Lilia Gracia Castro: A Contemporary View of Pre-Columbian Art features the paintings and mixed media works of this accomplished artist from Mexico City; rich in texture, vibrant color, and mythological associations, Gracia Castro's work is distinguished by the unique way that she incorporates the local sand and soil of dry riverbeds and beaches of the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico, mixing organic and inorganic materials that also include ash, inks, and acrylic pigments. The exhibition, scheduled to coincide with Hispanic Heritage Month at College of the Desert, opens to the public at COD's Walter N. Marks Center for the Arts on Monday September 12, with an artist's reception that is also free and open to the public on Wednesday September 14 from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; entertainment, with vocals and guitar accompaniment, will be provided by local musicians Maria de Los Angeles Beltran and Maria Refugio Marron. The Marks Art Center is open Monday through Thursday from 12:00-4:00 p.m. and by appointment (760)776-7278)