Who knew that the Southern California desert was a hotbed (pun intended) of artistic creativity on par with the art scene in any metropolis? Director Leo Zahn’s fascinating documentary takes us from Slab City to the Salton Sea’s Bombay Beach via Borrego Springs, Joshua Tree and other locales, introducing us to a multitude of artists and their works. The late pioneer of “environmental sculpture” Noah Purifoy, Joshua Tree legend Bobby Furst, and animal sculptor Ricardo Breceda are just three of the dozens of artists we encounter, all of whom use the freedom afforded to them by living off the grid to produce their inspired work. This potpourri of retinal delights — the desert’s pastel colors really pop off the screen — culminates at the annual Bombay Beach Biennale, capping a most captivating and dazzling tour.

Director Leo Zahn is expected to be in attendance on January 6 and 10.