Learn about art and experimental building in the Mojave Desert, USA

Details

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  Description

  We are an under-construction off-grid art residency in the Mojave desert. Our mission is to build & maintain a sustainable, free, and nurturing environment for people to create art, strengthen community, & learn about the pros & cons of Earthbag Building and other poverty technologies.

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  Types of help and learning opportunities

  Art Projects

  Help with Eco Projects

  Gardening

  DIY and building projects

  Creating/ Cooking family meals

  Help around the house

  General Maintenance
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  Cultural exchange and learning opportunities

  You will learn the principles of earthbag construction, and gain special insight just from spending time in the inspiring landscape of the Mojave desert. Volunteers are encouraged to bring or develop an art project while visiting. The local dive bar (the only business in town) is an enchantingly weird place where neighbors and artists commune, carouse, and share their work (limited hours).

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  Help

  Tasks are often shifting. Currently we are focused on organizing materials, building another dome, and finishing two other hybrid wood & earth structures. We generally do 2-3hrs of work a day, so there's plenty of time to make art and explore the wonderful sights of Joshua Tree National Park the Mojave desert wilderness. ***Please do not reach out more than 2 weeks in advance of your intended visit.***

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  Languages spoken

  English: Fluent

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  Accommodation

  This is a remote location with some constraints (hauling water from town, 5-volt solar electricity for phone charging, adequate cell service, but no wifi). Visitors should limit their stay to 1-3 nights and be prepared to work ~2-3 hours a day. NO MEALS ARE PROVIDED. You must bring your own food and water. We have plenty of recommendations on cool places to explore. If you are an experienced outdoors adventurer / hiker / vanlifer/ leave-no-trace camper, and have your own vehicle, pay us a visit! Driving out for 1-3 days to help out and spend time in the domes is a worthwhile experience. Camp under the stars, in your car, tent, or in one of the earthbag domes (depending on availability). You must have a vehicle to visit- no exceptions.

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  What else ...

  It can get very hot here and there are sometimes strong winds, but the low humidity means that it's usually cool in the shade even when it's hot in the sun, and cool at night. Winter nights are usually in the 40s. The land is surrounded by beautiful mountains and the special light conditions of the Mojave desert, make it a stunning place to be at sunrise and sunset and in moonlight. And when there's no moon you can see so many stars! There are radical high and low desert attractions within a 1-2 hour drive in all directions -- mountain hikes, oases, abandoned mines, geological curiosities, sculpture gardens, far-out artists. (A national parks pass is helpful for getting into Joshua Tree.) Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley are full-service towns. Stater Bros in 29 Palms is the nearest grocery store, but if you're driving here from LA, San Diego, or Palm Springs, stock up at a Winco near LA or in Indio. Bring two 5-gallon jugs in your car -- fill them up for free at the Oasis of Mara visitor center on Utah Trail in 29 Palms (water fountain with jug spigot works 24/7) or the vending machine at the FastTrip gas station on Adobe Rd.

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  A little more information

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    Internet access

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    Limited internet access

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    We have pets

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    We are smokers

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    Can host families

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  Space for parking camper vans

  no hookups, but easy parking

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  Can possibly accept pets

  well-behaved pets are welcome. a cat lives here. coyotes do too.

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  How many Workawayers can stay?

  Two

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  Hours expected

  2-4 hours a day, 1-3 days a week

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