Our mission is to preserve Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Museum of Assemblage Sculpture in Joshua Tree, CA and to promote the values embodied in his life's work.
In 1998, Purifoy’s representative and colleague of many years, Sue A. Welsh, suggested to Purifoy the importance of preserving his outdoor desert art museum of assemblage sculpture in Joshua Tree. The following year the Noah Purifoy Foundation (NPF) was formally established as a 501© 3 non-profit private foundation.
NPF Primary Activities
Preservation and maintenance of Noah Purifoy's existing works of art.
Maintenance of the 10-acre Noah Purifoy Desert Art Museum of Assemblage Sculpture for public engagement, tours and educational programs.
Curatorial assistance to provide visitors a coherent explanation of the desert museum project, its development, its relationship to the story of America during Noah's lifetime and the recognition of Noah Purifoy as a world leader in the genre of assemblage art.
Organization of Purifoy’s papers and development of research opportunities for national and international artists and scholars to review his lifetime oeuvre.
NPF Accomplishments
Since its establishment in 1999, the trustees of the Noah Purifoy Foundation have:
Acquired 2.5 acres where Noah Purifoy‘s studio is located through a generous donation from the family of artist Debby Brewer, colleague of Purifoy at the Watts Towers Art Center and emeritus board member.
Received from Noah Purifoy the donation of his on-site art deeded to the foundation for preservation and public appreciation.
Addition of nearby 7.5 acres for Purifoy to expand his practice through a donation by artist and trustee Ed Ruscha for a total environment of 10 acres.
Hosted international conferences, local educational programs and annual Open Houses.
NPF’s mission is to preserve and maintain the site Noah Purifoy developed in Joshua Tree, California as a permanent cultural center and sculpture park open to the public; to promote public recognition and appreciation for the values that Noah Purifoy’s work as artist and educator has embodied; and to pursue these goals in a manner that protects Noah Purifoy’s contribution as an artist and educator.
