On October 22, Tools For Tomorrow (TFT) will present "A Conversation on Art, Love and Life with Karen and Tony Barone" at The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage, from 4-7 p.m.  The cocktail reception on the terrace will be transformed by a spectacular installation of Barone sculptures, music by international acoustic band Faults of Andreas and a silent auction offering Swarovski crystal jewelry, purses and men's luxury accessories. Following the reception, the renowned Barones will be interviewed by radio personalities jimi FITZ and Wendy Jane in the ballroom. The event will benefit TFT's arts literacy program in Coachella Valley elementary schools.

The legendary Barone couple work side-by-side on their large-scale sculptures and paintings. Their interview at The Ritz-Carlton will cover their career, beginning with high-level success in Chicago and continuing to a New York City loft, then a horse farm in eastern Tennessee.  Later they headed west and became a powerful art presence in a massive canal-side studio in Venice Beach. Their last move took them to Rancho Mirage, where they are known for their witty larger-than-life public art, such as the Dalmatian puppy sculptures "R. Hero," the swooping 50-foot sculptural "Forks" at Acqua California Bistro at The River in Rancho Mirage, and their installation of 6 giant rabbits on Highway 111 in Palm Desert.

Seeking a way for art patrons to enjoy their work during Covid safely, the Barones inspired tech guru Jon Orlin to create a smartphone app called "The Karen and Tony Barone Coachella Valley Art Tour." That provides a free map of their sculptures in 21 Valley locations, including Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Library, the Children's Discovery Museum in Rancho Mirage, Town Center Way in Palm Desert, El Paseo in Palm Desert, Terra Lago Fire Station in Indio, among others. (Click on baroneart.glideapp.io to get the map.) In addition, Karen noted, "Families and individuals can drive to each piece at their leisure. Art feeds the soul, and these fun sculptures are the best elixir for these unique times."

The Barones believe that art is a powerful force for good, and philanthropy is interwoven into their projects. They have long been advocates of private sector support and funding of art in public places. The married duo enlists private sector entities to support artworks gifted to children's museums and hospitals, animal shelters, and fire stations as part of their ArtAdoption Program.  They have successfully implemented this concept throughout the Coachella Valley and around the world. "An ultimate goal for us as artists is to share our creativity while spreading as much enjoyment and happiness as possible," said Tony.

The Barones have received many philanthropy awards, including the Barbara Sinatra Distinguished Citizen (2017), Desert Arc's Champions of Change (2019) and Palm Springs Unified School District's Shiny Apple Award (2013). In addition, each year, they create TFT's Vision for the Future Awards sculpture.

Tools For Tomorrow's chair for the event, Claire Smith, exclaimed, "We are so grateful to Karen and Tony Barone for their support of TFT's free after-school program of art, creative writing, music and drama in elementary schools throughout the Valley. Also, we are grateful to our wine sponsors Linda and Manny Rider, for underwriting the bubbly October 22. "

To become a sponsor or buy $125 tickets for "A Conversation on Art, Love and Life with Karen and Tony Barone," visit toolsfortomorrow.org or call 760-601-3954.