Balsa Man 2011 :: “Growing Pains”
Teenytropolis (photo by Mr Neutron)
You have to do your own growing no matter how tall your grandfather was.
~ Abraham Lincoln
The Balsa Man himself has shrunk 1mm every year since the event first started; however, the Balsa Man event has grown in spirit and community. Each year the tiny art grows more and more impressive. It may have been the Balsa Man that started it all but the event has grown beyond this mere miniature wooden man.
During our adolescence in this world, we go through numerous rites of passage whether it be a Barmitzvah, a frat hazing, or gang initiation. As we grow into adulthood we realize that these rituals are ultimately meaningless as the most profound growth emerges when we least expect it.
Nature may cause our bodies to stop growing physically but we never stop growing mentally and spiritually. Communities and ideas are effected by growth in much the same way. But real growth is never easy — fits and starts, pains and pleasures, mistakes and triumphs — these are the fuel of growth.
Every moment of one’s existence one is growing into more or retreating into less. One is always living a little more or dying a little bit.
~ Norman Mailer
Balsa Man 2011 – Growing Pains
The theme of Balsa Man 2011 is “Growing Pains”. This year we will focus on growth — it’s fits and starts, it’s pains and pleasures, it’s mistakes and triumphs that are the fuel of growth. We will continue to promote the growing Balsa Man community. Leading up to the main event will be tiny art build parties and the Balsa Man organization is working with other tiny enthusiasts to create more Balsa Regionals around the country and the world!
When
Balsa Man 2011 will be on Saturday, September 3th. We encourage participants to arrive by 6pm to enjoy the tiny art on display. You can come early if you want, but I won’t recommend being late—the event is as short as it is tiny. The Balsa Man will burn at twilight (8pm)—balsa burns fast so be on time! The Temple and other tiny art will burn immediately after the Balsa Man burns.
Where
Balsa Man location will be announced the week of the event. It will be in the San Francisco Bay Area. Exact location and directions to Balsa Man will be announced only on the Tiny Mail List. If you want to come make sure you join one of this list!
Tickets
Tickets to Balsa Man 2011 are 10¢ and are available from any official Balsa Man representative — do not buy tickets from unofficial sources! Donors also receive complimentary tickets as part of their donor reward package. Tickets will be also for sale at the gate on a first come first served basis. There are only 8 tickets left! We encourage you to buy early in case we run out! No ticket is required for kids 12 and under since as tiny humans they are considered art.
More info can be found at our page on the Balsa Man 2011 ticket policy
Calling all Tiny Artists!
Last year’s Balsa Man exploded with tiny art of all types and this year will be no exception. We encourage tiny artists to consider this year’s theme; however, this is not a requirement for creating art nor for receiving art grants. Balsa Man 2011 will have an Tiny Art Main Street dedicated to tiny art and separated from the dangerous feet of the participants.
Get more out of Balsa Man by participating!
We encourage all to get more out of your Balsa Man by participating: Create tiny art, join the Balsa DPW, host a Balsa Build Night, write for the Balsa Blog, donate to the Black Pebble Arts Foundation.
Host a Balsa Regional in your home town!
We continue to encourage new regional balsa burns around the country and the world! If you would like to host your own regional burn and are interesting in receiving a tiny art grant please review our Balsa Regionals page and then please contact gro.namaslabnull@slanoiger. Balsa Regional leads are eligible for Tiny Art Grants to go towards the creation and promotion of their Balsa Regional!
