Palm Springs Art Museum shows off new, high-octane energy at Exhibitions Opening Party

Sergio Garcia
·3 min read

There was an undeniable vibrancy at the Palm Springs Art Museum on April 21 for the museum's Exhibitions Opening Party. Guests were given access to the works and installations of featured artists Gonzalo Lebrija; Fulton Leroy Washington, a.k.a. Mr. Wash; and Devin Reynolds.

The crowd was entertained by DJ sets from King Woman, Bae Bae and Nancy Whang. And a searing performance by singer San Cha (The Mistress), who weaves her personal stories with ranchera, cumbia and bolero influences, was a real showstopper.

The art, the party and the entertainment seemed to reflect the evolving cultural landscape of Coachella Valley.

Proud grandma Rayma Wells attends the Palm Springs Art Museum's Exhibitions Opening Party on April 21, 2022, with artist and grandson Devin Reynolds.
Proud grandma Rayma Wells attends the Palm Springs Art Museum's Exhibitions Opening Party on April 21, 2022, with artist and grandson Devin Reynolds.

The Palm Springs Art Museum views events like this one as central to its public programming. "The museum is most impactful when it enters people's hearts and minds," said Executive Director Adam Lerner. "Celebratory events are a great way to imprint memories and make the museum part of the internal compass of our community."

"The staff and volunteers love to welcome our guests in this way," said Scott Slaven, director of marketing, communications and graphic design. "When they can let their hair down a bit, and share their excitement about the art, it's a completely different experience."

The celebration showcased how the museum is both cementing relationships with patrons and attracting a new generation of art enthusiasts.

"We enjoy these parties because of the 'vibe' from a diverse group of people. The place is alive with music and laughter. What's not to like?" said Paul Zak, a museum docent, who attended with his partner, Robert Elmore. "We've been members for nearly 20 years and are very excited about the new energy at the museum"

A man takes a photo of the "Outburst Project" by Devin Reynolds during the debut of new spring exhibits at the Palm Springs Art Musuem in Palm Springs, Calif., April 21, 2022.
A man takes a photo of the "Outburst Project" by Devin Reynolds during the debut of new spring exhibits at the Palm Springs Art Musuem in Palm Springs, Calif., April 21, 2022.

Many professionals and enthusiasts from the Palm Springs art community were in attendance and expressed their delight.

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"I love coming to these parties!" said Eula Robertson, a passionate Palm Springs Art Museum member. "They allow me to experience the museum in a festive, engaging atmosphere and to mingle with new and interesting art lovers. It's a feast for the senses. I'll share my experience about this party with my family and friends — frankly, with anyone who will listen — because I want them to support the arts, too. I grew up going to museums, and I instilled that in my children. It's a great way to introduce people to different cultures."

Artist Mr. Wash, left, meets Dia Weil, right, as Executive Director Adam Lerner, center, looks on during the debut of new exhibits by Wash and others at the Palm Springs Art Musuem in Palm Springs, Calif., April 21, 2022.
Artist Mr. Wash, left, meets Dia Weil, right, as Executive Director Adam Lerner, center, looks on during the debut of new exhibits by Wash and others at the Palm Springs Art Musuem in Palm Springs, Calif., April 21, 2022.

"This event was enjoyable because it featured emerging artists and performers from the L.A. area who aren't usually seen here," said Susan Davis, president and founder of Desert X. "We get the chance to meet them and discuss their work and development process. Events like these provide us the opportunity to exchange thoughts with other guests about the issues and concepts being presented."

This celebration was also a real family affair and friendship gathering for the exhibition's featured artists. Washington's guests arrived, fashionably late, on a party bus from Los Angeles. Because he had been out of communication with most family and friends during his museum-sponsored "Outburst Projects" residency, he wasn't even sure who had made the journey.

"Their presence and excitement gave me a real emotional surge of accomplishment," Washington said. "We socialized into the night and early morning. Honestly — and now it's days later — the excitement and the party are still going!"

Reynolds is interested in how people feel about his art and how different people react to it in their own unique ways. He certainly has an admirer in Rayma Wells, his grandmother, who attended the opening.

"I am so proud of him," Wells said. "Not only of his showing at the museum, but also of who he is as a person. It was wonderful seeing and hearing others praise his art, his beautiful smile and his loving personality. I was overjoyed."

Sergio Garcia lives in Palm Springs and enjoys writing about the good people that do great things for our community. Contact him at sergio071364@aol.com.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs Art Museum holds Exhibitions Opening Party