Best Multimedia
A nonprofit exhibition space founded by artist Cristopher Cichocki’s Epicenter Projects in partnership with Paris-based Fondation LAccolade–Institut de France, The Elemental in Palm Springs mounts surprising exhibitions featuring a cross-section of artists interested in the environment and our impact on it. Recent shows have included works by Mona Kuhn, Aaron Giesel, Ed Ruscha, Lance Gerber, Glen Wexler, Zoe Crosher, Jeff Frost, Barbara Gothard, and Francesca Gabbiani.
Best Sense of Humor
Expect the unexpected — like a gumball machine loaded with painkillers, razor blades, dice, joints, and tiny bottles of booze, or “pill art” with titles like “Lunch With Mother” and “Palm Springs Weekend.” Powered by its namesake’s wicked sense of humor and creative talent, The Michael Weems Collection in Palm Springs cleverly exhibits his colorful “campfire” sculptures alongside gut-busting novelties and gifts, such as drink coasters with one-liners like “I was going to give you a nasty look, but I see you already have one.”