LA QUINTA ARTS FOUNDATION (LQAF)
LQAF is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation established in 1982 to support art, culture and education in the Coachella Valley.
From 1982 through 2019 LQAF produced cultural events and programs including the award-winning
La Quinta Arts Festival, Art Under the Umbrellas, Desert Plein Air, museum exhibits and tours, and music concerts. The success of those public programs over the years enabled LQAF to offer arts education in local schools, award $1.5 million in college scholarships to Coachella Valley students, and establish the Fred & Kay Wolff Endowment for arts education
Board Of Directors
Frank Delany Esq. – Chairman
Richard Roth Esq. – Former CA State Senator District 31
Stephanie Ruther, CPA, CFP – Partner, Godecke Clark
Christi Salamone – Former CEO of LQAF & CDAC Retired
Jeff Stahl – Morning Anchor at Coachella Valley ABC news network KESQ3
FEIN# 95-3842968
Our History & Legacy
Founders, Fred & Kay Wolff
Fred and Kay Wolff came to the Coachella Valley seeking a tranquil quality of life the desert offered – and along the way found a wonderful life and purpose that suited them both to a tee.
In 1982, Fred helped lead incorporation efforts for the City of La Quinta and became its first mayor. He led early efforts to provide for public services, infrastructure improvements and maintaining the natural beauty of the desert.
The Wolff’s knew the desert could be a source of inspiration and creativity. They helped found La Quinta Arts Foundation, envisioning it could serve as an economic and cultural driver for the local community.
Kay was on the board from the beginning, served several stints as board chairman, interim director and was an active volunteer for more than three decades. Job one for the organization was to mount La Quinta Arts Festival that went on to became number one art festival in the nation, drawing thousands and serving as the primary fundraiser for a variety of activities, events and educational programs.
The Wolff’s legacy of community service and dedication to education continues to this day through the Fred and Kay Wolff Endowment for arts education administered thru La Quinta Arts Foundation affiliate, California Desert Arts Council.