For the third consecutive year, sculpture artist Ben Allanoff has organized RustFest, a day of art, music, collaboration, and community. This year, Allanoff feels the event carries a deeper significance.
“The impetus behind this year’s event is building community through art because I feel in these times, that’s important – especially important. I have a personal desire to do more to help our country but I’m an artist, I’m not a politician, so I feel a little bit limited in my capacity to make a difference. And I was very distraught about – and am distraught – about what is happening in our country and I didn’t feel festive. I didn’t want to do RustFest and I was encouraged by some of our fellow artists in the community to push ahead because it creates an opportunity for people to come together and connect which is really important right now. It’s always important but maybe even more important right now,” said Allanoff.
Hosted by the Simi Dabah Sculpture Foundation at their nine-acre property in Joshua Tree (5255 Sunfair Road), the free event is both community gathering and massive art sale.
“We have hundreds of Simi Dabahs and dozens of BenAllanoffs. I have rust prints and wire sculpture and welded sculpture. Sculpture that incorporates plant material. Bones. All kinds of stuff. And Simi’s are mostly made of industrial scrap, heavy duty steel that he has put together in fantastic assemblages. Sizes from tabletop to monumental. Prices down around $100 up to the many thousands. Something for everyone.”
Anna Stump, the Twentynine Palms-based artist and visionary behind Mojaveland art/golf course, will be on-site to capture the spirit of RustFest by creating a large-scale painting over the course of the event.
Opportunities for artistic collaboration will include weaving sticks into the base of an established sculpture created by Allanoff. There will also be baskets of colorful ribbons for those who want to pen a message, a poem, a confession and tie onto other stick sculptures.
Musician Joyce Rooks will bring her electronic cello to create something she calls the “cello-tronica” while Yucca Valley flautist Bill (Michael) Shamhart, will also perform, along with a few friends. Meanwhile, members of Dance Mojave will be dipping their feet in paint and dancing on canvas to create a painted record of their performance.
Gates open at noon and RustFest III will wrap up around sunset.
“It’s free. The Wurst Wagon will be here selling delicious bratwurst,” said Allanoff. “Joshua Tree Distillery has donated some of their delicious spirits for us to give free samples of. And people this year are encouraged to bring picnics if they want. Fly a kite! Bring your pet on a leash. It’s a community picnic … with art!”
