The Rancho Mirage Art Affaire, now in its 18th year, kicks off the Coachella Valley’s booming arts festival season with two days of art and music, Nov. 3-4, in the picturesque Rancho Mirage Community Park.
All manner of one-, two-, and three-dimensional art forms beckon from inviting booths set up around the park. Meander through the grounds to encounter everything from photography, prints, and paintings to sculpture, jewelry, and metalwork. Artists from all over the Southwest vie for an opportunity to showcase their work at the acclaimed event, where approximately 100 are selected to display their talents and treasures.
Those who have yet to experience a musical performance at the state-of-the-art Rancho Mirage Amphitheater located at the park are in for a smooth-jazz treat. Saxophonist Will Donato, whose new album Supersonic is making waves, will take center stage Saturday at 3:30 p.m. His ability to connect with audiences led New Jazz to describe his musicality as “a must-see show.” Sunday afternoon beginning at 3:30 p.m., one of the genre’s most engaging performers and songwriters, Steve Oliver, will delight with his contemporary jazz guitar melodies and trademark, wordless vocalese.
Delicious food and beverage will be available for purchase from several Rancho Mirage restaurant vendors throughout the day. Those in the mood for an adult libation can visit the beer and wine garden operated by the Rancho Mirage Rotary Club.
Will Donato
Given the creativity and musical artistry that surrounds, plentiful refreshment choices, and incomparable setting, it’s a no-brainer to make the Rancho Mirage Art Affaire your first social stop this season.
The festival takes place Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 3 and 4 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Complimentary parking is available on-site as well as in designated off-site parking lots and along San Jacinto Drive, and admission is free.
Rancho Mirage Community Park, 71560 San Jacinto Drive, Rancho Mirage.
ranchomirageca.gov/art-affaire
Steve Oliver
Spotlight on Artist Diane Morgan
Gifted at transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary, oil painter and watercolorist Diane Morgan invites viewers to take a closer look.
“I paint very, very thinly because I want the depth to come from the painting and not have texture stop your eye,” the multiple-award winner and 2018 Rancho Mirage Art Affaire featured artist says. After earning a bachelor’s degree in oil painting from the University of Michigan, Morgan forged a successful career in advertising. Later she worked as a public art administrator for the city of Palm Springs.
These days, painting is Morgan’s primary pursuit. She works in a studio at Coachella Valley Art Center in Indio, run by a nonprofit cultural organization designed to promote the careers and lives of artists. Morgan also teaches four to six painting classes a week.
Diane Morgan