At Burn2 Conception

 

This past weekend from Friday July 24 to Sunday July 26 was Burn2's Summer Burn event, also known as Conception. This year's theme was "The First Spark."

Friday night, I dropped by for a look, and the Burners were partying. Playing music that night were Red Heaven, Elysienne Nebula, Magi, and Dre. I also heard there was a particle show scheduled.

 

Quite a lot of fun was had, the Burners telling me, "Welcome home."

 

It was quite a fun three days. But in a few months the "Octoburn," the main Burn2 event, will take place, with not just a weekend, but several days of art, music, and fun over Deep Hole and several other sims.

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Press Release: Burn2 Conception 2026

 

 Burn2 Conception 2026: The First Spark Brings Art, Creativity, Expression to the Virtual Playa

July 22, 2026 — Burn2, the official virtual extension of Burning Man® in Second Life®, invites
residents from around the virtual world between July 24-26, to experience this
community-created art event. This year's “The First Spark” event brings together artists,
builders, musicians, performers, educators, and dreamers for an immersive celebration of
creativity, connection, and participation.

Inspired by the 10 Principles of Burning Man in the real world, Burn2 transforms an expansive
virtual desert into a temporary city filled with monumental art installations, live music, colorful
events, themed camps, interactive exhibits, and performances.

All are welcome to:
● Experience 27 live performances featuring DJs, musicians, and entertainers on the
Main Stage and BOB Stage throughout the weekend.
● Explore community-created art installations, theme camps, and interactive experiences
across Burn2’s Deep Hole region.
● Enjoy special featured events including The Burn2 Fashionistas, unique performances,
and community gatherings.
● Meet artists, performers, builders, and Burners from around the world while celebrating
the 10 Principles through creativity, participation, and shared experiences in a virtual
environment.
● Join the Lamplighters Processions and witness spectacular Fire Dance performances that
bring the spirit of Burn2 to life. Held twice on the final day, the processions immediately
precede each Effigy Burn.
● Gather with the community for The First Spark Effigy Burn, the event's signature ceremonial
feature. Held twice on the final day, it stands as the emotional high point of Burn2.

Check out the calendar at: https://www.burn2.org/event-calendar/

One of Burn2's greatest strengths is diversity. Every installation reflects the imagination and
passion of its creator, resulting in an environment where visitors can experience everything from
breathtaking architecture to immersive resident created exhibits, to thought-provoking
educational exhibits and whimsical fantasy worlds.

Burn2 encourages exploration, curiosity, and participation. Every visitor is free to wander,
interact, ask questions, meet new people, and become part of the experience.

Whether you are a longtime Burner or visiting Burn2 for the first time, the event offers a
welcoming environment where creativity, generosity, and community take center stage.

Admission is free and open to everyone with a Second Life account.

For more information about Burn2, event schedules, and participating artists, visit:
https://www.burn2.org

Also feel free to join the Burning Man 2.0 Group in Second Life

Become a volunteer for this or future events: https://www.burn2.org/volunteering-in-burn2/
About Burn2

Burn2 has hosted multiple events in Second Life® since 2008. In 2010, Burn2 became an official
virtual Regional of Burning Man. Community-built art, performances, education, and interactive
experiences, have been providing participants worldwide the opportunity to experience the spirit
of Burning Man in a virtual environment.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to contact iSkye Silverweb for general information
or Sabet Wanderer for stage and music inworld

The Raglan Shire Artwalk

 

One of Second Life's most noted yearly art shows, and Raglan Shire's best known annual event, is now taking place: The Raglan Shire Artwalk. Occasionally called "art on a hedge" by the local tinies, there's a huge amount of art available to see.

 

The Artwalk officially opened on Sunday May 17.  To start things off with a bang, there was a concert in which Mia Rose sang at 11 AM SL time, followed by Nivor the singing chicken. The latter had a few jokes about someone in a hen avatar singing the tunes, and even Nivor himself joined in with a couple songs about frying poultry, to prove he wasn't afraid of anything "fowl" happening, let alone fox reporters. 

 

There's plenty of artwork to look at. Some are prints of real-life paintings and drawings. But there's also Second Life screenshots, and prints of real-life photographs, as well as some three-dimensional sculpture. And much of it reflects the whimsy of the Raglan community. Some of the art also has a "buy" option, so you can take home some copies to put on the wall of your own virtual space. 

 

There's also a face-painting booth in which your avatar's face becomes a canvas itself (might work only on tiny avies). There was a "hedgiepillar" to ride as it walked around the art displays. And then there's Catten Carter "Art-o-Matic 3000," in which you yourself end up part of the art, albeit briefly. 

 

The Artwalk goes to June 14. During this time, other events will be going on in Raglan. So don't be surprised if while touring the pictures, you hear the high-pitched cheers and applause of the locals in the distance.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raglan%20Shire/102/188/58 (takes you to event schedule board near a 'hedgiepillar' and 'art pallete' rezzer)

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raglan%20Shire/116/29/59 (teleporter to different areas) 

 

Bixyl Shuftan (with a little help from Droppa MaPants)

 

Raglan Shire Accepting Applications For Artwalk

 

Some news for artists in Second Life aspiring and established. Raglan Shire is accepting applications for it's Artwalk, one of the largest yearly art shows in Second Life. 

 

Residents of Second Life are invited to show their original artwork during this event.  Reproductions of original RL artwork (painting, drawing, digital fine art, printmaking that can be imported and put on a prim) are encouraged, along with SL photography, manipulated photography and sculpture.

In past years, we have had between 120-150 artist participants exhibiting in spaces over several sims and hope for another good turnout this year for the 21st Artwalk. The show will include space in Raglan Shire tree city, Raglan Commons, Heron Shire forest, Morning Shire park and Athen Shire village. The 2D artwork will be displayed along hedgerows around Raglan Shire, and sculptures in designated areas of Commons, Heron, Morning and Athen Shires.

The event itself tuns from May 17 to June 14, with entries being accepted from now to Monday May 11. Those wanting to enter must fill out an entry form (here). 

 

For more information, click here. 

 

Winter Burn Festival Ends

 

 Last night were the final events of the Winter Burn, the Burn2 spinnoff event taking place in January at Burning Man Deep Hole. Late into the night, a few dozen people partied it up.

 

 While the DJs played music from the stage, some from the crowd cheering them on.

 

 While the events are over, aside from occasional unscheduled ones, the builds (most of them) will still be up for a few more days for those who couldn't make it or wanted to avoid the lag.

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/157/37/24 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Winter Burn This Weekend (Last Events Tomorrow)

 

 For Burning Man fans, this weekend offers a treat. The Winter Burn event is taking place at Deep Hole Burning Man, with numerous builds on the sim and music events.  The theme for this year's Winter Burn is Winter Gardens

 

From January 23 to January 25, BURN2 returns with Winter Burn, transforming the Playa into snow-dusted Winter Gardens filled with handcrafted glass greenhouses. Inspired by the culture of Burning Man, this community-driven event invites participation through art, music, shared gifts, and creative expression. 

Explore performance stages, roaming art cars, an ice rink, and the iconic Effigy, all designed to spark connection and creativity.

 Checking things out, the combination of ice and lights at night was just beautiful with some of the builds.

 

 And with one event, the dance floor turned out to be a huge sled that slid across the snow. 

 

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/157/37/24 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Kondor’s Art Café

 

Netera Landar recently went to the grand opening of a new exhibition at Kondor’s Art Cafe, located at Kondor’s Art Center. She also viewed Hermes Kondor's art collection, as well as getting a chance to talk to the artist, and heard just what was meant by the location being an "art cafe." 

 

 Read Netera's article in Design. 

 

The Dickens Project Art Show

 

The Dickens Project is a yearly event held by the Seanchai Library, celebrating the story "A Christmas Carol," with numerous activities, smaller events, and experiences. Among these is the Dickens Project Art Show. Open until January 5, there are a number of pictures on display. Netera Landar went over, and had a few words with the coordinator, Stevie Morane Basevi.

 

Read Netera's article in Design.  

The Lost Gallery

 

Netera Landar recently went to the opening of an art exhibition going on to January 3, "The Lost Gallery." Set in a wintery outdoor area, the place was "beautiful and realistic." She would talk to some people and take a few pictures of the displays. So which artists were there and what did they have?

 

Read Netera's article, and see the pictures, in Design.

 

Addition: Part of the article was accidentally left out earlier. It's now up. 

Commentary: A.I. Art - Is It Stealing Your Art?

 

One of the burning issues in both the real world and online is Artificial Intelligence, or AI. There have been worries it will eventually destroy the world, and more recently Amazon announced it will be replacing some jobs with AI programs. On the Internet, there's been a big debate about the creations of AI programs: AI art. Some love it, Others hate it. Nydia Tungsten recently had a few things to say on the matter.

 

Read Nydia's commentary in Extra 

Scenes From Burn2

 

Burn2, the Second Life version of the real-life Burning Man festival, is going on. Across 12 sims, there are various exhibits and music events going on. While the official entrance at Burning Man-Deep Hole (147/30/24), one can enter on the grounds anywhere. 

 

 There are artistic exhibits of all kinds.

 

 This year's theme is "Tomorrow/Today," and some of the exhibits reflected that with retro-future themes. 

 

 There were also parties were music was played and people danced.

 

 There were tour balloons people could see the grounds from above with. 

 

Burners would drive around in mutant vehicles

 

 And in the center of the grounds was "The Man," a huge effigy to be burned this Saturday.

 

Burn2 goes on until about Midnight on Sunday June 26. But the exhibits should be up for a couple more days. 

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Announcement: Burn2 Octoburn "Tomorrow Today" Starts Tomorrow

It is our tradition in Burn2 to "echo" Black Rock City every year, which includes following Burning Man's announced art theme. In "Tomorrow Today" we invoke an atmosphere like the World's Fairs of yesteryear, "which celebrated not only scientific progress but also cultural exchange and artistic excellence." We infuse our visions and stories within the theme that draw visitors in, to experience the art and music. We can express our envisionings of possible futures, whether utopia, dystopia, or some mixture of the two.

As Burners who hail from many different parts of the world, you can share your culture and creativity through your art, music, and presence.

 

Live performers who wish to utilise the cozy, laid-back environment of Center Camp or to bring their live performance stage sets to the BOB (Bring Own Build) stage.

We are so excited for you to return, bringing those ideas with you! 
We can't wait to see you and say, "Welcome Home!"

Location:  http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Burning%20Man-%20Deep%20Hole/147/30/24

Website:  https://www.burn2.org/tomorrowtoday/

Join in the fun

Raglan Shire Artwalk

 

 The Raglan Shire artwalk is taking place. This is one of the best known yearly art events in Second Life, and the Raglan community's most popular one.

 

 Across much of their land, numerous pictures, photographs, paintings, and sculptures have been set up.

 

 With some galleries by individual artists.

There was one group of cartoons.

 

And some 3D sculpture.

 

 

 Among the things there was the "Art o Matic 3000" which will paint a copy of your profile pic. Just watch out near the end. 

The event goes on to Sunday June 15.

 

 http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Raglan%20Shire/126/61/59

 

Bixyl Shuftan

 

Announcement: Art in a Cup- Opening May 3, 4-6pm SLT

 

 You've never seen anything like this! Fabulous Latté Foam Etchings! Meet the artist Saturday, May 3, 4-6pm. The exhibit will be up at the Cape Able Art Gallery for a month in case you miss the opening. 

 

Cape Able (128,125,23)

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Cape%20Able/128/125/23

Announcement: Registration For Raglan Shire ArtWalk Is Open

 

Raglan Shire is hosting its 20th ArtWalk starting May 18, 2025. A 4-week long, multi-sim art festival, it is one of the art highlights of SL. Residents of Second Life may show their artwork during this time.  Reproductions of RL original artwork (painting, drawing, art photography, printmaking, collage, and digital fine art that can be imported and put on a prim) are encouraged, along with SL artwork including virtual photography and sculpture.

In past years, we had over 100 artist participants exhibiting in spaces over several sims. This year, we hope for a good turnout and will include space in Raglan Shire tree city, in Heron Shire forest, Morning Shire park and Athen Shire village. The 2D artwork will mostly be displayed along hedgerows around Raglan Shire, and sculptures in designated areas of Heron, Morning and Athen Shires.

DATES: Sun May 18 - Sun  Jun 15, 2025
LOCATION: Raglan Shire Sim Cluster
INFO & REGISTRATION LINK: https://sites.google.com/view/raglanartwalk2025/home
ENTRY OPENS: Friday April 25 at noon SLT
ENTRY CLOSES: Monday, May 12 at 9:00 PM SLT

 

For questions, contact in-world:

Linn Darkwatch, Artwalk Director

Panacea Pangaea, Artwalk Assistant

Kayak Kuu, Artwalk Assistant

Karmagirl Avro, Artwalk Assistant

You can also ask questions in the Friends of Raglan Shire group in SL.

 

Burnal Equinox

 

This Friday, the Burnal Equinox begins. A Burn2 spinoff event, this art and music festival goes on to Sunday.  There are builds to see, and music parties to enjoy. This year, the theme is "Clockwork Frontier." Gemma Cleanslate dropped in the Playa to have a look.

 

Read Gemma's article in Design.

 

Winter Burn Aurora

 

Burn2, the Second Life version of the Burning Man festival, has been so popular, there are spinoff events around the year. This past weekend, the Winter Burn took place. Named "Aurora," there were numerous music events and art displays. Gemma Cleanslate was there, and took pictures. 

Read Gemma's story in Events. 

More Reader Submitted AI Artwork

 

 Jasmine Dawn did a little more AI artwork, in addition to what was shown last week. This one she was trying to get a more younger version of myself, "From the early years, a vary young and very naïve investigative reporter, barely having knocked the shine off those dress shoes and the smell of a new leather overcoat. A young Bixyl started out on a grand adventure to sniff out the news-worthy."

Then she went for a Japanese style magna comic form (as far as she know, the Asian script is saying random nonsense).

Reader Submitted AI Artwork

 

 

 Jasmine Dawn has been tinkering with an AI art program, and came out with a few pictures, including one of a certain news fox at the office.

 

"Let me see if I can add a fedora."

Now this one looks extra cool. Maybe it's the shading, but it came out great.

More to come 

Announcement: Team Diabetes Art Bazar

 

 

The 2024 Art Bazaar in support of Team Diabetes of Second Life is now open! Look at the great art and photography and take home a piece or two!  Join us for a week of art and live music! For a list of artists and performers

 

SLURL: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Angelic%20Bay/175/141/2999

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024:
-12pm slt – Live performer Sarita Twisted
-1pm slt – Live performer Marqs DeSade

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 2024:
-4pm slt – Live performer Reed Harris

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2024:
-4pm slt- Live performer Songbird

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2024:
-4pm slt – Live performer Samuel James

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20, 2024:
-4pm slt – Live performer Raven

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024:
-12pm to 1pm slt – Live performer Mapoo Little
-1pm to 2pm slt – Live performers Fusion of Two
-1159 pm slt – Event closes

For more information: https://teamdiabetessl.org/2024-art-bazaar/