Summer’s Here! Save The Date And Celebrate Carl Bray, August 17, 2024

Sponsored by Downtown Ontario Arts District

Prolific artist of desert landscapes, locomotives and smoke tree paintings and legend Carl Bray arrived in Indian Wells circa 1950 where he resided for almost 50 years before moving in 2000 to Banning.

Press-Enterprise Staff Writer Tom Willman reported (January 2, 1983) that “Bray was architect, contractor and laborer of his home, gallery and workshop located on Highway 111 near the eastern city limits.”

According to Jamie Lee Pricer, The Desert Sun (January 12, 2009) sometime during 1951-1952, “Bray bought a Highway 111 frontage lot in Indian Wells for $1000.” The original three white adobe-like structures were accented with bright aquamarine trim reflecting authentic homesteader design and indestructible materials. Think big boulders, bold fireplace, steel beams and newspaper insulation!

Fast-forward to April 18, 2008 and the city’s celebration of Carl Bray Day that included a special proclamation presented by Mayor Mary Roche, a festive reception and accolades from city officials and Indian Wells Historic Preservation Foundation members and friends.

The following year, the city purchased the 14,148-square-foot former Bray site for nearly $260,000 determining that the foreclosed and dilapidated structure posed a “safety hazard”, Mariecar Mendoza, The Desert Sun (November 15, 2010). The city also spent $56,000 for the environmental impact report and legal services needed to ensure a vetted process.

After more than a year of debate between city officials and steadfast residents who sought preservation, including consideration of $1M price tag to renovate and rehabilitate, the Carl Bray House and Gallery was demolished for $58,000.

The city made sure to save essential artifacts such as the iconic painter’s palette studio sign, displayed front and center in the lobby of City Hall Council Chambers in addition to Carl G. Bray lettering, and other unique ephemera. In November 2015, the city erected an inspiring monument to the internationally known artist. As Sherry Barkas, The Desert Sun (December 31, 2015) described: “The monument was built by the city at a cost of $84,617 in a park-like setting, that includes six panels—five of which detail the city’s past and one devoted to Bray”.

DON’T MISS: Downtown Ontario Arts District, Saturday, August 17, 2024 - A Tribute to Carl Bray, Opening Reception, 5-10 PM.

Join the Downtown Ontario Arts District celebration of famed Indian Wells Artist CARL BRAY (1917 – 2011). The month-long exhibit, features inspired works by Carl’s nephew Tim Key and encompasses original works and slide images of Bray’s work, historical memorabilia and published articles.

Location: Holt X Palm Gallery, 115 S. Palm Avenue in Downtown Ontario Arts District, (909) 966-291 www.holtxpalm.com, @holtxpalm

In mid-May, Curator Chris Frausto, (Holt X Palm Gallery), Professor Tammi Schneider (Claremont Graduate University), Grandnephew Chris Key (CGU), and James Yuile (CGU) paid a visit to Indian Wells. While here they perused the city’s Carl Bray archives, walked by and around the former Bray property and admired the city monument. They also shared their plans for the August exhibit honoring this revered artist of approximately 13,000 paintings, featuring more than 6,500 smoke trees.

Fortuitously, on April 4, the City Council approved staff time to pursue feasibility review of the city-owned former Bray site for possible, much needed IWPF headquarters and small museum/library.

At City Council’s June 20 meeting, the Public Works Department staff report was presented to Council. It concluded that the IWPF Board should first review and discuss the report before any further action is contemplated.

The Board is grateful to the staff and the city for this concise document and its identification of key considerations. These include feasibility and traffic studies, design elements, environmental impact and estimated related costs. This is a time-consuming task with definite unknowns on the one hand and an inspiring opportunity for community on the other. The Board is committed to carefully exploring both during the summer.

In the interim, please join IWPF members, city officials and residents at the August 17 Opening Reception in Ontario to meet Tim Key, artist and nephew; Chris Key, historian and grandnephew, Chris Frausto, curator, Professor Tammi Schneider and others to celebrate the life and legacy of Carl Bray.

IWPF Board:

Linda Blank, President; Kevin Mead, Vice President; Ginny Whitman, Secretary; Peter Rammer, Treasurer; Katherine Mead, Creative Director; Dan Hamilton; Digital Strategy Director