Premiering at Burning Man 2024 - One Tin Soldier
In '22, the Misfit Toys proudly delivered the "LOVE Blocks," a stunning prelude to our full installation, which now enchants thousands in Golden Gate Park.
But that was just the beginning...imagine wandering across the deep playa and out of the dust arises a series of giant antique toys, rising from the desert like an archeological find of your long-lost childhood.
As you approach, they get bigger..you feel smaller...it brings you back to a place of wonder and play...
We are already partway through building and have lots of progress to share!
Now, we need your help to bring this ambitious project to its totality. We're aiming to raise $35,000 to finish funding these five incredible pieces:
First goal to fund a towering 16’ "Blocks" sculpture. Your
support can make it a reality. 
Our second goal **10 Jacks ** Be a part of constructing the playful "Where’s the Ball?" installation. Each one is 4’ and stacked up to about 10’ high.
Next ** Yo-yo ** Support the creation of the "Yo-yo". A
12’ diameter Yoyo stuck in the playa, with its string still trailing
waiting to be pulled. 
Finally, **Tin Soldier ** Contribute to the majestic "Tin
Soldier" piece. Standing tall, keeping guard on its wooden horse,
the 20’ tin soldier invites you to ride with them.
We need your donations to cover engineering costs and get our project completed. This is a massive undertaking, requiring significant funds to ensure its success and longevity.
Join us in this journey and help us reach our goals and bring the towering toys to you. Every contribution, big or small, brings us closer to our goal. Thank you for your support!
**PS** - For tax-deductible donations, visit [onetinsoldier.art](http://www.onetinsoldier.art) and click on the DONATE button!
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 7+ years planning and evolving this piece, growing the concept as time has marched 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 toys lof love and play 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 an established build crew 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, and then the world, is not an easy
endeavor, nor is it cheap… and by spreading this project out to a
multi-year full build, we have been able to preview what is to come.
Bringing this vision to life, consisting of the 5 large sculptures
emerging from the dust is a large endeavor. The budget for this has
been carefully reviewed and will require around $140,000 to build,
we're asking $35,000 for this fundraiser.
Our cost breakdown for this fundraiser is:
- Materials: This includes: wood, paint, screws, stain, sanders, saw blades, safety equipment, space rental, heavy equipment, engineering sign-offs, etc.
- Blocks and Block Tower - $5000
- Jax - $5,000
- Yoyo - $5,000
- Tin Soldier and Horse - $10,000
- Transportation - $5,000
- Lighting - $5,000
- Fundraising - 0!
Email us at misfittoyscrew@gmail.com
Find us at one-tin-soldier
