Idyllwild Arts Academy (IAA) presents its spring 2022 off-site student exhibition reception, catering to IAA’s family of supporters in the desert cities. Following a hiatus during COVID, the IAA Visual Arts students return to the desert and showcase their work, marking the reintroduction of a special partnership with Melissa Morgan Fine Art Gallery (MMFAG) that gives students a unique taste of what it’s like to participate in the professional world of fine art. The visual arts reception is from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, May 6, at the gallery at 73660 El Paseo in Palm Desert.

The exhibition, which is free and open to the public, runs through Saturday, May 7 and features the year’s best visual works from IAA student.

IAA Visual Arts Chair Linda Santana, along with the Visual Arts faculty, curated the exhibition showcasing art from 28 artists in a variety of mediums, including painting, ceramics, mixed-media, sculpture, drawing, photography, jewelry and printmaking.

Forty works were chosen as stand out examples of the high level of creativity and technical accomplishment from artists in grades nine to 12. The range of art speaks to the experiences of young visual artists in the 21st century with reflections on life, friendships, cultural mythologies and personal ethos. All art will be available for purchase in support of the artists and IAA.

Following the reception, IAA songwriting students will perform a special rock concert at the Melissa Morgan Sculpture Garden from 7 to 8 p.m. This is part of Morgan’s new concert series, featuring trailblazing musicians. Senior songwriting major Gabi Gamberg leads the band and original songs will be performed.