Kickstarter

UPDATE AS OF 8/31
If you are new to this page, you'll see that, thanks to many generous donors, I've raised more than enough to fund this project. Please continue to give, as it will allow for greater technological flexibility (for instance, I was able to order a 30" square sign rather than 18"x24"). However, if you're looking to back projects that are still working toward goal and get an aluminum print or dub DVD in return, I recommend the following very worthy creative projects by my good friends Miya Ando and Juakali:
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/2042273139/art-supplies-books-and-education-for-indigo-youth-m http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/juakali/produce-a-video-for-dub-vocalist-juakali

UPDATE AS OF 08/26
Wow everyone! Thank you! I've now raised more than enough to fund my project (with a $50 check in the mail from a generous anonymous donor). However, we still have two weeks left, and please continue to give if you'd like to receive a unique print of the NYC skyline and/or have your name on a sign overlooking the skyline. Or if you just want to support a kooky artist :)

Extra funds will allow me greater technological flexibility with the finished project, especially the lighting component, and a little more flexibility with compensation for BJ Watkins, who's been tirelessly assisting me through countless projects. And in the spirit of microgiving, I will donate any surplus to the operations costs of Kiva.org, which functions similarly to Kickstarter but provides microlending to entrepreneurs in developing nations.

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You know that guy? You're out and about, doing something amazing, or just having dinner with friends, or just generally enjoying life, only to have that one guy whose nose is down and he's busy texting? You know that gal (and we're probably all guilty of being that person at one point in our lives)--she just keeps texting, or looking up info on her smartphone, and just can't seem to live the moment without her phone?

Or maybe you just want a fun, unique print of the New York City skyline by yours truly.

For DUMBO Art Center's 13th Annual DUMBO Art Under the Bridge Festival, September 25-27, I will install an official-looking sign at the edge of the water in a prominent location in Empire State Park, overlooking the Manhattan skyline. Imagine an official Stop or No Parking sign.

It will have simple instructions: "For info, text [CODE] to 41411." Visitors who send the text message will receive an intriguing note about the view from DUMBO.

Now I need help with the physical component, and that's where you come in. Give $5 or more, and your name will be placed on the installation, so you can literally be a part of it.

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Boring detail stuff (feel free to ignore if installation details don't interest you):

The exhibition concept, and the message, are a little opaque, I know. Sorry for that! It's important that the viewer/texter be surprised by the message they receive. You'll just have to trust me and the DUMBO Arts Center :) It will be interesting and, well, a little tongue-in-cheek. Haven't you always wanted to support a kooky conceptual art project?

You can also follow my progress at my Twitter account, @thatwaszen. I'm using the hashtag #autb09 (Art Under the Bridge Festival 2009) for all installation-related tweets.

My budget is approximately $500, to cover a polyethylene sign base, an 18"x24" sign, shipping and transportation costs, meals for assistants, tools, lighting and Amazon Payments fees. The text messaging component, which normally costs $100-$200, is generously supported by www.textmarks.com. I've had an ongoing relationship with them, and I highly recommend their services for texting and the like. So yay for them!

Regarding backing, this is the first time I'm trying this Kickstarter thing, so feel free to suggest other Backer Rewards that you'd find appealing. Oh, and those prints of the skyline with my installation? Exclusive to backers, because you're all so cool. I'll never print another series of them... ever!