CREATE Center for the Arts

CREATE Center is a wonderful organization that has offered so much to the community. The studios are state of the art with teachers and artists that provide classes and exhibitions to so many. There is something for everyone to enjoy!

CREATE Center for the Arts is an amazing organization. The variety of programs they offer creates a space to explore any artistic pursuits imaginable, from 3D printing, to painting, to music lessons. I am blown away by how far CREATE has come and in awe of what they still have to give.

CREATE Center is a true asset to our community. There are so many ways to get involved and get creative. I recommend it to all the artists and art appreciators in my life. I also love taking my niece to view their public exhibitions and art installations. There really is something for everyone in our community.

I have been a volunteer at Create Center for the Arts for several months. It has been such a rewarding experience and one that I will continue. Staff members are super friendly and Create offers so many different types of classes from painting, drawing gardening, print making and much more. They having an amazing 3D printing facility and a virtual reality experience as well. As a member I receive discounts when I shop at the full service art supply store (the only one in our valley) and also discounts on classes. I love that the center is accessible to everyone. Part of what I do is give tours to people coming in for the first time and they never fail to be amazed at what the 20,000 square foot facility has to offer and how beautiful it is inside. I have met so many new people involved in the arts and as an artist myself, I love seeing the incredible creativity of others!

A true “community” arts center. Create gives back in so many ways. Debra Mumm has created an entity that is part of the fabric of the Coachella Valley.

In my 50s, kids grown, and new to the desert, I was looking for a place to belong. It was through an advertised call for artists “CARE” that Debra Mumm first got my attention. CREATE's CARE show was in direct response to a larger show held in the valley that is known as difficult to get into and I had received a rejection letter from them. However, the painting I had worked so hard on would be shown after all, thanks to CREATE. This was a warm welcome not just for my painting - but for me.

Debra and I spoke at length the first day I walked through the door. I knew immediately that she had a heart for the community and a respect for all artists - all people. I shared with her a dream I had about having a space where everyone felt a part, a space where many things could happen, where people could create and connect. Debra was years ahead of me with this vision and making it a reality here in Palm Desert. I was so thankful CREATE was here for me at this moment in my life.

Now, four years into my relationship with CREATE, I can say I have this beautiful desert family that I never would’ve known had this organization not existed. I have had many opportunities to grow as an artist through classes such as life drawing and printmaking which are passions of mine. Just as important to me is the opportunity to use my skills as a volunteer to contribute in many ways. CREATE’s core value of reaching people through art completely aligns with mine. It feels amazing to interact with people whose lives are touched because of what is happening within the walls. It is a magical place where I’ve witnessed dreams come true, many of my own.

I came to CREATE for the art but had no idea how important the people would become to me. CREATE is truly my second home.