We are in unprecedented times, needing more than ever to transcend our culture from a path toward self destruction to one of regeneration. By connecting to nature, and ancient indigenous customs celebrating nature, we can reconnect to our primal relationships to regeneration, through renewal, rebirth and ascension.
In Mexican culture, fantastical spirit animals (alebrijes) come to life to guide people along the journey of this renewal and rebirth.
In our immersive art experience at Burning Man, a herd of alebrijes set out on their journey across playa, leading the souls of our ancestors along with the spirits within all of the burners that celebrate with them. Once this majestic parade arrives at their resting place, the alebrijes will open up and connect to each other.
Within the alebrijes, the living souls will have the unique opportunity to take a journey through eight magical levels of the afterlife, preparing them for the final and ninth level, where they will meet the gods of the afterlife and are awarded eternal rest.
Special Thanks to our Nonprofit Fiscal Sponsor, Dia De Los Muertos DC!!!
(All donations over $250 are all tax deductible)
Dia de los Muertos DC (DDLMDC) is a Washington D.C. BASED NON-PROFIT organization founded to develop and produce community-building events
around the traditions and customs of the Dia de los Muertos holiday.
Their mission is to fundraise and support various social causes affecting the (black and brown or Hispanic and Latin) community, through teaching unity and oneness as we all experience death.
LEARN MORE AT DDLMBENEFIT.COM
Guided by the values expressed by the 10 Principles, Burning Man is a global ecosystem of artists, makers, and community organizers who co-create art, events, and local initiatives around the world.
Once a year, tens of thousands of people gather in Nevada’s Black Rock Desert to create Black Rock City, a temporary metropolis dedicated to community, art, self-expression, and self-reliance.
Contrary to belief, Burning Man is not a festival! It’s a city wherein almost everything that happens is created entirely by its citizens, who are active participants in the experience, and hosts some of the largest scale art in the world.
An art car is a vehicle that has had its appearance modified as an act of personal artistic expression.
According to Burning Man's website, "A Mutant Vehicle is a unique, motorized creation that either shows little or no resemblance to their original form or to any standard street vehicle or is out of context from its normal setting (a pirate ship or space ship on the desert, for example). Mutant Vehicles can be built from scratch or are radically, stunningly, and safely modified from their base vehicle."
Images Below Taken By Scott London
This year, we are setting out to bring some of these fantastical spirit animals (alebrijes) to life in the form of four art cars.
Each of these vehicles will be outfitted with vibrant colors and traditional Aztec patterns, pulsing LED lighting effects, high resolution projectors, and a state-of-the-art sound system. The audio systems will allow all four vehicles to be link together or play sound individually.
Each alebrije will be composed of various animal parts and features, which individually tell a different story about the creature, speaking to its unique personality and the audience experience.
Each art car is designed to represent one of the four elements: Earth, Air, Water & Fire
BUT, CAN WE PULL IT OFF???
SHORT ANSWER: YES! WITH YOUR SUPPORT!
We have a Rockstar team working around the clock to bring all four (4) cars to life this year for Burning Man 2023. However, if for some reason, we are unable to raise all of the necessary funding to do so, be certain that the project WILL NOT stop.
No matter what, our team guarantees the completion of a minimum of one (1) art car for Burning Man 2023, and if necessary, will continue the funding campaign and fabrication until all four (4) vehicles have been completed.
PLEASE SUPPORT THE PROJECT AND HELP GET ALL FOUR (4) CARS OUT TO THE DUST THIS YEAR!
An alebrije is a sort of spirit animal, meant to guide you through your life. These animals are guides, protectors, and mischief makers. They keep us from danger while also urging us toward adventure, ensuring that we live lives filled with everyday magic.
The Alebrijes are spirit guides, as they were depicted in the 20-day cycle of the Zapotec calendar. Being strongly connected with nature, the Aztec people created these symbolic creatures mixing two living animals with anthropomorphic characteristics. For example, the jaguar, the eagle, and the serpent are the three animals representing power. The possum, the chameleon, and the iguana were known for their learning characteristics. The butterfly, the rabbit, and the deer showed movement. One would follow the advice of the dog, the frog, or the hummingbird. The owl was the healer, and so on. Their role was to link the spirits and the real world and guide a person through their lives. Spiritual guides for your soul, reminders of your place in the world, and society, holders of the torch; They are meant to lead you in your path and help you become who you are supposed to be. They connect with our deepest true selves and our shared imaginary realm.
As this herd of alebrijes set out on their journey across playa, they will lead the souls of our loved ones along with the spirits that live within all of the called burners that trail behind.
Once this majestic parade comes to halt at their final resting place, each alebrije will position themselves alongside one another, and each of their sides will open up, unveiling a connecting bridge, linking the four of them together.
Inside, the living souls will have the unique opportunity to take a journey through the eight magical levels of the Mictlān, preparing them for the final and ninth level, where they will meet Mictlantecuthli and be awarded eternal rest.
According to their ancient mythology, when someone died, they had to go through a journey of nine levels to arrive at Mictlān. The process, which lasted for four years, was full of obstacles.
The objective was to arrive at the underworld, with Mictlantecuhtli and Mictecacihuatl, gods of death. In this way, the soul of the departed would achieve eternal rest.
The first stage of the way consists in crossing the Apanohuaia river with the help of a dog, either white or vermilion, called Xoloitzcuintle. Its color was the only way to see in a place full of darkness.
The next level is Tepeme Monamictlán, a place where the hills/mountains crash together and the soul must wait to continue its way.
Then comes Iztépetl. For this obstacle, the souls must cross a path of obsidian.
The fourth level is called Cehueloyán, a place with a lot of snow, where the spirit remembers the saddest moments of its life. It has to go through the path to get rid of them.
In the middle of the journey is Pancuetlacalóyan, a place with so much wind that some souls cannot overcome it and are blown away.
Next comes Timiminalóayan, where invisible hands throw arrows that must be dodged by the souls. Each arrow represents a person who had an influence on the life of the departed.
In the seventh level, there is a jaguar that deprived a soul of its heart, for in this stage the departed abandon anything worldly they still carry with them.
The next level is Apanohualóyan, a place where the departed see their life pass.
The last level is Chiconahualóyan, where the souls finally meet Mictlantecuthli and Mictecacíhuatl for their reward: eternal rest.
-- https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/english/mythological-journey-mictlan-aztec-underworld?amp
Curation and direction by LaMae Caparas & co-partners
Opening Ceremony and performances in an immersive party experience with numerous characters that embody the spirits of familiar and exotic plants and flowers. Our main stage is in the form of an Alebrije called Alebrijes! Art car, to also celebrate the spirit of the Burning Man 2023 theme, Animalia.
This immersive healing party movement is a celebration of life and dreams inspired by nature, the plant spirit, indigenous cultural ceremony, and our animal spirit guides that we discover in nature and in our dreams.
The mission is to create connections with nature’s plant spirits & spirit animals for guidance, inspiration, and play as well as represent our community of people of color who are creating & performing at Burning Man.
The Company
The company is made up of Burning Man veterans and newcomers, performers, wellness guides, artists, and builders. Professional credits include Tony Award winning Broadway Productions, feature films, guiding meditation and yoga across the globe and with organizations and for event such as DAYBREAKER, KAMOCHIMETHOD, Interfusion Festival, Malisimbo Music & Arts Festival, as well as designing, building, and decorating large scale sets and DIY costumes. Our immersive show offering is inspired by the Full Moon Magic virtual shows that launched during the pandemic as a way to connect and share healing and entertainment during lockdown.
The company is currently made up of 15 people but is expected to grow to about 40 by August.
Kyle Mimms is Co-Founder of Dia de los Muertos DC. He has 17 years of project management experience within the federal construction industry, with a foundation in architecture. He also has 13 years of experience in event planning, management and consulting, and is also the Founder / Senior Event Producer for Events by David Rosa, which is a DC-based event planning and production company.
Since childhood, he has always been good with his hands; however, never truly fashion himself of an artist. However, in 2016, he began making custom vendor displays for local DC businesses, which began to peak his curiosity in the arts.
In 2019, he designed and fabricated a traditional Mexican Plaza, featuring a 30ft Cathedral façade, for his Dia de los Muertos: "The Land of the Remembered" Theme Camp at Catharsis on the Mall on the National Mall in Washington DC. This build landed him with a ticket to Burning Man 2019, where he assisted in the erection of the It's All Made Up Theme Camp, which features a 60ft scaffolding tower, adorned with LED lighting.
He would later return to the burn in 2022, Build Lead for the Black Asé Art Project (Artist: Erin Douglas), featuring two (2) 30 ft immersive Photographic Installations & Immersive Experience, showcasing portraits of Black Burners.
Moreover, over the last few years, he has been fabricating a number of large art projects, which are utilized for social actions and peace activations around the city, to support the needs of various peace activations. The "Peace Tank", featured in the photo to the left, he created in collaboration with artist, Monica Curca, and has been out to many actions supporting demilitarization, end of gun violence, end of genocide, climate change, immigration reform, and more.
Bottom Right Photo Taken By Manuel Pinto
Quote from The Artist:
Most people want to know why this project is so important to me. This project is important because representation matters, and because it is necessary that we enrich the dust of Black Rock City with the cultures of black and brown people.
In my short time being a "Burner", I have grown so much as a person. I have been seen, taken care of, uplifted, challenged and loved.
In many ways, I have found my family and my true passion - the art of creation. The Burn has opened my eyes to possibilities I only could only dream imaginable, and has expanded my creative networks in ways that I could not fathom. As soon as you step foot off of playa, you already begin dreaming about your return.
Every year I go, I feel more and more at home. I experience and grow in so many different ways; however, I also always feel like something is missing. I feel at home creatively, but I find myself lacking culturally.
I miss my music, my food, the shared experiences of my peers, the inside jokes, my community, my culture... I miss ethnic rhythms and sounds. I miss vocals and live music. I miss all the dynamic pieces that makes me ME.
Although one of Burning Man's 10 principles is "Radical Inclusion", currently less than 5% of its attendees identify as people of color. This is why, I feel so called to bring this project to playa - to hold space for the black, brown, and native communities. I want to bring these elements of our customs and cultures to playa in an authentic way.
Burning Man is such a fantastical place, and it is so important to share the magic and opportunities with the black and brown communities, while sharing who we are with all of the world's other cultures.
The other big reason why I set out to bring this project to Burning Man, is to showcase and share the customs and traditions of Dia de los Muertos with the burner community, while promoting unity and oneness. As we continue to lose so many of our loved ones each and every day, and I wanted to create a safe space where we could celebrate their lives and heal as a united community.
In a world where everything divides us, death is the only thing that unites us. At DDLMDC, we believe that if we are the same in death, then we must be the same in life. Therefore, it is imperative that we focus on our shared humanity, if we are ever going to slow the unnecessary deaths of our loved ones, such as violence, depression, substance abuse, poverty, climate change, as we celebrate through the mediums of art, music, dance, and meditation.
These art cars will form a mobile altar, soundstage and platform that can be experienced at Burning Man and beyond.
We are looking forward to fellowshipping with you!
Ariadna Mondragon is a native born Mexican, local activist and community organizer in the DMV area. She has spent the last six years advocating for a number of different social causes that have directly affected her community, including the decriminalization of marijuana, female empowerment, support for marginalized families, and immigration reform. In 2017, she co-founded and produced the Dia de los Muertos (DDLM) Benefit Festival, an annual benefit festival that utilizes art, music, education, and healing to spread awareness and raise funds to assist in reuniting the children separated at the borders with their families, due to the current immigration reform. She currently co-hosts the "Pedro Biaggi Show" on La Nueva 87.7 FM, where her segment "Que Hacer Y A Donde Ir" empowers local and international activists, while spotlighting community resources and key events around the city. Ariadna is also currently in the process of filming a TV show with the Office of Radio, Cable and Television called “Cambios de Vida”, which was created to bring awareness and open doors for immigrant and underserved communities that need the support and access to resources of the local government.
SpiritWild Director
LaMae Caparas is a Filipino-American performing artist and creative director. She is a creative collaborator and leader, with a passion for creating unique experiences that inspire connection and healing. Her background as a competitive dancer, Broadway performer, and Event Producer has allowed her to perform and create works across diverse platforms as well as build community. A serendipitous journey led to her involvement in Alebrijes! and inspired the immersive show SpiritWild where she has created a company of performers to host and expand the narrative of Alebrijes! beyond the art piece via music, immersive performances, wellness practices, and interaction.
"Pedro Biaggi grew up poor in Puerto Rico. His father was a steelworker, but he was raised by his stepfather, a musician, and his mother, a housewife. At age 16, he set his sights on New York City, but was almost deterred when an adult who was holding the $500 he had saved disappeared. With [money] a friend borrowed for him, Biaggi headed north with a one-way airplane ticket. A contact back home led him to Walter Terry, a dance critic who referred him to the American Ballet Theatre, which offered him a full scholarship even though he had limited dance experience. Biaggi left the ABT to work at the Playboy Club in Atlantic City, but was left unable to dance again after suffering a leg injury. Chance meetings led to opportunities to work as a news director, [DJ] and promoter for Sony's and Warner's music divisions."
(By Avis Thomas-Lester
The Washington Post
Monday, May 17, 2010)
Ten years ago, he decided to go back to his first love -- radio. For five years, he has been "Pedro en la mañana!" -- the popular morning drive host on Lanham-based and CBS-owned, 50,000-watt WLZL, El Zol 99.1-FM, drawing an audience estimated at about 500,000 from Delaware to southern Virginia. He is active in charities that benefit children and immigrants.
He is currently Host of "The Pedro Biaggi Show" on La Nueva 87.7FM, the leading Latin radio station in the DMV area, broadcasting live from 3PM - 7PM EST, Monday - Friday.
Stephani Gamboa is Colombian born, and has lived in Washington, DC for over 15 years. She is known to have an energizer battery as she is a do it ALL kind of woman. She likes to think of herself as your modern day Superhero Ninja.
You will find her multitasking being a mom (my MOST FULLFILLING role :), wife, daughter, business woman, mompreneur, MBA graduate, dancer, model, TV Host, producer, martial artist fan, fitness lover and digital content creator.
Currently, she is Host of DContigo that airs on Saturdays at 11:00AM on Univisión.
Marianela Fuentes is a female artist originally from Saltillo, Coahuila, located in the northeast part of Mexico. This part of the country has a rich paleontological history because of the discovery of many ancient dinosaur fossils. Having been surrounded by paleontologists and scientists from a very young age, Marianela's love for these giants was awakened, and dinosaurs would become a strong source of inspiration in her work. Marianela majored in Psychology and Plastic Arts, concentrating on patterns in the natural world. She has deeply explored various meditation practices which have become the foundation of her creative process. She transposes the ideas she receives during meditation into reality by using different materials to create vibrant art to be enjoyed by the public in an effort to bring them to a similar state of consciousness. Marianela spent time living in Europe and India, and while doing so she learned from master craftsmen, acquiring different techniques to create mechanical structures, based on elasticity modules, blending, and colorimetry.
Marianela is driven to explore the elevation of consciousness, and hopes to help humanity through art to find paths toward reconnection with inner self, helping rebalance our spiritual articulation into the material world. Simply put, Marianela ́s work seeks a reconnection with spirit.
Eduardo Ramírez is a Mexican artist, designer and engineer. His work reflects an imminent characteristic of our contemporary context; the incursion of technology into everyday life. The importance of the process and research begins with the experimentation of the materials, a man-machine collaboration and the Physical translation of the sculpture from the digital fabrication.
Eduardo's relationship with technology makes us think of art based on scientific processes where precision, numbers and scales play an important role in the artistic proposal. There is a bridge between the analog and the virtual from the use of robots, shape and symmetry, as well as a programmed error from a philosophical posthumanism. A duality is proposed between the organic and mathematical geometry that questions the human scale, the re-contextualized sacredness of machinic totems as well as technological paintings that emphasize an unconventional concept of beauty from the industrial perfection of materials.
Fran is a leading architectural practitioner based in Chicago IL and Salzburg Austira.Her work extends from working with municipalities, community organizations, and students in collaboration with leading architecture and public realm design offices As a self proclaimed Urban Anarchist, her art focuses on creating immersive public space design that fostering community empowerment. Most recently she is a founding member and Chief Curatorial Director of Affairs for OOHNOW, an artist run Web 3.0 platform, producing and documenting in person events curated by master artists.
EXPERIANCE :
- Salzburg Austria Club Culture Commision, 2022 Founding member. Event design, content curation, publications, funding operations.
- Freakadellen DJ Collective, Musical Selector
- Burning Man Project, Honorarium Art Grant Recipient: 2020, 2021, 2022:
- Black Ase’! Black Burner Project, Lead Architect. Co-Designer, Project Management
- The Solar Shrine Project, Lead Project Manager. Construction, Event curation, funding operations
- Design Trust Chicago, Founding member. Architects for Social and Spatial Justice by Design
Sand and Verox, form a team of talented artists. The two decide to combine their skills to
create Alebrijes that are even more structured and sophisticated than the ones they were
making separately. Sand and Verox combine their skills and work together to create
unique and high quality works of art. This partnership has earned them a great reputation
among artists and the general public. Their works have been exhibited in several
exhibitions in Mexico City and have received numerous awards. This duo has become a
reference to follow in the art world. Their works are unique thanks to the combination of
traditional and modern techniques.
In addition to restoring works of art, Sand and Verox have also excelled in the creation of
sculptures, murals and paintings, which has made them an outstanding team in the art
world. Finally, they distinguish themselves in documenting their actions with material that
they create with drones and 360 cameras, adding in the last months prompts with artificial
intelligence.
Lauren C. Berlekamp is a creative communicator and multimedia collaborative artivist living in Washington, DC.
Alongside her work as an international communications manager for her favorite soap brand, Dr. Bronner’s, Lauren participates with and supports other creatives from all over the world who produce large-scale art installations and immersive experiences that focus on healing ourselves, supporting the healing journeys of others, and healing the Earth that sustains us collectively.
Roman Haferd (he/him) has been working on the front lines of restorative justice and drug policy reform for nearly a decade. He serves as the first Restorative Justice Coordinator at the Attorney General’s Office for Washington DC, where he has helped build the nation’s largest restorative justice program inside the prosecutor’s office. Roman was a Steering Committee Member of the successful campaign to pass the Entheogenic Plant and Fungus Policy Act, which made certain medicines among the lowest law enforcement priorities in Washington DC. Roman is a founding board member of the Psychedelic Bar Association, serving as the board steward of its Ethics Committee. He also serves as board member and Director of Community Engagement for the Plant Medicine Coalition, a non-profit hub and advocacy organization that promotes safe, equitable access to psychedelic and plant medicines. Roman is a founding partner of Roots to Sky Sanctuary, a BIPOC-owned community farm located at the headwaters of the Potomac River. Roman has also represented civil rights plaintiffs in cases around the country involving deprivations of Constitutional rights and law enforcement misconduct. Roman is a co-founder and board member of Catharsis on the Mall and Dia De Los Muertos DC, which produce First Amendment art vigils for healing and justice since 2015. Roman holds a JD from Harvard Law School and a BA from Bucknell University.
Enrique was born in Guanajuato Mexico, but spent a large part of his youth traveling around the world due to his father’s job.
Enrique is a well-rounded entrepreneur, passionate about culture, and devoted to serving others.
Since Enrique was very young, he had several opportunities to proudly represent his country, which led in 1994 to being awarded UNESCO CITIZEN OF THE WORLD at the UN world environmental summit.
He later would go on to join the Mexican Embassy in DC and most recently as part of the Artistic affairs team at the Mexico Cultural Institute in 2019.
While working directly with the Mexican political and cultural life, he was able to develop a great passion of his: the festivity of Día de Muertos (day of the death). His love for this holiday started as a child, learning and sharing experiences with his dad, a native of Michoacán, Mexico.
Enrique is also founder of Catrinas Corazon, an artistic duo that throughout the years, had enhanced the name of Mexico and its traditions across the US territory. Thanks to their work, Enrique has been recognized for his participation and creative approach to the visual arts. Catrinas Corazon obtained 1st place in 2017 as the Best Altar de Muertos in the World (RED SRE), 2nd place in 2018, and 3rd in 2019.
In 2017, Enrique co-founded Gorditeria Guanajuato, to ensure he could share Mexican culture holistically, through art and food.
DJ Shango is a Burning Man DJ, a Philadelphia, DC & Jersey based DJ.
Bringing indigenous and world sounds that uplift, enlighten and open the chakras, Shango brings his vision to life through the motion and raw power on the dance floor. Art and music collide, healing the audience of their traumas using movement, chanting, mantras, crystal vibrations, live drummers, and tribal body art. Shango’s ancient futuristic artform creates a constant flow of physical and ethereal release within the audience, purposefully increasing the power and influence of the healing energy directed toward the crowd each event, creating a massive healing movement in Philadelphia and beyond.
Neil Takemoto has a 30-year vocation supporting thriving places and communities. He is co-founder of Regen8, a fund and accelerator supporting the development of thriving places and cities. He is a steward of the Regen Living network and Regen Civics Alliance, supporting place-based pilot projects in regenerative development around the world. He is a member of the Burning Man Diversity Forum, developing a new standard of racial inclusion and catalyzing a global multicultural neighborhood for persons of color at Burning Man. As co-founder of CSPM Group, he developed the practice of crowdsourced placemaking (CSPM) that integrates mutualistic community organizing with place-based investment, including 10,000 residents in the revitalization of several downtowns with developers, investors and municipalities.
Ahmed Najjar is a designer and technician that is native to the DC area. With a can do attitude, a drive to empower people, and a knack for innovation, he is artist and an aspiring Automotive and house-wears designer.
He is strongly immersed in engineering and visual arts with a degree in Industrial Design.
He has more than six years experience as a Mural Artist in Washington DC, at City Arts. Ahmed has also completed more than three years as a Research and Development Technician in the aviation composite materials industry building flying car prototypes in the Boston area. He also has experience as a general carpenter, an automotive technician, an educator, and as an engineering technician in a technical development firm.
Ahmed is currently embarking on his passion as an entrepreneur and creator as the founder of his company Straight Function Design Group, in DC. At its core, SFDG operates to design physical solutions and products for both unique and everyday problems. When designing hard and soft goods, his work places an emphasis on ergonomics, safety, and sustainability, as well as various emerging high end aesthetic styles.
Elements of these styles will be seen in SFDG’s first production, an Urban graphic clothing line emerging mid February as it promotes fitness, self empowerment, and spiritual enlightenment.
Ephcto Jaguartivist is a Renaissance Visionary Artivist, who combines his physical athlete skills and imagination, awakening the consciousness of people through interactive audio visual experiences.
Originally from Venezuela Native from the Caquetios and Chibcha Born in Waraira Repano where the Andes Begin carrying his Karibi culture expressing it in multiple forms. He studied visual art and communications in Venezuela, Madrid, Italy and Singapore, and has been a life-long athlete, musician, and artist. With a background in Extreme sports (X-Games), surfing, skating, Climbing, acrobatics, martial arts and urban street art, he has used his combined skill-set in a variety of ways. Ernesto has designed and operated special rigs for Cirque du Soleil, built dozens of Skate Parks across Venezuela, joined forces with UNICEF to help rural kids have access to surfing and skating opportunities and equipment, and created interactive experiences at dozens of festivals, including Burning Man. He has managed multiple Disaster Relief operations With Grassroots AID Partnership that combine environmentalism and social justice with products for companies like Dr. Bronners and Sambazon. He believes in using his multifaceted talents to awaken the consciousness of people through visual communications and shared experiences that honor the planet.
aka Anamoly Mermaid of the Tree Mistress of Ceremonies
Amanda is an advocate for self expression through her work with activism in the liberation
movements of women’s rights and sacred plant allies. She is an activator of community and safe
playful spaces nurturing our inner child & enriching humanity by bringing heart centered energy
to everything she initiates. Top of the list is signing the Equal Rights Amendment into the United
States Constitution. Amanda has been a proponent for ballot Initiatives 71 & 81 and Fair Pay
efforts in D.C. where she lived before moving to N.C. Passing resolutions in her local
municipality regarding support for the ERA and Medical Cannabis use.
Working in alliance with Dr. Bronner’s ALL-ONE Magic Soaps, Mintwood Media, Triple D
Creations LLC, Grassroots Aid Partnership & Luvworx, in the past 7 years has been an honor
for Amanda.
Encouraging others to stand in their own power as a team leader and co creator of life changing
moments such as Catharsis on the Mall, Dia de los Muertos, & Burningman are fuel for Amanda
to keep charging on her path; knowing that all we do is for future generations taking steps
towards harmony on the planet in this divine dance of life. We are living altars to our ancestors
and when we embody their magic we can overcome so much pain and suffering while
acknowledging all that they have gone through so we can be in celebration in our daily lives
taking steps towards inspiring and acting on regenerative practices.
Dave Anderson is a business owner and manager of several ongoing projects nationwide, based out of
Asheville, NC. After growing up in Washington, DC and getting involved in social justice and organizing,
Dave studied engineering and learned to fix cars. Opening up a repair shop called Dr. Dave’s Automotive
in Asheville Dave and a team of technicians repaired over 15,000 cars and pioneered development and
installation of alternative fuel systems from 2006 to 2018. Starting in 2013 Dave began working more
closely with Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps, a company that donates large portions of their proceeds to
environmental and social justice initiatives. Over the years he worked with them on a range of projects
including hemp legalization, farmer and regenerative agriculture advocacy, and interactive art pieces.
This led to opening up an East Coast based Magic Foam Experience team, which is a mobile shower
system that uses pressurized foam soap in fun settings like festivals and mud runs.
Dave and his team opened up the Magic Foam business in 2017 under Triple D Creations, and in the
same year started up a disaster relief nonprofit with a partnership of experienced volunteers connected
to Organic Valley, Dr. Bronner’s, and other natural products companies. Grassroots Aid Partnership
(GAP) has been busy since then responding to hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other disasters with
Dave now as executive director. GAP has a unique focus on providing organic and sustainable hot meals
and goods to underserved communities.
Today Dave is grateful to have a team of capable people helping manage three organizations out of
Asheville, including his wife Amanda. They are able to bring donations, art and music, and all kinds of
assistance to communities all over the US and now in some international crisis zones.
Everett Alexander is a digital media creator, developer, and producer for government agencies based in the Atlanta, Georgia area. While passionate about art and creativity, he can be found engaged in conversations around education, entrepreneurship, and culture. When he’s not publishing web content, rendering video edits, or just playing around in Photoshop, he can be found ferrying his kids to sporting events and supporting a variety of art installations across the USA.
An avid traveler, international foodie, and outdoorsman, he is also a self-proclaimed taste tester of homemade chocolate chip cookies.
Instagram - @ecoita
Travis Vaughn is a self proclaimed global citizen, born and raised in Washington DC. He's always wished to call himself an “artist”, and has tried every medium to earn that title. He studied and worked as a photographer for years, traveling around the country capturing portraits of those walking a different path than his own and creating visual representations of the energy fostered in a live performance. With many years and miles under his belt, he's come to understand that relationships are the paint which I brush with. Currently, he works in the coffee industry, using his brush to create bonds that stretch across countries, along coastlines, and down into the soil of African, Latin, and Caribbean farmlands. He's a devoted husband, affectionate father, and a never ending work in progress.
But, what happens to the “Alebrijes!” after Burning Man? Do they die and transition into the Mictlān (afterlife)?
Absolutely not! In fact, their journey will be just getting started. The Alebrijes! Immersive Art Car Experience is simply meant to debut at Burning Man, and from there these art cars will begin a totally new life of their own, spreading the proven power of healing through sound (scientifically known as "cymatics")!
Following their trek across the country, the Alebrijes! will return to the east coast and activate all over the DC / MD / VA area, where these mobile soundstages will continue their mission to showcase art, music, healing and oneness, address and support communal and individual mental health, create accessible safe spaces for all members of our community to come together within, hold space for the black, brown, and indigenous communities, empower local artists and business, pay homage to the loved ones that we lose daily to gun violence, poverty, climate change, homelessness, lack of immigration reform, and various other social causes, provide free educational arts and music-based education for the youth, spotlight and provide direct pathways to local resources, encourage our communities to get out and vote (regardless of political associations), advocate for DC Statehood, continue the fight for true equality, promote diversity and inclusion, provide on-the-ground grief and mental heath counseling services, provide space for collective mediation and sound baths, create cross-cultural altars within every community so that we can continue to heal together, showcase the history of the origins of “alebrije” folk art and the customs and traditions of the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) holiday, and surge the petition to make Dia de los Muertos a national holiday!
The Washington DC metropolitan area will be the official home of the Alebrijes!, and will be become a much recognized stable within the community. However, after a series of coordinated programming, the Alebrijes! will take to the road again, where they will kick off their National Tour to bring all of their offerings of healing and unity across the country, popping up within various cities and communities, protests and actions, regional burns, festivals and events.
Stay tuned for our official Post Playa Event Calendar!
Interested in the Alebrijes! coming to your city and/or community, or simply want to be a part of the vast pool of progressing that we look forward to providing?
Please reach out! We welcome all levels of collaboration!
We have a lot of ground to cover this year to make this possible, so we are asking that you join us along this journey, help us raise the funds needed, join the build, and celebrate in fellowship with us on playa in August!
Este año tenemos mucho camino por recorrer para poder hacer este proyecto posible, por lo cual te invitamos a que te unas en nuestro viaje, nos apoyes a poder colectar los fondos necesarios, a que seas parte del equipo de construcción, y a que celebremos juntos en comunidad en “la playa” el próximo mes de Agosto!