When Los Angeles art curator, Kris Kuramitsu, was chosen by the Under The Sun Foundation (Avery children Halina, Chris and Theo) to implement a celebration of art reflecting their father's most creative and loving qualities: inspirational, philanthropic, quirky, approachable, generous and open spirited, she knew just where to recruit her artists. It was in the streets, neighborhoods and schools in Los Angeles where real and gritty life was happening. She chose artists who could connect with every-day folks, everyday happenings and everyday struggles.

This is just how Dennis Avery would have it be. He would wish to give dignity and recognition to all the people who make up the community of Borrego Springs – a community he loved and cherished for many years. His children attended our local schools and he generously built and supported an unknown number of projects for our town, for the Borrego Springs Unified School District, for the Boys and Girls Club and for the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

Dennis Avery's legacy is huge and all encompassing. Perhaps many of us know him best for his support of the construction by Ricardo Breceda of the Sky Art Metal Sculptures in Galleta Meadows, scattered around Borrego Springs. Dennis' desire, in the construction of these, was to create a space, both physical and figurative, where we encourage people to engage with the arts, our natural environment and with one another. Judging by the number of locals and tourists who are drawn to these fanciful and fun constructions, Dennis has been highly successful!

His children's Under The Sky Foundation is following in their father's footsteps and using their wealth for educational, artistic and public causes. Hooray for them for pouring their time, talent and resources into our local community and for recognizing the uniqueness that is Borrego Springs. This is just what Dennis Avery wished for them to do. They are keeping his legacy alive through their love and support of Borrego Springs.

Now it's your turn to benefit from Dennis Avery's creative, quirky and off-beat view on art, community and Borrego Springs! The Candlewood Arts Festival is coming to town, Feb. 29 – March 29, 2020. It is all over the place, it's fun, it's unpredictable, it's artistic and downright Dennis-Avery-Like. Come and experience it. Your love and appreciation for Borrego Springs will be taken to a new level.

You could start by going to the website: https://candlewoodartsfes-tival.org/2020/events

Or just hop on the shuttle bus at Christmas Circle at 10 a.m. on Feb. 29 ,and take a tour of the "art spots" around town. You will be introduced to all aspects of Candlewood and you will experience art as you've never known. Some of it is temporary and with the right gust of wind, it could end up in Salton Sea for a totally unexpected art show (Dennis might think this hilarious).

Or you could attend the grand opening and reception on Saturday, Feb. 29, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the former library in The Mall. At this event, you will be treated to a revealing look at Borrego Springs through the camera lens.

bring you to tears as you read our students' stories of immigration to the USA – personal stories built into an incredible sculpture. Or you might want to experience the poetry and music of an artist whose work is ephemeral; look the other way and it's gone.

Be sure to catch the schedule of events as drop-in workshops are offered throughout the month and artists will be visiting and interacting with the public at various locations. All are welcome to participate and meet Curator Kris and her fine group of incredibly talented artists.

Please come and partake in this truly unique artistic experience. Dennis Avery would hope to see you there. His children wish to see you there. Borrego Springs wants you there. Be a part of what makes us special.