Murals Transform Desert Hot Springs Into a Cultural Canvas

Desert Hot Springs is undergoing a creative transformation, and it’s happening one mural at a time.
Twelve new murals have been unveiled throughout the city as part of a partnership between Desert Hot Springs and art curator Casey Zoltan.
The initiative, which began with one mural in 2023, has grown into a full-blown public art campaign aimed at sparking tourism and revitalizing the local economy.
"People like experiences," said a city manager Doria Wilms. "We want to create a place in the city where experiences can be had."
That place? Downtown Desert Hot Springs—specifically along Pierson Boulevard and Palm Drive.
Each mural, ranging from vibrant realism to modern abstract, invites residents and visitors to stop, look, and engage with the space around them.
The city timed the art reveal with festival season, hoping to attract foot traffic from nearby events like Coachella and Stagecoach.
The project, curated by Zoltan—owner of Known Gallery—brought in big-name artists like Shepard Fairey, founder of Obey Clothing.
"It’s been really fun to watch people post about it," said Zoltan. "We’ve had visitors from Mexico City and Mexicali come just to check out the artwork."
The murals are already making an economic impact. Businesses like Espresso Self, a café along Pierson Boulevard, report increased foot traffic and customer interest.
"People usually pass us by," said one employee. "But since the murals went up, more people are stopping to take pictures—and coming in for coffee."
Residents say the public art has given the city a new identity, sparking pride and community connection.
One woman shared how the city’s vibe has changed for the better: "This art is really bringing in a different kind of people."