Planet X's art remains an outworldly Nevada treasure – Image for illustrative purposes only (Image credits: Unsplash)
Gerlach, Nevada – Decades ago, a potter seeking lower costs left California’s rising rents behind and settled on an old homestead in the Smoke Creek Desert. What began as a practical move to keep overhead low has grown into a 250-acre site with four galleries, a working studio, and a steady stream of visitors who leave with handmade pieces and lasting impressions. John Bogard and his wife Rachel have maintained the off-grid property as both home and creative hub, drawing people from around the world to this quiet stretch just off State Route 447.
How a Simple Rental Became a Desert Landmark
Bogard arrived in the early 1970s after a friend pointed him toward the property. At the time, the monthly rent stood at just $35, a sharp contrast to the $45 or $50 he had faced in Santa Cruz. The site offered an existing house, trees, and open land that allowed him to focus on his craft without constant financial pressure.
Over the years he purchased the homestead outright and expanded it using fire bricks and materials salvaged from a nearby gypsum plant. Kilns were built on site, followed by additional rustic structures that now serve as galleries and workspaces. The result is a self-contained compound where pottery production and landscape painting continue alongside daily life.
The Daily Rhythm of Creation and Quiet
Bogard has described his approach as working in a possessed state, producing fine porcelain and stoneware that eventually moved from art shows to direct sales at the property itself. Travelers who stop by often purchase pieces that reflect both technical skill and the surrounding desert landscape. His paintings capture the same terrain that surrounds the galleries.
Early years included lively gatherings with music and an eclectic group of friends and fellow artists. Those events have given way to a more measured pace, though the couple still welcomes visitors. A 2024 celebration marking the site’s 50th anniversary drew local attention, and plans are already in place for a Memorial Day show this year.
What Sets Planet X Apart for Travelers
The name itself came from a casual remark by a friend who noted that the remote setting resembled something from another world. Bogard accepted the suggestion, and the label has stuck as a shorthand for the unexpected creative outpost. The surrounding night sky remains a noted attraction for those who appreciate clear desert views, though Bogard himself keeps a straightforward schedule once darkness falls.
Visitors typically encounter a mix of completed works and the ongoing process of pottery making. The grounds include shaded areas under cottonwoods that provide relief from the open desert. Many leave not only with tangible items but also with accounts of meeting the artist who has shaped the place over more than half a century.
Practical Details for a Desert Visit
The property operates without connection to standard utilities, which adds to its distinct character while requiring visitors to plan accordingly. Access follows Nevada State Route 447, a route that passes through open sagebrush country before reaching the turnoff. Spring months often bring brief periods of green in the surrounding desert, offering a seasonal contrast to the usual arid tones.
Those who make the trip should expect a direct, unhurried experience rather than a polished commercial setting. The focus remains on the work itself and the stories attached to each piece. Rachel Bogard has noted that the site continues to draw both repeat visitors and first-time travelers curious about life and art in this part of Nevada.
The place continues to function as both a working studio and a destination for those willing to venture beyond typical tourist routes.
