Summer Season Art Shows

By: Sally Walsh

At the center of our Borrego community are deep bonds to art. This has been a high performing arts season generating a strong sense of community pride and social connection through art.

A successful art season boosts local businesses, benefits dining and hospitality, encourages philanthropy also supports tourism.

Collectively our Borrego galleries have presented an excellent, engaging season of well attended shows. Highlighted by the 20th Anniversary Borrego Springs Plein Air Invitational.

An astonishing show not only for the enormous attendance it generated and successful sales, but the breath taking quality of the artwork. Congratulations to the BAI team maintaining a high level of public engagement through the season.

Heatwave- The Gallery At The Palms- curated by, Elizabeth Rodriguez

Elizabeth packs an artist punch with her fabulous summer show ‘Heatwave.’ Featuring the artwork of Debbie Gallerini one of the top selling artist’s showing in Borrego over the last couple of years. Debbie combines her goofy sense of humor when creating her signature iconographical desert wildlife characters. Using a mid century modern color palate. Her works suit the Borrego vibe. Also showing are some of Gallerini’s whimsical, quirky, sculpture’s. She only creates a few of these a year. New Gallerini works will be replacing sold pieces throughout the summer.

Also featured artwork by Lesley Duncan, a beloved Borrego artist for all seasons. Her innate artistic curiosity sets Lesley’s apart. Like the coyote or fox she paints Lesley is on the prowl exploring and discovering new art forms. This is a charming collection of new works on paper. Each one a jewel. Everyone one should own a Lesley Duncan. With delight I have often run into her earlier works hanging in Borrego homes. Some purchased twenty years ago. Lesley is ‘the people’s artist.’ Also showing are her signature ‘Raven’ sculpture’s, artistic totems honoring the popular Borrego Raven. Grab one of these delightful works if available to add to your collection.

Mike Horton, known as Neon Mike, and photographer Paul McGilly are also showing.

Open everyday through summer. Show closes 9/27.

Gallery 628- Curated by Gary Henderson

What an impressive first season for Gallery 628.

Talented owner interior designer Gary Henderson brings a well honed sense of style and chic, contemporary, sophistication to his new Gallery 628. Gary set a high standard for the artist’s he has selected to show this past season. Not surprisingly, considering Gary’s designer career, Gallery 638 is recognized for its gorgeous contemporary design. Attendance to shows has grown throughout the season. Gallery 628 also has a significant online presence extending the reach for art shown in the gallery to a national audience.

The Summer Show features works by Robert Landry,

Borrego’s Artist Laureate Wil Gardner, and Kippi Leonard.

Santa Ysabel Galleries

Want to escape summer heat head up to Santa Ysabel to visit their galleries. Meet legendary local sculptor artist Ted Berryman, at the Santa Ysabel Berryman Gallery. Enjoy a conversation with Ted that you probable will never forget. A sign at the gallery entrance reads, “ you are instructed, encouraged to touch the art.” Ted invites viewers to touch and feel apart of his art. His inspiration is often socially driven, always deeply personal and each work has a fascinating story behind it.

Make your way up from Ted’s to the historical Santa Ysabel Gallery.

Feature show through July 6th-Art Of The River- Artwork inspired by the San Diego River and its ecosystem whose source is not far from Julian. A portion of sales are donated to San Diego River Park foundation. This is a beautiful show with many exquisite, dreamy poetic works. Check out The Glass Blowers Gas House Gallery in the parking lot also. Include during your art day in Santa Ysabel a visit to Dudley’s famous bakery and restaurant.



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