Joanna Szachowska: A Celebration of Life and Death opens tonight at Hi-Desert Artists (9/20)

The Hi-Desert Artists Art Center (HDA) will present Joanna Szachowska: A Celebration of Life and Death, a special two-day exhibition honoring the late artist this weekend. There will be an opening reception held tonight from 5 to 8 p.m.

Szachowska, who passed away recently after a long battle with cancer, was a painter, ceramicist, fiber artist, poet, and designer. Originally from Poland, The High Desert Artists Center says the hi-desert gave her the freedom to create deeply and without distraction. 

She was quoted as saying “The desert is a place where you have fewer distractions and you can turn the frequency of inner research deeper. The desert is my soul lab.”

Friends, family, and colleagues describe her as a prolific artist who worked tirelessly in her studio until the end, driven by both creative curiosity and spiritual discovery. For this memorial exhibition, her daughter Diana and a close circle of friends have gathered works left in her studio. These pieces will be available for purchase during the reception, with all proceeds benefiting her family. Payments may be made by Zelle or cash; credit cards cannot be accepted.

Hi-Desert Artists is located at 55635 Twentynine Palms Highway in Yucca Valley.

The exhibition is open Saturday, September 20 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, September 21 from 12 to 3 p.m.