Borrego Art Institute: The Gallery Show Schedule

The 13th Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped January 18, 2026, with sold-out screenings, red carpet moments, awards, and strong community turnout. The 13th Annual Borrego Springs Film Festival wrapped up January 18, 2026, closing five days of independent cinema, conversation, and community energy. Events were held throughout Borrego Springs, including free screenings at the Borrego Springs Library and ticketed block screenings and awards ceremonies at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Borrego Springs Film Institute, the festival continued its traditional, theater-first format that brings people together to watch films in shared spaces and talk about them afterward. Several screening blocks sold out during the week, reflecting strong local interest and visiting attendance. That connection was clear during the live-streamed red carpet. Host Brianna Pinto described one of the festival’s defining qualities by saying, “Filmmakers get to interact directly with the audience,” noting that Borrego Springs draws viewers who truly watch and engage with the films. Filmmakers echoed that experience in different ways. A King’s Curtain director Grannan Johnson said it was especially meaningful to hear audience members tell him, “Oh yes, I saw your film,” calling Borrego Springs “a fun place to be” with “really nice, great people.” Documentary filmmaker Mitch Yapko (Watching Walter) described a moment when a full theater reacted together, saying the shared gasp from the audience made it clear they were fully engaged. The setting itself also left an impression. Actress Laura Bolin (Rage, Rhonda) called the enthusiasm of Borrego Springs audiences “contagious” and encouraged visitors to explore the landscape, describing the area as a place to “just wander” and take in the desert views.

A Night That Gives Back in Borrego Springs

Located at the Borrego Community Resource Center

Borrego Springs Art Guild Open Studios Visit the BSAG Open Studios Tour in Borrego Springs. Explore 12 artist studios February 14–15 and support local artists and arts education. The BSAG Open Studios Tour invites the public to visit 12 working studios and exhibits across Borrego Springs. Over two days, visitors can see where artists create their work, experience a wide range of styles and media, and purchase original art directly from local artists. Proceeds benefit Borrego Springs artists and students through the Borrego Springs Art Guild Arts Education Scholarship Fund. Dates and Times Friday & Saturday: February 14 & 15 Hours: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM Tickets $35 per ticket Includes both days of studio visits Ticket Locations (Cash Only) Desert Lovers & Co. 583 Palm Canyon Drive, Suite D Thursday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM The Fudge Factory 590 Palm Canyon Drive, #202 Wednesday–Sunday, 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Other Purchase Options Checks and credit cards accepted at: Art Guild Luncheon at Rams Hill January 15 February 12 Art in the Park at Christmas Circle January 17 January 31 Community Impact Proceeds support Borrego Springs artists and students through the Borrego Springs Art Guild Arts Education Scholarship Fund . Click poster to download and please share!

Strengthening Health Care in Borrego Springs

Holiday Gift Event in Borrego Springs On Sunday, December 14 , families gathered at Christmas Circle for the annual Santa at the Circle Gift Giveaway , a holiday event organized by OLAX – Organización de Latinx de Borrego Springs in collaboration with community partners. Santa and Mrs. Claus arrived at the event aboard a Borrego Springs's San Diego County fire truck , while the Grinch made an appearance in a decorated truck , interacting with children throughout the afternoon. Holiday music played during the event, creating a seasonal backdrop as families moved through the activities. The Event was Open to all Families Children met Santa and Mrs. Claus for photos, received a stuffed animal, and then walked through a decorated toy tunnel , where they selected a gift to take home. Free cookies and hot chocolate were provided for everyone. Volunteers assisted with greeting families, guiding children through each station, and supporting gift distribution to ensure that each child received an age-appropriate gift in an organized and efficient way. Volunteers included members of OLAX , Miss Borrego and the Princesses , and S-Interact students , a Rotary–Soroptimist youth service group. Their coordination helped the event run smoothly and safely. The Santa at the Circle Gift Giveaway reflected continued community collaboration in Borrego Springs, bringing together local organizations, volunteers, and families for a shared holiday tradition.

SHORT | 24:35 | THE 2026 BSFF COMMUNITY FILM!

Cindie Horn – Textile Artist & Slow Fashion Creator Meet one of the makers featured at Desert Lovers & Co. Cindie Horn has spent years working with fabric, guided by an appreciation for slow fashion and craftsmanship built on time, patience, and intention. She sources and collects textiles gathered over the years and transforms them into pieces that feel personal, functional, and thoughtfully made. Her work at Desert Lovers & Co includes upcycled and embellished denim jackets, colorful phone and tablet pillows, and her popular fabric cactus sculptures. Each piece reflects her eye for detail and her interest in experimenting with textures, patterns, and new techniques. Cindie enjoys challenging herself creatively and exploring fresh ideas through fabric. Her belief that handmade items add comfort, character, and warmth to everyday life comes through clearly in her designs. Desert Lovers & Co is proud to feature the work of Cindie Horn both in the shop and online at DesertLoversandCo.com . Visit Soon: 583 Palm Canyon Dr. Suite D, Borrego Springs, CA, United States, 92004