2 Burning Man Honoraria Projects Two Blocks Apart in Ventura, CA? Yes! Here’s how and why to support them!

David Oliver and an Orb under construction

Ventura area artists are producing two 2025 Burning Man honoraria projects “Orbs” and “Solar Synaptic Dynamo” just blocks apart on Ventura’s Westside which you can read about in my latest article for the VC Reporter. While the Bay Area is flush with Burning Man art projects, not so this small coastal sleepy town! Only 76 projects from 18 states and 12 countries received funding from the Burning Man organization — and only after being whittled down from 600-700 ideas submitted!

Successful projects offer interactivity, high visual appeal, a large impact, and sustainability. David Oliver’s two “Orbs” will bloom on the playa, standing large on the landscape and glowing through the stain glass, each with 212 petals. 

Rosel Weedn and Steve Knauff’s “Solar Synaptic Dynamo” is visually appealing and not only is it sustainable, being built from largely repurposed items, but it serves a higher purpose— it’s a model for a system that provides powers for people in remote places by harnessing solar, wind, and people power.

David Oliver’s Orb

All are welcome to bring art to Burning Man, but only a few get funding from Burning Man, and getting an honoraria doesn’t mean you’re home free. Nope— they only fund 40-60% leaving the artists and their teams to come up with the rest — usually to the sound of $25,000 to $100,000 to build, transport, and construct their art installations in the very remote Black Rock Desert northeast of Reno.

It’s easy to support these worthy projects— especially right now! Below are links to online fundraising, but tonight is a an in person fundraiser at the Oasis at the corner of Garden and Main for the Solar Synaptic Dynamo, just a few blocks away from Art City at 197 Dubbers where David Oliver is growing his “Orbs.”

Steve Knauff points toward the mural with a model of the Dynamo in front of him

On Saturday July 26 from 5-9p, you’re invited to check out finished and in progress elements of “The Solar Synaptic Dynamo” plus enjoy intimate acoustic performances by David Sparrow and Taverna Project in Vita Art Center’s outdoor gathering space, The OASIS located at 50 West Main, Ventura.  Meet the artists, and view the mural that wraps around the base. Knauff and Weedn’s latest art car will likely be on display as well.

Rosel Weedn and the mural that wraps around the base of the Dynamo

Tickets are a suggested $10-40 to help fund completion and transportation; they can be purchased at the door or  in advance https://www.vitaartcenter.com/new-page-2. All donations are tax-deductible through ArtsVentura, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Donations can also be made to https://crowdfundr.com/solarsynapticdynamo.

Oliver also depends on online contributions to get the Orbs to Nevada  https://crowdfundr.com/72YUS7?ref=li P Stop by Art City to see the work in progress and drop off donations. Watch for details here about an “Orbs” Farewell Fundraising Party! 

And stay tuned for more Burning Man 2025 news!