552 Million Years Ago - Victoria Rothlisberg
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Hi-Desert Artists Gallery holding anniversary fundraiser and retrospective show today (5/16)

Jef Harmatz Send an email May 16, 2026

As part of their two-year anniversary, the Hi-Desert Artists Gallery is holding a fundraiser that is going to “Chair-ity.”

This chair-based fundraiser sees a dozen local artists transforming ordinary folding chairs into works of art. These hand-painted and creatively decorated chairs will be on display at the gallery and then auctioned off.

By Phil Miller
by Bonnie Brady

Participating artists include Phil Miller, Paul Donaldson, Snake Jagger, Bonnie Brady, Julianne Elliot, Tracie Schatz, Marcia Geiger, Jen Shakti, Barry Scanlan, Krista Wargo, Esther Shaw, Ed Keesling, Eddie Tucker, and John Genesta. The chairs will be on display as part of the gallery’s anniversary event Saturday night. They will be auctioned off at an event on June 14. Proceeds from the auction will benefit the gallery and its ongoing arts programming. 

552 Million Years Ago – Victoria Rothlisberg

Hi-Desert Artists Gallery will also celebrate its two year anniversary with a retrospective show opening Saturday. Nearly 40 artists have submitted standout pieces created during the past two years. The exhibition will feature paintings, photography, pencil, charcoal and pen-and-ink drawings, mixed media works, ceramics, and sculptures.

The opening reception for both shows is Saturday from 5–7 p.m. at the gallery. Hi-Desert Artists is located at 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley. 

Jef Harmatz Send an email May 16, 2026
Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz

Jef Harmatz is the co-host of Z107.7’s “Morning Show with Cody and Jef” and Z107.7’s News Director. He has worked as a journalist, cartoonist, chef, and delivery driver. He is known nationally for his writing and comics in publications like TimeOut, Popula, Roadtrippers, Solrad and Spiralbound, and for his album covers for Third Eye Blind and Sir Sly. He is known locally for his pop-up barbecue restaurant Hot Dog Panic. He remains unknown in the field of beekeeping, because he is too afraid of being stung to try it. When not on the radio, he draws comics and self-publishes little books. He lives with his partner and his dog Sunday in Yucca Valley, where he cooks them both elaborate meals.