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Arts & Entertainment

Indian Wells Art Festival Will Feature Art in Action

Palm Desert resident Dianne Funk is committed to creating a place where art is a happening with this weekend's Indian Wells Arts Festival.

Starting Friday, April 1 through Sunday, April 3, the Indian Wells Arts Festival will take place at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

"More than 200 award winning artists will transform the magnificent path-lined plaza with a spectacular splash of color, featuring hundreds of pieces of one-of-a-kind artwork available for purchase," according to Dianne Funk, a Palm Desert-resident and the festival's producer.

But what's even better is that Funk is committed to not only providing an arena for selling art, she's also committed to creating experiences where the public can interact with the processes of making art.

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For instance, Desert Hot Springs artist and muralist Aaron Hansen will be given a wall to create a large scale piece of graffiti on throughout the weekend. The same will go for muralist Linda Shrader.

Arizona artist Bruce Freund has put together a portable studio to work each day all day long doing what he loves most -- blowing glass while engaging in dialogue with the public. He makes the majority of his glass pieces unassisted, and is known for his versatility and technique of blending a rainbow of colors.

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Sculptor David Falossi plans to haul tons of Italian limestone on site and he will work on it each day to show people what it really takes to be a “Rock Star.” His plan is to complete the monumental piece at the event.

Local digital arts teacher Matt Cauthron has partnered with Funk to let his team of student photographers from Cathedral City High School's digital arts academy roam the grounds to take photographs which will then be judged by other Festival artists and displayed on the Festival website.

Perhaps one of the best known of the festival artists, Amado Pena will return to display his award-winning works.

"He is an amazing person and has been one of the biggest names in the field of Southwest art for decades and recipient of numerous Native American Artist of the Year awards," Funk said. "Amado helped me tremendously in my beginning years of producing art festivals. I couldn't have done it without him. I invite everyone to come meet him this weekend!"

The Festival, which has been ranked one of the “100 Best Fine Art Shows in the country” by Sunshine Artist magazine; “Best of the Best” by Palm Springs Life magazine; and ranked in the top 100 in both fine art fairs and fine craft shows by Greg Lawler’s Art Source Book, is a unique experience that whole families can enjoy.

"The creative synergy of demonstrating artists, local sponsors and non-profit partners enhances our venue with vibrant activity," Funk explained. 

More information on the Festival can be found online here.

Tickets are $10 at the gate and children under 12 are free. The festival is set for 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily and there is valet parking and free parking available.

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