Designed by two Nevada artists, Chad Sorg and Mark Rippie, the International Car Forest of the Last Church is a mixture of “art” and religion! (Although we didn’t see anything remotely religious on our investigation.)
The name “Last Church” represents the last church being inside each and every one of us, and that knowledge about unconditional love and compassion should be passed from the heart.
It all began with one lone car, upended in the sand in 2002 by Mark, a long time resident of the living ghost town, Goldfield. Joined by Reno Artist, Chad in 2004, over the next seven years dozens of trucks, vans, cars, buses and motorbikes have been displayed at varying angles throughout the 80 acres of land adjacent to Hwy 95.
Each junked vehicle has been artistically graffitied, displaying a variety of designs by numerous “artists”. Instead of painting on canvas, spray-painting these automotive’s has been encouraged.
Today, the two budding artists have parted ways, but the car forest remains and is said to be the largest outdoor car exhibit—one of the most famous being Cadillac Ranch in Texas just off Route 66.
Our Takeaway on the International Car Forest
The car forest is an interesting way to get rid of cars headed for the junkyard. It also provides a better place for those would-be taggers to spend their time.
Some of the autos do have neat pieces of art painted on them. I think that initially this was intended for those that have talent with a paint can, but it’s a perfect place to practice. Just make sure to clean up after yourself so people can keep enjoying this oddity in the desert.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Address: 1111 East, Crystal Ave, Goldfield, NV just off Hwy 95
- Continue on the dirt road once the pavement ends
- FREE
- Open 24/7
- Porta-potty in a gravel parking lot
- Upended and precariously positioned, beat-up vehicles which have been spray-painted
- A curious roadside attraction
- If you decide to contribute to the “art”, please take your spray cans with you and do not leave them around the site.
- Adults with kids visit. Please bear this in mind and don’t put any obscenities – that’s NOT art!
See you at our next location and put another Pin In The Atlas!
location map
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