A mountainous art display, a village in an abandoned marine base and an eclectic outdoor display of artwork…that is what you’ll find at Salvation Mountain, Slab City and East Jesus. After hearing about this interesting place we had to go check it out for ourselves. That was a decision we won’t regret. You will get to walk inside and on top of a bright colorfully painted mountain as you learn about an eccentric man with a vision. Another mile down the road, through an area that many “wanderers” call home, you will come to an area known as East Jesus. It looks like someone raided a salvage yard and created art out of their findings, but in reality most of the art was moved from temporary art displays into this permanent home.
What is it?
This area is in the Colorado Desert not far from The Salton Sea. Salvation Mountain was created by a local resident Leonard Knight using straw and adobe. It is a collection of numerous murals and areas painted with Christian sayings and Bible verses, with its philosophy being written around the Sinners Prayer.
Slab City is a large community made up of mostly snowbirds in the California Desert. It was formed on concrete slabs that remain from an abandoned World War II Marine Corps base. During the winter, several thousand snowbirds stay here free of charge and there are only a few that remain in the hot summer months.
East Jesus is a refuge for artists, musicians, survivalists, writers, scientists, laymen and other wandering geniuses. At first glance it looks like a recycling pile, but it is really an artists paradise.
Good to know:
Open year round sun up to sun down
Free
Lots of parking
Before you go, check out www.eastjesus.org and read the survival guide and learn about the hundreds of artists that have worked so hard to create this amazing place
“One man’s trash is another man’s treasure” is a great phrase to keep in mind. Go in with an open mind and you will be amazed at the cool things you will see in this sculpture garden. My kids left with a strong desire to build and create, and with a new appreciation for art, and you may too.
