Noah Purifoy Foundation

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Noah Purifoy Foundation Our mission is to preserve Noah Purifoy’s Outdoor Museum of Assemblage Sculpture in Joshua Tree, C
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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.

“In assemblage the artist gives up the desire to control the components and allows the objects to discover their own rel...
10/07/2026

“In assemblage the artist gives up the desire to control the components and allows the objects to discover their own relatioships.” — Noah Purifoy

➰➿➰➿➰☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️
09/27/2026

➰➿➰➿➰☁️☁️☁️☁️☁️

Windows of “The White House” (1990-93). 🪟👀
08/28/2026

Windows of “The White House” (1990-93). 🪟👀

A visitor surprised us by slipping their sketch of Noah in the brochure and donation box! We welcome contributions of al...
08/06/2026

A visitor surprised us by slipping their sketch of Noah in the brochure and donation box! We welcome contributions of all kinds. 😉 Thank you!

Visit our website for more opportunities to contribute.

Great to see Noah and “66 Signs of Neon” (1966) included in The New York Times T: The NYTimes Style Magazine ‘s list, “T...
08/05/2026

Great to see Noah and “66 Signs of Neon” (1966) included in The New York Times T: The NYTimes Style Magazine ‘s list, “The 25 Sculptures That Define the Modern Age.”

Visit the link in our bio to read more of the conversation and see the full list! 🌟

“We are saddened by the loss of Betye Saar. A fearless visionary, Betye expanded the language of contemporary art with w...
07/29/2026

“We are saddened by the loss of Betye Saar. A fearless visionary, Betye expanded the language of contemporary art with work that was urgent, irreverent, intelligent, and graceful. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Her relationship with Noah Purifoy was just one part of their mutual artistic universe, one rooted in experimentation, Black cultural memory, and a steadfast belief in the power of art to make change. At the Noah Purifoy Foundation, we also celebrate Betye’s role as a staunch supporter who uplifted us with her encouragement and presence. She will be missed dearly and not forgotten.“ Joe Lewis, President NPF

Slide to see a few of the beautiful e-cards we’ve loved and appreciated receiving throughout the years.
❤️❤️❤️

Vintage images of “Sage at Sage”, 1996-97. Meet you there.
07/22/2026

Vintage images of “Sage at Sage”, 1996-97. Meet you there.

No snow required— Noah’s “Igloo” (1992) holds up at 104°F!
07/10/2026

No snow required— Noah’s “Igloo” (1992) holds up at 104°F!

Archival materials from the 1960s: a portrait by Robert A. Nakamura photographed in Noah’s Los Angeles studio, alongside...
06/28/2026

Archival materials from the 1960s: a portrait by Robert A. Nakamura photographed in Noah’s Los Angeles studio, alongside Noah’s poetry, layout, and design work featured in UNTITLED magazine.

The magazine was produced by Joined for the Arts, a Watts-based nonprofit collective in which Noah was actively involved, and was part of a broader effort to foster creativity, community, and cultural exchange through the arts in the years following the Watts uprising.

Archival materials from the 1960s: a portrait by Robert A. Nakamura photographed in Noah’s Los Angeles studio, alongside...
06/21/2026

Archival materials from the 1960s: a portrait by Robert A. Nakamura photographed in Noah’s Los Angeles studio, alongside Noah’s poetry, layout, and design work featured in UNTITLED magazine. The magazine was produced by Joined for the Arts, a Watts-based nonprofit collective in which Noah was actively involved, and was part of a broader effort to foster creativity, community, and cultural exchange through the arts in the years following the Watts uprising.

Address

63030 Blair Lane
Joshua Tree, CA
92252

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 7pm
Tuesday 8am - 7pm
Wednesday 8am - 7pm
Thursday 8am - 7pm
Friday 8am - 7pm
Saturday 8am - 7pm
Sunday 9am - 7pm

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