Over the last few months, I have visited Flat Black for their live events and art shows from Paint Night with Cakes the Maniac to Extra Celestial curated by Kylie Knight and drank my first michelada at the opening reception. I discovered new merchandise designed by local artists: The Desert Movement, Monica Marones and Carlos Ramirez. As I walked around the back of the building, I gazed over a bright yellow mural by Mr bBaby that evoked a psychedelic version of, “Where the Wild Things Are.”
This year marks the four-year anniversary of Flat Black. Read on to get the backstory how it all began.
Coachella Magazine: Introduce yourself: Tell us who you are, where you’re from and your background in art?
Pete Salcido: My name is Pete Salcido. I’m originally from Los Angeles (born and raised) but have been residing in the Coachella Valley for 13 yrs now. I started writing graffiti in 1995 and haven’t looked back since.
CM: Congratulations. This year marks the 4 year anniversary of Flat Black Art Supplies and 1 year anniversary at HWY 111 location. How did Flat Black start and what has it been like over the years?
Pete: Thank you!.. I originally started selling paint out of my trunk to local “street artist” about 12 years ago. I’ve always had access to art supplies and wanted to put it in the hands of artists. I worked at a local company that allowed me to work my way up in the ranks and prove myself as an asset. I soaked up all the information I needed from that position in order to be self sufficient and run my own business. I saved my hard earned money and opened my first Flat Black location. Being the owner to a business in a culture that I love has been a great experience. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m a kid in a candy store.
CM: Tell us about the new location at HWY 111?
Pete: The new location on Hwy 111 was the best business move I could’ve ever made. Palm Desert has been good to us. Our space itself is exactly what I invisioned growing into. The building itself holds historic value so that in itself makes what we’re doing that much more interesting.
CM: When you first opened up for business did you also envision a space for live events like Paint Night with Cakes the Maniac, curated art shows and live music? Was that part of the evolutionary plan or something you figured out as time went by?
Pete: When I was looking for a building for our first location, I looked for a space where not only would we sell art supplies but also provide a place where artists can come and express themselves. Initially I allowed artists to come in and paint our walls in order for them to have a safe place where they didn’t have to look over their shoulder or face any legal problems. This allowed us to build a bond within our own community of artists. Then I decided to have an art show to showcase their art to others. Then we added a Dj to the art shows and that eventually turned into live bands. It’s all really just growth. It worked out perfectly. Once I moved the store to Hwy 111, I had already build enough notoriety to bring in a larger crowed. From there, I wanted to keep challenging myself so I kept thinking of other cool stuff to do for the community and the artist and that’s where we’re at now. We’ve grown and continue to grow collectively every day.
CM: What do you love most about Flat Black Art Supplies?
Pete: The unity within the community. And watching people’s faces when they come in to my shop that aren’t necessarily used to the graffiti culture. There’s always mixed feelings but when they take a second to understand it, it’s usually an eye opener.
CM: Who are some of your favorite local artists in the Coachella Valley?
Pete: My most favorite is my wife Laura @arte_de_laura
Aaron Hansen
Carlos Ramirez
Rick Rodriguez
Just to name a few.
But def can’t forget all the artist on my team (Flat Black Street Team) They know who they are.
CM: Your impression on the current local art scene?
Pete: That’s a tricky question because the local art scene that I represent is not considered to be respectable art by most people (not yet at least). I feel like we are barely now starting to make an impression within the art community. I’ve been blessed to be working closely with the Palm Desert Westfield Mall to transform a section of the Mall into a graffiti/street art gallery. And the feed back has been not only good but very welcoming. But overall I appreciate all the art being put out by our local artists and I can dig the direction it’s going. The ultimate goal would be to drive out of towners to visit the desert just for the art. And I feel like it’s heading that direction
CM: What’s next for Flat Black Art Supplies? Where do you see yourself in the next 4-8 years?
Pete: Expansion.