Elko Correspondence – February 2016

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Elko

Megateuthis  Makes its Debut in Elko

The giant, mechanical squid known as Megateuthis was a Burning Man sensation this summer.  Elko artist Barry Crawford spent countless hours designing and making this sculpture.  The installation at Burning Man was his second at the renowned art festival and mega party in the Black Rock Desert.

Elko Convention & Visitors Authority Executive Director Don Newman and artist Barry Crawford stand by the installation of Megateuthis at the new Elko Conference Center.
Elko Convention & Visitors Authority Executive Director Don Newman and artist Barry Crawford stand by the installation of Megateuthis at the new Elko Conference Center.

Crawford received a grant from the Burning Man organization to complete his project and a small sum of money from friends through Go Fund Me.  But, like any artist, his project was mostly self-financed and completed with a labor of love.

Art connoisseurs in our community recognized the significance of this moving metal masterpiece and got the ball rolling to have Crawford install the piece at the new Elko Convention Center building. The squid will makes its Elko debut amongst a sea of cowboy hats and glad rags as the Cowboy Poetry Gathering commences.

“I love to have people come by and see my work, “ said Crawford.  “When it moves I like to see the expression on their faces.”

The enormous cephalopod is a conglomeration of found metal pieces hooked up with 8 wiper motors that digitally power the tentacles and dilating eyeballs.

Catherine Wines, chair of the Elko Arts and Culture Board is responsible for seeking out funding for this installation.  Don Newman at ECAC and leaders at Frontier Communications stepped up to the plate to bring this
public art piece to the region where it was created.

“We believe in giving back to the community, said David Robert of Frontier Communications.  “We are happy to support this distinguished artist and are thrilled that the ECVA could spare the space.”

Cynthia Delaney

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