Tag Archive for: fire artists

Hex Machina: Gigantic, Interactive “Lantern”

Nate Robertson and Garrett Briones will be bringing Hex Machina, an interactive propane fire “poofer” or “boosh” effect. Essentially, this is a gigantic, interactive lantern: Visitors can push a button to release a burst of fire within the large steel hexagonal lantern which is seated above a 22 ft hexagonal steel framework. This flame effect is a high pressure propane system, utilizing structural steel fabrication to create a safe, stable fire sculpture. See and interact with Hex Machina Saturday, December 3.

The entirety of the supporting frame is composed of carbon steel 14 gauge-⅜in. thickness of materials. Six sections of fabricated 2’x1’x14 ga. square tubing supports connect from the bottom ⅜” thick, hexagonal baseplates, to a hexagonal plate connection plate at the top, forming a solid steel, monolithic structure.

About the Artists

Nate Robertson has a passion for sustainability when creating art. That sentimentality drives his creative process. Hey is experienced in building tiny homes, van-builds, shipping container builds, skoolies and off-grid applications, which inform and influence his art creations.

Nate started building at age seven for family businesses. He completed a welding certification program in 2012 and has spent the past decade incorporating all he learned into fabrication methods and processes, building everything from roller coasters to 60-ton stainless steel pressure vessels and everything in between. Nate connected with the NM’s Burning Man Regional in 2019, and fell in love. Now, he’s a Board Member! He says, “I’ll never stop making large scale fire art until the day I die if I have anything to say about it.”

Garrett Briones started woodworking with his father as a child. A knack for things running smoothly also inspired his degree in Flowology, focusing on making sure every aspect of life and work was streamlined for success. His true passion for fabrication began when he discovered tiny living, especially school bus conversions.Ccurrently, Garrett helps with SunBurn, NM’s Regional Burning Man. Garrett leads the DPW Dept. and creates large scale art for the event as well. Making art is his passion and always will be.

Casey Moore LED Trees

Dec. 2-4: A Multi-Sensory Experience Of Epic Proportions

The annual gathering of flame-inspired art is going to be bigger than ever thanks to Colorado Creative Industries and the Colorado Arts Relief Fund. The grant has made it possible to attract more artists with larger, more fantastical installations. One such installation is slated to be 48 feet wide by 16 feet tall, which will create an extraordinary transformation when on fire.

Rocky Mountain Arts will produce the fiery, three-day event December 2-4 with new and returning fire artists including: Dave Mechtly, from Denver; Fort Collins LED/fire artist, Casey Moore; and from Telluride, Keith D’Angelo and Niel Ringstad.

Free flow arts workshops will be taught by Ashley Higgs, from Durango and Stephanie Brown, and Beth Henshaw from Denver. A variety of fun one-hour workshops in partner hooping, aerial silk, lyra and more will be offered. All workshops will be located at the Wilkinson Public Library’s Program Room The workshops will be for youth and adults. No experience required.

Expect over-the-top fiery art shooting flames high into the night sky at the finale event at the end of the box canyon. The family-friendly, outdoor event will enchant all with interactive, flaming sculptures, fire dancers, music and a cash bar.

Free Teen Art Installation Workshop October 1 & 2
This year we are teaming up again with the nonprofit True North Youth Program.  Additional support will be provided by Alpine Bank for this free weekend workshop to create a wood art installation. The focus for this workshop is on obtaining participation from the rural San Juan region teens who have limited access to resources and opportunities. These students will learn how to use all types of tools and work as a team to create their vision, which will be showcased at the December Festival. All students will be invited to attend the Festival as well.

Other events for everyone
Thursday evening will unfold with a reception at Slate Gray Gallery featuring local artist, Dan Gundrum.
Dan Gundrum specializes in immersive digital art though projection mapping, lasers and special effects through his company Pivotal Effects. He regularly shares his talent through artist workshops and holds an annual welding workshop through Rocky Mountain Arts.

Friday evening, the Festival will present a dance and acrobatic performance at The Palm Theater in collaboration with Homestead Circus Productions out of Paonia, CO.