Black Rock Art Gallery Opening of Groundwork Arts

News Release Date:
April 16, 2024

Contact:Alison Shoup

TWENTYNINE PALMS, CA- Joshua Tree National Park management is excited to announce a new exhibition of artworks by elementary students from Morongo Unified School District, entitled Quirky Characters: Illustrated Patches. This exhibition, produced in partnership with Groundwork Arts, will feature 810 hand drawn character patches by students from 11 schools, with support from 113 teachers and 7 teaching artists. Groundwork Arts brings professional practicing artists into local community schools to provide innovative educational opportunities to students, teachers, and families.

Students had the opportunity to explore the art of local artist and business owner, Shari Elf. Drawing inspiration from Shari's playful and carefree patches, students created simple, hand-drawn characters on fabric squares that can be traded with friends, given to loved ones, or, in this case, combined to make collaborative quilts. It was an exercise in "less is more" and an opportunity to celebrate our weird, wonderful, and not-so-perfect selves.

"One of the most important experiences for an artist is to share their art with the rest of the world," said Rhonda Lane Coleman, director of Groundwork Arts, "and we are thrilled that our community will have the opportunity to celebrate these amazing young artists."

The exhibition will run from April 19 through early summer at the Black Rock Art Gallery in the Black Rock Nature Center, located at 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284. There will be an opening reception on Friday, April 19, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm. The building is open 7 days a week, 8am-11am and 12pm-4pm. Hours are subject to change starting June 1.

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