Commission approves funding for two new Old Las Palmas sculptures; other art installations underway

The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission approved funding for two new sculptures in the Old Las Palmas neighborhood on Thursday evening and heard updates on several other art projects in the works across the city. 

The commission approved a request from the Old Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization for $25,000 in public art funds for the installation of two sculptures by artist Delos Van Earl. 

The funding will match another $25,000 contributed by the neighborhood organization, which together will support the installation of one sculpture of a yellow warbler and another of a dancing rhino. 

The two new pieces will join the “Red Dragon,” “The Prince,” and “Blue Belly Crab” sculptures on the Chino Drive median near North Palm Canyon Drive and Belardo Road. The funding recommendation will next go to the City Council for final approval. 

Two new art installations will also be unveiled in Palm Springs this month. Next Wednesday, the Palm Springs Sister Cities Committee will unveil a new installation by artist Daniel Valero from the Palm Springs sister city of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico. 

The piece, titled “Deriva Floral,” is being installed along Museum Way next to Downtown Park, and is the first artwork in the space since the Marilyn Monroe statue was relocated, according to Public Arts Commission Chair Gary Armstrong. 

In Frances Stevens Park, the Pride Monument will be installed Friday, with a dedication ceremony planned for Oct. 17.

Finally, the commission heard updates on a few other art projects underway in the city:

• The artist of the planned “Desert Bloom” shade structure installation, inspired by the iconic “Poolside Gossip” photograph, has backed away from the project. The artist cited a steep increase in metal costs due to tariffs, according to Armstrong. The artist will return the money he received from the city, and the commission could discuss how to proceed with the project at a future meeting.
  
• The long-awaited restoration of the mural by Richard Wyatt Jr. on the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center in Desert Highland Gateway Estates needs to find a 501(c)(3), according to city staff. Neither the Arts Commission or the neighborhood association are nonprofits. The groups are looking for a nonprofit that could apply for grant funding on the mural’s behalf. 

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