Meet the Judges for 2023
Many thanks to these artists for judging our annual California Art Competition! Stop by to see the artwork when visiting Joshua Tree.
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
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.
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.
Jenny Kane
Jennifer Kane is an artist, arts organizer, and teacher from Los Angeles, CA and currently resides in Bishop, CA. She serves as the Executive Director of Arts Connection, the Arts Council of San Bernardino County. Jennifer received her BA in Fine Arts from Mount St. Mary’s College and her MFA in Public Practice from Otis College of Art and Design. She is a recent graduate of Arts for LA's ACTIVATE Cultural Policy Fellowship program. Prior professional leadership roles include coordinating the Volunteer Art Program for The Joshua Tree Art Innovation Laboratory (JT Lab), an NEA-grant funded arts initiative, hosted by Joshua Tree National Park, from 2016-2018. During this time, she created the now permanent park program - Artists’ Tea. For more information, visit www.jennykaneart.com
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
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.