True World Gallery

This is a tribute to the art gallery where my art was first introduced to the high desert community.  True World Gallery in downtown Joshua Tree will (sadly!) be closing its doors this weekend.  This gallery is not a large gallery with high ceilings and pretension (thankfully), but it is a gallery that offered art both from local artists as well as artists from outside our community.  There was always something new hanging on the walls at True World.  George and Bonnie Kopp, the proprietors of the gallery, managed to show artists from 6 states, not including California.  The art ranged from local desert landscapes to abstract to outsider art - even art cars.  Three art car artists had shows at True World Gallery, and at one point, True World even managed to get some art cars to come to Joshua Tree.

My first solo exhibition in Joshua Tree, True World Gallery, February 2009.

When True World Gallery first opened four years ago, they were the first tenant in the Starlite (a small cluster of buildings with a beautiful courtyard in the middle.  There is now a yoga studio, pizza place and Mt. Fuji General Store in the Starlite.)  They were also the first retail venue on the North side of Highway 62 in downtown Joshua Tree.  George and Bonnie Kopp are active in the business and art community of Joshua Tree.  Supporters of the MBCAC (Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council) and participants in the annual Hwy. 62 Art Tours, they have been a boon to the art and artists of this area.  George Kopp is currently the president of the Joshua Tree Chamber of Commerce. 

From left, Barnett English, George Kopp and Bonnie Kopp

While Bonnie Kopp is the smiling face one usually would see when walking into the gallery, George has been behind the scenes working as the website designer, postcard designer, and all-around graphics wizard for the gallery.  The gallery would not be what it is without both Kopps working together to make this gallery a success.  The last day the True World Gallery will be open will be this Sunday.  Please do take a moment to stop in and thank True World for their contribution to our desert community.  This gallery has given many artists a place to show and sell art, it has been a place to find unique gifts, and it has been a place for people to gather during openings and gallery crawls.  The role of this gallery in Joshua Tree has been an important one.  Gallery hours this weekend are: Friday and Saturday from 11 to 4 and Sunday from 11 to 3.

When I asked what she will miss about True World, Bonnie responded by saying she will miss being in the public and meeting so many wonderful people.  It is because of the gallery that Bonnie knows so many people and artists in Joshua Tree.  No one knows what is next for the Kopps, once the gallery is closed, but the list of adventures and things to learn has them both excited about the future.  I know I am speaking for many of us when I say THANK YOU TRUE WORLD!!!!!  We love you, George and Bonnie!!

The Opening

Saturday night's opening was a success! There was a great crowd who came. I was surprised at how vibrant my art was on the walls of the gallery. I had a lot of fun, met a lot of wonderful new people, and even enjoyed some sales. What more can an artist ask for? My girlfriends and I went out for sushi before the opening, to celebrate. They stayed with me through the entire opening, which lasted until ten o'clock, and I can't tell you how much it meant to me to have their support. I am so fortunate. Here is a photo of the three of us, in the gallery.



I took some photos of the gallery, before people started to show up. Once guests started to arrive, I forgot to take more photos. At one point, the gallery was so crowded you couldn't really move. It's a small space, but still, it was nice to see it filled up.


Thank you to all of you who came. I am grateful to you, for your support. Most of all, a big thanks goes out to the owner of True World Gallery, for giving me such a wonderful showing of my new art! Thanks, Bonnie! Here she is with her husband, George, and the gentleman who bought the first piece. Yay!!!!

Full Moon and other goodies

I was able to capture a quick shot of the full moon from Saturday night. I do love the moon. I believe I have talked about it before, but just in case you are reading my blog for the first time, I will say it again. The moon is way cool!

I am feeling quite happy, because I finally finished my applications to graduate school!!! Yay!! It took me forever, because you are required to write a "Statement of Purpose", about what qualifies you to pursue graduate studies, what you hope to accomplish, your career goals, and things like that. It was pure agony, writing that darn essay. I am fortunate to have a friend here (thanks Marjorie) and my husband, who both read and re-read what I had written. I couldn't have done it without you two!!! I will mail the applications for UC Irvine and UCLA tomorrow. (I already sent in UC Riverside.) What a relief!

Now I need to focus on new art for my upcoming exhibition in the True World Gallery in February. The opening is on February 21st, for those of you who live nearby and wish to attend. I have got quite a bit of art already, but I wouldn't mind having a few more fabulous new pieces for this gallery.

I finally broke down and gave Pono a much needed bath. It actually ended up being a shower (his first one!) because it was really too cold to bathe him outside. He doesn't like the bath part, but the towel rubbing at the end is bliss!

It's not too late to sign up for my giveaway. The drawing takes place on Wednesday, so hurry! I would write more, but since I have been doing nothing but writing for the past three days, I hope you will forgive me if I take a little break!