Developed by Artists for Artists

Featured image of Kim Manfredi in studio.

2026 Tour Key Dates

August 14, 2025
Registration Opens
October 1, 2025
Registration Deadline
November 15, 2025
Handbook & Maps Ready for Pickup
January 23–35, 2026
Tour Dates
11AM–4PM Daily
Registration Form
Artist Resources
Artists Directory

Why Participate in Desert Open Studios?

Desert Open Studios is more than just a weekend art event—it’s an opportunity to open your creative practice to the community, connect with new audiences, and be part of a growing network of artists across the region.

Whether you’re a full-time artist or working part-time out of a home studio, Desert Open Studios is a platform designed to elevate your visibility, deepen engagement with your work, and contribute to the cultural life of the desert.

What You’ll Gain

Visibility & Promotion

All participating artists are included in our professionally designed printed handbook and event map, distributed to thousands across the Coachella Valley. You’ll also be listed on our website, featured on our interactive digital map, and promoted through targeted social media campaigns.

A Direct Connection to Audiences

This is your chance to meet art lovers, collectors, and curious visitors in an informal, welcoming setting—right in your own workspace. Visitors love getting to know the artist behind the work, and these conversations often lead to meaningful relationships and long-term supporters.

Sales Opportunities

In 2025, Desert Open Studios generated over $250,000 in art sales for local galleries and studios. Many visitors come ready to purchase—and there are no commissions taken on your sales. Over 70% of the 2025 participants reported having made sales during the event weekend.

Be Part of Something Bigger

As a participant, you’re also eligible to be considered for curated exhibitions and tours, which offer additional exposure. You’ll also receive printed materials and access to our knowledge bank to help you get the most out of your experience.

A Supportive Artist Community

Desert Open Studios is a collaborative, grassroots effort that connects you with fellow artists working in diverse media. Participation means joining a supportive network of makers who are passionate about art and the desert we call home.

Registration Form

Opens August 14, 2025

What You'll Get

Your $100 registration fee includes:

Handbook Feature

Listing in our printed and digital handbooks.

Tour Map Feature

Listing in our printed and digital interactive tour maps.

Web Directory Listing

Profile on our official website artists directory for a year.

Social Media Promotion

Promotion through the official Desert Open Studios social accounts.

Curation Opportunity

Opportunity to be selected for one of our curator partners' tours.

Resource Bank

Access to pro tips and marketing tools to help you promote your work .

Registration Form

Opens August 14, 2025

What Other Artists Say

I am one of the fortunate artists to have participated in Desert Open Studios for several years now. I feel fortunate to live in a community that loves the arts and that we have a supportive community of artists that coordinates events like this that allow us to introduce our art to our local community as well as visitors who love art.

Kathleen Struckoff

Participating in Desert Open Studios was such a meaningful experience. I loved welcoming visitors into my studio, sharing my creative process, and connecting with people who truly appreciate handmade work. It was a beautiful reminder of how powerful and inspiring our artistic community is.

Pouneh Shahrestani

Last year I had over 300 people pass through my space during DOS. I was both humbled and energized by the many positive comments and thoughts from all the visitors. I look forward to the excitement in 2026.

Jay Schiff

I’ve participated every year since Desert Open Studios began. It is such a good way to connect with fellow local artists and share your artwork with those that support the arts.

Emeline Tate

Desert Open studio has been a delight to be a part of. Besides the exposure to clients and collectors, it has given me the opportunity to have meaningful dialogues about my work. Each year DOS gets bigger and better and I am excited to be a part of the next DOS coming up.

Andrée B. Carter

Desert Open Studios 2025 was the best so far! We had a steady flow of activity. Many first-time as well as return visitors. We usually don’t expect huge sales, but this year was an exception. It was a great way to kick off the season and connect with our community of art enthusiasts.

Greg and Linda Maxson

This will be my third year participating in the Desert Open Studios. As a member of our vibrant art community in the desert it is always exciting to welcome art lovers into my studio space on Perez Road. It gives me an opportunity to share my art and chat about my process.

Alberto Garcia-Uria

I love Desert Open Studios. It is such a wonderful event and a unique opportunity to connect with art lovers, collectors and the community at large. I really look forward to interacting with people and talking about the work and the work of other artists that they have seen on the tour. It’s really special.

David A. Clark

Frequently Asked Questions

Artists living and/or working in the Coachella Valley and surrounding desert communities are welcome to apply. We have artists from Desert Hot Springs up to Mountain Center participate. All media are accepted.

The registration fee is $100 per artist, not per studio. Each artist must register individually, even if working out of a shared space.
Registration opens August 14, 2025 and closes on October 1, 2025.
No. Artists must register individually, even if sharing a studio or exhibition space.

Collectives refer to a group of artists who regularly produce, exhibit, market, and sell their work as a single entity. Collectives who meet this criteria are welcome to register as a single entity.

Desert Open Studios reserve sold discretion on the determination of a collective.

Participating comes with many benefits!

  • Printed catalogue and map listing
  • Website profile and interactive map listing
  • Social media mentions
  • Digital artist handbook
  • Printed lawn sign
  • Eligibility (but not guarantee) for curated features

Not necessarily. You can participate from any workspace where you can safely and meaningfully host visitors, including home studios, garages, or shared spaces.

Some galleries and curators open their space up during Desert Open Studios to host artists who do not have a publicly accessible studio. If you need some recommendations, please contact us.

The sixth annual Desert Open Studios tour will run from January 23–25, 2025.

No. Artists keep 100% of their sales.

Your studio will be included on the printed event map and handbook, listed on our interactive digital map, and promoted via social media and the website.
Yes! All registered artists receive access to a digital handbook with preparation tips, plus support and promotional guidance from our team. We encourage you to check our knowledge base to learn how to get the most out of your Desert Open Studios experience.

Stay in touch with DOS

Stay up-to-date with the latest from Desert Open Studios. Be the first to hear about our latest programming, featured artists, curated tours, and events.

Connect with us

Desert Open Studios Tour provides an opportunity for Coachella Valley artists to open their studios and behind-the-scenes spaces to the public, sharing their unique creative processes and practices.

Connect with us

68-845 Perez Rd, H-21, Cathedral City, CA

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