In today’s era of heightened environmental awareness, artists are increasingly turning to junk stores, trash bins, and surplus outlets to satisfy their urge to create while still caring for the planet. This exhibit is designed to make people rethink our throw-away society by sharing the local community’s innovative and often surprising use of reused and recycled materials.
The Morongo Basin is home to many types of artists who are inspired by the desert landscape. The theme for 2022 is “The Desert is a Vast Land,” in contrast to ‘Wasteland.’ The hope is that participants, through their art, will counter the idea that the Mojave Desert is a space for trash and destruction, and highlight some of the more lively and attractive features of the desert environment.
Things you should know
- The 2022 theme is “The Desert is a Vast Land,” not a ‘Wasteland.’ Your artwork must be made from or include some form of recycled material with the theme in mind. Be creative and original!
- Morongo Basin artists, youth and/or adults, may enter this art exhibit.
- Each artist may enter up to 3 pieces of their artwork and upload images for museum staff to review.
- Any recycled medium will be considered.
- This exhibit will be juried by local art professionals (TBD). Entries will be judged for ‘Best in Show,’ ‘Most Creative,’ ‘Best Interpretation of the Theme,’ and ‘Staff Favorite.’
- There is no cost to participate.
- The deadline for submissions is March 12, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. Since we are on a tight schedule to review the submissions and notify everyone, we are unable to accept entries after the deadline. We cannot accept artwork dropped off at the museum for review. Artists will be notified by March 16, 2022 of accepted or declined entries.
Presentation Requirements
- Hanging works must have the proper hanging hardware. Works will only be displayed if they can be easily and safely hung. For this exhibit, we allow some latitude in framing so long as we can hang the artwork.
- Sculptures and three-dimensional artwork is allowed, but needs to be stable enough to handle and be displayed without damage.
- The Museum will not accept works containing combustible or toxic materials, live animal/plant matter, perishable food products, or other substances that are harmful to the Museum’s artifacts or visitors.
- The Museum is a family-oriented facility and reserves the right to refuse any artwork of questionable nature or content that may alter its mission.
Submitting Artwork
- Each artist may enter up to 3 pieces of their artwork.
- Submit one good quality image of each piece.
- Each submission will require a brief description, which includes a title, dimensions, and medium. Submissions without this information will automatically be disqualified.
Accepted Entries
- The Museum will be accepting entries based on the following: how well the work embodies the theme, composition, overall size, and requirements for display.
- We will email artists a list of all accepted entries on March 16, 2022.
- Accepted entries can be delivered to the Hi-Desert Nature Museum between 12:30 p.m and 5:00 p.m. on March 23, 24, 25 or 26.
- Artwork that is accepted and delivered to the Museum will hang in the gallery until the end of the exhibit, which closes on May 7, 2022. Artwork will not be sold out of the gallery.
Important Dates
- March 12, 2022 noon – Submission deadline. Do not wait until the last minute to submit your artwork.
- March 16, 2022 – We will notify you of all accepted entries via email.
- March 23, 24, 25, 26, 2022 – Drop-off your accepted artwork at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum
- March 31, 2022 – Honors announced on Museum website
- April 1, 2022 – Show officially opens, and the Museum will host an Open House, 5-7p.m. Beverages will be served, and awards will be given.
- May 7, 2022 – Show ends
- May 11, 12, 13, 14, 2022 – Pick up artwork
A few final things
- The artist, by submitting their artwork, gives permission to the Hi-Desert Nature Museum to display the artwork on its website, Facebook, and other social media and will allow the use of their artwork for promotional purposes for the exhibit.
- Artwork left at the Museum after May 14, 2022, will be donated to a nonprofit organization.
- The Hi-Desert Nature Museum staff takes every precaution to protect and secure the items submitted. The Hi-Desert Nature Museum does not insure the items against loss, damage, or theft. By submitting your artwork and having it on display, you agree to hold the Hi-Desert Nature Museum and the Town of Yucca Valley harmless and to indemnify both parties against all claims resulting from losses.
The Museum is no longer accepting entries.