Indian Wells Arts Festival founder Dianne Funk likes to change things up a bit each year to keep the festival fresh.



For this year's event, which runs Friday through Sunday, there's the Braille Institute's "Art Beyond the Visual" interactive display, the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery's "Tour De Trash" and Yucca Valley muralist Linda Shrader, who will work live on a trompe l'oeil (literally deceiving the eye) mural.

"I really believe that the experience should be more than just looking at art," Funk says.

Festival goers of all ages should, she says, have the opportunity to touch and be touched by the many mediums represented. "That's whether they're young children just discovering the world of art, or adults who already have an appreciation for all art brings to everyday life."

It's the ability of art to bring people together that gives Funk pleasure. "These artists work so hard," she says of the 200 juried artists at this year's festival. "(The festival) is a chance for people to come out and interact with them."

More than 10,000 Coachella Valley art lovers and visitors attended the 2007 festival. Sales, Funk says, topped more than $900,000.

The interactive side of the festival includes glass-blowing demonstrations by Bruce Freund and the third "Chef Masterpieces" private tasting presented by local chefs.

Incendio will once again provide the background sound.

There's also the S.C.R.A.P. Gallery's "Tour de Trash - Recycle Bicycles" exhibit, which turns old bike parts into art.

One activity that Funk is excited about is the Braille Institute's "Art Beyond the Visual."

"It's a hands-on exhibit to view art as a visually impaired or blind person would," she says. The Braille Institute's Mobile Solutions Van will display art created by the Institute's clients.

"It's a chance to renew a very colorful relationship," Funk says.

Desert Sun - April 3