a field guide to explore express engage evolve
Whitewashed walls catch golden light
As shadows stretch across stone paths
Time moves like honey here—
Slow, sweet, eternal
Bloomsbury in the Desert is a space for connection—between people, place, and ideas.
During the pandemic's urban exodus and with family in the Palm Springs area, we discovered a second home, trading city life for the stark beauty of the desert.
What started as a temporary retreat became something more—a deep appreciation for the landscape’s raw elegance (all jagged silhouettes of mountains, cactus blossoms, and mineral springs) and for the warm creative community we found here.
We host gatherings that bring together friends, locals, and fellow transplants to engage with the region’s culture. The architecture alone tells a story—from the crisp lines of mid-century modernism to Spanish Revival haciendas and vintage Airstreams. Beyond that, we’ve uncovered desert art installations, well-curated museum collections, and a rich network of working artists. The creative spirit extends into performance—spoken word, intimate concerts, and music festivals that transform the landscape into a stage.
For those drawn to movement, the desert offers its own kind of rhythm—hiking at sunrise, biking through wide vistas, or a well-placed shot on the tennis or pickleball court. Even familiar pastimes feel different here, shaped by space and light.
And yet, we’re still discovering.
Erik Press and Kirsten Hanson-Press