During our trip into Borrego Springs to visit the museum, we came across some interesting metal sculptures along the side of the highways.  A large prehistoric bird, some mammoths, sabertooth cats, and wild horses.  These sculptures were an unexpected surprise out in the desert and the kids were excited about seeing them.

Ranger Hank at the Visitor Center was more than happy to answer our questions about these unique pieces of art.  According to Ranger Hank, these sculptures were all commissioned by Dennis Avery.  Dennis Avery is the son of the founder of Avery Labels.  When his children were younger, it was his wish to raise them in a rural area and give them a small-town education.  He purchased over 50 acres in the Borrego Springs area, which became Galleta Meadows.  During his travels, as he was driving down I-10, he came across a business which sold lawn art.  He stopped and talked to the owner of the business, Ricardo Breceda.  Avery wanted Breceda to create a sculpture of an animal that was native to the Borrego area, such as a mammoth or sabertooth cat.  Thus began a long business relationship.

In addition to his home, Avery added a tourist resort, country club, and golf course to Galleta Meadows.  However, probably the most interesting additions were the various metal sculptures that he has commissioned Breceda to create and spread around the property, extending all the way to the highway.

Breceda creates these sculptures by welding scrap metal and wire together, then pounding them into shapes by using hammers and sledgehammers.  The detail on each sculpture is unique and amazing, and pictures really don’t do justice to his creations.

Avery used these sculptures as a way to catch people’s attention and draw them into Galleta Meadows.  Just a few miles north of the State Park entrance, the property looks like a gated community.  Upon approach of the gates, you will see that it is open to the public.  Tourists can drive through the estate and get a close up view of all the sculptures which also includes tortoises, elephants, sloths, camels, and dancing dinosaurs.  By far, the most interesting sculpture for our kids was on the drive up to the estate, where we encountered a dragon so large that it extended across both sides of the road.  That one got a big “WOW!” from the backseat of our car!

If you get the opportunity to drive to Borrego Springs and visit the museum, it is well worth taking a few extra minutes to explore the creative work of Ricardo Breceda based on the vision of Dennis Avery.