As we begin the journey back into the desert we're honored to share that @Compost_Playground was selected as an Honoraria recipient for 2026!! 🎉
The Apple Core Jungle Gym is evolving and has been redesigned, in the details. The playa, our community of artists, and the kids that we met along the way gave priceless feedback that prepared us for this new growth.
Thank you @burningman ! You'll be hearing more about playground plans and how you can get involved soon.
Artist @R88D
Architect @zioanaai
Core Build Lead @wagleyii
Structural Engineering @oh_hey_revae
I stand on the other side of a monumental project feeling accomplished and somehow the journey has just begun.
To work with such a mindful and talented group of professionals and volunteers was my comfort during a challenging year. From beginning to end of the season, we overcame uncertainty and weather-induced hurdles. All while observing everyone rising from the ashes, each day. If you made it to the playa, you did it! If you completed your project, you won. If you came back with a stronger community, that's the real reason we do this thing in the desert.
Thank you burners, for building the support system every sculptural artist needs to step out on faith. I'm proud to say we rose to the occasion.
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Photo 01 by @arinfishkin
Photo 02 by @djsoulara
#bigart #compostplayground #theapplecore #youaretheearthworm #burningmanart #blackvanguard #youandilearn #compostisforlovers #leavenotrace
Thankful for the leadership and vision from Jen Reed bringing the @compost_playground successfully to playa this year. Shout out to the entire team who put in countless hours of labor, sweat, tears and energy to ensure the Apple Core made its debut. Always grateful for learning and experiencing building at Burning Man. Looking forward to the next chapter as I am still cleaning dust from curious places. 🥳🥳
#burningman #burningmanart #blackrockdesert
This apple core jungle gym is powered by each conversation. Each architect, engineer, fabricator, artist, friend and volunteer has a hand in this. I'm in awe of the community we build in juxtaposition to the art. #meetingoftheminds
I feel called to share how we we're able to get so far, so quickly.
Everything you see accomplished in these videos is due to the generous seed donation from The Lotus Fund. I was able to receive the infusion seamlessly due to a fiscal partnership with @fivetoncrane , 501c3.
These two powerhouses gave us the launching pad to move forward with confidence. The community rallied around us and made these connections possible.
@juliawcortell@jmareerandle and @joyce.shul.man I am forever grateful for your orchestration and mentorship.
It takes a village.
Highlighting Black/BIPOOC led art you can support this year.
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Projects I stand behind & am extremely excited to see heading to playa.
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Today we are supporting @compost_playground led by Jen Reed who was the build lead for my barbershop project and on the team for Black! Asé 2022. Now it’s her turn.
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Jen Reed @r88d is a designer, fabricator, and herbalist native to Louisiana. Co-leading big art with engineers, architects, and artists across disciplines, her art bridges the gap between new generations and the third place. Her sculptures foster curiosity about sustainability and our relationships with structure.
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“You are the Earthworm that discovered a new pile of compost. Discarded fruits and vegetables become a space for play, climbing, shade, and shelter. This moment of discovery is for all ages that feel drawn to recognizable silhouettes. We hope this experience sparks a lifelong composting practice.”
⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Whether you’re attending this year or not, one way to participate is by supporting art. Especially Black, BIPOC & women led art projects. They need all the support they can get to make it happen. Taking art to Playa is hella challenging and one way we can show up for them is to give what you can. $5 or $5,000 it makes it helps. Asking the entire community to show up for these teams who are creating the magic you’ll get to experience.
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The gift these teams give to us all will live within us for forever even if you don’t know it. Help the @compost_playground team get to playa. Join in on their journey by donating whatever you can and sharing.
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Your support is essential in helping them carry this to the finish line. Link to donate in stories
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* Donations tax deductible
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#blackartmatter #burningman #art #blackburnerproject #blackart
🔩 First dry fit complete!
This week we laid out an end of the Apple Core for the first time. Seeing it assembled on the ground like this helps us test connections, check fit, and ensure alignment.
Because this structure is modular by design, every joint and junction has to line up so it can be transported and rebuilt with ease. Each labeled cut and corner brings us closer to a sculpture that’s not only bold and beautiful, but movable.
This kind of groundwork might not look flashy, but it’s what makes the next stages flow. The dry fit gives us clarity, confidence, and momentum.
🔥 Onward to more coping, welding and bringing the Apple Core to life.
#CompostPlayground #ModularDesign #DryFit #AppleCoreBuild #BurningMan2025 #InteractiveArt #SteelStructure #FabricationInProgress #BoxShopSF
🚧 Progress is underway and the foundation is being set with care.
This first stage of fabrication is all about precision: every cut, weld, and material drop lays the groundwork for a smoother and quicker build ahead. The more dialed-in we are now, the more momentum we’ll carry into the next phase.
We’re starting to see the Apple Core take form at the Box Shop, and it’s energizing to witness this vision come to life piece by piece. 🔩🍎🔥
Thank you to everyone who’s supported us so far. Your belief fuels the welds.
💚 Help us keep the momentum going: donate to our Zeffy (link in bio) and be part of building something bold, joyful, and regenerative.
#CompostPlayground #AppleCoreBuild #BurningMan2025 #InteractiveArt #SustainablePlay #PrecisionMatters #BoxShopSF #ModularDesign
We’ve officially started work at the Box Shop! 🛠️✨
Check out this tour of the space!
Compost Playground is coming to life: where discarded scraps inspire sculpture. 🍌🪱🎨
Follow along as we transform compost into play, art, and education.
🌱 Ready to help build it? Donate today at link in bio to grow this living playground.
@boxshopsf
#CompostPlayground #JenReedArt #BurningMan2025 #SupportArt #AppleCore #Build #BoxshopSF #SanFrancisco #WormsAtWork #InteractiveSculpture
