For Immediate Release: October 21, 2004 CA CDD-05-07
Contact: Stephen M. Razo (909) 697-5217

Arts and Public Lands Exhibit Debuts

Paintings capturing the scenic wonders and cultural values of public lands throughout the California Desert Conservation Area are on display at the Riverside Art Museum from October 22 to November 7, 2004. The exhibit, "Art and Public Lands," features 20 paintings of three artists in the Bobbie Powell Gallery.

The exhibit celebrates the tenth anniversary of the California Desert Protection Act and comes through the partnership efforts of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Joshua Tree National Park, and Park Stewardship through the Arts (PASTA).

"Our partnership with PASTA is a unique opportunity to share with the public outstanding art drawn from 11 million acres of public lands. These artists give all of us insights about the many treasures of the desert that have existed for thousands and thousands of years," said BLM Desert District Manager Linda Hansen.

"There is a great tradition in artists enlightening the public on sensitive issues," states Daniel Foster, Riverside Art Museum Executive Director. "These three artists will go a long ways in heightening the public awareness on the importance of preserving our public lands."

PASTA, a non-profit program, brings artists from throughout the United States and Canada to inspire artistic interpretations of the California desert. "This program, in cooperation with PASTA, has succeeded in attracting artists of the highest caliber from throughout the United States and Canada," states Tim Terrell founder of PASTA. "The artwork on display at the Riverside Art Museum is an example of these artistic efforts."

Through a cooperative agreement, the BLM California Desert District and PASTA utilize the Visiting Artist-in-Residence program to encourage mid-career artists of the highest caliber to use public lands as an inspiration for their work. For further information visit the PASTA website at: www.artmojave.org

-BLM-

California Desert District Office - 22835 Calle San Juan de Los Lagos, Moreno Valley, CA - (909) 697-5200