Doing anything between this Saturday and December 29th? If not, head out to Lancaster, California, and see the Desert Forest: Life with Joshua Trees exhibit at the Museum of Art and History (MOAH). It’s part of a Getty-funded initiative that explores overlapping areas of art and science (an idea that is near and dear to my heart, of course).

Featuring the work of forty artists—I have four pieces in the show, including three video works, the show, as I understand, pretty much takes over the whole building. It should be fascinating. What’s especially interesting is that the exhibition brings in not only artists but scientists, writers, and policy people—everyone interested in the current state and future of the Joshua tree.

There’s a book (same name) that accompanies the show which, like the exhibit itself, incorporates essays from that same variety of people. I haven’t seen the book yet but I’ve seen the table of contents—I have an essay in it as well—and it might very well prove to be the book on the Joshua tree, a primer on this iconic species and an important contribution to the literature on desert ecology and climate change. Advance copies of the book should be available at Saturday’s opening (September 7, see below–I’ll be there, please say hello) or you can order a copy via the publisher’s site:

Hardcover: https://itascabooks.com/products/desert-forest-life-with-joshua-trees-hardcover
Softcover: https://itascabooks.com/products/desert-forest-life-with-joshua-trees

MOAH sent the official press release text which has all the details:

The Desert Forest: Life with Joshua Trees exhibition, presented at the Museum of Art and History in Lancaster, California as part of the Getty PST ART: Art & Science Collide initiative sheds light on the endangered Joshua tree and the fragile Mojave Desert ecosystem that sustains it. The project integrates natural history, indigenous knowledge, public policy, scientific research, and artistic expressions to emphasize the challenges facing the Joshua tree and conservation efforts. With a focus on climate change, development, wildfires, and other threats, the exhibition explores the symbiotic relationships between Joshua trees, soil fungi, and moth pollinators, engaging a diverse audience interested in arts and environmental issues. The exhibition’s opening reception will take place on Saturday, September 7, 2024 from 2-4 PM and will remain on view from Saturday, September 7, 2024 to Sunday, December 29, 2024.
Desert Forest: Life with Joshua Trees is among more than 70 exhibitions and programs presented as part of PST ART. Returning in September 2024 with its latest edition, PST ART: Art & Science Collide, this landmark regional event explores the intersections of art and science, both past and present. PST ART is presented by Getty. For more information about PST ART: Art & Science Collide, please visit pst.art