LOCATION: SPEAKEASY AT PIONEERTOWN MOTEL

What draws collectors to the desert? Is it the light, the isolation, the architecture — or the freedom artists seem to find here?

Moderated by Brian Boucher of ARTnews, this conversation brings together collectors Kevin Comer, Jason Williams, and Patsy Marino, who have developed deep relationships with artists working in and around the high desert.

Together they will discuss how collections begin, how they evolve over time, and what it means to support artists beyond a single acquisition. The panel will explore instinct, risk, long-term vision, and the responsibilities that come with building a collection in a region experiencing rapid cultural growth.

As the high desert continues to attract artists, designers, and cultural institutions, collectors play an essential role in shaping its future. This discussion offers insight into that ecosystem — and what it means to collect with intention.