Burning Man 2022 - One Tin Soldier: Remember When... 

**We're off to playa! But you can still donate and grab some SWAG! Just thought we’d share some photos of the blocks as they head out to the desert ❤️**



What we're building:

Imagine wandering through deep playa and noticing what looks like tiny lettered blocks from your childhood off in the distance, only to realize they are indeed wooden lettered blocks, but not so little. Remember When… is an homage to childhood memories, a prelude to part of a whole called One Tin Soldier that brings a series of classic children’s toys scattered across open playa. These monolithic versions of seemingly forgotten toys will emerge from the sands of time, worn and tattered, but returning us to our sense of childlike wonder. The partially buried blocks are 8’ tall with the letters L, O, V, and E displayed faintly on the sides, emblematic of a time we used to know. It is no longer your imagination, as now you have shrunk next to these once minuscule toys, now sixty times the size and ready to be played with once again. 

One Tin Soldier 2023 will be the full collection of retro toys, featuring the blocks, as well as a 12’ yoyo with a retractable string, old metal jax peeking through the desert, and a 24’ wooden horse with a faceless wooden soldier standing guard. Check out our website for more details.

How we got here:

The genesis of Remember When… is brought to us by artist, Mark Deem, a celebration of childhood and the playfulness in all of us. Originally conceived as “The Archeology of Childhood”, Mark has spent 5-7 years planning and evolving this piece, growing the concept as time continues to march on. With the increased political division not only in our country but globally, One Tin Soldier has developed to mean even more than just a childhood long forgotten. This sepia-toned memory and return to child-like play is also a statement on the evolution of play, from educational learning blocks to the toys of war and violence. With the incorporation of the yoyo, jax, and horse-mounted soldier, Remember When… will become One Tin Soldier, a culmination of where we have been as a society, where we are headed, and it wiill invite us to contemplate our choices and roles in this evolution... 

Plus, it’ll be hella fun!

Who are the Misfits:

The Misfit Toys build crew is a new build crew founded by Mark Deem, that brings together people from many unique projects and eras of Burning Man. They’ve worked on Man Kcrew, the Pavilion, Headmaze, the Pier, the Temple, as well as many other projects from around Black Rock City. This is a team of professional and amateur builders, architects, innovators, electricians, makers, welders, woodworkers, artists, and dreamers. A truly “misfit” group bringing our favorite memories to life.

Funds for our build:

Bringing art to the desert is not an easy endeavor, nor is it cheap… and by spreading this project out to a two-year full build, we are able to preview what is to come. Starting small will allow us to bring this vision to life, consisting of the four main blocks emerging from the dust. The budget for this has been carefully reviewed and will require around $15,000 to build but we're starting out with an ask of $10,000.

Our cost breakdown is:

• Materials: This includes: wood, paint, screws, stain, sanders, saw blades, safety equipment, space rental, heavy equipmment, etc.
• “L” Block - $3,500
• “O” Block - $2,000
• “V” Block - $2,500
• “E” Block - $2,000
• Transportation - $4,000
• Fundraising - $1,000

Gifts for you:

We want YOU to represent One Tin Soldier and show off your love for this project with some awesome perks. For every dollar that is donated to bring this build to life, we will be sending out fun swag as an expression of our overall gratitude for your support. 

• Just Because: For every $15 donation, we will send some cute and fun stickers as a thank you, put them on your water bottle, laptop, or wherever you want to see us to represent!
• Patchy: For every $30 donation, you will receive an exclusive One Tin Soldier patch, perfect for those dusty overalls, denim jackets, or your favorite pair of pants.
• LOVE bracelet: For every $75, we will make a LOVE bracelet for you to flash for your friends and family, indicative of your love for our project and our love for you!
• LOVE pendant: For every $85, you’ll receive a LOVE pendant, wear it on the daily, hang it on your rear view window, or gift it to the one you love the most.
• Dealer's Choice: For every $125 donation, you’ll get either a customized bracelet or a customized set of blocks with your name - or whatever else you might want - as well as a LOVE pendant!
• Hoodie: For every $175 donation, you’ll receive a One Tin Soldier hoodie, making you an honorary member of the team, and representing our project in the most fashionable way possible. Size chart: [SM/M/L/XL]

For a tax-deductible donation of $250 or higher, we will work with you to create a customized perk, just for you!
Could be *just about* anything, the world is your oyster and we want you to choose!

Email us at misfittoyscrew@gmail.com to make arrangements.