Burning Basket 2009

It may not have the fame of Nevada’s Burning Man Festival, but Homer, Alaska’s annual Burning Basket has become a not-to-be-missed September event. Timed to coincide with the autumnal equinox, Burning Basket is the product of artist Mavis Muller, who has been creating these 10-foot-wide baskets since 2004. Each year brings a new creation and a new topic; this year it was “Sustain.” The project has grown over the years, requiring a full week of work by Mavis and members of the community, including children from Fireweed Academy.

On Sunday the 20th of September several hundred people gathered on Mariner Park Beach at the base of the Homer Spit to add notes remembering those who have died, along with small offerings, mementos, or folded Origami cranes.

Ziza, August, and Rio at Burning Basket

Burning Basket is both dramatic and emotional. For those who have lost loved ones it becomes a way to memorialize them. For children (and adults) who love fire it’s an exciting chance to cheer as the flames surge through the dried grasses, paper, and wood. And most of all, it’s simply a wonderful event that blends art, drama, and energy in a way that appeals to all ages. See a sampling of photos from this year’s event at www.donpitcher.printroom.com/burningbasket.

All text and photos © 2009 Don Pitcher

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