Meet the Judges for 2024
Many thanks to these artists for judging our annual California Art Competition! Stop by to see the artwork when visiting Joshua Tree.
Clara Berta
Clara Berta is a contemporary abstract artist of Hungarian heritage, based in Palm Springs, California, USA. She is known for large-scale paintings that embody the vibrancy and tranquility of the natural world through her use of organic forms and harmonious colors. Her work is characterized by a sense of dynamism and fluidity that reflects the movement of the ocean, achieved by her technique of pouring and layering paint on the canvas. Recently, Berta's focus has shifted to capturing an expression of the human body's biological and psychological energy. She is fascinated by the potential of color and abstract compositions for triggering an emotional and physical experience in her viewers. Berta studied advanced composition and technique at the Santa Reparata School of Art in Florence, Italy, as well as printmaking in the US. Her paintings have been exhibited and collected worldwide, including in Europe, China, and Dubai, and have been featured in high-profile film and television productions.
Chuck Caplinger
Chuck Caplinger's award-winning creations hang in public and private collections around the world, and his historical murals are represented in cities throughout California and Texas.
Caplinger regularly exhibits his works in group and solo exhibitions. A series of his paintings were featured in Southwest Art Magazine, and his "Tribute to Marilyn" mural was exhibited in the Hollywood Entertainment Museum in Los Angeles. In 2001, his paintings were featured at the Edward Dean Museum in Cherry Valley, CA. The exhibit was titled "The West-From the Reservation to the Range-A Retrospective,".
Caplinger has also been instrumental in organizing and promoting the "arts" and cultural tourism in the Hi-Desert, co-founding in 2001 the Morongo Basin Cultural Arts Council and the annual Open Studio Art Tours, now called the Hwy 62 Art Tours. In 2004, he co-founded the City of Twentynine Palms public arts program Art in Public Places, the Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) and is Chair Emeritus.
In 2009, Caplinger designed and donated the concept for the City's iconic 29! sculpture, a 7 1/2- ft by 13-ft steel sculpture at the western entrance to Twentynine Palms.
For more, visit www.DesertArtStudio.com
Scott Clinkscales
Scott Clinkscales is an award-winning actor/vocalist from Twentynine Palms, CA who has performed at venues all over the Morongo Basin, Coachella Valley, and Inland Empire. He has also directed, musically directed, choreographed, and technically directed many different shows at Theatre 29. As a vocalist, Scott has competed in several competitions all over Southern California, performed in Carnegie Hall with his high school choir under the direction of Michael Mayes, and is lucky enough to work with his voice teacher Broadway’s Carrie St. Louis. Scott is currently the Community Events Coordinator for the City of Twentynine Palms where he curates a number of events featuring both visual and performing arts.
Ed Keesling
Ed Keeling is a studio potter. He works in his studios, Keesling Clayworks, throwing pots on the wheel and creating ceramic tile, murals and sculptures. The unique rock formations, plant life, animals, people and history of this corner of the high desert strongly influence his work. The dynamic asymmetry of the natural world around him and the plastic nature of the clay that enables him to create utilitarian and sculptural works that reflect humanistic, asymmetrical forms that are varied and individualistic and naturalistic. Ed is known for his work at MBCAC and 29 Palms Art Gallery. www.edsclayworks.com
Mitch Miller
The California Welcome Center’s first two Spring Art Competition first place awards in photography were awarded to Joshua Tree landscape photographer Mitch Miller. Mitch has extensively hiked Joshua Tree National Park, Death Valley, the Sierra Nevada and southern California ranges, all the while searching for memorable compositions in remarkable light. You may have visited his home studio on the Hwy 62 Open Studio Art Tours or seen him at the Joshua Tree National Park Council of the Arts Expo, where he has won several awards since 2018. You can enjoy his art at his website FineEarthPhotography.com, and @fineearthphotography on Instagram.
Dhwani Parekh
Dhwani Parekh (b. 1990) is a free-thinking, hard-working oil painter with a passion for realism and a hint of contemporary style, drawing inspiration from nature. Her works span natural phenomena, still life, and portraits, with a specialization in oils, acrylics, and pencil in a representational and realistic style. Born and raised in Mumbai, India, her artistic inclination was nurtured from an early age, leading to a degree in fine art painting and a professional career that began at 17. Influenced by masters like Rembrandt, John Singer Sargent, Richard Schmidt, and Jeremy Lipking, she studied classical painting at the L.S. Raheja School of Art in Mumbai from 2006 to 2010. Dhwani's career includes solo gallery exhibitions across India, numerous awards, and commissions both domestically and internationally. Since moving to the San Francisco Bay Area in 2015, she has been represented by John C. Doyle Art Gallery in Charleston, South Carolina, and has achieved recognition as a Finalist in the Art Renewal Center International Salon, among other accolades. Her work has been featured in prominent publications and exhibitions, including International Artists Magazine, Allied Artists’ of America Annual Exhibition, and Southwest Art Magazine. Active in the local art community, Dhwani continues to evolve as an artist, remaining a steadfast student of fine art painting and a member of several prestigious art societies.
Clayton Rardon
Clayton Rardon has been working in the community services and recreation industry for more than 20 years. His work experience has encompassed bringing adventure, art, and outdoor programs to youth and adults; engaging the public with special events; and expanding aquatics, athletics, and wellness offerings in the community. As a Recreation Supervisor for the Town of Yucca Valley, he is spearheading the new Temporary Public Art Pilot Program launching this fall. Clayton values his involvement with non-profits and has donated his time and skillsets abroad, teaching English to Tibetan refugees and working extensively for the American Red Cross. He also serves as a board member for Friends of Joshua Tree – providing funding for JTNP's volunteer search and rescue program, stewardship and education for the park's climbing community, and annual cleanup efforts in the National Park and Morongo Basin. Clayton has been fortunate to pursue a career that enhances and supports his community.
ART COMPETITION CATEGORIES (wall art only):
• Paintings
• Photography
• Mixed Media
*AGAIN this year…People’s Choice is voted on by the public.
The winners of this California Art Competition will have the opportunity to sell their artworks in the California Welcome Center in Yucca Valley.