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 Celebrating Its Eighth Year
Special Advertorial Feature By Joanna Beresford On November 15 and 16, the eighth annual Rancho Mirage Art Affaire will offer visitors a breathtaking panorama of fine art, fine music, fine wine, and fine food. The event draws world-class, juried artists, premier jazz musicians, local restaurants, and civic organizations to the idyllic lawns of Whitewater Park. And it’s free! Presented by the City of Rancho Mirage Parks and Recreation Commission and open to the public, the art festival represents a pure celebration of arts and community in the Palm Springs Valley. While Art Affaire focuses on supporting artists and providing a stimulating event in a lovely setting for guests, organizers also hold participants to the highest standards. The caliber and variety of visual artists is matched by the rich and beautiful melodies provided by musicians, which in turn reflect the passions and skills of culinary artists and civic contributors. “We listen to feedback from artists and members of the community every year in order to make improvements,” festival coordinator Diana Beck says. “So, the quality of work and the level of artistic talent have increased tremendously, and so has the event’s popularity.” As art lovers stroll the shaded grounds of the park viewing ceramics, sculpture, textiles, glasswork, watercolor and oil painting, metalwork, photography, and mixed media projects, they may recognize the work of artists who return to Rancho Mirage every November with great pleasure. “It’s always nice to come back to the Coachella Valley,” says painter Jim Stallings, whose clients include individual and corporate collectors from every state and around the world. “I look forward to seeing all the friends I’ve made here.” Stallings explores relationships among color, form, and music in his work. He spent the summer months as artist-in residence at a sprawling winery in Napa Valley, where he rediscovered the joy of artistic synergy. “The work that was coming out was really amazing,” Stallings explains. “Like the music that was being played, and the people who came — and the wine. It’s all just energy, and it’s so positive. People watch and talk and everybody’s so happy. I use color to express something positive, to make people happy, to put something good in the world.” This kind of enthusiasm animates the entire festival. Live music wafts through the park from a tented central stage nestled under the trees. This year’s musicians include Pacific Coast Jazz recording artist Bradley Leighton, whose flute music combines elements of soul, swing, and funk. Fellow Pacific Coast Jazz artist Tom Braxton will present a versatile and charismatic saxophone program that echoes with the influence of 20th century jazz giants. Described by Lee Ritenour as “one of the experts in contemporary jazz,” harpist Lori Andrews has recorded seven CDs, performed for presidents and royalty and appeared on film and television. Her performance will be followed by the resonant melodies of contemporary jazz keyboardist Lao Tizer. The Art Affaire is a family occasion. Besides the delicious park setting and play areas, children’s activities feature the phenomenally popular Mad Hatter and an Eco Gallery workshop presented by the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery. The valley’s finest restaurants will provide gourmet treats, and the Coachella Valley Latino Peace Officer’s Association sponsors a wine and beer garden. Refreshments may be savored under umbrella-topped tables or from guests’ own blankets strewn across the gently sloping lawns of the park. This year’s benefactors include the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery and the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center. Support for these organizations is essential to the health of our community, and the far-reaching influence of the Art Affaire rivals the power of the art itself. “I love to be surprised,” watercolorist Clonard Thomas says. “When the painting takes over and guides me to something completely different from what I had in mind, it is thrilling.” The Rancho Mirage Art Affaire consistently provides for the serendipities that make art — and life — so thrilling. More Information - Web site, map, directions
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