Artwork to Act as a Step-and-Repeat Backdrop for Festival-Goers to take Photos
By Andrea Carter
Colorful graffiti-inspired art created by SafeHouse of the Desert teens as part of their Skills Lab Art Program was installed on Wednesday, April 11, at Wildest Greens. It is being incorporated into the restaurant just in time to welcome festival-goers coming into town for the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival, and is intended to act as a Step-and-Repeat backdrop for their photos.
SafeHouse of the Desert, based in Thousand Palms, offers immediate help to youth and families experiencing crisis situations. Staff is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for teens and their families, and the organization also provides a 20-bed shelter for runaway, homeless, and other youth in crisis ages 11-17.
Valohna Wynn – known as Lady V – is the Art Director at SafeHouse of the Desert, and took the lead in creating this art. “This is a lovely collaborative effort. Denise DuBarry Hay has been a great supporter of SafeHouse over the years, and I was thrilled when she came to me to commission some art pieces for the restaurant. I thought having some of the youth in our program being involved in creating that art would be a real win-win,” said Wynn.
Along with Wynn and the teens at SafeHouse, Amanda James also assisted in the creation of the art pieces. James is a fine artist currently interning with Wynn, and plans to become an art therapist to help kids in need.
The Skills Lab Art Program at SafeHouse of the Desert empowers and educates the youth who come through the doors at SafeHouse. Art products made by the teens deliver a message of hope while allowing them to learn art techniques and self-sustaining skills they can use in the real world.
“Everything is art therapy. It helps them let their guard down and get their feelings out,” added Wynn. “Art is a therapeutic medium for change.”
Wildest Greens is located at 72990 El Paseo, #3, Palm Desert, CA 92260. For more information, go to WildestGreens.com or call (760) 636-0441.
To read CV Weekly’s review of the restaurant in last week’s issue go to www.coachellavalleyweekly.com and click on Pampered Palate.
Wildest Greens to also Host Wellness Fest this Saturday and Sunday from 12 noon to 4pm.
ALL festival wristbands in the Coachella Valley, GA, VIP, Artist, etc., will receive special food, smoothie and wellness shot discounts at Wildest Greens, ALL WEEKEND, April 13-15, but on April 14 & 15th, from 12pm-4pm, at Wildest Greens come and enjoy live music and DJs, and special guests. CV Weekly, will also showcase some of their Nominated Artists for 2018 Awards.
There will also be some giveaways for certain special guests stopping by, there will also be artwork on display. Wristbands will also receive 50% off Bikram Yoga day passes.
For more information please contact Wildestgreens.com.
