News / Articles

Are you a High Desert artist? This fall art competition is looking for the best

McKenna Mobley

Victorville Daily Press

McKenna is a reporter for the Daily Press. She can be reached at mmobley@gannett.com.

• The Artists of the High Desert organization is hosting its annual "Fall into Art" contest for local artists.

• Participants can win prizes and have the opportunity to sell their displayed artwork.

  Are you a High Desert artist with a knack for competition? The Artists of the High Desert's annual art contest may just be for you. Not only can artists take home prizes from this competition, but they also have the chance to sell displayed artwork.

  The nonprofit group has hosted the open juried contest, dubbed "Fall into Art," for over 20 years.

  Artists of the High Desert President Lois Papner says the contest has long been a favorite among High Desert artists, thanks to the open theme.

  "We feel everybody has the ability to create art. We are here to provide that opportunity," Papner says of the competition. "Our gallery is small, but I hope that we fill it with wonderful art created by our diverse community in the High Desert."

  The artists have succumbed to hard times in the past, and community support has been monumental in the organization's continuation.

  This year has been big for the Artists of the High Desert. They've had a recent increase in membership, class turnout and art teachers.

  Papner says the nonprofit board members are hopeful that many members will participate in this year’s art competition. Visit ahdart.org to sign up or for more information.

Submit your art now

Artists may enter two works of art in each category that have never been submitted to a Fall into Art competition before. Artwork will be hung in the nonprofit's gallery until the beginning of January 2026.

There are prizes and ribbons for each category winner. The first-place prize is $50 and donations from local art supply stores.

Art may also be listed for sale during the competition. Artists of the High Desert profits 15% of the sale price on sold works.

For individuals interested, work must be submitted by the end of October. The public can attend the award ceremony and reception from 1 to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8.

Artists of the High Desert

The Hesperia Art Club started in September 1965, when five women met at an oil painting class at Victor Valley College. They soon accumulated enough community support to organize as a nonprofit organization, offering classes, a studio and a gallery.

Artists of the High Desert was and continues to be one of the only organizations in the Victor Valley open to teaching children and adults about the arts. Classes range from painting and still life drawing to clay and birdhouse construction workshops.

The volunteer-based Hesperia art club completely rebranded for its 60th anniversary in June and moved into a new space located at 9648 9th Ave. Ste 8, Hesperia.