News Release

Black Rock Art Gallery Opening of Groundwork Arts - Put a Face On It: Character Paintings

Date: May 1, 2023
Contact: Alison Shoup

Joshua Tree National Park management is excited to announce a new exhibition of student creativity produced in partnership with Groundwork Arts, a Morongo Valley non-profit organization. This group brings professional practicing artists into local community schools to provide innovative educational opportunities to students, teachers, and families.

Artist, Nich Karp, is known for his autobiographical paintings capturing everyday moments with a whimsical twist. Using a variety of techniques, Nich builds stories around quirky characters who inhabit slightly distorted and dramatic spaces. Inspired by Nich, students chose an inanimate object to paint and gave it human characteristics. Their goal was to tell a story with a single image by exploring how facial features and color can communicate a feeling or a mood. “One of the most important experiences for an artist is to share their art with the rest of the world,” said Rhonda Lane Coleman, director of Groundwork Arts, “and we are thrilled that our community will have the opportunity to celebrate these amazing young artists.” 

The exhibition will run from May 5 through June 27, 2023 at the Black Rock Art Gallery in the Black Rock Nature Center, located at 9800 Black Rock Canyon Rd, Yucca Valley, CA 92284. There will be an opening reception on Friday, May 5, 2023 from 5pm to 7pm. The building is open 7 days a week, 8am – 11am, 12pm-4pm. Summer hours begin the first week of June.

For more information about the program, please visit: Artist in Residence Program