The Board of Ignition Northwest would like to shout from the rooftops just how much heartfelt gratitude we have for the entire community, and the amazing things we all did in order to make Critical Massive 2007 such an amazing event.
It’s been about a month Since Critical Massive 2007 and while you probably haven’t forgotten all the amazing art that was there, there are probably a few things that you missed out on, that need to be recognized…
First - is that a portion of the amazing community art which was presented by YOU, was also funded by YOU – as members of Ignition Northwest you are part of the organization that made the unprecedented Art Grant budget of $10,000 that funded some of the art projects you saw at Critical Massive 2007.
Good Job on that!
Second - is that the very hard work of making the decisions regarding how much money should go to which projects, was for the very first time handled by an Art Grant Committee – a group of committed community members who were not a part of the event production team, nor were they serving as board members for Ignition Northwest (the group that was responsible for overseeing the entire event budget).
Please help me in thanking these people who worked behind the scenes, dealing with two extremely volatile components - which often become quite dangerous when mixed together (Art and Money):
Michelle Bates
Dawn Bustanoby
Jordan Howland
Yuba Foxfire
These folks did an amazing job, and also painstakingly worked through a number of issues that had never really been addressed before. They also helped us uncover a few flaws in the process - and I am confident that in the future this process will get better and better.
Most Sincerely,
Heather Candelaria
Heather at IgnitionNW dot org
PS> Here is a brief wrap-up of the projects that received grants for Critical Massive 2007:
Project: Pyramid
Contact: Erik Moore
Amount granted: $2,000
The largest grant, but also quite possibly the largest ambition. Due to unforeseen circumstances (including a house fire) this project did not make it to CM07 and therefore forfeit the final 1/3 of the money that was granted. The original 2/3 of the grant we hope will act as an investment in a future display of this project.
Project: Mermaid Show
Contact: Leslie Rosen
Amount granted: $400
This project was a combined workshop/performance – those of you who missed the show will probably find lots of pictures of the pretty mermaids online (as their dancing looked beautiful in the forest).
Project: Power Tool Races
Contact: Rusty Oliver
Amount granted: $1,500
Not only did the Power Tool Races Rock at CM07, they also made it into The Stranger’s ‘Party Crasher’ column when they did their trial run at the Georgetown block party. We are happy to see that this grant helped to fund a project that crossed-over into the surrounding communities.
Project: Cakewalk
Contact: Martian
Amount granted: $1,000
Possibly the SWEETEST bus-makeover yet! The flaming candles were a nice propane achievement – and they hardly ever blew out!
Project: Psyphozoa
Contact: Seth Shumway
Amount granted: $1,000
This project made the most with the least – even though it lacked many additional bells and whistles that were planned for the project, low-tech ingenuity made it achieve interactivity with flying colors. We are waiting with bated breath to see how this project blooms at then next Ignition Northwest event!
Project: Aura Cube
Contact: Dane Johnson
Amount granted: $500
Even though it was hard to find, and also not running 24-7 for the event, this impressive environmental cube caused a great deal of contemplation and discussion for those who did participate in it.
Project: Lanterns
Contact: Gwen Williams
Amount granted: $450
These ambient light sculptures were even more beautiful than in previous years! The lanterns really added a beautiful element to the space.
Project: Pig Roast
Contact: Rachel Mamane
Amount granted: $300
Once again, at Critical massive a fabulous community feast was laid out… although there is some very good discussion – regarding “is it art?”. Even if it was a masterpiece of culinary art, in the future culinary projects like this will probably be handled under a different category.
Project: Pinball
Contact: Chris Bell
Amount granted: $1,000
*YAY* for Pinball! The machines were fabulous, and a great addition to the event. We look forward to seeing the final 3 rd pinball machine at some future events.
Project: Alien Monkey Love Nest Talent Show / Pendants
Contact: Heather Candelaria
Amount granted: $500
A nice job extending the tradition that Fremont residents Jeff and Karen started years ago – and a great Northwest design to display the more regional focus of the group. The community participation was also amazing – better than on the Playa!
Project: (d)Evolution
Contact: Tom Fabrizio
Amount granted: $350
The trees on this project were only partially finished, and lacked the promised screen and lights. Without these being present and casting the tree shadows at night, this project lacked any interactive quality. Failing to meet the requirements outlined in the grant contract, this project forfeited the final 1/3.
Project: Radioator Art Cart
Contact: Josh Lind
Amount granted: $1,000
It worked… then didn’t… then did again… then didn’t again. Technical challenges caused this project to be less than promised at CM07 – but we’ve now heard that this creation is working, and the artist is actively sharing its broadcasting powers with the community at large. We are pleased that it is now working, and look forward to having it appear and add to future Ignition Northwest events.