Hi-Desert Artists Center Hosts Collective Show for the Annual Art Tours

“Art Tours a celebration of the incredible synergy between our natural environment and our creative community.” – John Henson, Artist and HWY 62 Art Tours Coordinator

Now in its 24th year, October’s HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours features over 180 local high desert artists. Southern California’s largest open studio event takes place over three weekends: October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20 and spotlights over 130 separate art studios. The Art Tours allow visitors and locals alike to engage directly with high desert artists and purchase work directly from our talented artist community. Added to the fun is engaging directly with an artist in their own studio environment as it adds another layer of meaning to the artwork on view.

The new Hi-Desert Artists Center (HDA) will host the annual Collective Show featuring works from over 100 participating Art Tours artists. The exhibition runs from September 28 through October 27 with an artist reception on September 28 at 5 pm, an excellent opportunity to preview the art and artists featured on this year’s tour. Artist and HDA Board Member Marcia Geiger notes, “With 133 studios on the Tour, it is not humanly possible to visit each one. The show gives visitors an opportunity to preview artists’ work and helps them plan which studios interest them most. They may see a piece from a studio they hadn’t yet considered visiting, and will add that artist to their itinerary.”

The Hi-Desert Art Center (HDA) is in the heart of Yucca Valley and showcases 5,000 square feet of exhibition, classroom, performance, and gallery shop space that highlights the artists living and working in the Morongo Basin. The HDA Center is open Thursday – Monday, 12 – 6, 12 – 3 on Sunday. Docents will be on hand to answer questions, and the Art Tour’s catalogs are free and will be made available during gallery hours.

A new addition this year, “Art Tours After Dark” includes performances by local bands and musicians during the evening hours. Art Tours Coordinator John Henson notes that this year, “we’re thrilled to enhance this experience with live music, deepening the connection between art and the rich cultural tapestry of the high desert.” As part of this year’s expanded offerings, “Art Tours After Dark” will feature live music performances from the thriving local music scene. Over 15 venues will host more than 70 showcases of bands and musicians throughout the three weekends. This allows visitors to visit art studios by day and enjoy live music by night, with all events being free of charge. Given the event’s size and scope, visitors are encouraged to plan their itinerary in advance. For information on the free event app, locations to pick up a tour catalog, or to request a mailed catalog, visit hwy62arttours.org.