By: James Randall Chumbley
Palm Springs, CA (The Hollywood Times) 11/30/2020 – On Friday, December 4, at 6:00 p.m, go solo or gather family and a few friends, keeping in mind social distancing and the importance of wearing our masks for the protection of all from COVID-19 to support the Palm Springs Art Museum. Dress optional: party attire, jeans, and T-shirt, or pajamas. Put out some munchies and pop the champagne in the comfort of your home. Sit back to enjoy: The thought-provoking world premiere of the performative work, “TO FEEL MYSELF BELOVED ON EARTH.”
The architecture of this special event was put in the capable hands of co-chairs, Craig Hartzman and Sally Kovler. An enthusiastic and passionate Mr. Hartzman told Patrick Evans of Channel 3 New’s, Eye on the Desert, “to expect an amazing evening with a surprise special celebrity host with ties to the city.” He further expounds: “The main feature is a twenty-minute debut of the aforementioned commissioned art piece by the internationally acclaimed multidisciplinary artist Jeffrey Gibson, combining different elements of art with costumes, dance, music, and painting.” Hartzman couldn’t be more correct as he addresses the title of the performance: “If there’s ever a time to speak to us—it’s now.”Jeffery Gibson—a former recipient of a MacArthur Foundation “Genius” grant—is of Cherokee heritage. A citizen of the Mississippi Choctaw Indians, his work encompasses paintings, sculptures, videos, and performances—all influenced by Native American traditions. Gibson has a history with the museum as he does affiliation to the area.
(PHOTOGRAPHS BY BRIAN BARLOW / COURTESY JEFFREY GIBSON AND KAVI GUPTA, CHICAGO)
The museum views this event as making a vital impact as it helps reopen the doors of Palm Springs’ prestigious center of art. And hopes this sign of the times virtual undertaking will raise one million dollars. Sponsors and donors will receive a number of level-specific benefits, from a limited-edition 13″ ceramic art gift by Jeffrey Gibson valued at $7,500.00 to a signed copy of the artist’s book, “Like a Hammer,” among others. Celebrity guests include Jamie Lee Curtis, David Zippel, and Steve Tyrell.
Tickets are still available. Please go to psmuseum.org for more information, and sign up to purchase tickets. See you there, virtually that is.
