Southern California’s Largest Studio Art Tour Celebrates 21 Years

“The hi-desert art tour is magical. The allure
of Joshua Tree, the diversity and abundance
of art work, and the chance to engage directly
with the arti sts at their homes and studios.
It’s by far my favorite event of the year.”
John Henson

“Art Tour people are the best! I look forward to having them visit my studio every year, it never gets old.”
Marcia Geiger

he HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours announces its 22nd annual one-of-a-kind experience for art lovers, art collectors and desert enthusiasts. Every October for the past 20 years, the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council, Inc. (MBCAC) has produced the largest open studio event of its kind in Southern California.

The Tours take place over three weekends: October 7-8, 14-15 and 21-22, with studios open from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Take a self-guided tour this Fall to see 177 artists at 125 studios throughout the high desert gateway communities of the Joshua Tree National Park. The event is free and open to everyone. For a list of studio locations, places to pick up the tour catalog or to download a digital version of the catalog – go to www.hwy62arttours.org

The HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours allows visitors to enjoy the beauty of the high desert, immerse themselves in its creative community and the opportunity to acquire art directly from local artists and makers. With the influx of many new artists to the high desert, this year promises a wide diversity of mediums, styles and prices.

Morongo Valley painter Snake Jagger has found that the HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours has become his most successful annual art event. Jagger notes, “It’s a pleasure to have people coming to my home gallery and studio, and enjoying the nature trails on my property, that are meant to represent my desert landscape painting.” Long-ti me Yucca Valley participant and sculptor Delos Van Earl reflects that “There is nothing like having the studio filled with people eager to see your artwork and interested in meeting you .” Landers artist Cybele Rowe loves sharing her studio space and notes “Much of my large scale sculptures have been built upon the desert floor. Being able to share the works in their place of inspiration makes HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours a unique immersive experience.”

The MBCAC is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting the art and artists of the Morongo Basin, which includes the high desert communities of Morongo Valley, Yucca Valley, Joshua Tree, Landers, Pioneertown, Twentynine Palms and Wonder Valley. The MBCAC’s mission is to “inspire and enliven the community through the arts, and to enhance the cultural and economic health of the region.” Membership includes the opportunity to show at the Joshua Tree Art Gallery (JTAG) and participate in the annual HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours every October.

29 Palms Art Gallery (74055 Cottonwood Dr, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277) will host the annual Collective Show, featuring the work of artists participating in the HWY 62 Open Studio Art Tours and it is an excellent way for visitors to preview the art that can be found on the tours. The Collective Show is on view from October 7-October 28, with gallery hours Friday 11 am- 3 pm, Saturday and Sundays from 10 am-5 pm. The reception for the Collective Show exhibition is open to the public during Art Cruise 29, Oct 7, 2023, from 5-7 pm.

“People roaming around my large scale sculptures makes the work come “alive”. The art tour allows me to engage and enjoy the visitors who return each year and the new ones who come to explore my arti sti c vision of the desert scape.”
Cybele Rowe

“I love the Art Tours because of the people. The local artists with their endless talent and kindness. The visitors from all walks of life and every corner of the world who have taken their precious time to make our show a destination. To all of them, I am very grateful.”
Dan Bartlett

“Art Tours is my favorite event of the year. It’s exciting to see what local artists are working on, and to see their creative space! This is my 5th year participati ng, and I love being able to share my artwork with the public. Visitors from all around come to support and I look forward to connecting with the community!”
Gubby Beck