Monster Art In The Desert -> The Metal Wonders Of Galleta Meadows
Sometime in 2007, Dennis Avery had a vision. In fact it was more than a vision, it was a towering image that rose right before his eyes and gripped him in a way he wasn’t expecting. The life-changing visual was a 20-foot Tyrannosaurus Rex sculpted out of metal by an unemployed construction worker in Perris, CA. Dennis saw the beauty from the freeway and suddenly his mind expanded. He imagined a whole creation of these creatures roaming his land in Borrego Springs, bringing back the prehistoric to the present…and free for all to see. It was a genius vision!
It may not have happened exactly like that, but the story is pretty darn close to true. Dennis actually saw that T-Rex and contracted Ricardo Breceda to create his dream in the desert. The result was a partnership that continues to create and inspire to this day. Welcome to the metal wonders of Galleta Meadows!
Paul and I first saw these beauties ~2 years ago. In fact anyone entering Borrego Springs can’t help but see them. The massive welded metal sculptures erupt on both sides of Borrego Springs Road just south of town and sprinkle the landscape for miles going north, offering giant-size visuals of prehistoric animals, wild horses, birds, camels, pigs and a slew of other creations, most of which are based on actual animals that roamed the land in Borrego Springs. There are huge mammoths, giant dinosaurs, a 30-foot eagle and…the latest masterpiece…a 350-foot serpent.
This latest baby is quite the special girl. She was just installed in July, 2011 and snakes her way under the road with one segment and a massive tail showing on the other side of the road from her monstrous front. She took 4 months and $40,000 to create and is the biggest, most impressive sculpture to date. She creates an overwhelming impression and it’s easy to lose the exceptional detail of the work unless you look closely.
Paul and I spent a couple of hours driving around in the desert (most of it on dirt roads) exploring the installation map. Apparently there are ~130 sculptures out here, all of it on Dennis’s private land and all of it completely free to the public. You can even boondock (3-day limit) out here and completely immerse yourself in the art. The harsh desert sun ages many of the sculptures to beautiful shades of brown, and there’s a special piece that speaks to everyone. Few would have had the inspiration to see a vision like this, but Dennis and Ricardo have sculpted a creation that is truely a wonder for everyone to see. I thank you deeply, maestri!
This is awesome. We totally need to make it out there. Thank you for sharing.
It totally is…and there’s plenty of space for ZEPHYR out here. You guys would totally dig it.
Nina
Great post and great photos. I definitely will put this on our to do list for winter 20112/13.
Most definitely worth the stop. This is a great little town and the surrounding State Park is pretty cool too.
Nina
you all are living the dream! we love it!
Thanks…it really does feel like a dream sometimes and I love every minute of it! Nina
A Creative mind is a wonderful thing
It is indeed! Nina
I’ve been reading your “Wheeling It” travel log for months now and absolutely love it. The photography is top notch and I especially enjoy the links to more detailed information embedded in your script. Thank you for your continued hard work.
So happy the blog is inspiring and interesting to folks. Love the sharing!
Nina
Added to our bucket list!!! Can’t wait
Well worth adding to the bucket list! I endorse it 🙂
Nina
They really are fun, and there are so many of them all around the town. Our favorite is the piece depicting the farmers or farm workers.
Will you get to Joshua Tree in your travels? If so, don’t miss the tour of the Keys ranch, really interesting.
Jerry,
They really are!! We didn’t get to see the farm workers so I’m going back out to check those out today. Thanks for the tip!
Nina
I love art like this! I hadn’t heard of these before, but when we’re in that area again I’d love to check them out.
It’s definitely worth the trip!
Nina
Superb! Love you blog, guys.
Thank you! Appreciate the comment 🙂
Nina
Cool! We saw them when we drove through but didn’t get a chance to learn the background.
Yeah, it’s an interesting little story, isn’t it. Love the fact that the owner has made this all availible to the public for free. What a deal!
Nina
Love the desaturation on the first shot. Nicely done!
Mark
Mark,
Thanks!! I had so much fun w/ that shot.
Nina
Amazing, we lived in SoCal for several years not far from there. It’s funny how you don’t see things when there right there in your back yard. So glad were on the road and not missing anything now.
Oh I’m so with you. Some of the places we’ve lived in over the years we’ve missed a ton of things to see. We definitely see so much more now that we’re on the road.
Nina