See yourself in Llano
The Llano del Rio colony was attorney Job Harriman’s project after losing the mayoral race in 1911. By 1914 about 200 socialists had bought shares to participate in his Utopian experiment in the Mojave Desert where they struggled until 1917. The die hards of the group relocated to New Llano, Louisiana where they survived until 1937.
Today, about 1 hour from Los Angeles, the ruins are prominent along Hwy 138, yet over the 3000+ acres held by the colony are additional ruins and foundations. PositionalProjects.org works with the private landowners to offer alternate experiences of these places each May, marking the May Day celebrations at the colony.
This year we consider the residential area south of HWY 138. At its height, 900 people resided at the colony. we’ll tour their foundations, have a historic tent on display with ephemera and reproductions of the colony’s prolific pamphlet production as well as a newly discovered promotional postcard collection. You’ll be able to create your own postcard from Utopia with postage stamps honoring Alice Constance Austin, little known feminist architect of the future residences planned for the colony. The local Antelope Valley trio, Anahata Mousai will offer a magical 30 minute sound bath magnified by the shape of the silo ruin. Relax and look up at the sky while the sounds of crystal bowls, gongs and chimes wash over you.
