Joshua Tree Mermaid Parade

Art and culture historian Ed Fuentes asked me to write about Aaron Sheppard’s inaugural mermaid parade in Joshua Tree, California. Prior to living the desert, he thrived as an artist in New York City. One of the highlights of living in the Big Apple was the ability to experience the Mermaid Parade at Coney Island. If you are not familiar with this event, it is by far one of the most expressive, joyous and outlandish public events that attracts people from all over the globe.

Sheppard is a visual and performance artist. His work may be enjoyed in numerous private and public collections. Not one too long for something that once was, he decided to create a version of Coney Island’s Mermaid Parade in Joshua Tree. Thus, Bearded and Shucked was born. In fact, Sheppard’s mermaid creation from this inaugural parade now resides as part of The Barrick Museum’s permanent collection.

Here is a link to the article I wrote, including photographs I took: ARTISTS GUIDE MERMAIDS THROUGH THE DESERT. I hope anyone reading this might consider participating in Bearded and Shucked. It has become a fun annual event.