For Immediate Release
Twentynine Palms, CA, February 6, 2024 – The Joshua Tree National Park Association proudly announces the debut of ¡Artistas Afuera!, a groundbreaking multicultural arts engagement initiative. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Cottonwood Amphitheater in Joshua Tree National Park, this program aims to showcase the rich tapestry of Latinx art, culture, and identity.
¡Artistas Afuera! will shine a spotlight on Latinx-identifying artists, collectives, activists, and culture bearers through a series of monthly events. Located at the southern gateway of the park, this venue offers panoramic views of the Colorado Desert, providing a captivating setting for artists to share their perspectives on the Chicano experience and address community challenges.
Scheduled for the last Saturday of each month, these events are open and free to residents of Coachella Valley, Thermal, and Eastern Indio to attend. The program is ADA-accessible, and shuttle transportation is provided. Attendees will also receive a complimentary one-year park pass, encouraging ongoing exploration and appreciation of the National Park.
The 2024 ¡Artistas Afuera! lineup features a diverse array of talents, including muralist and musician Cecilia Romero, sculptor and printmaker Nancy Ocegueda, dancer and designer Benjamin Vital III, painter Juan Thorp, and writer and poet Alexandra Martinez.
Join us at the Cottonwood Amphitheater on February 24th from 9 AM to 3 PM for the inaugural
event of ¡Artistas Afuera!, featuring the captivating work of Cecilia Romero, a Yucca Valley-based
musician, muralist, and fine arts painter. When not enchanting audiences with her band, Flames
of Durga, she immerses herself in vibrant painting, blending reality with mythology in her large-
scale murals and paintings. Her vivid and colorful creations can be found in Los Angeles, the High
Desert, and Mexico, spreading joy and imagination wherever they are displayed. Learn more about Cecilia’s work at www.ceciliapaints.com and follow her on IG @cecilia_paints.
Don’t miss this immersive experience of color, imagination, and artistry, made possible by the
generous support of Creative Corps Inland SoCal, in partnership with esteemed organizations
such as the California Arts Council (CAC), the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), Arts
Connection – The Arts Council of San Bernardino County, Riverside Arts Council, and the California Desert Arts Council.
Experience the transformative power of art and join us on a journey of discovery, celebration, and
cultural exchange at ¡Artistas Afuera! in Joshua Tree National Park.
For inquiries and further information, please contact Dez Ramirez, Curator and Project
Coordinator, at dez@joshuatree.org.
For further press information, call Jacqueline Guevara, Executive Director, Joshua Tree National Park
Association at (760) 361-9359.
