Salvation Mountain inspires art community

NILAND, Calif. (KYMA, KSWT, T3)

Salvation Mountain has become a destination hot spot in the valley.

With many visitors traveling hundreds of miles just to emerge themselves in the unique place that Slab City has become. 

Slab City was put on the map by Leonard Knight in 1984 when he created Salvation Mountain. His mission was to spread God's love through his artwork.

Although he died just 5 years ago, his message continues to flourish.

“Me, I’m not very religious, but I love what he thought. If everyone loved each other this world would be a better place,” said Shannon Wild, Salvation Mountain docent.

A peaceful and free place is how Shannon describes Slab City. 

Shannon left the city life and moved to Slab City almost 10 years ago, she says it was one of the best decisions she ever made. 

“It’s a great community and it’s grown so much. Even the tourist, there’s so many tourists that come out,” said Shannon. 

“It started to become an art community a lot of art and music. A lot of people either play an instrument or they’re artistic. We get a lot of snowbirds from Canada, and all over the place that come here. In the winter we have about 3,000 people and in the summer there is about 200 to 300 people,” said Shannon. 

Shannon said that in the last decade Salvation Mountain has become a huge tourist attraction.

They receive tourists wanting to explore every inch of Slab City.

Chris Cho said he’s been organizing tours to Slab City for almost two years now.

He said there’s something magical about the place that attracts his clients.  

“Today I brought some people from Korea and Japan,  they love it,” said Cho. 

“I just think it’s so awesome that people from all over the world come here to look at this mountain,” said Ester Leyvas, Westmorland resident. 

A museum in the wild, with no rules and an endless imagination

“We want all the junk in the garage, bring it down here and we’ll turn it into art,” said Wizard, East Jesus docent. 

East Jesus, is an interactive art museum made entirely out of recyclables that people donate.

“We’re a non-profit organization and we're a member of the California Museum Association. Wizard doesn't consider himself as an artist, but he says there is something about Slab City that motivates him to create.

He describes Slab City as an art vortex that pulls creative minds in. 

Everywhere you turn there is someone using their self-expression to create art.

“Over ten years and over 200 artists have contributed to the art here. Anyone who works with their minds or their hands, they are creating art. Some is totally non-functional, but it is all art, it is all joy,” said Wizard. 

When people visit East Jesus, Wizard wants them to feel inspired.

Inspiration is what 9-year-old Lincoln Kirshna traveled three hours for.

“I’m doing an art project at my school, to showcase people’s beliefs in the desert using art,” said Lincoln. 

Lincoln said it’s the first time he visits a place like this one.

“People are using their time, to express Jesus. I’m inspired because I want to become an artist when I grow up,” said Lincoln. 

“I would say that they didn’t have to come here that they can create this wherever they are,” said Wizard. 

Wizard says it’s a landmark that artists can always count on for inspiration.

“A lot of people come and you can see they are taken back, a few people walk out crying because they are so moved,” said Shannon. 

Some people come for a picture others come for a spiritual awakening, but Shannon says no one leaves unchanged.