Balsa Man 2010 :: “The Forged Village”
Fleck by Rachel (photo by Mike Estee)
Cities force growth, and make men talkative and entertaining, but they make them artificial.
~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
The idea of Balsa Man was born in the heart of the city, yet it is not the metropolis that fueled it to become such a grandly miniscule event.
The city itself is magnetic, pulling in people of all types: workers, business men, scientists, engineers, artists—they are all drawn to the romance of big city. Yet, it is in this same city and amongst these same throngs of wonderful people in which we can often feel the most isolated. We find ourselves pulled in many directions by the hubbub and entertainment on every street corner yet this seldom does little to fill the soul.
There is no solitude in the world like that of the big city.
~ Kathleen Norris
Alienated and isolated yet still bound to majesty of the city, we seek warmth and connection by creating smaller communities in its midst—we forge the village in the heart of the metropolis.
Balsa Man 2010 – The Forged Village
The theme of Balsa Man 2010 is “The Forged Village.” This year we will focus on promoting the community created by all the tiny artists and participants that make the event more than a sum of it’s tiny parts. Leading up to the main event will be more 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 2010 will be on Saturday, September 4th. 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 has changed since last year. It will be still be on the coast of San Francisco. 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!
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 2010 will be different from past years as it 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!
This year we will be working with tiny art enthusiasts to birth 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 contact us at regionals@balsaman.org. Balsa Regional leads are eligible for Tiny Art Grants to go towards the creation and promotion of their Balsa Regional!
