Hello Friends of DESERTRADE,
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For me, this year has been about patience.
DESERTRADE is my dream, my legacy project and the most enduring project, since The Sweat Spot. Like most things totemic, it has demanded a strong foundation, literally and figuratively. Together, we’re building it brick by brick, workshop by workshop, friend by friend. Our learning curve is alive and well, shaped by the City of 29 Palms, our neighbors’ histories, and the hard work put into this truly special estate.
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Already, 2026 is looking bright, and we’re thrilled to share good news. We’ve received a major grant from the DEW Foundation and a generous donation from a new friend, Niko Mantele. This win feels great. These funds will launch the initial phase of our four-bungalow renovation. Imagine 5 artists at once, a cross-section of disciplines envisioning the future…yes please! Gratitude runs deep for both our generous funders.
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With this momentum we’re dreaming of completing both workshop structures next. But without getting ahead of myself (patience whispers), if you feel moved to help in our restoration project please use the link below. Every contribution breathes new life into these historic buildings: restoring plumbing and electrical, replacing insulation, paint, beds, lights, etc. In addition, funds will support staffing and operating costs as well. Your generosity would become part of our story. A story about community and the value of giving.
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You can donate here. All donations are 100% tax-deductible. ​
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More good news:
We held our first Open Call for residency submissions for our 2026 season with great response. We’ll be welcoming eight artists with disciplines including sculpture, film, dance, performance writing and spiritual practice. Whether it be a performance, talk or workshop, each will share their gifts with the community at the end of their stay, and we truly hope you’ll join us for such moments.
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April 2026 ABC Month! Adobe Brick Construction
Mr. Ben Loescher will lead a workshop, and we’ll continue brick-making with our beloved community all month long. Visions for adobe structure are endless — but infrastructure first (patience whispers again) with our goal being a retaining wall enclosing the front of the house. If you’re eager to get your hands dirty, we’d love to have you.
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2025 was foundational for us. Growing into a small but dedicated team—Caroline Partamian (Executive Director), myself (Artistic Director), Shamu (Facilities Manager), and Liv Stofko (Administrative Assistant)—while educating and expanding opportunities for our community and artists alike.
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And thank YOU for your support!—whether you joined an intimate night of art and music, moved with us at a workshop, or simply believed in the magic that is DESERTRADE.
From our desert family to yours, we wish you a grounding and abundant 2026—and we hope to see you soon.
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Cheers,
Ryan
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Our 2025 Programming at a Glance
M I X E R / Presentation from artists in residence Bobbi Jene Smith + Or Shraiber — January
LA POPS UP / Evening of Dance on Film curated by Kitty McNamee and Ryan Heffington — April
DANCE ON FILM / Workshop for Youth with previous artist in residence Charissa Kroeger — April (also upcoming in January 2026)
M I X E R / Performances by Jax Neal and Nina McNeely, films by Charissa Kroeger and Bobbi Jene Smith + Or Shraiber — April
EMOTIONALANDSCAPES / solo photography exhibition by Ryan Heffington — May
THE FEEDING / Performance by artist in residence Jennifer Rose — May
TAI CHI + MARTIAL ARTS FOUNDATIONS / Workshop with artist in residence Jennifer Rose — May and November 2025
GRIEF CIRCLE / Monthly community gatherings with Kara Hoppe (MA, LMFTA) — Monthly
SWEATFEST / DESERTRADE Fundraiser at Mojave Gold in partnership with Soma Seven Dance Festival — September
POLECAT PEEPSHOW / solo photography exhibition by Shamu Azizam — October
LESSONS IN STILLNESS / Lecture by Luke Basulto and Collaborative Drawing Workshop with Aidan Koch, in Cultural Partnership with the Joshua Treenial —November
MOVIE NIGHTS / Screening of The Red Shoes and more curated by Shamu Azizam — Periodic
and more…
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