The Crystal Cave Project

Sky Village Swap Meet in Yucca Valley is a world of its own, a dense shanty-like town of booths and stands packed with curios, desert junk, overgrown cactus gardens, and bright green palo verde trees. The former drive-in loud speakers broadcast a soundtrack of country music, periodically punctuated by announcements that someone’s burritos or french fries are ready for pickup at the cafe.

In the heart of the swap meet is the Crystal Cave - a masterpiece in progress by Bob Carr, owner and creator of Sky Village Swap Meet. Bob’s larger then life personality and creative sensability has been the driving force behind the success of this highly eccentric community.

In 2008, despite the swap meet’s popularity, the Yucca Valley City Council decided to take the land that the swap meet was on through eminent domain. As their claim became more and more of a reality, Bob decided to demolish his structures, including the Crystal Cave. However, as the result of a civil uproar, the council gave the land back to Bob. Unfortunately Bob was left with a broken Crystal Cave as well as what he describes as a broken heart.

In admiration and respect for Bob and all that he represents, two Danish art and curatorial students, Merete Vyff Slyngborg and Mette Woller, worked with him on the restoration of the cave. The recreation of the cave is now a project implemented by Bob, Merete, and Mette, as a single united force.

On the 27th of November The Crystal Cave Project was presented in its current and neverending state. Musicians Caan Hamlet, J.P. Hudson, and Ryan Erskine performed a musical composition produced especially for the Crystal Cave, as everyone enjoyed a magical evening filled with compelling crystals and dazzling champagne.