Three day Southwest Arts Festival begins in Indio

The 27th annual, three-day Southwest Arts Festival will begin today in Indio.

A 9:30 a.m. ribbon-cutting at the entrance of the Empire Polo Club will mark the start of the festival, where about 250 artists from around the country will show their work, according to Joyce Donaldson, president and CEO of the Indio Chamber of Commerce.

The mediums include clay, drawing, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, printmaking, sculpture and textiles, she said.

Indio’s S.C.R.A.P. Gallery will have a booth where children can do art projects using recyclable materials, Donaldson said.

Food and live entertainment will also be offered at the Indio chamber’s largest fundraiser, which runs today through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Empire Polo Club, 81-800 Avenue 51.

Admission is $8, but free for those 16 and under. A two-day pass is $12. No dogs except service animals are allowed. Parking is $5, or $8 for valet.

For information, call (760) 347-0676 or go to www.southwestartsfest.com.