The Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts is proud to announce the opening of “Salt of the Earth,” a compelling exhibition that delves into the pressing public health and environmental issues stemming from the Salton Sea. As the lake diminishes, it releases harmful sediments into neighboring communities, exacerbating respiratory diseases and threatening local ecosystems. The exhibition will feature a collection of community-created installations and individual artist works.
Curated by Adriana Lopez-Ospina and William Schinsky, the exhibition showcases the collaborative efforts of artists deeply connected to the region. Participating artists include Venessa Becerra, Arturo Castellanos Jr., Erika Castellanos, Damien Cuauthemoc Lopez, Freddy Jimenez, Frank Lemus, Adriana Lopez-Ospina, Clara Nieblas, Denny Pascasio, Carlos Ramirez, and Janet Zepeda.
“This exhibition is a love letter to my home. It’s artwork made by the community, for the community,”
Adriana Lopez-Ospina
“Salt of the Earth” emerges from the Text & Textiles initiative by Lopez-Ospina, a year-long project supported by the California Arts Council through the Creative Corps Inland SoCal Grant. This initiative empowered participants to express their experiences through fiber and writing, fostering awareness and dialogue surrounding environmental challenges.
A notable highlight of the exhibition is the installation of three, 5×5 ft sets of lungs, created by seniors from Mecca, Thermal, and North Shore. These symbolic artworks, that hung by the Salton Sea, serve as filters, visually representing the public health issues confronting these communities.
“Salt of the Earth”
Artist reception will take place on May 17th from 4-6pm
Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts
43500 Monterey Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260