1,000+ Valley Students Experience Amazing Arts Program

From the City of Coachella: Warhol in the Park, a valley-wide arts and education event series aimed at engaging area students with the work of iconic pop-art artist, Andy Warhol, closed this month at the Veteran’s Memorial Park in The City of Coachella. The final event concluded the four city series that ran in West Valley (Palm Springs,) Mid Valley (Palm Desert and La Quinta) and East Valley (Coachella) communities. Estimated participation in the series approached one thousand Coachella Valley children and their families.

“Warhol in the Park was a resounding success in bringing important art to the children of the Coachella Valley. Kids who may never have seen Warhol art or been to the Palm Springs Art Museum now know they are welcome anytime!” says Jordan D. Schnitzer, whose family foundation served as presenting sponsor of the free event that included a brief introduction to the life and work of Andy Warhol followed by students painting their own interpretations of notable Warhol pieces including “Marilyn” and “Campbell’s Soup.” “We were delighted to join forces with our sponsors at El Paseo Jewelers, Palm Springs Art Museum, Old Town Artisan Studios, The City of Palm Desert, The California Desert Arts Council, CODA Gallery, Whole Foods Market, Kimpton The Rowan Palm Springs, Bianca Rae Foundation and Palm Springs Life in educating and engaging students with the work of famed pop-artist, Andy Warhol and continuing Andy’s purpose to democratize art for all.” Warhol in the Park ran in conjunction with the Palm Springs Art Museum’s exhibition: Andy Warhol: Prints From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation, on display through May 28th.

Participating cities share Schnitzer’s sentiments. “Palm Desert was proud to be the inaugural city for Warhol in the Park,” stated Sabby Jonathan, Mayor of the City of Palm Desert. “We strongly support arts and education initiatives for our kids.” The Mayor of Coachella, Steven Hernandez, echoed Mayor Jonathan’s remarks, “Sadly, funding for art curriculums and programming is declining in public schools across the country – often in the most economically challenged communities where additional exposure to the arts is limited. The City of Coachella was honored to participate in Warhol in the Park.”

Event organizers have already begun conversations about a potential follow-up community enrichment series. More details to come as they develop.

About Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation:

At age 14, Jordan D. Schnitzer bought his first work of art from his mother’s Portland, Oregon contemporary art gallery, evolving into his lifelong avocation as collector. He began collecting contemporary prints and multiples in earnest in 1988. Today, the collection exceeds 12,000 works and includes many of today’s most important contemporary artists. It has grown to be one of the country’s largest private print collections overall. He generously lends work from his collection to qualified institutions and has organized over 100 exhibitions at more than 100 museums. Mr. Schnitzer is also President of Harsch Investment Properties, a privately owned real estate investment company based in Portland, Oregon, with 25 million square feet of office, multi-tenant industrial, multi-family and retail properties in six western states. For more information about the Jordan Schnitzer Family Foundation, please visit jordanschnitzer.org.

About Palm Springs Art Museum:

Palm Springs Art Museum is the largest cultural institution in the Coachella Valley and includes three locations in Palm Springs and Palm Desert. The flagship building, located in downtown Palm Springs, features compelling art exhibitions, a vast permanent collection, and the Annenberg Theater, all in a 150,000 square foot, architecturally-­‐significant building. Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center, Edwards Harris Pavilion, features exhibitions and programming that explore the rich topics of architecture and design. Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert is an 8,400 square foot, Silver LEED-­‐certified building named The Galen featuring rotating exhibitions and special collections. The Galen is surrounded by the four-­‐acre Faye Sarkowsky Sculpture Garden. Admission to the Palm Desert location is free, generously underwritten by Helene V. Galen.

Photo credit: Loretta Vlach, courtesy of City of Coachella