Brian Pescador “The Kiss PHOTO” Public Art Location: 55797 Grapefruit Blvd, Coachella, CA

Save Art Space

interview JORGE PEREZCHICA

Founded in 2015, SaveArtSpace is a non-profit organization co-founded by Travis Rix and Justin Aversano. The organization works to create an urban gallery experience, launching exhibitions that address intersectional themes and foster a progressive message of social change. By placing culture over commercialism, SaveArtSpace aims to empower artists from all walks of life and inspire a new generation of young creatives and activists.

SaveArtSpace presented a group public art exhibition on billboards throughout the Coachella Valley, CA in 2020. SaveArtSpace transformed advertisement space into public art by and for the local community. With the aim at providing artists opportunities to display their work and inspire a new generation of artists. Curated by Sofía Enríquez. Selected artists in 2020 are Janet Zepeda, Brian Pescador, and Wane Kan. The public exhibition was on view for one month in spring 2020.

Coachella Magazine reached out to ArtSpace Co-founder Justin Aversano and Coachella Valley based artist Sofia Enriquez to tell us more about their experience.

Wane Kan “Mesoamerican Ukiyo-e” Public Art Location: 16760 Palm Dr, Desert Hot Springs, CA (photo by Wane Kan)

interview with Art Space Co-founder Justin Aversano

How did Save Art Space come together in the Coachella Valley from start to finish?
Justin Aversano: This public art exhibition came to fruition in the Coachella Valley with Sofia Enriquez as a curator because we wanted to support more artists outside of Los Angeles and in the desert. We know and have showcased Sofia’s work in the past for a project called, 100% LA with Otis College in 2018, where Sofia had attended. Our organization continues to work with past artists and provides opportunities for them to be curators and discover new artists through our open call platform. The local artists were selected by Sofia and showcased as close to their homes as possible.

What was the response from community?
We had a marvelous response, especially since covid-19 restrictions kept people indoors, this was a place for people to enjoy artwork in a safe way. Although, we had never intended or thought about a pandemic while we were planning this exhibition and holding the open call since December. These public art spaces became a beacon of hope in a difficult time for the local community.

With the pandemic surging and Coachella canceled in 2020, what impact did this have on the project?
Fortunately, the cancellation did not affect us. We had minor intentions of cross-promoting with the Coachella Festival, as this project was meant solely for the citizens of Coachella Valley to enjoy. In the end, it allowed the true desert dwellers to enjoy what was made by and for their artists.

Anything else you’d like to add?
If you would like to have a public art exhibition in your neighborhood. Please, reach out to us and we will do our best to bring art to your community. Additionally, you can hold a gofundme fundraiser if you’d like to start your own public art show on billboards! We encourage you to submit your artwork at saveartspace.org/submit and if you’d like to donate to our nonprofit to keep supporting artists in your area or across the country you can do that at saveartspace.org/donate

JANET ZEPEDA “ALWAYS HURTING” Public Art Location: 6000 N Indian Canyon Dr, Palm Springs, CA (photo by by Hannah La Liberte)

interview with Coachella Valley based artist/curator Sofia Enriquez

Describe your experience collaborating with Save Art Space in 2020?
SOFIA ENRIQUEZ: I really loved the process of finding what pieces spoke to me and what I thought would look good on a billboard.

What kind of art were you looking for?
I was looking for a diverse set of artists and styles that wouldn’t typically be put on billboards here. It’s nice to be able to change the vibe from old advertisements to real art from people in the valley.

Three artists were selected: Brian Pescador, Janet Zepeda and Wane Kan. What can you tell us about the them and their works?
I’ve been a huge fan of all three of them. Brian is one of the most talented Photographers out here in the Coachella Valley. He’s prolific and has a talent for capturing special moments with people without staging.

Janet, is a talented illustrator that tells her story within her drawings and it’s amazing to be invited into her world of monsters, emotions, and humor.

Wane Kan, is such a rad tattoo artist and is one of the owners of Iron Palm Tattoo in Palm Springs. I feel like if you see a Wane piece on someone, you already know it’s Wane’s work because he has that special unique style, and that takes years to develop as an artist. I respect his artwork and the many hours is takes to be where he is now in his career.

What was the most important lesson you came away with in 2020?
Everything is connected…so take care of yourself, your loved ones, and your community.

What are five words you’d use to describe yourself and your work ethic?
I just want to paint.

Any advice for artists looking to create installations in public spaces?
Ask yourself what you want to do, then do it. Support comes after you make the decision. Art is a gift, and the public WANTS IT.

web: SaveArtSpace