NOW ON DISPLAY- Desert Fables: Illustrations of The Neotenic Queen
January 10, 2025- May 31, 2025
"Desert Fables: Illustrations of The Neotenic Queen," a multimedia art exhibition inspired by the writing and illustrations of Alejandro Canelos (author) and Rachel Ivanyi's (illustrator) book, "The Neotenic Queen: Tales of Sex and Survival in the Sonoran Desert."
Jacumba Hikers: Bow Willow to Rock House
Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 8:00AM
This approximate 9-mile hike is strenuous and challenging because of the long distance, boulder climbing, steep, rocky trails, and sandy washes. We will hike to the remote ‘Rock House’ which was built by Cattleman Darrel McCain in 1933, and we will also see evidence that Kumeyaay once lived in the area. Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 am. We will carpool or caravan to the trailhead. CA State Park Day Pass OR $10 parking fee per vehicle required (cash/exact change only).
Free Community Art Class: Ceramic Creations
FREE COMMUNITY ART CLASS: Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 11:00AM-3:00PM.
Join Ceramics Instructor, Amy Redfeather as she shares her expertise during a free community arts class.
City of Imperial- Carnaval
FREE COMMUNITY EVENT- Saturday, February 15, 2025 from 5:00PM-9:00PM
This is a lively Brazilian Carnival themed festival in downtown Imperial, CA 92251.
Volunteer Day
Volunteer Day- Sunday, February 16, 2025 from 11:00AM-2:00PM.
Join our Head Curator to assist with organizing our research library and sorting documents and photographs within our collections.
IVDM Lowlanders: Andrade Canyon Trail
Saturday, February 22, 2025- 8:00AM
Located in the Coyote Mountain Wilderness, a six-million-year history of a shallow seabed. We will explore the canyon trail as far as the group feels comfortable. Dog friendly! High clearance vehicles only, carpooling is encouraged!
Leaves from IVDM parking lot at 8:00 AM (15 min drive from museum)
Book Club: The Neotenic Queen
Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 2:00PM
Dear readers, you're invited to join author Alejandro Canelos for a discussion of the unique and magnificent desert creatures that inspired his book, "Neotenic Queen: Tales of Sex and Survival in the Sonoran Desert."
Writing & Art Workshop
Saturday May 3, 2025 11:00AM-2:00PM
Join us for a free community writing & art workshop featuring the author and illustrator of our spring exhibition,Desert Fables: Illustrations from “the Neotenic Queen”.
The Imperial Valley Desert Museum is a new facility in the heart of the Yuha Desert housing Indigenous and historic artifacts found within the Imperial Valley and surrounding region. Opening a new museum in the twenty-first century, we do not want to be seen as an exhibit within four walls, but to engage and interact outside of the limitations of the "box" – both metaphorically and physically.
OUR MISSION is to preserve, interpret, and celebrate the deserts of Southern California through outstanding collections, research, and educational programs.
OUR VISION is to be the foremost research and educational institution devoted to the preservation, interpretation, and celebration of the deserts of Southern California.
LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We, the Imperial Valley Desert Museum, recognize our place on the traditional lands of the Kumeyaay who have been here, as they say, 'since the beginning', with a vibrant and rich history dating back over 10,000 years. The lands of Imperial and San Diego County include the traditional lands of many Indigenous groups composed of Quechan, Cahuilla, CoCoPah, Pai Pai, and Kumeyaay. Each of these groups are still present and active today.
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Ocotillo, CA 92259