What began as a dream several years ago has now blossomed into a full-fledged art district in Palm Springs.

Located on South Cherokee Way, across from The Parker Hotel and behind The Estate Sale and the Mercedes-Benz of Palm Springs dealership, the Backstreet Art District is the place to be the first Wednesday of every month from 6 to 9 pm for the “Backstreet Art Walk”. With 10 galleries located next to each other, the variety of artwork presented each month from many of the artists in residence, as well as other featured artists, keeps bring back locals, as well as art lovers from all across southern California.

First on the block is Dezart One Gallery that opened more than eight years ago. “Back then,” says co-owner Kim Chasen, “we were located on the back of this L-shaped block of buildings amidst some consignment stores. No one could see us. But about 4 years ago, the landlord had an opening on the front and we took it. And, in turn, as vacancies opened up other artists moved in and opened new galleries. Of course, since then, several have come and gone, but we are now almost entirely an artist’s space.”

Other galleries there now include Art by Peter, Galerie Mystere, I.M.A.G.E.S. by Gideon, Red Dot Gallery, Studio 13, Ted Phillip Denton Studio, The Space, and Trevor Goss Studio. Besides the first Wednesday art walk, most of the galleries are open Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm during the season. (Be sure to call or email each individual gallery to make sure they are open.)

In addition to the visual art available in this vibrant location, special performance and theatrical artistic events are also scheduled and held at the galleries. These include poetry readings, music and theatrical performances.