian Wells.
760-346-0042;
www.indianwellsartsfestival.com
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE INDIAN WELLS ART FESTIVAL
Jewelry by artist Dorothee Naumburg at the Indian Wells Arts Festival.