COACHELLA MAGAZINE

The Coachella Magazine Interview: What is your impression of the Coachella Valley? Jennifer Town: I love the Coachella Valley, I think it’s a great community, beautiful mountain views.

What is the main difference between your previous jobs and this one at the Purple Room Restaurant? JT: I do a lot more cooking here. It’s 3 cooks and me—it’s very hands on, cooking all the time with a small group. At the Ace Hotel we had 30 cooks and me, the Ritz-Carlton had 60 cooks.

Are you also responsible for how the food is visually presented? JT: Yes. You eat with your eyes first—so if the food looks beautiful, you expect it to taste real good.

How long did it take to prepare the new menu at Purple Room Restaurant? JT: 2 weeks.

What do you cook for yourself when your at home? JT: At home, I cook a lot of pasta—Risotto, an Italian rice dish.

Did you have a mentor growing up? JT: The values I learned from my mom and dad.

When did you get into cooking? JT: I found the path of really learning to cook at 15. I was with my parent’s friends for 3 months out of the summer, they had a fabulous cook—and that’s when I really got into cooking. When I went to USC college, I got my first apartment and started cooking all the time.

What advice do you have for someone who’s interested in becoming a chef? JT: Make sure you really enjoy cooking. Having a passion for food.

Do you travel much to learn more about food and cooking? JT: Traveling is good to learn about different foods and different ingredients. When I go out to eat, it’s about half education and half pleasure.

Where do you get your ingredients? JT: In California, you have really great produce—we try local as much as we can. We think highly about eating healthy—make sure we are treating the environment correctly.

What was your main goal with the new menu? JT: Put a fresh twist.

What was the response to the new menu when the Purple Room Restaurant & Stage reopened? JT: Everyone really liked the food. Lots of positive feedback.

What is one of your favorite dishes on the new menu? JT: Purple Pear Salad, Braised Short Ribs in Trio House blend wine, Halibut with red pepper, olive and fennel relish.

I was first drawn towards Sofia’s art when I attended the opening reception for a show titled “Swap. Some. Spit.” at the Coachella Valley Art Scene gallery this past summer. Sofia’s expressive mural covered 60 ft of the gallery space wall, which was illustrated in black and white paint—teeming with paisley motifs, tear drops, porcelain-doll faces, squiggly lines, a skull-faced cupid, peculiar words and numbers and more. It was as if a daydream had been painted onto the walls and I felt my mind swirling away and falling into this world— this curious narrative Sofia Enriquez had created. I sensed both feminine and masculine sensibilities intertwined in her work and grew even more curious the closer I scanned the wall from one end to the other.

About 2 months after the show, I sat down to chat with Sofia Enriquez in Cathedral City, where she tells me that in high school she did not excel in much except art—all the while, I found that hard to believe—because in person, Sofia leaves an indelible impression as someone smart, independent, beautiful and talented—and capable of so much more.

The Coachella Magazine Interview: Has anything changed in the Coachella Valley since graduating from college and returning? Sofia Enriquez: It’s exactly the same.

What do you feel is needed in the Coachella Valley? SE: As far as art goes, I don’t feel there is enough art programs. Just because we’re a desert people think it’s empty—but it’s not.

The mural at the Coachella Valley Art Scene gallery—how many days did it take to paint? SE: I spent three days working on the mural. Two walls. First day, I did the small wall. I spent 6 hours just thinking about it—I had no idea what I was going to do. I brought my favorite books: Communication Arts magazines, 19th Century Fashion book, Paisley Design book and Google searched images—I really like old photographs. I looked back at a lot of old stuff I already did. It just came out randomly.

Is there any hidden messages or meaning? SE: There’s a lot of hidden shit in there.

I notice a lot of paisley design in your work—what about the paisley motif inspires you? SE: It appeals to a lot of cultures: Indian, Mexican and American.

Do you know where the paisley motif originated? SE: I read in a book that the shape originated when cavemen started tracing the shape of their hand on the wall.

What went through your mind while you painted the mural? SE: I listen to music while I’m painting. It puts me in the mood. I was going through a really hard time. I just graduated from school and had to think, "What am I going to do with my life?" And…on the second day, I cut my hair off—getting rid of tension. I was just going through a lot of shit with my family, my friends. I was poor—I had no money. 

Did you work or receive any scholarships while attending college? SE: A scholarship from the La Quinta Arts festival and Fashion International. I worked small jobs. I lived in my car. My senior year, I was living in a garage and I didn’t like it. So, if I stayed late at school, I would just nap in my car. 

Do you feel art is a cathartic experience? SE: Anything creative is therapeutic.

How old were you when you first got into art? SE: Thirteen years old. I started painting in the 7th grade. In high school, I was bad at everything except for art. Even if I knew it wasn’t the best in the world, they were like—this is great. 

Who is the biggest art supporter in your life? SE: My older sister.

Who are some artists that have inspired you? SE: Muchá, Frida Kahlo, Jason Pollock.

What would you like to see in the Coachella Valley 5-10 years from now? SE: I want to see the whole city painted. All the buildings are really boring. It’s almost like, they're looking for an easy way out to put something up. I want to change how people see street art or art in general. I want to paint more murals. If I paint something small, I feel not enough people are going to see it. 

What about mass producing your art? SE: If it’s massed produced, it’s not art—it’s commercial. There’s a lot of commercial art out there—they don’t need anther one.

Was this the first mural you painted? SE: It’s the biggest mural I painted so far. Making a bigger statement—my whole body is moving. It was the funnest, craziest, meanest experience I had.

How late did you stay up painting the mural at the CVAS gallery? SE: Till 2 or 3am in the morning. Being up that late in downtown Cathedral City changes your whole freaking perspective how you see the city. There were a lot of people—homeless, walking around. And the City Hall is just across the street! I was scared just to go out to my car. At one night, some random guy walked in—who was obviously fucked up. It was scary. He asked, “Where are the owners?” I said “They’re in Mexico.” The door was open because my boyfriend walked out to smoke a cigarette. And he [the homeless guy] was like, “Hmm…this is nice.” 

What prompted you to come back to the Coachella Valley? SE: I liked L.A. When I came back here, I was so anxious. I was so used to driving fast. [Here] it’s way slower—nobody’s in a rush. I couldn’t find a job in L.A. I don’t feel there are any place for my generation to go to and make art. Either your a graphic designer or you’re going to make signs at Trader Joe’s.

How did you get your artwork into the CVAS gallery? SE: I met Sarah [Scheideman— founder and executive director of The Coachella Valley Art Scene] at the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. I asked her if she needed anyone to paint murals. And she said, “Yeah, Totally.” I came over to the gallery, brought all my stuff and threw it on the floor and said,—“This is me.”

After the show, what did you learn the most from the whole process? SE: Be consistent. Learn how other people work and be a team—everything is teamwork.

What inspires you? SE: Old photos and fashion. There can't be music without fashion and there can't be fashion without music—it’s what makes culture. I like decorative stuff. I like to do things that people haven’t seen before. I don’t like labels because it’s too limiting. 

Are your parents supportive of your art? SE: They’re supportive but they don’t understand what’s going on. 

What advice do you have for young emerging artists? SE: Whatever people want to do as long as it’s what you enjoy doing. Just do it.

What are you planing to do next? SE: Bill [Schinsky—Founder/Executive Director] offered me a job sometime in the fall to teach art classes at the Coachella Valley Art Center—anybody who wants to show up. It’s a physical space that people who are pissed-off can make anything they want.

(Hypothetical question) If you could collaborate with any artist, living or dead, who would it be? SE: This is going to sound so cliché but…Andy Warhol.

Producer (and party maven!) Mariah Hanson is anxiously awaiting April 2015, which marks The Dinah's landmark 25th year. Hanson has created an ambiance like none other, promoting awareness and solidarity, providing a women-charged event to celebrate the LGBT community. She never expected to make such an impact. She says anyone can do it. I'd venture to assume that not just anyone gets acknowledged with the Spirit of Stonewall Lifetime Achievement Award or The Center of Palm Springs' Legacy Award, but this year Hanson is set to receive both. I had the honor of chatting with the lovely Mariah as she was getting ready to attend the Spirit of Stonewall Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the 2014 Palm Springs Pride celebration.

Emily Chavous: So, Mariah, where does your story begin?

Mariah Hanson: Well, I was a party-thrower in college. I have a legacy at Sonoma State, being the last person to be allowed to throw a party on campus. And I do believe the same is true of the Palm Springs Museum - I'm pretty sure I can't throw a party there again. (laughs)

EC: I hear The Dinah's first year, held at the museum, was a pretty good year.

MH: Yeah, it was wonderful. The Dinah Shore/Nabisco golf tournament was a very popular weekend outing for lesbians. They like golf. They like to watch golf. Somebody threw a party one year, and somebody threw another party another year, and then promoters came in got involved. I stepped in in 1991, probably about six years after people started throwing parties, and really took it to another level. I had a vision, a belief in what our community deserved. I think we had close to 1,000 [in attendance] my first year. Because of the White Party and because of The Dinah Shore Weekend I think a lot of LGBT Americans have really discovered what a beautiful place Palm Springs is.

EC: This year is going to be your 25th anniversary, what a big milestone for you!

MH: I know! I can't believe it! What happened to the time?

EC: Did you ever imagine Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend would become so renowned? Was this excitement surrounding The Dinah what you always envisioned?

MH: No. I mean at this point, The Dinah Shore Weekend is just as reputable for being the largest lesbian event in the world as it is for being a small but important music festival. The fact that we're celebrating for five days and living out loud and being treated by a city like we're an important aspect of their visitor attraction... it's all very amazing. And it wasn't like that twenty-five years ago.

EC: I imagine there were a lot of obstacles to overcome in the beginning. Do you still encounter much backlash from the community?

MH: The city is really incredible. I don't think all the hotels are up to par in their LGBT commitment, but 98% of them are.

EC: Ever get any pro golfers in attendance at the parties?

MH: I may. I doubt anybody in the tournament is going to The Weekend.

EC: Being that it's the 25th year, you're probably working on a killer lineup! Can you drop any names?

MH: I am not finished booking, but - yes! We are planning on presenting a lineup that will be jaw dropping. I'm really excited about it. We're really careful about when we announce. Fortune [Feimster] comes every year. We love Fortune, and Fortune loves us! We're very lucky that she likes to attend our event and perform at it, because she's just getting so huge. We've had Iggy Azalea, Colbie Callait, Ke$ha...

EC: Do you have a favorite performance over the years?

MH: Katy Perry! Or Salt 'N Pepa! I got a huge backlash [against Katy Perry]. Like most backlashes, the people that were screaming the loudest didn't attend the event; they'd never attend the event. Then the next year there was a Facebook Page, "Petition to bring Katy Perry back to The Dinah." I try not to pay attention to those very small but loud voices that criticize the event.

EC: Well, you have a lot of loud voices in your favor! Tomorrow, you're set to receive the Spirit of Stonewall Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations!

MH: Thank you so much.

EC: The board voted unanimously for you; it's well-deserved.

MH: They did?! Wow, that's pretty cool. Palm Springs has been very good to me, and I would not produce this event anywhere but Palm Springs. Quite frankly, at this point I don't think anyone could duplicate this event anywhere because I don't think you can take [The Dinah] out of Palm Springs.

EC: In November you're set to receive the first ever Legacy Award. How does it feel to be recognized for your efforts within the LGBT community?

MH: It's such an honor. It's really flattering.

EC: Club Skirts calls The Dinah a party with a platform. What organizations have you teamed up with this year? And what experience can party-goers expect to have during the five days of Dinah?

MH: It's five days of pure unadulterated bliss! (laughs) You get both [party and platform]. Even if someone's not getting the message during the weekend, they'll get it at some point in the act of growing older and reflecting. We've confirmed Human Rights Campaign. It's not a political event; it's not a fundraiser.

EC: I hear you've had some epic celebrity dodgeball games! Have you played?

MH: I have! I was not an asset to my team.

EC: I would definitely be the first person tagged out. So, let's talk future plans for a minute. How do you want the event to grow? Where do you hope to be in the next five to ten years?

MH: I think we're becoming more and more relevant, I think it will continue to grow. This is a full-time job. I work year-round on this event.

EC: After the big event is over, and you finally have a minute to yourself away from all of the work, how does Mariah Hanson unwind?

MH: She packs her horses into a horse trailer and goes camping!

EC: Where's the best camping spot?

MH: So far, the eastern Sierras or Bryce Canyon. Both of them are amazing.

EC: Beautiful places to reflect on years past. You've come a long way since your Palm Springs Museum party. What advice can you offer for young people that want to make an impact like you have?

MH: You gotta follow your heart and your passions. You know, I didn't set out to make an impact on the world. I set out to do the best with what I feel passionate about. I think if you can stay true to those pure emotions and don't have a lot of noise around them, you're going to make an impact on the world.

Photos courtesy of Club Skirts Dinah Shore Weekend

Phillip Carrillo: Can you tell the Coachella Valley about yourself?

Christina Angelina (aka Angelina Christina): My names Christina Angelina , I’m an artist. I work mostly with spray paint. I grew up in Venice, Ca. I started painting when I was really young and never stopped. It became a professional thing around the age 16, I’m 32 now.  

PC: How is it traveling around? Do you travel a lot?

AC: Traveling and painting is awesome, I love it. It’s the perfect life for me. I travel all the time. I’m constantly living out of my bag and going place to place painting murals.

PC: I first heard of you from the Salton Sea, can you tell the Coachella Valley about that?

AC: The Salton Sea mural was done with my friend Finbarr Notte (@FinDac), he was coming into town from London and we were planning on working together for several months all over the place. We were planning on going to Minneapolis and New York but we both really wanted to do some work in the desert. We’re both really drawn to doing stuff out in an open desert landscape. I found the location from a friend who travels with us as a photographer. When fin arrived in town we were ready. It took about 1 ½ week to finish, staying in Indio driving back and forth. We wanted to incorporate animals present in the area; rattlesnakes, bobcats, raccoons.

PC: Any artist influences?

AC: I’m influenced by artist working now and artist that worked hundreds of years ago. I have an extensive art history background. I’ve studied at UCLA as well as in Italy and Greece. I’m defiantly influenced and inspired by artist who worked hundreds and thousands of years ago and everyone working today.

PC: When did you first start painting in the Coachella Valley?

AC: I started painting out here….the Salton Sea was the first one! I’ve been traveling here as a kid. My parents have a house out in Lake Havasu, I’ve been coming to the desert my whole life. I’ve been doing small things out here my whole life But the Salton Sea was the first big thing out here, Which then led to Bar which led to everything else in the Coachella Valley.

PC: Why the Coachella Valley?

AC: I really like it, I think it has good energy. I like the people here, I like being here and working. Personally I like the feel of it here. I love sharing my work with the community. I feel all the parts of the Coachella Valley are different from each other: Indio, Slab City, Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs. I like the feel of each place.

PC: We heard you were going to be doing something big in Los Angeles, can you tell the Coachella Valley about that? 

AC: I'm doing a mural for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts, and Sciences. It’s going to be on the old May Company building on Fairfax and Wilshire. It’s a commission for them so it’s not like anything I’ve done before where I have 100 percent freedom but I basically have my freedom. I’m curious to see how it comes out, should be interesting. I have 5 days to do it starting tomorrow.

PC: Can you tell the Coachella Valley what you have been up to?

AC: I have been… since I did the mural at the Salton Sea last September I’ve traveled to New York, Florida, went to Art Basel in Miami, Denver, I’ve painted at Coachella Music and Arts Festival for the Do Lab, Boulder, Minneapolis, Brazil, a lot of work in Las Vegas as well, all over the place. I keep coming back here—I think I come back here more—I do more work out here then any other place.

PC: Any future projects we should keep our eyes open for?

AC: The thing for the Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts, and Sciences. It looks like I’m going to Brazil at the end of October and Art Basel in Miami, Florida. 

PC: Any shout-outs?

AC: I defiantly want to give a shout out to Finbarr Notte (@FinDac), It's his birthday on the 27th of September, he’s the one I collaborated  with on the mural in front of Bar and Salton Sea which led us to the subsequent work out here, "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" for all your hard work and awesomeness. Also big shout out to Alex Pesante (@easeonetx) who I worked with on the pieces in the back of bar and work at the Hacienda ,he’s awesome, I love working with him he’s brilliant, and shout out to Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. 

PC: Any way to buy your art work, check out photos or keep updated with you?

AC: The best way to keep updated is my Instagram, @Starfightera or my Facebook. Updating my web site soon, I have a studio in Venice, also have stuff at Gallery 446 here in Palm Springs on Indian Canyon. As far as purchasing work, you could contact me direct or the studio. There isn’t a lot since most my work are murals.