March 5, 2026

Karla Diaz Unity Project

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Karla Diaz’s Unity Project returns for a 2026 festival in Borrego Springs with public portrait banners at The Mall, a Unity Walk, and a Community Unity Festival.


Karla Diaz’s Unity Project returns to Borrego Springs in 2026 for its third community-responsive activation, continuing a unity-focused effort she launched in 2024. The project combines a community run/walk, public programming, and painting with the goal of creating safe spaces for healing, art, and collective storytelling.


After a year-long residency, research, and a series of community-led workshops, the Unity Project culminates in three core components: a community run/walk event, two public portrait banners inspired by Diaz’s interactions and workshops, and an exhibition of her watercolor works on paper. Diaz’s work centers narrative, identity, and memory as a way to generate collaboration and dialogue among diverse communities.



Two portrait banners—We are a community and Misses Borrego—are installed on the east side of The Mall and remain on view through April 5, 2026. The project was developed in close collaboration with OLAX (Organización de Latinx de Borrego Springs) and Esmeralda Lopez, with special thanks to the Borrego Springs Community Resource Center and The Mall.


The 2026 gathering is designed as a community celebration dedicated to art and unity. It begins with a collective run/walk and then continues with a public event at the Community Resource Center featuring food, interactive arts programming, entertainment, and information on community resources—built to be inclusive and centered on unity and the exchange of stories through art.


Event Info


Unity Walk with artist Karla Diaz


  • Date: March 7, 2026 (Part of 2026 Opening Day)
  • Start/End: Borrego Springs Community Resource Center
  • Address: 587 Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 125, Borrego Springs, CA (The Mall)
  • Details: Guided meditation led by Rossy Sanchez (Yellow Woman Ranch), followed by an all-ages jog/walk less than one mile.


Community Unity Festival


  • Date: March 7, 2026 (Part of 2026 Opening Day)
  • Time: 10:00am – 1:00pm
  • Location: Borrego Springs Community Resource Center
  • Address: 587 Palm Canyon Dr., Suite 125, Borrego Springs, CA (The Mall)
  • Details: Music, community resource information, ceramic workshop with Candlewood artist Ako Castuera, plus free food and free swag courtesy of Candlewood and Savage Beeches. Free and family-friendly.





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