Desert Magazine

03/05/2025

A rising tennis champion with a story full of grit and ambition! 🏆🎾 From Grand Slam victories to dreams of Paralympic gold, Charlie Cooper is proving that anything is possible. Read about his inspiring journey in the latest issue of Desert Magazine! 🌵📖

👉 https://thedesertmag.com/desert-style/people/going-for-gold/

“She asked, ‘Would you rather have a disability and be where you are now or not have a disability and be a normal person not playing tennis on the tour?’ And I said ’I'd rather not have a disability.’

03/05/2025

🌵✨ Life Goes On… and so does Desert X! The fifth iteration of Desert X is here, inviting us to see the Coachella Valley in a whole new way. This year’s artists challenge us to rethink the landscapes we often take for granted.

Returning to Agnes Denes’ "The Living Pyramid" at Sunnylands, the transformation was undeniable — some plants thrived, others struggled, and visitors? Some were mesmerized, others… a bit puzzled. 🤔🌿

With 11 artists and thought-provoking installations across the Valley, there’s plenty to explore before the exhibition wraps up on May 11.

📖 Read the full story in the latest issue of Desert Magazine!
https://thedesertmag.com/our-town/life-goes-on/

On a return visit to view Agnes Denes’ “The Living Pyramid” at Sunnylands, it was interesting to see quite a few visitors who clearly had not been forewarned about the art installation. Several visitors were both curious and confused, while a couple

03/03/2025

🎾 From Prodigy to Tournament Director: Tommy Haas’ Tennis Journey 🎾
A silver Olympic medalist, former World No. 2, and now the man behind one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world — Tommy Haas has seen it all. In our latest Q&A, he opens up about his career, overcoming adversity, and his role at the BNP Paribas Open.

🏆 On what it takes to be a top player:
"Hand-eye coordination is key, but passion and dedication make the difference."

💪 On bouncing back from injuries:
"I love competing, and I always felt that if I was healthy and focused, I could beat anyone."

🎤 On being a tournament director:
“My role is to make sure players and fans have the best experience possible — Indian Wells should feel like home for them.”

Haas also shares his thoughts on pickleball (spoiler: he’s not a fan! 😆).

📲 Read the full interview on Desert Magazine!

https://thedesertmag.com/our-town/the-q-and-a/q-a-with-bnp-paribas-tournament-director-tommy-haas/

Looking back at my tennis career, even as a junior, I was doing the right things. I did all the things where you just do the check marks, thinking like, "Okay, I'm doing the right things to get to where I want to go to." And then turning pro in '96,

02/28/2025

The American Association of University Women's AAUW Amy Dailey talks about the organization's upcoming purse auction on March 6.

02/26/2025

🌵✨ The Living Pyramid by Agnes Denes! ✨🌵
Desert X unveils The Living Pyramid, a monumental sculpture and environmental intervention by legendary artist Agnes Denes — the first work of Desert X 2025! 🌿🌼
Blending Denes’ signature landworks with the recurring pyramid form she has explored for six decades, this piece reflects her belief in art as a dynamic, evolving process. Planted with native desert vegetation, The Living Pyramid will transform over six months — sprouting, blooming, seeding, and fading — mirroring the cycles of nature and civilization.

📍 On view now at Sunnylands Center & Gardens�🗓️ Part of Desert X 2025 (March 8 – May 11, 2025)

02/24/2025

📣 Big Move Alert! 📣
Forever Marilyn is on the move — literally! 👠💨 Our 26-foot icon is strutting over to her new forever home in Palm Springs Downtown Park. (Don’t worry, it’s just a short stroll away!)
With nearly a million visitors last year alone, Marilyn has been stealing hearts and sparking selfies like no other. Now, she’s here to stay — at least 25 years!
What do you think about the move? Love it? Wish she stayed put? Drop your thoughts in the comments! ⬇️

💋

02/21/2025

Yes, yes, we know — it’s still winter… ❄️ But we're already in hot mode, doing everything possible and impossible to make our summer issue burst with fashion and glamor! 🔥✨ Get an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at James Cant's photoshoot in the fabulous The Palm Springs Surf Club . Stay tuned — summer starts now! 😎📸 (Especially in Palm Springs, where it feels like we’ve already hit summer temps these past few days! ☀️🌵)

02/19/2025

Mariana Robles' dedication to foster youth has earned her the title of CASA Volunteer of the Year! 💙 From advocating in court to reuniting families, her impact is undeniable.
Want to know more about her inspiring journey? Read the full story in Desert Magazine and see how CASA volunteers change lives every day!

📖 Read now: https://thedesertmag.com/giving/the-whirl/voices-for-children-casa-volunteer-of-the-year/

Voices for Children ✨

RSS Print Mariana Robles was selected as Voices for Children's (VFC) Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer of the year at a graduation ceremony held on Dec. 10 at the Elks Lodge in Riverside. Each year, Voices for Children honors a CASA volunteer who set a remarkable example in advocatin...

02/18/2025

We just can’t stop sharing the incredible art, design, and creativity filling the Palm Springs Modernism Show! From iconic midcentury finds to cutting-edge contemporary pieces, every corner is pure inspiration. 💫
Come see it all for yourself — the show runs through February 17 at the Convention Center.
Design dreams unlocked! ✨🎨

Modernism Week

02/17/2025

A Bright Future for Curious Minds! ✨

On February 18 at Las Casuelas Nuevas in Rancho Mirage, the 2nd Annual Fundraiser will benefit the Children's Discovery Museum of the Desert. Enjoy an evening of margaritas, delicious bites, and exciting updates on the Desert’s reIMAGINATION project! 🎉

Support the next generation of explorers, dreamers, and builders—be part of the magic! Tickets are $125 and available on Eventbrite.

02/16/2025

Celebrating 25 years of midcentury magic! 🎉
Last night’s Preview Party was a whole vibe — cocktails in hand, music in the air, and a sneak peek at 125 top exhibitors bringing the best in vintage and contemporary design. ✨ The conversations were buzzing, the style was on point, and let’s just say… we’re officially in Modernism Mode!
The Palm Springs Modernism Show runs through February 17 at the Convention Center. Come for the iconic finds, stay for the design inspo!

Modernism Week

02/14/2025

🎨 Bold, Geometric, and Unmistakably Modern 🎨
Jim Isermann’s art is a seamless blend of fine art, design, and architecture, transforming spaces with bold colors, symmetry, and striking patterns. From renowned gallery exhibitions to iconic Palm Springs tile collaborations, his work bridges aesthetics and functionality in the most captivating way.
Want to dive into his creative world? Read more in Desert Magazine!

📖 Read now: https://thedesertmag.com/living/decor/jim-isermann-mid-century-modern-vibrance/

Jim Isermann is a celebrated contemporary artist known for his vibrant and innovative fusion of fine art, design, and architecture.

02/13/2025

Delivery mode!

02/12/2025

From CFO to Cactus Whisperer: The Wild Succulent Saga of Jonathan Giese 🌵😎

Imagine climbing the corporate ladder at lightning speed, only to realize the view from the top isn’t all that great. That’s exactly what happened to Jonathan Giese, who was already CFO of a major hospital by 29, on track to be CEO — and then said, Nah, I’d rather play with plants.

Fast-forward to today, and Giese is the mastermind behind PLANT This, a succulent sanctuary on East Sunny Dunes Road. The guy swapped boardroom stress for dirt-under-the-nails joy, trading in spreadsheets for handmade concrete pots and consulting on seriously cool cactus gardens. His philosophy? “Why go to therapy when you can just spend $200 a week on plants?” 🌱💰 (We’ve all been there.)

Giese doesn’t just sell plants — he listens to them. He doesn’t bother with Latin names; he knows them “by how they respond.” And yes, he will tell you to name your plant. (“They have feelings too, okay?”)

Want your own slice of succulent paradise? Trust the man, let him work his magic, and prepare for a patio glow-up like no other. 🌿✨

Read more:

Washington native Jonathan Giese was already the CFO of a large hospital in Simi Valley by the time he was 29 years old.

02/11/2025

🌟 Living a Life Without Limits 🌟
John Sprogis’ journey — from growing up with his sister Michelle, who has Down syndrome, to leading United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire (UCPIE) — is a testament to the power of inclusion and advocacy. 💙

From adaptive bikes to community events, UCPIE is changing lives every day. Want to learn more? Read the full story in Desert Magazine: https://thedesertmag.com/giving/the-cause/ucpie-a-thriving-local-organization/

Canadian John Sprogis grew up with a younger sister, Michelle, who has Down syndrome. Michelle has lived a rich and purposeful life, thanks to progressive parents, tremendous support, and advocacy for people with disabilities.

02/08/2025

📚 Alan Hess has spent years uncovering the deeper story of Palm Springs’ architectural legacy, and his latest book is a game-changer. From the mid-century modern masters who shaped our desert landscape to the city’s impact on the entire Southwest, Hess makes a compelling case for the Palm Springs School as a vital chapter in modern architecture.

“This new book really does capture it,” Hess says. “Palm Springs was a small laboratory of how to take modern architectural ideas and create not only houses but entire communities.”

🔗 Read more about Hess' insights and why Palm Springs is more than just a stylish getaway — it's a blueprint for modern living. https://thedesertmag.com/living/architecture-design/desert-designers-get-legit/

“It’s taken several years for me to figure out this book,” Alan Hess says. His previous 20 books on architecture range from studies of atomic age-inspired Googie architecture of Southern California in the 1950s and ’60s to the home designs of Frank L

02/07/2025

🌴✨ Ever wondered how Modernism Week became the event for mid-century design lovers? It all started in 2005 with a group of friends, a passion for architecture, and a simple idea: home tours and collaborative events. Now, 20 years later, it’s an 11-day celebration featuring 60+ partners, hundreds of home tours, and top architects from around the world! 🏡🎤

This year’s must-see spots? Exclusive “legacy houses” like Sinatra’s home, the House of Tomorrow, and The Vibe — a total ‘70s dream in wall-to-wall velvet. 🕺✨

📖 Read our full interview with Modernism Week CEO Lisa Vossler Smith in the latest issue of Desert Magazine! Check it out here: https://thedesertmag.com/our-town/the-q-and-a/the-q-a-with-palm-springs-native-and-modernism-week-ceo-lisa/

RSS Print Desert Magazine: Tell us about the origins of Modernism Week. Lisa Vossler Smith: It started with a grassroots effort by a group of friends who were aficionados of architectural history. They got together in late 2005 and conceived the idea of home tours and collaborative events between th...

02/03/2025

LA-based, internationally renowned pop artist Burton Morris is celebrating the 35th anniversary of Burton Morris Studios with a groundbreaking art exhibition at The Shops at 1345 in Palm Springs. Hailed by Desert Magazine editor Kent Black as “one of the greatest contemporary creators of pop art,” Morris was invited to design the February cover for Desert Magazine. His task: to reimagine a mid-century Palm Springs home as a tribute to the region’s iconic architecture, with his signature Burtonized twist.

"I consider myself a POP-timist," Morris jokes. "I always try to see life through a positive lens… even when the message is serious, there’s still an element of fun."

Read the full story about Burton Morris in the fresh issue of Desert Magazine!

https://thedesertmag.com/desert-style/arts/the-importance-of-friends/

In addition, Burton has created an open edition print titled LOVE LA, priced at $150 (unframed), with 100% of the proceeds benefiting the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Wilshire Blvd. Temple Wildfire Relief Fund. These funds support Temple members affected by the LA fires as they rebuild their lives.

Burton Morris is a TV star. No, he doesn’t act. If you were stuck with him in an elevator you wouldn’t say, “Hey, didn’t you guest-star on an episode of ‘Law and Order: Special Victims Unit?’”