Amethyst - Banya at Burning Man 2023

Black Rock and Amethyst

Art of Steam camp was founded in 2016, when a tribe of passionate artists and steam enthusiasts united to bring the scintillating culture of steam to Black Rock City. We started with the Onion and Felt Banyas and have since become a big family of friends, steam practitioners, and happy campers.

In 2018, we embarked on an audacious project called Amethyst, a mobile banya that quickly became the center of all our steamy adventures, connections, life-threatening dangers, and lessons. We gathered a team of skilled artisans who poured their souls and sweat into the project, pushing the boundaries of design and ingenuity.

Amethyst is an awe-inspiring beauty, with hundreds of real Amethyst stones embedded in its walls. Many masterminds, hours of work, challenges, and successes went into creating this masterpiece. We even have a fun story about how all the walls are plastered with underwear contributed by team members who participated in the project.

The problem: incomplete dream

We can't shake off the feeling that we've left it incomplete, hanging in mid-air like a half-baked dream. It's almost there, but not quite yet, and that's difficult to live with. We yearn to see it shine in all its glory and fulfil its intended purpose.

That's why Art of Steam camp is launching a fundraising campaign seeking to raise $16,000 to give Amethyst the final touches it deserves.

The solution and where the money will go

We'll use the funds to cover storage and logistics, replace the outdated electrical system, fix all cracks and damages, and add the final coating artwork both inside and outside. We'll also revamp our woodwork, rework our windows inside, and ensure the heater stays in top-notch condition.

$6k - Logistics, truck rent, storage, construction site for summer

$1.5k - Electronics, winch, controllers, battery, charging station, pump

$1k - Heater and plumbing repairs

$1.5k - Wood for benches, window frames, possibly deck

$1.5k - Paints, plasters, wax, oils, sealers

$2k - Tools, mix, consumable

$1.5k - Transport, food,

$1k - Platform fees

This will fully transform Amethyst into a dream that became real, making it look complete and enhancing the mystical and magical experience of the banya.

There are multiple ways you can help us

- Donate via this GoFundMe campaign

- Send direct funds to PayPal

- Share this fundraising campaign on your social media

- For any other option, please reach out to us

* Steamology Institute is a 501(c) non-profit, so your donation can be tax deductible.

P.S. we love you

We know that many of you have enjoyed our banya and perhaps even swayed naked and carefree on our swings. We cherish the memories and bonds we've created and invite you to join us in fulfilling our vision. Let's give Amethyst the chance to sparkle and shine, to be a masterpiece of art and a haven of relaxation and joy for everyone in Black Rock City. We hope to see you on the playa again and experience the banya with us.