Karin Skiba, Gallery Director of the Hi-Desert Artists Center, told me that many current members were originally part of the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council. With the closing of JTAG, some of the artists regrouped and sought new gallery space. Route 62 Vintage Antiques was up for sale, and with the help of AHA Projects and its Executive Director, Cheyanne Sauter, they bought the building, taking possession at the end of January 2024. Since June 2023, the steering committee, now called the board, including Karin Skiba and her husband Robert Grajeda, has been meeting weekly and exchanging ideas for this new and exciting endeavor. Thanks to a generous donation from Karl Shafer, a Palm Springs art collector, the Hi-Desert Artists applied for nonprofit status, received state nonprofit status, and are awaiting federal documentation.
This is Karin Skiba: “We have been renovating the inside of the building. There are four galleries. One is a feature gallery that we will rent out. It is rented right through May of next year to self-curated artists who want to have a small show. There is a member’s gallery that’s a smaller gallery. There’s a larger gallery that’s another member’s gallery. And then there is the gallery for crafts and very small artworks. Holly Rae Wind is the director of that.”
The gallery’s leadership includes Ed Keesling as President of the board, Robert Grajeda as the assistant director and general contractor, and Holly Rae Wind as the manager of the gallery shop. Snake Jagger handles marketing, and Linda Schrader is the secretary. The board consists of six members, supported by 45 professional members and over 100 legacy members.
The inaugural show, opening on June 29, features around 70 artists from the area, including some from Palm Springs and Rancho Mirage. The diverse artworks include fiber and metal sculptures, assemblages, cast resin and crystal sculptures, and even a handmade drum by Carl Fyhrie. The opening night will have live music from Robert Grajeda’s band, Blues Oasis, and refreshments.
Karin Skiba said, ”After the grand opening, we plan to coordinate with the Yucca Valley Art Walk every third Saturday. We’re also planning to use the former residence area (from Route 62 Antiques) for classes. The landscape committee has cleaned up the front yard, and we’re expecting a sculpture donation from Ruth Rieman and a new sign, by Ric Vigallon for the gallery.”
Plans include hosting a collective show for artists on the Hwy 62 Art Tours and a holiday show starting in late November, featuring art priced under $200, perfect for Christmas shopping. The art group is grateful for support from artists like Carolyn and David Hatcher from Rancho Mirage, who will also have a piece in the inaugural show. One of the gallery rooms will be named the Karl Shafer room.
The opening show is June 29 from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Hi-Desert Artists Gallery at 55635 29 Palms Hwy, Yucca Valley.
