The City of Palm Desert has invited the public to usher in the new year by checking out the new sculptures on display for the 2023-24 El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition.
Additionally, the community is welcome to attend an official debut of the artworks, including a dedication ceremony at The Gardens on El Paseo on Friday, Feb. 3; a recent news release from the City said. The event is part of "First Fridays" and includes a chance to meet some of the artists whose work is on display.
But there's no need to wait until February to be inspired. A virtual tour of the art has been created and can be accessed on the City's Public Art webpage or by scanning QR code signage along El Paseo.
Eighteen new pieces of artwork were selected by the Palm Desert Cultural Arts Committee, which considered the efforts of various local, regional and national artists; the release said. The display includes "Timepiece," a clockwork heart; a female superhero called "SWIRLY GIRL"; "Red Rover," a soaring red-tailed hawk; and an illuminated statue of Dionne the Water Goddess, celebrating the element of water. These pieces, which the City describes as "fun and uplifting," join an array of abstracts to fuel the imaginations of all who view them.
The biennial El Paseo Sculpture Exhibition is made possible by Palm Desert's Public Art Department, the City's public art webpage said.
In 1986, Palm Desert became the first city in Riverside County to adopt a public art ordinance, getting developers involved in contributions to art. The ordinance required developers to feature City-approved art as part of their projects or contribute a fee toward the Art in Public Places Fund. The City, in turn, uses those funds to buy art to sprinkle throughout the community. As such, the Public Art Department's mission is to connect the Palm Desert community with art that the department works to collect, place and maintain.
For more information, call 760-776-6346 or visit cityofpalmdesert.org/departments/public-art.