Southwest Festival Keeps Crowds Flowing In Indio

Horses quarantined after a recent equine herpes outbreak stopped all polo games in Indio over the next 21 days, but other activities at the grounds live on.

“Unusual art. That’s what I look for. I especially like metal art,” shopper Cindy Schultz said.

The 26th Annual Southwest Arts Festival kicked off with work from every corner of the artist spectrum.

“We have textiles, some of the obvious traditional photography, watercolor, clay, sculpture,” president of the Indio Chamber of Commerce Joyce Donaldson said.

Two hundred and fifty artists from 17 states, and even from out of the country, showcase their art here at the festival. Getting their work there is no walk in the park, though.

“We receive hundreds of applications, and our artists apply through an online process of applications. Through that, we are able to jury them as well,” Donaldson said.

With polo games cancelled, “It’s a real big disappointment, and it sounds scary,” polo fan Jack Hamilton said.

Polo staff reiterates the virus doesn’t pose a threat to humans, so Sunday’s wine festival carries on.

As for the festival that brings so many artists to the desert, “They’re staying at hotels, eating at restaurants, spending their dollars at local grocery stores, as well as all the visitors that come specifically for this event,” Donaldson noted.

Though it may not tide over the horse lovers, the festival keeps the community full of consumers.