Indio-based artist Patrick Blythe, known for his bronze, stone, and glass sculpture, will discuss his work and life June 13 at an Arts Salon presented by the California Desert Arts Council (CDAC). Coachella Valley Art Center in downtown Indio will host the free event from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

In his presentation, “Art, Soul, and Community,” the artist will talk about his lifelong love of art as well as his career, inspiration, and special place in the art community. Blythe set up his studio at the art center, where he not only creates his work, but also welcomes artists from near and afar to come learn, work, and collaborate. He has become a valuable resource for artists and the community.

CDAC launched its monthly Arts Salon series in May, when more than 50 creative people tackled the question, “What’s Your Summer Strategy?” at the CREATE Center for the Arts in Palm Desert. The salons move from city to city each month so participants have an opportunity to experience different venues and learn about different resources available to them. The July salon will be in Cathedral City.

In addition to presenters discussing professional development topics, the salons provide a casual networking opportunity, which members of the arts community identified as a need during CDAC’s listening sessions last year.

“Our goal at the California Desert Arts Council is to deliver the resources, programs, and services the art community needs to grow and thrive,” says Christi Salamone, the nonprofit organization’s CEO. “Our mission is to unify, empower, and promote the arts community in the Coachella Valley and High Desert. The Arts Salons help us do all three.”

Blythe became obsessive about making art in the 1970s, but quit “cold turkey,” he says, to pursue a career in business. He returned to his first love 30 years later, working in various metals, with hammer, forge, and welder. Blythe says his work combines the skills learned while working in factories and farms and reflects his passion for nature and the desert, as well as his unyielding desire to express personal experiences. He has placed work in public and private collections around the world, and works in both Indio and Ireland.

Read more about the artist in Rosalie Murphy’s article in The Desert Sun.

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