Quill Hyde - artist/engineer lost a critical tool last week at Burning Man - part of his hand. The creator of the art car Acavallo , (among other projects ) got his ring finger torn off while on the vehicle Sunday night. He was helicoptered to Reno at a cost of $30,000, and operated on for a cost of TBD. His mangled finger was not saved.

The builders who bring projects to the Playa have already made sacrifices for our adventure. The time, money, and Herculean effort required to create big art at Burning Man is almost never fully compensated, and a life-altering injury and its crippling cost is too much to be stuck with. Quill has three children and already lives close to his means in rural Washington State. We are asking for help covering medical expenses.


Quill is not only an engineer, fabricator, and artist, but also a lifelong musician who routinely plays at least 7 different instruments ranging from trumpet/coronet, piano, banjo, mandolin, guitar, (stand up and regular) bass. His hands are how he makes his living, but playing music is his greatest joy besides his family. Getting through the coming winter months in his remote locale would be hard enough without the injury; dealing with its aftermath will be a true burden. Anyone who has been on the magical craft manifested by Quill and our family of friends can attest that it is one of the most otherworldy pieces of art in Black Rock City.


And it's also one of the few art cars participants can actually get to ride on. We don't have a door policy - if you can fit, you can ride. The crew of Acavallo has given art tours for the disabled, taken kids trick-or-treating, transported the injured to medical stations, fixed other people's art, and thrown some of the best hoe-down freakout love fests in the dust since we started hauling it out there in 2007. Many of us have been participating at Burning Man and in the community at large since the mid-90s.

Have you been on Acavallo  or to any of our events? Please contribute what you feel it's worth for your experience. Do you empathize with artists who endure years of hardship in bringing joy to others' lives? Please support this cause, one that has been neglected for too long, and through too many tragedies.



There are may ways to help Quill, as well as other artists: In addition to donations, give or refer opportunities for work. He's built automated effects for Broadway shows  and other high end clients, and (other something). And in his realm he was known for adding "Easter egg" design elements that would only be seen and appreciated by the technicians who would assemble and operate his machines. All of his creations have stories. Once seen, there is nobody who does not want to see his continued work. Right now, we need emergency funds. Then let's get him designing and making the stuff.



Thank you for reading this far - any support you can give will be deeply appreciated. 

Quill Hyde Work:

More of his work here: Hyde Made  

 
We look forward to connecting with supporters, and getting the carousel out to the desert so we can all get back on the horse after this terrible fall.