The Artwork of Ricardo Breceda
If you could somehow turn back the clock and take a visit to the Borrego Valley of the ancient past, you might see creatures such as the Columbian Mammoth, the giant bird Aiolornis, Camels, the elephant-like Gomphothere and the Sabertooth Cat.
The fossils of all these animals have been found nearby in some of the most extensive and well-preserved paleontology sites in all of North America. They really did live here! Now, through the artwork of Ricardo Breceda, the shadows of these prehistoric creatures once again cast a shadow on the desert sand.
Breceda’s work is not restricted to just the animals that roamed here in ancient times. His sculptures celebrate the history and culture of the area, the desert environment and pure fantasy.
The story of how Breceda’s artwork came to be located here is as fascinating as the artwork itself. Originally from Durango, Mexico, and not an artist, there were many twists and turns in Ricardo’s life. One day, he made a dinosaur statue for his daughter. That’s when he became an artist, but there is much more to the story. As happenstance would have it, Ricardo eventually encountered Dennis Avery, land owner of Galleta Meadows Estates in Borrego Springs. Dennis had the vision of using his land as an enormous outdoor gallery, home to Breceda’s artwork.
It would be wrong to say that the rest is history. History is still unfolding. There are now roughly 130 Breceda sculptures in the Borrego Valley. Roughly is a word that must be used when counting these sculptures because each time Ricardo has announced his last one, another has appeared on the desert sands. History has shown that the sculptures of Ricardo Breceda are a work in progress. You can pick up a detailed map to the scuptures at the ABDNHA desert store, just one block west of Christmas Circle. The full story of how Borrego Springs became home to an extensive collection of outdoor art is told in Diana Lindsay’s book Ricardo Breceda: Accidental Artist. (This book is now out of print, but you might find it on the Desert Classics shelf in the Desert Nature Center if you’re lucky!)
Where to Find the Sculptures
Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center
The sculpture of Juan Bautista de Anza in front of the Borrego Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center at 786 Palm Canyon Drive.
Borrego Springs Road South of Christmas Circle
If you head south on Borrego Springs Road from Christmas Circle for about 4 miles, you will see a cluster of sculptures on both sides of Borrego Springs Road. You will see a lot of horses and dinosaurs in this area. The horses are close to the road. The dinosaurs are set further back from the road on the south side.
Borrego Springs Road North of Christmas Circle
If you head north on Borrego Springs Road from Christmas Circle for about 3-4 miles, you will see a wide assortment of sculptures. Be sure to detour east on Big Horn Road to see the grasshopper facing off against the scorpion as well as the grape workers. Come back to Borrego Springs Road and continue north, where the serpent crosses the road. At the corner of Borrego Springs Road and Henderson Canyon Road, you will see the Willys jeep, the padre, the Indian chief and tortoises. After you turn east onto Henderson Canyon Road, turn south onto a dirt road across from the road going to the Vern Whitaker Horse Camp to see bighorn sheep.
Most of the sculptures are easily accessed by 2WD vehicles. You can drive on the dirt roads to the sculptures or simply park on the shoulder of the paved road.
Stop by the Desert Nature Center at 652 Palm Canyon Drive to pick up a free sculpture map. For a great souvenir and more detailed information on each sculpture, you can also pick up the Quick Guide to Sky Art Metal Sculptures in Borrego Valley laminated brochure or order it online.
