The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) will once again host one of the region’s most popular arts festivals, the Southwest Arts Festival®, beginning Thursday, January 25 and running through Sunday, January 28 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The event attracts more than 13,000 attendees each year.
“This is one of our favorite events to share with the community, as it always receives rave reviews from our patrons and participating artists,” said Brandon Marley, CEO of the GCVCC. “The caliber of talented artists and unique artwork, combined with interactive art displays, live music, and a variety of food and beverage options, make it fun-filled weekend offering something for everyone.”
The festival’s reputation for first-class quality and professional integrity have helped it earn accolades as one of the country’s finest juried arts festivals. There will be 200+ artists featured at the 4-day event, showcasing traditional, contemporary and abstract fine works of art, jewelry and quality crafts.
Artwork for the festival’s 2024 poster was created by Indio resident, Chris Curry – who won the poster contest out of more than 200 entries. This is Curry’s seventh year participating in Southwest Arts Festival, and her first time applying for the poster contest. She’s lived in the Coachella Valley since 1984, and has volunteered for the festival in the past. She started painting professionally 7 years ago, focusing on figurative art including plein air landscapes, working with oils and soft pastels.
“This is huge, I’m excited that my artwork was selected,” Curry said. “This is a really friendly festival. The people who come are happy, enjoying the weather and a fun experience. The artists are a great mix of local and out-of-town artists, and it’s so enjoyable seeing and working with other artists I’ve met over the years.”
The Southwest Arts Festival is by brought to the community by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the City of Indio as well as Title Sponsor BMW Performance Center West and Presenting Sponsors Desert Urgent Care and Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.
The festival will be open daily from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Admission is $25 in advance online ($30 on site), which includes all four days and parking. Senior (55+) tickets, including parking, are $22 in advance online, or $25 on site. Kids 12 and under are free. The Empire Polo Club is located at 81-800 Avenue in 51 Indio.
For additional information on The Southwest Arts Festival®, visit SWArtFest.com, or call (760) 347-0676.