ART
We recently returned to Borrego Springs, a destination known for the blooming cacti and wildflowers of spring and the always present big sky where stars are on display against a pitch-black sky. I feel that vacations are enhanced when they have a focal point so was delighted to attend an art show featuring Lisa Meldrum’s wonderful collection of mid-century miniature houses. The exhibition is on display till November 28th at the “House of Borrego Springs” a gallery run by Elizabeth Rodriguez at El Patio on Palm Canyon Drive. The gallery is fittingly located in a mid-century modern building designed by Richard M. Zerbe. If you are a fan of this period, then Borrego Springs is well worth a visit offering a more tranquil and less manicured desert retreat to the better-known neighboring Palm Springs.
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Meldrum - Exhibition of Mid-Century Miniature Houses at House of Borrego Springs
Photo Courtesy of Lisa Meldrum - Exhibition of Mid-Century Miniature Houses at House of Borrego Springs
WILDLIFE
Borrego Springs is also rich in wild-life and fall is the mating season for the Peninsular Bighorn Sheep. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a great place to hike, and you may see the bighorns at one of the watering holes.
Peninsular Bighorn Ram Photo by Martin Pierce
Using a zoom lens from a discreet distance we were able to capture their regal elegance and observed a family of bighorns grazing. The ram’s horns are remarkably sculptural with clearly defined ridges. While the ewes also have horns as you can see below, they are smaller and less defined. The Peninsular Bighorn is a sub-species of the Rocky Mountain big horn and the state park plays a critical role in the survival of this endangered animal. Disease, loss of habitat and habitat degradation all play a role in this animals decline. To find out more about the history and characteristics of this splendid mammal visit the Bighorn Institute a non-profit organization devoted to conserving the Bighorns dwindling population.
Top: Ewe Left: Ram Right: Ewe photos by Martin Pierce
When observing the powerful beauty of Bighorn ram’s horns, we were reminded of a smaller set of horns used by the male stag beetle in a similar manner to attract mates and deter younger males. In one of Martin Pierce’s insect sculptures the stag beetle appears as an oversized steel warrior engaged in battle on a background of bronze bark. The sculpture measures 35”W x 15”D x 13”H is part of a limited edition of 30.