Major Indio public art projects advance toward completion

The Indio Public Arts Commission received updates on multiple art installations progressing across the city.

Miguel Ramirez-Cornejo, the city’s director of economic development, told commissioners at their meeting on Tuesday that several major projects are nearing completion or moving into installation phases.

The Fred Waring Avenue mural created by artist Harvey Garcia has been completed and the city is planning an official unveiling next month. The mural went viral last year for the animation effect it creates when viewed from moving vehicles.

Two murals, created by artist Patrick Barwinski, honoring the life and legacy of Desirae “Desi” Ava Grace Cechin on the Loma Linda Hospital building on Smurr Street have been completed. Cechin died in 2016 at the age of six after a two-year battle with Stage IV High-Risk Neuroblastoma cancer.

City staff are finalizing the augmented reality component of the murals that will allow viewers to see animated overlays through their devices. The animation is complete and staff is ensuring proper sizing before launching the feature, with an unveiling ceremony planned for March.

The Avenue 45 mural, “Nuestra Gente, Nuestra Vida”, has been completed, featuring imagery that transitions from day to night while incorporating Indio’s history and current character. The city is working with the artist, Adam Enrique Rodriguez, to schedule an unveiling ceremony tentatively set for Feb. 7.

The Center Stage mural, created by Palm Desert-based artist John Cuevas, is on track for completion in March. The piece features extensive detail of local flora and fauna, noting that the closer viewers get to the massive mural, the more detail becomes apparent.

Several sculpture projects are advancing toward installation. The “Nova’s Arc” sculpture at Shields Park is currently being fabricated by the artist, Christopher Fennell, with installation scheduled for completion in January.

The Bravo sculpture project being created by artist Sara Dabbagh has completed footings, with the concrete base and metal panels being fabricated off-site for installation expected in February. That sculpture is planned for the northwest corner of Avenue 50 and Madison Street.

The 9/11 Memorial sculpture project is moving forward at its newly approved location at Miles Avenue Park near the Coachella Valley History Museum. City staff is preparing the site by rerouting the sprinkler system, removing turf and providing electrical service. The artist is fabricating the sculpture, constructing the base and incorporating the artifact steel beam, with installation expected by February.

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