Burning Man Has Become A Phenomenon In American Art & Culture, And The Concept Is Now Being Brought To The Renwick Gallery of the sonian Institute
Many people ask, “Just what is Burning Man?” The answer is pretty varied. Basically, Burning Man, now held in a Nevada desert is “an event” with precepts of radical artistic ingenuity, radical self-expression, and communal participation by crowds who flock there from around the world. Burning Man, each year, becomes a phenomenon in American art and culture now organized by the Burning Man Project, a non-profit. A worldwide collaboration is bringing a Burning Man exhibit to the Renwick Gallery of the sonian Institute in Washington, D.C., where an ongoing art exhibit entitled, “No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man” begins March 30th and continues to Jan. 21, 2019. Renovations are underway as we speak for the installation. Meanwhile the temporary closure of the gallery will end following March 29 to unveil the complete building takeover of No Spectators: The Art of Burning Man.
The exhibit takes over the entire Renwick Gallery building with “immersive, room-sized installations.” It includes displays of Burning Man souvenirs, costumes, jewelry, photographs and archived materials tracing Burning Man's growth and its Bohemian roots. Included is a neighborhood outdoor exhibit of Burning Man sculptures in partnership with D.C.'s Golden Triangle Business Improvement District. The outside exhibit is entitled: “No Spectators: Beyond the Renwick.” Cutting edge artwork designed at Burning Man in the Nevada desert is said to be one of the most influential events in contemporary art and culture, according to a spokesperson for Renwick Gallery. “The scale, the communal effort and the technical challenges inherent in creating works for the desert are part of what sets Burning Man apart from other art experiences,” said Stephannie Steibich, the Margaret and Trent Stent director of the sonian American Art Museum. “It is amazingly creative laboratory where innovators go to play and to push boundaries of their craft. Displaying the art of Burning Man at the Renwick is the latest example of our focus on new directions in craft and making.”
The Renwick Gallery is located at 17th Street, NW, and Pennsylvania Avenue NW in Washington, D.C., 20006, and is among the foremost crafts' museums in the nation. Here, normally, are exhibits of American crafts, ranging from handwoven rugs to Shaker furniture. However, this year the odd and unusual artworks of Burning Man are the focus. The Renwick Gallery Store offer selections of beautiful jewelry, textiles, glass works and ceramics, books and handmade gifts. The store also has custom products that celebrate the Renwick's historic building and contemporary craft collections, along with artisan-made items inspired by special exhibitions. Normally open daily, from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., except for Dec. 25, Renwick has been closed since Feb. 20 until March 29 for exhibit installation. It reopens March 30.
RVers will find camping in the Washington, D.C. area easier than imagined. The Washington D.C./Capitol KOA at 768 Millersville, Md., is open from March 1 to Nov. 25. Providing a peaceful weekend in the country, or national capital touring, expeditions leave daily via shuttle to the capital, making visits to nationally known spots.. It's an easy way to reach the Renwick Gallery or any of the other national spots from this KOA campground. The shuttle runs from April 1 until Labor Day. The Washington D.C./Capitol KOA is set within 50 acres of rolling countryside where there are shady RV sites, tent sites, camping and deluxe cabin accommodations. Pet friendly, there is a Kamp K9, along with ping-pong, basketball and a jumping pillow. All ages will enjoy campground activities that include flashlight lollipop hunts, and poolside ice cream socials.
Kampground Manager Bob McGinnis says, “I want to welcome you to Washington D.C./Capitol KOA. Whether you are looking for a busy day of sightseeing or a fun weekend camping trip, you have come to the right place. I always refer to our campground as 'a quiet little country campground in the middle of nowhere, 20-minutes from everywhere.” McGinnis also notes you are 20-minutes from Annapolis and the Naval Academy, as well as 20-minutes from Baltimore's Inner Harbor and 20-minutes from downtown Washington, D.C., from the Washington D.C./Capitol KOA.
Camping closest to the Capital is Cherry Hill Park, open year 'round, at 9800 Cherry Hill Park, College Park, Md., 20740. This park also offers sightseeing tours of the capital, including a night-time tour visiting the lighted monuments and memorials, and a daytime War Memorial Tour with stops at the park areas dedicated to America's war heroes. Be aware there is significant walking to be undertaken, especially along the National Mall. Cherry Hill Park features two pools, one of them heated, the other with a fountain and beach walk-in, along with full amenities, including big rig sites, pull-throughs and back-ins, as well as tent sites. Rates are $78 per night for pull-throughs, $73 for back-ins, and $55 per night for a tent. They charge extra for extra people and allow one extra vehicle, but at an additional $5 is charged as well for each extra guest.
Burning Man takes place near Gerlach, Nev., in August, ending on Sept. 4, where campgrounds are few and far between out in the Nevada desert, while free dispersed camping may be had on BLM land at Black Rock Desert's High Rock Canyon, and Emigrant Trails National Conservation Area. Another location at Iveson Ranch offers primitive camping near Gerlach, accepting RV's and tents. JB Barker warns, however, “You have to be self reliant out here. The nearest grocery store is 100 miles away.” The ranch offers the opportunity to dry camp either with an RV or tent; to park under a Ponderosa tree and be prepared to self-cook. On the other hand, Iveson Ranch invites artists taking part in Burning Man, or any other artistic venture, to camp out.
Jeff, (JB), manages the ranch. Son of Iveson Ranch owner Sylvia Fascio, who purchased the ranch in 1995, JB notes, “We're a 100-year-old homestead,” noting that over the years, Iveson Ranch has accumulated a lot of “stuff.” They have the know-how how to use it creatively. “We support art projects. We receive truckloads or shipments of equipment and supplies before your arrival. We help build projects, procure parts and supplies, feed the crew, and transport all that equipment and supplies down to your BRC address on the playa. Then, we bring all that equipment and stuff back up here after the burn.” JB also says Iveson Ranch is the place to get away from the dust of Burning Man, saying, “Everybody gets plenty of that after the gates open.” He also states, “We have potty, shower and outdoor kitchen. We assist, store and support well organized major art projects,” and suggests artists contact BarSyl Bazaar on Gerlach's Main Street, or contact Iveson Ranch at Jb@artcarsupport.com. Iveson Ranch has room for a few RV's, without hook-ups, but the rates depend on “how friendly you are,” says Sylvia Fascio.
Dollie Gull-Goldman
A veteran multimedia journalist who, now a senior, enthusiastically continues her RV travels, and she has worked as a photographer/filmmaker for early TV news, she spent some 20-years as a newspaper writer-editor/journalist. Dollie looks forward to even more RV on-the-road adventures.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Cherry Hill Park, which is a family owned and operated RV resort with traditional values and modern amenities. As the closest RV park and campground to Washington D.C., they strive to provide the best camping experience for guests. Rates include taxes and are for 2/unit. $5/night each extra person.
Culture, Destinations, District Of Columbia, Education, Museum