Slab City earned it’s named from the remaining “slabs” of World War II Marine Corps Camp Dunlap training camp. It is four miles east of Niland, California, and south-east of the Salton Sea…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
The eclectic art community consists mainly of eccentrics, outcasts, retirees, artists, and anarchists!
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
The community survives off of tourism and donations - it offers a free lending library, an outdoor music venue called The Range, and Leonard Knight’s Salvation Mountain…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
The settlement also includes an internet cafe, hostel, and skatepark built inside what remains of the military base swimming pool…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
It is estimated that the majority of the winter residents are over the age of 60, and are recreational vehicle owners from all across the U.S. and “Canadia.”…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
Many Veterans including Leonard Knight (creator of Salvation Mt.) inhabit the camp, and some identify as anarchists. In December 2019 44 fugitives hiding in Slab City were apprehended. It’s a good place to “hide” many say…
East Jesus is an art community within Slab City. It doesn’t have a religious connotation, instead “it is a colloquialism for a place in the middle of nowhere beyond the edge of serviceability.”…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
East Jesus was named by Charlie Russell who left his position in the technology industry and surrounded himself with sculptures. He took on the nickname of Container Charlie before his death in 2011…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
Say “hi” to Maggie from East Jesus…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
Honest opinions are always welcome in East Jesus, and Slab City…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
East Jesus features a variety of experimental art…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
One resident refers to the art as “salvagepunk.”
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
“East Jesus pieces are described as decaying, or growing, but always in a state of transformation…”
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
Many works are added and many decay in the harsh climate of Slab City…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
The summers can become pretty intense between June, and through September where the average daily high is 120 degrees!
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
In those summer months, only about 150 residents remain. Many taking care of the sculptures, art and structures within the community…
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler
The Future of Slab City is unknown as the land is technically owned by the State of California and the Lands Commission is considering having the land appraised for sale to local energy companies…. Lithium is abundant within the Salton Trough (of Slab City) and in great demand given the rise of Electrical Vehicles and its niche industry!
Film Photograph by Adam Chrysler