Take a look around Palm Springs — and you will discover Art is Here!

With that in mind, the Palm Springs Public Arts Commission will kick off its 30th Anniversary Celebration, dubbed “Art is Here,” with two events on Thursday, Oct. 11 and Sunday, Oct. 14, beginning a year of highlighting the City’s spectacular collection of public art.

The fun kicks off at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11, during “Free Thursday” night admission at the Palm Springs Art Museum, when the Public Arts Commission will unveil an interactive felt map, called the “Felt Eye View of Palm Springs,” created by local artist Sarah Scheideman, from a concept by Commissioner Tracy Merrigan. The map displays the array of wonderfully diverse public art installed throughout the city and invites visitors to “Imagine Art Here” with new sites and installations for the future. The map will be on display at the museum through Oct. 14.

On Sunday, Oct. 14, the Public Arts Commission invites the entire Coachella Valley to the “Art is Here Block Party,” from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. along Museum Way in the newly redeveloped Downtown Project. The free event will feature music, food trucks and a host of fun interactive activities for people of all ages, organized by the Coachella Valley Art Scene. Activities will include:

  • Felt art projects
  • Art activations
  • Live screen printing
  • A chance to participate in creating public art

With the recent arrival of German artist Julian Voss-Andreae’s stunning sculpture “Isabelle” and the installation of Czech artist David Cerny’s much talked about “Babies” in the downtown project, public art has played a tremendous role in the revitalization of downtown Palm Springs.

“Great public art sparks conversation and helps create landmark meeting focal points throughout cities for residents and visitors to congregate and enjoy,” according to Public Arts Chairwoman Ann Sheffer, who notes over the past 30 years, the Commission has installed an array of spectacular public art in neighborhoods and public facilities throughout the city.

“Art is here and it is truly everywhere in Palm Springs,” said Sheffer. “As we celebrate 30 years of public art and imagine the future, the Public Arts Commission would like to invite the entire Coachella Valley to join us in downtown this October. You won’t want to miss the fun.”

The Public Arts Commission was created in 1988 by the City Council to help add to the economic viability of the community and enhance the unique character of Palm Springs through the selection, presentation and support of quality works of art.

The Commission is responsible for creating and maintaining more than 80 art installations and murals throughout Palm Springs.