By Denise Ortuno Neil
It’s a startling image on Palm Canyon in downtown Palm Springs. There are two scantily clad women hanging out together linked by a snake. No, it’s not some outlandish exhibitionists, but rather a spectacular mural painted by world renowned artists on the exterior wall of Bar.
Bar has been a hot spot in Palm Springs since its inception, bringing a relaxed, yet stylish vibe to the nightlife scene in downtown. Now the forward thinking minds at Bar have taken it a step further introducing art to the masses with the stunning art work face forward on Palm Canyon, as well as their art mural inside the bar itself.
The exterior art work was painted by world renowned artists Christina Angelina and Fin Dac. Angelina is an accomplished artist known for her fine art works and her Live Paintings and Street Art. Dac specializes in Street Art as well; describing it more as Urban Aesthetics. Their combined creation in front of Bar is eye catching to say the least, and is a visual attribution to downtown.
The mural inside Bar was created by local artist Aaron Hansen. Hansen works as an independent artist and also with a collection of artists with the AsOne group. AsOne was the creative force behind the mural at famed local boxer Timothy Bradley’s Gym, as well as other creative efforts. Hansen has a family background in art and has been painting since he was a child. He is exceptional in Street Art and has become known for his astonishing large scale murals, which he is in high demand for. Beside his busy schedule working on commissioned art, the artist will be part of the new gallery and workshop, The Coachella Valley Art Scene, set to open in late November in Cathedral City. Hansen is the focus of Bars monthly art promotion, Art Bar.
Art Bar is a concept created by Reggie Cameron with Everydia Creative, Angela Romeo with the Public Arts Commission of Palm Springs, and well known contemporary artist, Eric Nash. The goal of Art Bar is to promote different artists in a mixer scenario to inspire interaction, discussions and awareness. The Art Bar is different from gallery mixers as they do not focus on sales. It is a more laid back atmosphere based on getting to know the artist, while enjoying a night out on the town. The artists range from painters, stylists, to chefs and other creative pioneers. Art Bar takes place the first Monday of every month.
The upcoming Art Bar will feature Hansen on Monday, November 4th from 6-8pm with Happy Hour food and drink prices. Guests will have the opportunity to chat with the artist and mix and mingle with other like-minded art patrons.
The Coachella Valley is becoming more and more immersed in the world of art, bringing it to the surface with art work in public places. The mural at Bar is a symbol of that progression, and expresses our diversity as a community.
Bar is opened every day from 4pm-2am
For more information about Bar visit www.barwastaken.com
