Desert Jet, the premier full-service business aviation company based at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport in Thermal, California, featured the works of legendary local artist Tim Townsley at its executive FBO (Fixed Base Operator) terminal and hangar facility, Desert Jet Center at KTRM, one year ago in November 2021 as part of its artist series. The eclectic collection chosen for display has intrigued and delighted travelers who have flown to the FBO throughout the year.

Tim Townsley began his career in Los Angeles, where he was born and raised. He received his BA in art from California State University Los Angeles and held a Masters of Fine Art from Otis Art Institute. Townsley taught mural painting through the UCLA Extension program and, for eight years, taught figure drawing, color theory, and painting at the California Institute of the Arts.

Over time, Townsley gained extensive experience in the entertainment industry, painting matte paintings and backings for motion pictures. He also painted murals in several theme parks, including Disneyland, Sea World, and Six Flags. From 2000 to his sudden death in 2018, he continued to paint murals for retail stores and was commissioned by UC Riverside for its C-Cert Building and by UCLA for its Friends of Jazz program.

Townsley lived and worked at his home studio in the Cove area of Cathedral City. In 2013, his artwork was recognized by the Artists Council of the Palm Springs Art Museum and was awarded the Free Spirit Prize. With his work featured on the cover of ArtLA, Townsley received recognition as one of the 100 Best Artists in California. His work was exhibited on an electronic billboard on West Hollywood’s Sunset Strip and selected for the Los Angeles Art Association’s “Out There” 2016 exhibition.

Desert Jet proudly displayed works by Townsley throughout its terminal, including the hallways, conference room, and pilots’ lounge. They included his series of jazz musicians and entertainers, Palm Springs architecture, eclipse series, and a baseball trading card-based portrait of Mickey Mantle. The Tim Townsley art collection will exhibit next at the JJ Harrington Gallery in Cathedral City.

“It has been an honor to have Tim Townsley’s work in our FBO,” said Desert Jet CEO Jared Fox. “We thank the family for their partnership and grace while working with our team and for exhibiting Tim’s art for our staff and visitors to enjoy.”

About Desert Jet

Desert Jet is a group of aircraft management, charter, maintenance, and FBO companies based in Palm Springs/Thermal, California (KTRM). Desert Jet is a full-service aviation company providing jet owners with turn-key management for their aircraft.

Desert Jet’s on-demand charter offers private flyers a smarter alternative to fractional aircraft ownership and expensive membership programs. Desert Jet is committed to safety and security and is ARGUS Platinum rated, Wyvern Wingman certified, and IS-BAO Stage 3 registered.

Desert Jet Maintenance is an FAA-certified Part 145 Repair Station offering scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance and repair services to a wide variety of aircraft.

Desert Jet Center is a world-class independent FBO serving the needs of the business and the general aviation community at the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport (KTRM). The brand new 32,500-square-foot executive facility features a state-of-the-art, modern terminal and the only air-conditioned hangar in the entire Coachella Valley. Desert Jet Center is NATA Safety 1st certified and a designated NATA Safety 1st Clean location.

For more information about our services, visit www.desertjet.com or call (800) 381-JETS.