On the Scene: Artists Council Opens ACE and Presents Awards

The Artists Center at the Galen hosted a celebration of artists and art on Friday, Feb. 17, at the opening reception for the 2023 Annual Artists Council Exhibition and Sale (ACE).

New artists council executive director Thomas Burns and board chair Carlos Garcia welcomed the crowd. Among the estimated 500 guests: Palm Desert Mayor Kathleen Kelly and Mayor Pro Tem Karina Quintanilla.

Emcee Patrick Evans of KESQ noted that the Artists Council received 287 entries from 199 member artists for this exhibition—a record. Just as impressive: Since the Artists Center at the Galen became the new home of the Artists Council just three years ago, membership has grown from 308 to 550 members.

Wendy Posner, owner of Posner Fine Art in Los Angeles, and Marcia Reed, retired chief curator and associate director of the Getty Research Institute, were the jurors for this exhibition.

Exhibition co-directors Ulrike Maria and Tony Radcliffe presented the jury awards, which were underwritten by Darlenna Burlson and Cynthia Buzzard: Steve Ohlrich for “The Passage,” Jane Baron for “Protea and Bird’s Nest,” Marcy Gregory’s “Nocturne Sonata” and Gail Stewart for “Joshua Tree at Sunrise.” Their work—and many more beautiful pieces—will be on display through March 19. (Some have already sold.)

Next up for the Artists Council events at Artists Center at the Galen: The Through the Lens photography show and sale will take place March 23-April 23. That will be followed by the Young Artists Exhibition from April 26 to May 21.

The Artists Center at the Galen, at 72567 Highway 111, Palm Desert, is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesdays through Sundays, and and admission is free. It’s all in support of the Artists Council mission: “Elevating artists through exhibitions, professional development, and community engagement.” For more information, visit artistscouncil.com, or call 760-565-6130.