Hal Hawkins has opened a new art gallery to sell his paintings at the El Patio Courtyard. He is also wanting to establish art teaching classes, and is looking for a person to join him in this endeavor.

"Anybody who would like to join me to please apply to the gallery," he said.

Hawkins painted the murals at the airport restaurant, soon to reopen as The Propeller Bar & Grill. He told the Sun he would be painting a new mural there.

He is going to celebrate his 97th birthday this week, and is still going strong.

There is to be an exhibition of Hal's desert paintings at the House of Borrego Springs Gallery Jan. 24 to Feb. 23.