Burning Man Art Headed to Norfolk, VA

Crimson Rose

Large-scale, interactive, collaboratively created artworks are gaining more and more attention, which brings great joy to those of us who have been building, funding, experiencing, and burning ‘Burning Man style’ art for many years.

In our ongoing efforts to share the Burning Man ethos beyond the borders of Black Rock City, we are pleased to be in collaboration with two museums that will feature the work of artists from within the Burning Man community over the next couple of years:  The Hermitage Museum in Norfolk, VA, and the Renwick Gallery, Smithsonian American Art Museum, in Washington, D.C. (yup, you read that right. The Smithsonian. Stay tuned for more info on that exciting development). Also worth noting, Christine Kristen, LadyBee, will be exhibiting her Jewelry of Burning Man at the Fuller Craft Museum in Boston this spring.

The Hermitage Museum exhibit will open June 4, 2017, and features the work of Five Ton Crane, Michael Garlington and Natalia Bertotti, Gregg Fleishman, Charles Gadeken, Jim Peterson, and Kirsten Berg. True to the spirit of Burning Man, the museum’s Director, Jen Duncan is actively engaged in creating both a substantial exhibit experience and a volunteer participation experience that can include becoming involved with the installation of the work and hosting the exhibition for Burners who want to become “docents” during the exhibit which will run for five months.

During a kick-off event to engage the community in planning for the exhibit, this Thursday, January 12, Burning Man co-founder Crimson Rose and art logistics coordinator Brody Scotland will be presenting “The Art of Burning Man” to a packed house at the Hermitage Museum and Gardens in Norfolk, Virginia, followed by networking time for Burners and Burn-curious people in the area.

Brody Scotland

The Hermitage Museum is a gorgeous place with a history of eclectic taste. We’re honored to be joining the conversation there, and collaborating on this exciting project.

Check out the coverage in the local paper, the Virginian-Pilot. This week’s event is full, but it sounds like the hosts will be posting follow-ups and updates on the Facebook event page, and of course there will be plenty of time to check out the actual exhibit between June and October of this year.

We’re thrilled about these opportunities to share Burning Man culture with the wider world, and to shine a brighter spotlight on Burning Man artists who have created pieces for Black Rock City that have been delighting participants year after dusty year. We’re especially keen for those who may never set foot on the Black Rock Desert to have a chance to explore and experience Burning Man art for themselves.


(Top photo courtesy of the Hermitage Museum and Gardens. Staff photos by John Curley.)

About the author: Megan Miller

Megan Miller

Megan is an accomplished communications professional with experience in the private, public and nonprofit sectors. She’s a skilled leader, writer, editor, public speaker, and strategic adviser. Megan is passionate about the art of sharing information in creative and impactful ways, and believes in the power of ideas and authentic self-expression to change the world for the better. Before joining the year-round Burning Man staff in 2012, Megan spent ten years working for environmental protection, HIV/AIDS prevention, political campaigns, and the United States Senate. Born and raised in Juneau, Alaska, Megan earned a Bachelor’s degree in English & Art History from McGill University in Montreal, Quebec and is a 2007 graduate of the Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. She is also a certified yoga instructor who loves shaking it loose on the dance floor.

One comment on “Burning Man Art Headed to Norfolk, VA

  • Thank you so much for sharing! I remember when my mother brings me to Hermitage Museum and Gardens – an amazing place with twelve acres of semi-formal gardens, forest and wetlands. This year I plan to visit it with my daughter.

    Report comment

  • Comments are closed.