We had the good fortune of connecting with William Schinsky and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi William, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Risk, professional and creative, is an essential. Ignoring risk will result in mediocrity. I do not participate in physical risk. While on active duty in Viet Nam in 1968-69, I promised myself that if I returned alive, I would pursue a professional career that made me happy. Subsequent to Viet Nam, I returned to college as a US History major. Taking the required Intro to Art class envigorated me so much I changed my major to Art. Once I found myself in the real world, I have always said “Yes” to employment, projects or other professional involvements that promised something new and exciting. I continue to produce programs and Art that do not follow the current local trends.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
As an Arts Administrator, my career has been, like many, knowing the right people, and being at the right place at the right time. While the Director, Visual Arts Program, Southern Arts Federation, I directed the growth of the visual arts touring program from seven to twenty-three exhibitions hosted by small to medium sized museums and university galleries. Without the touring program, hosting institutions would never have been able to organize projects of the same scope and quality for their respective communities. Starting the Coachella Valley Art Center has been my most satisfying accomplishment. Taking a former newspaper printing facility and filling it with working artists and quality exhibitions was and is not easy, but always satisfying. CVAC has allowed me to once again make Art. My professional journey has been made easier by others who often times believed more in my capabilities than I did myself. The greatest challenge has always been belief in myself. Finally learning to trust and believe others- their sincerity and advice made getting over the hurdles easier. The lessons absorbed by LISTENING have saved and energized me.

A friend once said my tombstone will say- “He Always Looked Good”. After an amazing career, I would rather it said- “He did what others would not do and always championed the unknown.”

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Monday & Tuesday- roam around the Coachella Valley. Visit the mid-century modern neighborhoods ,the Palm Springs Museum, Cabots Museum and the CV Preserve. Wednesday & Thursday- concentrate on the Eastern Coachella Valley.

Indio, the only desert city that maintains an original downtown. Time spent in the agricultural area and, of course, a visit to the Salton Sea.

Friday- all visitors demand a trip to Joshua Tree/ Yucca Valley. All expect “old town” desert. What you now see is rampant growth and gentrification.

Saturday & Sunday- introductions to artists and their studios I believe to be the best in the valley.

Eating, drinking, etc., will only be done at the best “unknown” places.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are a number of people I have known or worked with whose influence has kept me ture to myself and the creative path I am on. While Director of the Newport Harbor Museum, CA, Thomas Garver became my mentor. He introduced me to the Los Angeles Art community. Specifically, Ruth S. Schaffner who invited me to work with her at her Los Angeles Gallery. Ruth’s life and relationships with international artists gave me knowledge and experience never available in school. Although I have had several remarkable professional positions, it is the individual artists and art professionals time was spent with who I continue to use as creative fuel. The most vital have been Lenore Tawney, Benny Andrews, John McLaughlin and Sol LeWitt.

Website: coachellavalleyartcenter.org wm-marquez.com

Instagram: schinskywilliam

Twitter: @cvacindio

Facebook: William Schinsky

Youtube: Coachella Valley Art Center

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