Story by: Sherry Barkas, City of La Quinta
If you’re looking for a place where you can learn about our City’s history, view some amazing art exhibits, enjoy the company of others while working on fabric, art and other projects or listen to some music, all for free, La Quinta Museum is the place.
For those who have never been and for those who visit often, the La Quinta Museum is a treasure trove of history, with a second floor that tells our story from the first settlers, the indigenous Desert Cahuilla who lived in villages in the lower Coachella Valley, to early farmers and developers who laid the foundation for what is today La Quinta.
The first floor includes the Mural Room to the right, which features a floor-to-ceiling, 32-foot-long mural by Andre Blanche highlighting the City’s colorful history. The mural contains so many images that one can look at it many times and always see something not noticed before.
The gallery to the left of the entrance is where traveling and local exhibits are displayed year-round, changing out about every three to four months.
On October 27, two new exhibits will open, both featuring creations by local residents and artists.
Dia De Muertos
The Dia de Muertos Mini Altars was started several years ago and its growing popularity has made it one of the Museum’s favorite annual exhibits, largely because everything is handmade by area residents paying tribute to loved ones who have passed on.
“The Dia de Muertos Mini Altars exhibit has certainly become a tradition for us,” said Sharla Fox, who has been the Museum director since 2018 and on staff since 2015. “It wasn’t always an annual exhibit, but every year patrons ask about it, so now it is.”
People interested in participating pick up a cigar box at the Museum that they can transform into tributes to loved ones, heroes and even pets who have passed on, Fox said.
The Museum gets 15 to 20 boxes back for the exhibit, which stays up until November 7.
“Each altar is so different and special! I love the details and visual storytelling. Some are artistic, some are clever, some are deeply moving. All of them are beautiful and heartfelt,” Fox said.
‘Desert Dialogues’
“Desert Dialogues: Coachella Valley Artists, Past and Present” brings together works from the La Quinta Historical Society’s collection, which includes artists Mary Maison, Alson Clark and Carl Bray, and the works of 12 contemporary artists known as “The Desert Dozen,” Fox said.
“We usually have an exhibit every other year or so where we provide a canvas, a theme, and an open invitation to local artists to join us,” Fox said. “It is great fun, and always wonderful to see such an array of works come together so beautifully.”
The exhibit will explore the legacy of artists inspired by the landscape, light, and spirit of the desert, she said.
In the spirit of the mid-20th-century Smoketree School of painters, The Desert Dozen is a collective of friends and artists carrying forward the tradition of the desert artist through a distinctly modern lens. They are Warner Graves, Kathleen Sturkoff, Lynda Keeler, Vaughan Davis, Barbara Noris, Wendy Kahle, David Wolfram, Lisa Loudin, Nita Harper, John Cuevas, Elaine Matthews, and Delphine Bordas.
The exhibit will open on October 27, and an Artists Reception, open to the public, will be held Saturday, November 7, 5 to 7 p.m.
Music & More at the Museum
Throughout the year, the Museum hosts a variety of free programs and events, including the seasonal Music at the Museum held the first Thursday of the month from 5 to 6 p.m., starting in October.
They are usually held on the courtyard, unless weather drives them inside, and feature local performers. “Music at the Museum has been going strong for over a decade,” Fox said. “As part of our mission to reflect and celebrate our local culture, we love sharing the music of local artists here in our Courtyard. There’s something a little magical about live music in this special setting.”
There’s something new every month, she said.
“We’ve had Latin folk, bluesy jazz, Americana, R&B, classic rock — and I love that at every performance, at least one visitor will tell me that it’s the best we’ve had,” Fox said.
The December Music at the Museum also includes the holiday lighting of the Historic Casita and Lumberyard building that are adjacent to the Museum.
The Museum welcomes school tours and teams up with The S.C.R.A.P. Gallery for a variety of programs families can do together.
Among the Museum’s regular programs:
• Sketchbook Journaling: 1st & 3rd Fridays, 1-3 p.m. Get in touch with your inner artist with sketchbook journaling. Basic supplies provided.
• TED Talk Hangout: 2nd Wednesdays, 1 p.m. Watch a TED talk on the big screen and then discuss with the group.
• Genealogy Meet-Up: 2nd Saturdays, 1 – 3 p.m. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert in genealogy, join us for discussion and collaboration.
• STITCH Fiber Arts Club: 2nd and 4th Tuesdays, 1 – 3 p.m. Bring your fiber project, meet with friends old and new, share what you’ve been working on, and get inspired for your next project
• Mindful Art Workshop: 3rd Saturdays, 1 – 3 p.m. This is an opportunity to unwind your mind and try out meditative art. Supplies provided.
• Take a Break with Huell: 3rd Tuesdays, 11 a.m. Watch an episode of Huell Howser’s California’s Gold on the big screen.
• Good Books in the Gallery: Last Thursday of the month at 3 p.m. Gather with others to discuss the book of the month. Call the Museum at 760-777-7170 to find out what book is being read and reserve one (copies are limited).
“I love that our programs are a friendly, comfortable place to try something new or engage with others. It’s wonderful to see guests creating artwork, learning from each other, having both deep and lighthearted discussions,” Fox said. “A program feels like a real success when we see new friendships made.”
The Basics
The La Quinta Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at 77885 Avenida Montezuma, within walking and biking distance to Old Town. Admission, programs and events are all free.
Calendars of exhibits, events and programs appear every month in The Gem and on the City’s digital calendar at www.playinlaquinta.com.
For information, call 760-777-7170.
