Art Lives in Conversation

Future Memory," an exhibition featuring 12 Black artists, is a collaboration between the Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts, College of the Desert, Dot Red and Forecast Foundation. It explores the intrinsic relation between technology, personal narratives and memory. "Future Memory" confronts the pressing issues of resource scarcity, ecology, and climate change, while offering a sanctuary for reflection for artists and their responsibilities, emphasizing happiness and leisure as sustainable resources, celebrating Black Joy through an interdisciplinary lens. Visitors are invited explore these unique and innovative portrayals of joy in personal future building and memories.

Join us for a preview of "Photography is My Heart”. This exhibition features a retrospective of artwork by renowned and award winning photographer, John Simmons. 

Simmons, known primarily as a cinematographer, started his creative journey with collage and photography. Influenced by figures like Robert Sengstacke and Aaron Douglas, he later gained recognition through Carlton Moss and Ousmane Sembene. Despite Emmy Award-winning films, photography remains his sacred form of expression. Discover his iconic images, like Girl Eating Ice Cream (1967), and recent works like Fight Like a Girl, Los Angeles, CA (2019). Simmons' passion for photography communicates timeless messages to new audiences. This exhibition by Dot Red and curated alongside ​​Bridget R. Cooks, Ph.D. offers an opportunity to reflect on the impact of Simmons' work and celebrate the beauty of black life, history, and culture. Don't miss this timeless and powerful experience.