🌸 The Orchid Art Contest Returns! 🌸
After the tremendous success of last year's inaugural Orchid Art Contest at the Morongo Basin Orchid Festival, Chaparral Artists is excited to announce that planning is already underway for our Second Annual Orchid Art Contest!
The first contest drew 27 creative entries and enthusiastic participation from artists, judges, and festival visitors alike. From photography and painting to drawing and mixed media, the exhibit showcased an incredible range of artistic interpretations inspired by orchids and the natural world.
Now it's time to start creating for this year's event!
Important Details to Remember
Artwork Intake
- Friday before the first weekend of October: 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday morning: 8:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Please note: No late entries can be accepted. Judging begins later Saturday morning, and volunteers need adequate time to organize and display all entries before the festival opens to the public.
Size Requirements
The size limitation will be strictly enforced.
- Maximum finished size: 11" x 14"
- This means an 11" x 14" artwork matted and framed to 16" x 20" will not be accepted.
- No entry may exceed 11" x 14" overall dimensions, including frame, mat, and any presentation materials.
Additional contest categories, rules, and entry information will be announced in the coming months. For now, we encourage artists to begin gathering ideas, visiting orchid displays, taking photographs, sketching, and dreaming up new creations inspired by these remarkable blooms.
We can't wait to see what you create for the Second Annual Orchid Art Contest!
July 17 (2026) Desert Legacy Series - Brent Lewis
SAVE THE DATE!
Chaparral Artists launches the Desert Legacy Series with a celebration honoring musician Brent Lewis.
📅 July 17, 2026
🕕 6:00–8:00 PM
📍 Hi-Desert Artists Gallery, Yucca Valley
This inaugural event was inspired by Victoria Sebanz and marks the beginning of a series celebrating the creative legacy of our Hi-Desert region.
Call to Artists
Chaparral Artists invites members to create work inspired by the sounds, rhythms, and spirit of Brent Lewis. All interpretations are welcome—painting, drawing, and photographic montage that respond to the feeling of his music.
Brent Lewis is known for an expressive, rhythm-driven style that blends improvisation, mood, and layered percussion, offering rich inspiration for abstract and emotionally driven work.
Get Creating
Dates are approaching quickly—now is the time to begin or finish your work.
Keep listening. Stay inspired. Let the music guide your creativity as we prepare to celebrate together.
CRITERIA
1. New work which is a creative challenge inspired by the music of Brent Lewis! Check on Spotify and YouTube for his cds such as Earth Tribe Rhythms, Monkey Hips Gumbo, Journey of Souls, Jungle Moon, Thunder Down Under, Drum Sex and Pulse!
(work must be accompanied by a small 5x7 sheet of paper or notecard identifying the piece of music and album/cd, along with a brief explanation of your concept and/or process)
2. Size: must be free-standing or fit a table easel, no smaller than 5x7, no larger than 16x20 framed. (Art will be displayed on tables or pedestals in the annex)
3. Work must have legible name and contact information.
4. There is no entry fee. All work is NFS. Interested buyers can contact you directly.
5. Please come and be a part of the interdisciplinary arts evening! Your work can be picked up at the end of the evening.
Please contact me if there is a problem. 323 945-5494 (V. Sebanz)
Submission Guidelines PDF
Call to Artists Announcement
October 2026 Second Annual Orchid Visual Art Contest
🌸 The Orchid Art Contest Returns! 🌸
After the tremendous success of last year's inaugural Orchid Art Contest at the Morongo Basin Orchid Festival, Chaparral Artists is excited to announce that planning is already underway for our Second Annual Orchid Art Contest!
The first contest drew 27 creative entries and enthusiastic participation from artists, judges, and festival visitors alike. From photography and painting to drawing and mixed media, the exhibit showcased an incredible range of artistic interpretations inspired by orchids and the natural world.
Now it's time to start creating for this year's event!
Important Details to Remember
Artwork Intake
Please note: No late entries can be accepted. Judging begins later Saturday morning, and volunteers need adequate time to organize and display all entries before the festival opens to the public.
Size Requirements
The size limitation will be strictly enforced.
Additional contest categories, rules, and entry information will be announced in the coming months. For now, we encourage artists to begin gathering ideas, visiting orchid displays, taking photographs, sketching, and dreaming up new creations inspired by these remarkable blooms.
We can't wait to see what you create for the Second Annual Orchid Art Contest!
October (2026) FallFest
SAVE THE DATE!
Rainbow Stew typically celebrates the Art Tours during one of the weekends of the October month. Rainbow Stew makes an effort NOT to conflict with the Orchid Festival, so the Rainbow Stew FallFest will likely be scheduled for -
Saturday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
or
Saturday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This lively event, hosted by Rainbow Stew, features a variety of local artists and makers sharing their creative works with the community. Chaparral Artists plan to participate with our own booth — if we get enough interest — and remember that this provides a great chance to showcase art, chat with visitors, and share upcoming exhibits and socials you are participating in.
Members are encouraged to spend the day with us and join in the fun!
📧 If you’re interested in participating at the Chaparral booth, please email us to let us know!
🌸 A Successful 2025 Debut at Gubler Orchids Festival!
Chaparral Artists Celebrate a Blooming Success with the FIRST Orchid Art contest held on October 4 & 5 (2025) at Gubler Orchids in Landers! Interested in more information, navigate to the article or click here.
Brent Lewis Celebration
2026 Fallfest Artists Fair