By Jorge Perezchica
For years, residents and visitors have driven past the colorful, larger-than-life sculptures that dot the Coachella Valley landscape. The whimsical aluminum creations have become part of the desert’s visual identity, bringing splashes of color and whimsical to highways, roundabouts and public spaces.
But few people know the story behind the artists who created them.
That question sparked a six-year filmmaking journey for husband-and-wife documentary team Jon and Mary Orlin, whose feature documentary Something To Entertain You recently made its world premiere at the American Documentary and Animation Film Festival in Palm Springs.
“We both had seen the Barones artwork, and we wanted to know, who are these people?” Jon Orlin recalled. “Like, who makes those colorful sculptures that we see all over the valley?”
What began as curiosity soon evolved into something much deeper.
“We thought there was an interesting story that people would want to know more about,” Orlin said. “As we met them and they agreed to let us film their life, we built trust with them that we would tell their story as best that we could.”
The result is an 87-minute documentary that explores not only the artistic legacy of Karen and Tony Barone, but also their decades-long partnership, creative evolution and commitment to living life entirely on their own terms.
Beyond the Art
Both Jon and Mary Orlin brought decades of storytelling experience to the project. Jon worked as a producer at CNN before moving into video production for technology companies. Mary also began her career at CNN before producing feature stories and creating the NBC wine series In Wine Country. Today, she co-hosts a wine-focused podcast while continuing documentary work.
Although Something To Entertain You marks their first feature documentary together, both recognized early that the Barones’ story extended far beyond their artwork.
“We knew their artwork, but we thought, ‘There’s got to be a bigger story there. Let’s find out,’” Mary said.
What they discovered surprised even them.
As filming progressed, the Barones opened up about previously untold chapters of their lives, from careers in the cosmetics industry to unexpected connections with pop culture.
“When we started the project, we had no idea they were in the cosmetics industry,” Mary said. “They said, ’Oh yeah, we made cosmetics for a while in the ‘80s.’”
The filmmakers continually uncovered new layers to the story. “‘Oh, we met Andy Warhol. Oh, we were in Japan,’” Mary recalled. “It was just constantly evolving.”
Earning Trust
One of the film’s greatest strengths comes from the extraordinary access granted by the Barones.
According to the filmmakers, that access wasn’t immediate.
“Making a documentary is a very intimate endeavor, and it takes time to gain trust,” Mary explained.
Over several years, the Barones opened personal archives, shared stories they had rarely discussed publicly and even granted access to the factory where many of their sculptures are manufactured.
“There’s a great sequence about the factory that manufactures their sculptures,” Mary said. “They’ve never shown that to anybody.”
The behind-the-scenes footage became one of the documentary’s most rewarding discoveries.
“It was so satisfying to see that laser cutter on the aluminum and how it shaped their sculptures,” she said. “The people who are true artisans putting the sculpture together—it was just a thrill.”
For Jon, the process reinforced something he quickly learned about the artists.
“The public image that they have is the truth,” he said. “Some people think that when they’re out or when they see them, that they’re putting on an act or something. But that’s not true. That’s who they are.”
“The people that you see out in public are the same as the ones that are in their house.”
A Love Story Disguised as an Art Documentary
While Something To Entertain You explores the Barones’ artistic journey, the filmmakers say audiences often connect most strongly with another element.
“I think at the end, though, it’s also a love story,” Jon said. “While it is about art and two artists and the life they lead, I think people connect to this incredible love story that they’ve had that enables them to make their art.”
The film’s title itself reflects the couple’s philosophy. “The Barones see their role, their mission, as to entertain you,” Jon explained. “I don’t think people realize that’s what some artists are trying to do.”
That philosophy extends into every aspect of their work and lifestyle.
“The big message is: be yourself, be free,” Mary said. “The Barones are free. They are full of their own expression, and they live their life that way. They give us all permission to be ourselves, be free, and appreciate art in all its forms.”
The Desert as a Canvas
The Coachella Valley plays a central role in both the documentary and the Barones’ artistic evolution.
“When the Barones moved to the desert, they started a major push into the public art space with their giant, fun aluminum sculptures,” Jon said. “The bright colors work especially well against the desert landscape.”
Mary sees the relationship between the artists and their environment as inseparable.
“The desert became their new canvas, open to creative possibilities,” she said.
The filmmakers always hoped Palm Springs would host the film’s world premiere.
“We were always hoping the film would have its world premiere in Palm Springs,” Jon said. “AmDocs gave us that opportunity.”
The local response has been especially meaningful.
“We heard many people say after the screening they would either seek out the Barones’ public art or see it with a new understanding,” he said.
Mary believes the documentary helps fill in the missing pieces behind some of the valley’s most recognizable public artworks.
“There is a lot of love for them here in the desert, but most folks don’t know the backstory,” she said. “They’re getting the recognition they deserve.”
Lessons Beyond the Screen
The filmmakers say the project ultimately changed them as well.
“Karen and Tony taught us to take more risks and create the film we wanted to create,” Jon said.
The Barones’ partnership also influenced how Jon and Mary approached their own collaboration.
“While they have the freedom to disagree with each other, they work to get to a place where they both agree,” he said. “We followed the same process.”
For Mary, the lesson was simpler. “As the film shows, the Barones’ creativity is unlimited,” she said. “Watching that was inspirational for us as well.”
After spending years documenting the artists’ lives, the filmmakers hope audiences leave with the same sense of inspiration.
“We think they will inspire other creative couples to go for it and inspire each other,” Mary said.
And perhaps, the next time drivers pass one of the Barones’ colorful sculptures rising from the desert floor, they’ll see more than public art.
They’ll see the story behind it.
WEB: somethingtoentertainyou.com
SOCIAL: @somethingtoentertainyou