Ryan Schmidt's Latest Collection at the 40th Annual Dinner at Desert Botanical Garden

The Desert Botanical Garden will host its 40th Annual Dinner on the Desert on April 25, 2026. This special event promises an enchanting evening set against the stunning backdrop of the desert landscape. Ryan Schmidt’s latest collection will be featured for the first time; as a dedicated supporter of the Garden, he will showcase two different scales of his newest works during the dinner. This celebration supports the Garden’s ongoing efforts in conservation, education, exhibition, and research, ensuring that future generations can continue to cherish and protect the unique desert heritage.

Desert Botanical Gardens featured event Dinner on the Desert

About the Event

The evening begins with cocktails and hand-passed hors d’oeuvres, featuring a silent auction of rare desert plants, unique art, and exceptional travel experiences. As twilight falls, enjoy a spring-inspired dinner under the stars, celebrating the vibrant flavors of the desert. Guests will also experience Desert Pulse, the Garden’s immersive, multi-sensory exhibit—a living portrait of the Sonoran Desert.

For four decades, Dinner on the Desert has honored friendship, vision, and conservation, celebrating the beauty and resilience of the desert while supporting the Garden’s mission in conservation, education, and research for future generations.

Ryan T. Schmidt’s Collection: A Reflection of the Desert

Ryan T. Schmidt is a celebrated contemporary sculptor whose polished stainless steel works capture the light, form, and movement of the desert with striking precision. His latest collection, featured at this year’s event, transforms the natural landscape into elegant, reflective sculptures that engage both space and viewer.

Each piece is meticulously crafted, creating a dynamic interplay of reflection, texture, and environment, making every viewing unique. The collection’s fluid, organic forms are inspired by desert plants, terrain, and light, offering collectors a sophisticated way to bring the essence of the Southwest into private and public spaces.

The collection features:The collection features:

• Polished stainless steel sculptures that mirror desert light and landscape

• Fluid, organic forms inspired by native plants, terrain, and natural movement

• Reflective surfaces that blur the line between object, space, and observer

  
  

Schmidt’s art is not only visually stunning, it invites viewers to experience the desert in a new way; as something alive, dynamic, and constantly in motion. Through reflection and form, his sculptures reveal the quiet complexity and beauty of the Southwest landscape.

This event has SOLD OUT as of February 4, 2026. Visit this website for more information https://dbg.org/events/dod2026/