Acknowledgments Susan L. Davis

This book celebrates the contributions of the artists who took part in Desert X 2017, but there are also countless others who made our inaugural exhibition a reality.

Desert X brought together the Coachella Valley—its nine cities and disparate populations—as people enjoyed magnificent journeys traveling to the artists’ installations. At a time when social media and virtual meet-ups often supplant engaged, one-on-one encounters, visitors to Desert X engaged with the art, the landscape, and each other.

This community of explorers came from near and far to share moments and surprises, and to see the beautiful Coachella Valley through the lens of contemporary art. The valley was no small player in this narrative. In addition to an extraordinary environment that remains the home of Native Americans who have lived on this land for generations, the valley has a rich history and is currently home to a vibrant, diverse, and socially complex citizenry.

The exhibition, which received international acclaim and gave rise to an amazing dialogue about contemporary art, depended on each of its many prescient heroes.

First among them were the members of the Desert X board. Without their support, encouragement, and serious commitment, Desert X would have remained just a good idea. From the earliest meetings around Mary Sweeney’s dining-room table to the enthusiastic and visionary support of Ken Kuchin, their excitement and energy were vital to this project. Our very generous founding benefactors—Donna MacMillan, Harold Matzner, Helene Galen, Brent Harris, Beth DeWoody, Paul Tollett and Skip Paige—ensured that we could move forward and bring challenging, wonderful art to the desert. I want to recognize the enormous in-kind support of Ed Freeman, Frank Jones, and Jeremiah Joseph.

Our wide-ranging group of 100 Founding Members provided vital financial support and pure enthusiasm to create a living, breathing project that went on to touch hundreds of thousands of people worldwide.

Along the way, we were joined by additional donors—several Coachella Valley cities, organizations, businesses, and cultural institutions—to make possible the glorious exhibition organized by Artistic Director Neville Wakefield with assistance from Executive Director Elizabeta Betinski and a tiny but resolute team.

It is impossible not to recognize all those who have made this book possible. Chief among them is Loren Lipson (1944–2018), who generously provided the funding. The board’s publications committee, chaired by Steven Nash, has guided us, and our current Executive Director, Jenny Gil, has led the effort.

Desert X will forever honor all these generous adventurers. Each one of them has a special place in my heart.

SUSAN L. DAVIS FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT DESERT X