image: Karen and Tony Barone with filmmakers Jon and Mary Orlin. -photo Pat Krause

AMDOCS Barone Movie

Story and Photos by Pat Krause

AMDOCS celebrated 15 years with a documentary on the lives of Karen and Tony Barone during its annual festival. Six years ago, former CNN journalists Jon and Mary Orlin were driving through the valley when they passed by some of the Barones’ artwork and decided it was worth a closer look. What they discovered was far beyond what they expected. Years of research, along with photos and archived material, led to this remarkable film telling the Barones’ life story.

 Prince Fleet Easton with Tony and Karen Barone - photo Pat Krause

The movie runs about an hour and a half and follows their journey in art long before they arrived in the desert. Here in the Coachella Valley, we see their larger-than-life statues placed throughout the area, but that is only a small part of what they have created. Their work includes redesigning restaurants in bold and unconventional ways. Karen’s lifelong love of makeup also became part of their story. Together, they turned that passion into a national brand in a subtle but creative way, building a presence in major cities across the country with advertising that made people take notice.

Karen and Tony Barone are being interviewed  for TV -photo Pat Krause

They became known for avoiding straight lines in their work, favoring a style all their own. Their home has often served as a kind of private museum, especially during gatherings. Their art can now be found in more than 30 countries, a reflection of years spent traveling and creating together. Tony often says Karen is his muse, and much of his work reflects her unique look and personality. When they first saw the desert, they recognized it as a place where their art could reach thousands every day.

Karen and Tony Barone - photo Pat Krause

Tony says he creates to make people happy. Each piece begins as an idea they develop together. Karen’s love of cats, animals, and polka dots appears again and again, with Tony bringing those ideas to life. The process takes time, teamwork, and constant effort. Tony works nonstop, driven by both his passion for art and his love for Karen.

Karen herself is as distinctive as their art. She designs her own clothing and has hundreds of outfits, rarely wearing the same one twice. Her collection of more than 800 pairs of shoes matches each look. Her hairstyles and makeup are bold and personal, and she has never been concerned with how others may judge her appearance. It is her identity, and Tony embraces it fully. Each outfit represents something meaningful, often created with the help of her dressmaker.

The Barones are always hands-on when placing their sculptures. They believe their art is meant to be shared, not simply owned. Their pieces appear at animal facilities, fire stations, and along highways, where thousands of people see them every day. Their home reflects that same spirit, filled wall to wall with artwork, while the grounds display towering sculptures—from animals to oversized everyday objects like a giant ladle with a meatball or a box of French fries more than 12 feet tall. Bright colors, polka dots, and playful designs—especially rabbits and dogs—are among their favorites. Even their car carries the signature polka dot theme.

Each piece has its own name and meaning. “R Hero” became especially popular and carries a message that resonates. Art is part of everything they do—even their parties feature carefully crafted, artistic food. Their creativity never stops. Whether designing plates for restaurants or dreaming up new sculptures, nothing is off limits.

This film is a must-see, especially for those who live in the valley. It brings to life not only what we see every day, but the story behind it—who created it, how it came to be, and why it matters. It is a beautifully done documentary that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for the art that surrounds us.