Meet the Judges 2026
Many thanks to these individuals for giving their time to be a judge in our 8th Annual California Art Competition! Stop by to see the winning artwork from last year's artists when visiting Joshua Tree.
Ed Keesling 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
Zebulon Zang is an artist, filmmaker and curator. His research explores the role of mechanical reproduction in historiography, scientific discovery, and the augmentation of human vision.
He holds a BFA (2013) in Critical and Cultural Practice from Emily Carr University, Vancouver, and an MFA (2019) from the University of California, San Diego. He has presented research at institutions including The Getty Research Institute, UC San Diego, UC Irvine, the University of Arizona, Concordia University (Montreal), ESARQ, Museo Cabañas, and Universidad de Guadalajara. His artistic work has been exhibited and screened internationally at venues such as the Vancouver International Film Festival (2018), Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (2019), Casa Taller José Clemente Orozco (Guadalajara, 2024), and the Kamias Biennale (Manila, 2016).
He currently leads an off-grid residency exploring embodied knowledge, alternative photographic processes, and tool usage, operating between the West Kootenays, Canada, and Joshua Tree, California. In 2025 he was the inaugural Artist in Residence for University of California Nature, where he produced a series of works responding to the ecological history of Burns Pinion Ridge Reserve while co-directing a UCI graduate course on creative interventions.
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; as well as expanding aquatics, athletics, and wellness offerings in the community. As a Recreation Supervisor for the Town of Yucca Valley, he has built a successful Public Art Program that continues to expand throughout 2025 and 2026. 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.
Susie has a background in retail management and 30 years of experience in conservation framing. She has worked with artists and galleries in the Santa Ana’s artist village, Pomona’s arts colony, then opened Bunny Gunner Art services in 2007 in Pomona with her husband Juan where they featured contemporary artists from all over Southern California. They also curated and juried shows throughout the region. They moved the business to the Claremont Village in 2013.
After visiting the Pioneertown and Joshua Tree area for years they decided to buy a home in Pioneertown. They eventually sold the Claremont business in December of 2019. Susie opened a small art gallery during the pandemic in Yucca Valley called Desert Peach. Susie has now joined the team at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center as bookstore manager and art curator for the cafe and gift shop.
Meet the Judges 2025
Many thanks to these artists for judging our 7th Annual California Art Competition! Stop by to see the winning artwork when visiting Joshua Tree.
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.
Ed Keesling 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
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; as well as expanding aquatics, athletics, and wellness offerings in the community. As a Recreation Supervisor for the Town of Yucca Valley, he has built a successful Public Art Program that continues to expand throughout 2025 and 2026. 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.
