Here in the desert there’s always a flurry of fun activity taking place. If I haven’t been on here lately it’s exactly for that reason.
If it’s not a fashion, music or art event, it’s a new venue, restaurant or book signing. My sister was also here visiting and making contacts. So I’m just catching up. Listen; I’m certainly not complaining about being able to attend these outings; I’m just winding down before the next surge.
After going back to “Wally’s Desert Turtle” (yes; that’s the name of a popular restaurant in Rancho Mirage) for a Friday fashion luncheon, a few of our group of women decided to check out the Perez Art District. It was a first visit for some of these full time residents.
I’ve driven by Perez Rd. countless times but had no idea that just around the corner (and a bit) from this Industrial area with offices and car dealerships, lies over 40 art studios and galleries. 
On the fourth Friday of every month from 4-7 pm, Desert Open Studios on Perez holds an Art Walk where you can see artists practicing in their workspaces. Walk around, visit the studios and learn about their processes, and buy art directly. There really is something for everyone. Plus, it’s dog friendly (always a plus.)
I enjoyed meeting several local artists along with friends Candy and Libby. We didn’t get to visit every gallery, but there are more Fridays coming up to explore the rest. We loved exploring the studios.
One artist who stood out for us was Shelley Heffler.
Her contemporary art studio contains sustainable art. Shelley is deeply committed to raising awareness about the environment through her unique art form –which is collecting discarded advertising banners and turning them into captivating works of art that can withstand all weather. Through meticulous hand cutting techniques, she fractures the initial image and repurposes it into beautiful weavings, collages, or three-dimensional sculptures that bear little or no resemblance to the original.
When she’s done they turn into complex abstract pieces with unique color schemes. Her hope is that her pieces not only provoke dialogue but also inspire action. Commissions are welcome. Each new project is an opportunity to further explore the intersection of art and environmental consciousness.
68845 Perez Road, Building H, Studio 14, Cathedral City, CA 92234
https://www.shelleyheffler.com:
Photos: d. king
Girl Who Would be KING on Life, Style and INSPIRATION. 
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