February 5, 2025

Desert Meditations by Michael Wheelden at The Gallery

Desert Meditations Paintings by Michael Wheelden

Curated by Elizabeth Rodriguez

The Gallery at The Palms

Dates: February 15 – March 30, 2025
Opening Reception: February 15, 5–7 PM

Cityscapes and landscapes have been Michael Wheelden's constant theme. His interest is so pervasive that he cannot recall a beginning. He knows that wherever he has been, his surroundings have absorbed his attention and curiosity. His images are informed with a sense of place. All the emotional and intellectual responses of life have been filtered through the scrim of his surroundings. Through the manipulation of form and the transformation of color the human environment has become metaphor for the human condition. He finds the appropriate motifs in the usual rather than the unusual, the mundane rather than the extraordinary, the vernacular rather than the literate. He finds "high art" in low places.

Michael Wheelden has resided in San Diego for over 40 years. He received his BA from San Diego State University and his MFA from California State University, Long Beach.

Learn More About Michael Wheelden

Key Facts

Exhibit: Desert Meditations
Artist: Michael Wheelden
Curator: Elizabeth Rodriguez, The House of Borrego Springs - West Gallery
Dates: February 15 – March 30, 2025
Location: The Gallery at The Palms, 2220 Hoberg Road, Borrego Springs, CA 92004
Opening Reception: February 15, 5–7 PM
ArtTalk: March 8, 3 PM
Contact: (760) 443-3300 | houseofborregosprs@sbclocal.net
Featured Work: The Memory of Rocks #23 (2021), acrylic on canvas on wood

Learn More About Borrego Springs

The Hottest Group Show

April 25, 2025

Celebrating the Summer Show at Borrego Art Institute Borrego Art Institute invites you to experience The Hottest Group Show, a vibrant summer exhibition running May 3 through September 28. This annual group show highlights a diverse mix of artists and mediums, showcasing creative energy that thrives in the desert heat. Reception: May 3, 5–7 PM Location: Borrego Art Institute More info: borregoartinstitute.org

The LAST Borrego Springs ArtWalk

April 24, 2025

The highly anticipated Borrego Springs ArtWalk returns for the 2024-2025 season!

Community Easter Sunrise Service in Borrego Springs

By Michael Plekon • April 17, 2025

Celebration of the resurrection in a peaceful desert setting with the annual Community Easter Sunrise Service, hosted by the Borrego Ministers Association.

Sheltering Dark Sky: Dany Tomas Photography Exhibition

April 13, 2025

The Gallery at The Palms is showing Dany's new collection of prints April 5 - 25. Opens with a reception on Saturday April 5 at 5-7 pm. Dark Sky International restores the nighttime environment and protects communities from the harmful effects of light pollution through outreach, advocacy and conservation. The International Dark Sky Places program works with Borrego Springs, Ca. to certify and protect and keep our town dark for humans and wildlife alike. Dany Tomas' Sheltering Dark Sky photographs are spectacular dark sky images that capture the sacred and timeless magic of our desert night sky. His creativity documents the paramount importance of protecting nature from nighttime light pollution while engaging with the nocturnal world as a unique visionary. Curator Elizabeth Rodriguez has carefully selected photographs that conjoin dark sky with true nocturnal beauty. The Gallery is located at The Palms at Indian Head , 2220 Hoberg Road, Borrego Springs, Ca. 92004. Info: 760.443.3300 houseofborregosprs@sbcglobal.net