Planning commission approves 'Art and Barbie' studio on Pearson Boulevard

The Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission on June 9 unanimously approved Development Permit 26-1 to allow an art studio called “Art and Barbie” on a vacant parcel along Pearson Boulevard. The commission certified a Class 32 categorical exemption under CEQA and approved the permit with a condition requiring the developer to work with city staff on revised architectural plans.

Staff said the project, proposed by Deborah Williams, would develop a roughly 15-acre site just east of West Drive in the city’s commercial downtown zoning district and would include a two‑story, approximately 3,000-square-foot building designed for public and private events, art classes, pop-up exhibits and photo shoots. The design features roll-up doors to allow indoor‑outdoor flexibility, vertical siding and an orange diamond motif on the façade. Staff advised that the project conforms to zoning and recommended approval subject to the conditions and findings in the staff report.

Williams told the commission she intends the space to host community‑oriented programming and to help “jumpstart the arts district,” noting a landscaped front yard, open studio areas and a mezzanine level for working artists. “I’m all excited about having an art gallery here that hopefully will interest other artists to come and do the same,” Williams said.

Local artists and residents who spoke at the public hearing supported the proposal. Salai Kirby, an art instructor at the senior center, said Williams has exhibited widely and the studio would draw visitors to Desert Hot Springs. Vicky Nelson said Williams has exhibited at the Smithsonian and could attract well‑known artists to the city. “This is the type of business that will bring more tourism and awareness to the talents that are out here,” Kirby said.

The commission’s approval includes the staff‑recommended condition that the developer submit revised architectural plans to “help enhance the overall design” of the building; staff said the condition was intended to improve visual clarity for Pearson Boulevard as future design standards are developed. The approval was recorded as a unanimous vote by the commissioners present.

The project record cites CEQA Section 15332 (Class 32, in‑fill development) as the basis for the categorical exemption, and staff found the proposal consistent with the general plan and zoning. The applicant will next coordinate with city staff on the required plan revisions per the conditions of approval.