10/16/2025
This past weekend at the people gathered to share memories of Bobby Furst, one of several major creative forces the hi-desert art community lost this year. We’re resharing this tribute below from the Art Tours catalog, with opening paragraphs* written by Heather Clisby () for Bobby’s obituary that ran at z107.7.
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“Known as the ‘unofficial mayor of Joshua Tree,’ the Morongo Basin lost one of its brightest lights in 2025 with the passing of assemblage artist Bobby Furst. Furst loomed large in the community, not just as an artist but as the developer of a fertile atmosphere of art and acceptance.
An assemblage artist of note, Furst created with found objects - industrial discards, household items, weapons, shell casings, musical instruments, letter blocks - anything ‘unwanted’ that could be repurposed into statement art, with environmental concerns and the futility of war being favored topics. Furst had a gift for breathing new life into the discarded and forgotten as he moved through his unique life with curiosity and compassion.”*
He created Furstwurld, a series of Quonset-hut metal buildings to house his art supplies and finished artworks. His collections include scrap metal, musical instruments, signs and discarded household items. He shared this warm and inviting space with the hi-desert community. It became the ‘living room’ for the creative tribe where folks could hear live music, view performances and screen films. His message to all was always “Get over it. Make it happen.”
Having given greatly of his time and energy to support the local art scene, he built a thriving community through his generosity, inclusiveness and message of love. The desert was blessed to have had him in our lives. We will carry on with his mission of love in our hearts.
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Got some Bobby Memories? Share away in the comments.
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