Palm Springs Art Museum :: Councils

councils

Western Art Council

The Western Art Council (WAC) is dedicated to promoting and fostering interest in Western and Native American Art as it pertains to the Palm Springs Art Museum. Western Art comprises not only traditional types of western-themed art but also includes modern and contemporary art as it relates to the West and California. The Western Art Council was established in 1984 and raises funds for the support of Western Art exhibitions, educational programs and the acquisition of art for the permanent collection. The images below represent some of the art acquisitions supported by the Western Art Council.

WAC's popular activities include an annual barbecue, fundraiser and exciting art tours that include world-class private collections and artists' studios. Other events include Coffman Conversations With Collectors, a series of "show-and-tell" gatherings scheduled throughout the year in private homes. In the coming season, plans are in progress for tours to visit private collections and artists' studios in Texas and Los Angeles. To join WAC, or for more information call the Council's Coordinator Nicolas P. Gaudreau at 760.322.4888.

2010-2011 Board of Directors

Chairman: Ellen Trover
1st Vice Chairman, Programs: Jackie Lockington
2nd Vice Chairman, Membership: Virginia Hilligoss
Treasurer: Rand Baker
Recording Secretary: Michael O'Keefe
Corresponding Secretary: Lynn Rivard
Fundraiser Co-Chairman: Rand Baker
Fundraiser Co-Chairman: Michael O'Keefe
Hospitality Chairman: Rachel Druten
Acquisition Chairman: Karen Jacobs
Publicity Chairman: Janet Alfafara

Directors at Large

Peter Brix
Mary Ann Kaestner
Bud Hoover

Advisory

Jean C. Carrus
Barbara Hoover
Candy Kimble
Michael Oster
Josh Paquette
Diane Stewart

WAC 2009-2010 Schedule of Events

Friday, October 30, 2009
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Annual Welcome Back Barbeque and Silent Auction
Private residence in Palm Springs

Thursday, November 12, 2009
10:00 am – 12:00 noon
Morning with the Western Art Council (Membership recruitment breakfast reception)

Saturday, December 5, 2009
1:00-3:00 pm
Coffman Conversations With Collectors
Host: Lynn Rivard, Smoke Tree Ranch

December, 2009
5:30 – 7:00 pm
Spurs Cocktail Party (Spur Members only)

Sunday, January 10, 2010
12:00 – 5:00 pm
Free Second Sundays at the Museum: Focus on the West
Denney Western American Art Wing
(Education Department Program)

Saturday, January, 30, 2010
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Coffman Conversations With Collectors
Host: Barbara and Bud Hoover, Palm Springs

Saturday, March 6, 2010
3:00 – 7:00 pm
WAC Annual Fundraiser
Western Art Council annual fundraiser featuring fun and games at the western-style Bubbling Wells Ranch in Desert Hot Springs
($200; must RSVP in advance)

Saturday, March 20, 2010
1:00 – 3:00 pm
Coffman Conversations With Collectors
Host: Ellen & Denis Trover, Vista Santa Rosa

Wednesday, April 7, 2010
10:30 am – 2:00 pm
Annual Meeting & Election of Officers
Smoke Tree Ranch/Lecture/Meal

Friday, April 16, 2010
5:30 p.m.
Members Reception – Colors of the West:
The Paintings of Birgir Sandzén

September, 2010
WAC Tour: Southern California (Locations TBD)

Coffman Conversations With Collectors

The next Coffman Conversations with Collectors will be
Saturday, January 30, 2009, from 1-3 p.m.

These popular Saturday afternoon "show and tell" activities are AMong the favorite events on WAC's annual calendar. Three times during the season, WAC members visit a collector's home to view their art and, in the process, bring a piece from their own collection to display and discuss. These gatherings are informative and educational and are very much enjoyed. Attendance is limited to 30 WAC members only. Pictured is the first event of last season, held at the home of former Palm Springs Mayor and WAC member Frank Bogert. Frank (seated at right) entertained the guests with stories from his past and ended the afternoon signing copies of his book View From the Saddle.

Local Art Collectors Tour

Date to be determined
1-6 p.m.

These local tours are for WAC members and their guests only. Once a year, usually on a Wednesday afternoon in spring, the group of up to 40 participants mount a private coach and visit three homes in the desert with outstanding collections of Western art. This past season the group was privileged to visit the colorful home of Len Goldberg, WAC Board member. Len's modern home is filled with both traditional and contemporary Western art featuring works by Allan Houser, Dan Namingha, and Arlo Namingha among other prominent artists. Pictured is Len in his bright and stylish living room telling stories about his collection, how he acquired some of the pieces, and pointing out some highlights.

WAC Annual Fundraiser: Yerxa Town Gold Rush

March 6, 2010
3-7 p.m.

WAC invites y'all to attend the Yerxa Town Gold Rush. This year, the annual WAC fundraiser will be held at Yerxa Town Gold Camp, at the 115 acre Bubbling Wells Ranch next to Two Bunch Palms in Desert Hot Springs. This Gold rush era-themed event will feature a silent auction, casino-style gaming, Western food and drinks and music by the Tumbling Tumbleweeds. Cost is $200 per person and reservations must be made in advance by calling Nicolas P. Gadreau at 760.322.4888. Western and "dance hall" attire requested!