Dear Curiosity Journal,
I’m still processing all that happened over the Creative Metalworking Weekend as campers pack up on Monday morning. The group of San Francisco artists and Burning Man employees take off to visit Dr. Forevermore’s Forevertron in Sumpter, Wisconsin to lay eyes on the largest scrap metal sculpture in the world and pay homage to one of Dana Albany’s inspirations before they leave on Tuesday. I sink into a quiet moment and try to grasp what we’ve done. In hosting events of this size, spread across the farm, it’s impossible to witness the whole. What I hold are snippets, stories, smiles, and a heap of enthusiastic gratitude from participants, artists, and volunteers. It’s intimidating and humbling to host a group of folks who throw one of the most epic art events on earth (Burning Man). It’s even more staggering to receive accolades from the only living founder of the organization, Flash Hopkins, Dana Albany’s husband, who earnestly expressed how much he enjoyed the entire experience. These guys get it. They see what we’re trying to do. They love it, and it’s enormously validating. I count myself incredibly lucky to have formed kinships with all the lovely people who gathered on the land this weekend – Burners, locals, travelers, and neighbors making metal into magic on the farm. I want to send a special thank you to Barb Marshall who could not attend the event, but donated her ticket so that two women could attend on a 50% scholarship. Another special thank you goes out to Ashley Strange who organized a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for 4 women from Detroit to attend. We want to thank Marian Goodell, Burning Man CEO, for spreading the word and bringing two Burning Man employees to attend. We also want to thank Organic Valley for making a generous cash donation to the event. Chef Lauren with Blue Plate Wellness Kitchen deserves another round of applause for catering the event and keeping everyone so well fed. I’m full of gratitude for our team, Dave X, Scotty, Tammy, Arielle, Taylor, Mic, and Antwone. And last, but definitely not least, my family – Papa Rich helped SO much in the metal shop – fixing everything that broke down, bringing tools and metal, building tables, teaching participants, and being our all around Shop Dad. My own father had to come to his busy daughter on Father’s Day, but I’m so glad he did! And Rufus, who has supported this wild undertaking of running a nonprofit while also farming is a literal superhuman. I don’t know how he does it. He is solid gold folks and I can’t thank him enough for making this weekend, and everyday on the land a dream come true.
~Joy
