Kickstarter

Hello all you Draka Fans, Dragon Lovers, Art Car Enthusiasts, Burning Man Goers, Makers, and Doers, Flipsitizens ~ Family and Friends!

We have finally embarked on our modern day crusade of resurrecting DRAKA the DRAGON for this year of the Water Dragon!

Having successfully participated in the Houston Art Car Parade and Burning Flipside events last month OUR GOAL now is to continue with refurbishing and then cover transport and operation costs for Draka to participate in Art Car Fest 2012 in Reno, then turn full circle to Draka's birth place and once again attend Burning Man in Black Rock Desert, Nevada! ~ Next year Bonnaroo Festival in Tennessee, and Robodock Festival in Amsterdam could be possibilities. At all future venues, Draka will function as a stage for bands and performers, and of course breathe 50 foot bursts of flame!

http://www.drakaarts.org/dragon_pano03.html

WHAT WE NEED!
Refurbishing has started, but we are far from being complete. Draka had been sitting dormant outdoors in Houston the past four years, that meant water damage, and lots of it. Approaching twelve years in age, three of her four sections successfully made it through the Houston Art Car Parade on May 12th. But we still need to completely gutt and reconstruct that fourth car and finish many details on the other three.

Plans are in the works for a total re-design of that fourth section into more of a "stage" to accommodate entertainers and provide better viewing for onlookers. Our other expenses are multiple. The entire electrical system was stripped for scrap when we weren't looking! So that needs replacing. We also need a new generator and air compressor to run lighting, sound, and fire. Propane expenses will have to be met, as well as future storage fees. Then there's the biggest cost of all ~  transportation of the beast! Here is an exact list of the things Draka wishes for:

All cars need new shocks
Main Car/Belly~
Transmission: needs pan gasket/filter kit
Repair Oil leak: damaged dipstick line (?)
Replace fuel neck hose
Repair Exhaust Leak
Replace Battery
Repair eyeball lights and interior floor lights
Replace cracked windshield
Brake job

2nd Car/Bar Car
Front axel needs tow adjustment
Fabrication of new hinge on front tow section

FLAMETHROWER
3-4 ft. propane hose for ignitor plus fittings
Pancake Air Compressor

GENERAL
10-kw Generator
Replace stolen Electrical System
Replace stolen Chandelier
More Tequila Gold Paint ($45/qt.)
More upholstery fabric
Replace old Foam in bench seats

If you have any of these items which you would like to donate to the project please email lisa@dragonmistress.biz

Draka is a mobile sculpture that was originally funded by the Burning Man Festival in the year of the metal dragon, 2000. The belly of this beast accidentally caught fire and burned to the ground in 2002. Not a problem – cut off crispy carcass; raise with boom, winch out old truck, insert new, and Voilà! A new and better dragon was formulated for the continued enjoyment of the masses attending Burning Man. The cleansing by fire suited her nicely. Now we’re there again, at the precipice of yet another kind of cleansing, this time by water. Now that we've shaken off most of the must, mold, and mildew that’s damaged Draka while sitting in the humidity of southeast Texas, gotten her some new threads, and seen those pecan groves at Apache Pass - why don't ya'll help us head on out to the desert! So we can continue spreading the dragon love of bringing joy and entertainment to the people!

Please help Draka FLY again ~ Make a donation today!
Draka is ready for her next adventure! Any amount donated will be appreciated! Every dollar matters!

Over the years Draka has received a wide range of notoriety and support from folks across America. She has appeared on Monster Garage, and received grants from the Orange Show Center for Visionary Art, the Houston Art Car Museum, and Burning Man. She will feature in an upcoming French documentary this December to be broadcast worldwide, stay tuned for details as they arise!

You can check up on our re-build updates at  http://www.facebook.com/pages/DRAKA/56568524554 
If you are interested in donating materials or volunteering your time, please contact Lisa through her website http://www.lisanigro.com

We thank you all for your support in the past, and look forward to your support in the future!

Yours Truly,
Draka the Dragon Crew and Family (2000-12)

* Main Draka Video by Brock Allman http://www.mediaproduction.com
  allman@mediaproduction.com
* DrakaBreathes Video by Paul McRae
  Thank you guys! We love you!
Also, MANY THANKS for all the support we received so far in Houston!
Orange Show Center for Visionary Art ~ grant & shop space! Dennis "the Menace Mechanic" Wilson, Jarrod, Rachel, Toni Wallace, Lisette Lux, Jeremy,  Esteban Martinez, Richard Tomcala, Harley Davis & her army, Shawn & Kevin Jackson, Dennis Odocharty, Sam Wedderburn, Pam Jam, Angela Ringnald, David Haim, Andy Smith, Steve Grogan, Cazz, John & his wife, Jonathan at Carpet Giant, Johnny Rojas, Jewelz, Skeez, and last but not least Phil Arnet & Summer Street Studios! And a grant from Texas Art Garden ~ Our sincere apologies if we've failed to mention someone!