Sparking Change
“While the pandemic necessarily halted in person social activity, the Burning Man community continued to innovate and provide social support in imaginative and responsible ways. This event is a wonderful and joyful example of how the Sacramento Valley Burner community’s creative spirit continued to burn. It is also such a fitting way to celebrate the safe reopening of art and cultural events in the region again,”
$teven Ra$pa, Associate Director of Community Events for Burning Man Project
Whimsical art, other-worldly mutant vehicles and cheerful theme camps inspired by or created for the Burning Man event will provide a creative spark of community at the “Spring Spark Drive-Thru” on May 21 and 22 at the Mine Shaft in Rancho Cordova.
The Burning Man Project has recognized “Spring Spark Drive-Thru” as an official regional event. Approved as a one-time-only, highly imaginative covid-safe adaptation, the event will expose 1000s of attendees to the culture and 10 Principles of Burning Man in a safe way that still shares the art, spirit, and joy that is emblematic of Burners and “Black Rock City.”
The drive-thru event will take attendees on a one-mile fun-loving and creative drive-through experience past placed artworks, mutant vehicles, performances, and themed areas/camps created for or inspired by Burning Man.
The multi-sensory art experience offers a drive-thru format, strict physical distancing and mask use to minimize health risks. We ask that all guests not leave their vehicles once inside the experience to ensure the safety of event guests and our volunteers.
Ticket Information
- Vehicle tickets are $30 for the whole family
- Tickets to a bike-only hour from 7-8:00pm on Saturday are $5
Please Note: The Burning Man Project is not a producer or organizer of the event, and accepts no liability arising out of or in connection with the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
About the Experience
- How long is the experience? Plan to spend an hour or two with us. The experience begins once you enter the gate but intensifies before it finishes
- How do reservations work? All tickets are sold with your preferred arrival hour block. Please arrive 30 minutes before your time block
- Is this family-friendly? Maybe. It’s not Disney clean. Kids will see some amazing art, but may also see a boy dancing on a pole
- Where does the money go? Proceeds benefit the nonprofit organization “Sacramento Valley Spark” and our ongoing effort to bring large-scale art to the Sacramento region. Some proceeds will be donated to The Burning Man Project
- How is this different than Burning Man? While this event has been endorsed by the Burning Man Project, it’s hard to simulate the collective co-creation of Burning Man in a drive-thru format. People attending Burning Man share in creating the experience by hosting a theme camp, sharing gifts, and practicing communal effort. We retain some of the flavor, but the event format doesn’t allow for personal interactions and connections possible at Burning Man
Covid Safety
- Are we protected from Covid19? We’re taking all prescribed precautions to limit exposure to the virus. Mask use, the event format, and physical distancing help reduce the risks
- Can I get out and hug my friends? No, you’ll remain in your vehicle during the entire experience
Types of Vehicles Allowed
- Can I bring my bike? On Saturday, we’ll be open for a bike-only hour. More info on that to come
- Can I ride my motorcycle? Uh, motorcycles are welcome. The stop-and-go nature of the event makes them less than ideal though
- Can I load my van full of the neighbors’ kids? Vans are welcome, but we’d discourage households that aren’t sheltering together from combining vehicles for this event. It could spread the virus
- Can I drive my RV? No. Height restrictions make this a bad idea
Artist Roadmap
To help attendees navigate easily through the outdoor space we have provided a listing of the various art in the order they are presented on your drive as well as artist information for each piece.
Eye of Providence by Chuck Sommerville & Camp Illuminaughty
The 8 foot Eye of Providence was originally built for Burning Man 2018. The ball was built as an upgrade to the 5 foot ball raised on our 40 foot tower in 2017. In 2018, it suffered a tragic accident, so was not able to make it safely up the tower, but it did proudly show as a city landmark in 2019.
It has 60 sides, with 49 pixels on each side. It is driven with 2400 watts at 12V, The software, written in a game development tool called Unity, maps the animations in 3D, generating the content in real time.
You can learn more about the artist here as well as visit the Camp Illuminaughty site here.
Radical Inclusion Mural Wall by John Horton
The artist will be creating a mural for the event focused on diversity and inclusion. We look forward to watching the piece unfold during the two day event.
You can see more of the artist’s work here.
Syzygy by Taylor Dean Harrison
Syzygy features three sculptures that cast shadow and light onto the ground in an organic, morphing pattern. From above, they resemble flowers blooming and receding, utilizing motors within. The sculptures stand 15ft tall and throw light in all directions, up to 60ft in diameter.
You can learn more about the artist here.
Let U.S. Prey by Robert Ferguson
A bald eagle about to strike. It’s piercing gaze staring straight into your eyes. It’s talons reaching for your chest. It’s the final moment before you become prey. Regarded as one of the greatest of hunters and graced with noble stature the American Bold Eagle has been characterized as a metaphor. A symbol for politics, patriotism, religion and business. But what if that metaphor turned its attention on you?
Nearly all the feathers of the Eagle were made from the contributions of pennies, nickels and dimes from Burning Man community members and friends from California and Alberta, Canada. Each donated coin has the fingerprint of donation on it.
You can learn more about the artists here.
The Beacon by The Atrium
Planet Earth is changing and may not be habitable for humans much longer unless we take action. The recycle challenge is a Beacon satellite sent from outer space to warn humanity of the terrible sights it sees from above: forests burning, ice caps melting, oceans over fished, replaced with plastic trash, air quality diminishing, and finite natural resources that keep humanity alive are depleting.
YOUR MISSION?
Play The Recycle Challenge: Learn how to consume less and recycle right to save our planet from being consumed by trash!
The installations were conceived and fabricated by the principle artist team of Sean Stillwell, Jaymie Braun and Alexa Jesse of S-S-Studios, LLC in Sacramento, and were produced by Shira Lane of The Atrium, with the support of Sacramento City Councilman Eric Guerra, and generous funding from Sacramento Waste Authority.
Puppet & Dog by Susan Hoffman
Puppet and Dog; to bring smiles and memories of childhood play. Puppet will move his arms and legs, waving and dancing. The pieces were created for the Burners are Us float entry for the Auburn Festival of Lights Parade. They are made of recycled materials found around the hobby farm. Both will be lit brightly – ready to greet you!
Quadrapod by Scott Parenteau
“Quadrupod 2.0,” is a mechanical walking machine the size of a large elephant operated by human controls. You can learn more about the artist and their work on Instagram.
GlowGo Zone by Rich Diltz
Rich has been body painting since the mid 90’s. His interactive, multimedia installation features video and live performers wearing UV reactive body paint. Rich’s likes to make his art where personal expression, group collaboration, and audience interaction meet.
You can learn more about the artist here.
Cosmic Lights by Kathleen Hoffman
“The contribution to the brightness of the night sky from all unresolved extragalactic sources.”
All of my experiences through this journey of life have brought me to this point. The realization of who we are as human beings and the possibilities that we can be greater. This is my perception of our world and beyond.
You can learn more about the artist here.
No Fear by Patrick Gavin Duffy
Buddha’s hand in the Abhaya mudra; the blue color is that of the Medicine Buddha for healing energy. May all beings be happy and free from harm and fear.
You can learn more about the artist here.
Art Cars
And keep an eye out for some of the amazing Burning Man mutant vehicles that will be moving about the two day event!
Playatech Flaming Castle
by Arthur & Kathy Zwern, aka Sunshine & Glimmer
The Playatech Flaming Castle is a mutant vehicle created to drive the Playatech vibe everywhere at Burning Man, with easy access for touring the physically challenged. Built on the chassis of a chopped 1990 Volvo sedan with a steel armature added, the Castle itself was constructed in 2016. It features Playatech’s signature slotted plywood style, delightfully soft fluffy seating, and faux flame effects. Playatech was established in 2005 as a spoof company, and is now the world’s leading source for DIY festival furnishings, with all proceeds benefitting the arts – our designs are easy to construct, rapidly-deployable, planet-friendly, and ship flat-pack because the only material used is plywood with no fasteners needed.
You can learn more about the artists here.
Ohmu Protector of the Forest by Voltage
Ohmu is a giant pill bug in a post-apocalyptic world, where humans polluted the earth and water. Humans fear giant ohmu, not realizing that the creature protects what’s left of the forest. When a herd of ohmu stampedes, nothing can withstand their powerful force. But they are also magical healers working together to mend broken lives. This vehicle brings awareness to global warming, pollution, water shortages and many ways humans destroy the planet. In addition to strong environmental message, Ohmu challenges us to renew our perspective on right and wrong, friends and foes. Watch the story of Ohmu here.
Taking Back the Tea Party by Louis Ceci & Sons
No evil queen can keep us from having our Tea Party. So, with a little help from a cleaver Caterpillar and a very mischievous Cheshire Cat we took it back. To keep from getting caught, we continuously roam around the playa all the while picking up weary Burners traveling by foot and help them get to their destinations safely and rejuvenated with a refreshing beverage. We never ask for anything in return but always enjoy a good conversation along the way. And if by chance it might be someone’s Un-Birthday, we are more than willing to celebrate with a spot of tea!
The King Mahtusahn by Angelo Taylor
This military vehicle comes from an alternate reality where humans are fighting a losing war against house cats. It’s tasked with the perilous objective of seeking out and saving the last survivors on Earth before they fall victim to the overwhelming cuteness of cats. Join the Meowsistance today.
Hello Yellow Towing by Mr. and Mrs. Ferguson
Three years ago I was driving our MV on playa and came upon people whose bikes were broken. They were pushing them and looked pretty beat, so we stopped, did a makeshift tie down in back, and brought them in. The looks on their faces was of such gratitude I knew I wanted to help more folks. It was then that I came up with the idea of a small working tow truck specifically designed for bikes. I have since added tools, a small air compressor, water and a first aid kit. In the two years I have done this I think I have hauled about 30 bikes in and countless people needing a ride. Its a great way to interact with people!
Funky Skunk by Brendon Willis
The new and improved Funky Skunk is the second mutant vehicle built by traveling artist, Brandon Willis. Mutant Vehicles challenge your perceptions of reality, especially when you spot a large skunk in traffic with you.
Duck Li by Axel Laforest
Duck-Li was born of a golf cart bitten by a radioactive duck. Join us in its afterglow as it waddles through the drive-thru. Copper skinned during the day, chameleon colors at night, slow paced but large with a high maintenance personality. His name is a playa marriage of feathers and lithium ion batteries, but don’t quack too many jokes about his name!
The Red Schwangline Stapler by Jeff Rocke
The Red Schwangline Stapler was a brainchild of my all time Favorite movie Office Space which was released in 1999. I transformed an 86’ Dodge Van that was ready for the scrap yard and gave her a new lease on life to help transport Smiles and Laughs for all walks of life.
Time Bandit! by Alex Domingo
Galactic criminals beware! Time Bandit is a steampunk themed, space-time vehicle capable of navigating in & out of distant galaxies and dimensions of time. She’s fitted with multiple space-time engines and a front mounted gamma-ray cannon for those situations that require speed, maneuverability and a strong show of force. When not parked in her hanger in South Lake Tahoe, she can be found cruising and bumping deep house tunes at Nevada’s Black Rock Desert. Time Bandit is a long time veteran of Burning Man.
Chester by Jason Anderholm
Chester was built and designed at the department of spontaneous combustion in Oakland California for Burning Man 2011. He’s gone every year since and been improved each and every year. His head sculpted from tire was designed and built by Rebecca Anders.
Over the years he has evolved from a DJ hosting rolling everyone invited party car, to a flame a fax pole dancing performance platform. Come one come all and see the magnificent fire breathing horse host the most beautiful and talented call dancers from all across the world! And for those of you who would like to test your skills come sober and will let you ride the pole!
Lola Montez Saloon by Eric Kaiser
Lola is a mobile old west saloon and gaming salon. It is hand built out of recycled materials on a John Deere gator base vehicle.
Want to Volunteer?
Interested in volunteering at the event? There are still open positions on Saturday & Sunday for you to help create the magic at this special event. We use SignUp to list available slots. Simply click below to learn more.
Our Community Partners
Spring Spark 2021 is supported by the City of Rancho Cordova’s Community Enhancement Fund, which uses a voter-approved assessment to fund enrichment programs throughout the city.
Additional thanks to the Cordova Community Council, the nonprofit city booster organization which owns the Mine Shaft site. Sacramento Valley Spark is seeking to work with the City of Rancho Cordova and the Cordova Community Council to create a one-year outdoor Sacramento Playa Art Park at the Mine Shaft site.
Additional thanks to Robert Best of Advantage Presentation Services, Inc. for the donation of lighting support, and Karlee Cemo and Jamila Khan of Sacramento 365 for graciously sharing the message.