Larry Harvey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Larry Harvey
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| Born | January 11, 1948 San Francisco, California, U.S.
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| Died | April 28, 2018 (aged 70) San Francisco, California, U.S.
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| Alma mater | Portland State University |
| Occupation | Artist, philanthropist, activist |
| Years active | 1986–2018 |
| Known for | Co-founding Burning Man |
Larry Harvey (born January 11, 1948 – died April 28, 2018) was an American artist and activist. He is best known as the main co-founder of the famous Burning Man event. He started it with his friend Jerry James.
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Larry Harvey's Early Life and Education
Larry Harvey was born in San Francisco, California. He grew up in Portland, Oregon, in an area called Parkrose. He finished Parkrose High School in 1966.
After high school, Larry joined the army. He worked as a clerk while stationed in Germany. Later, he went to Portland State University.
Creating the Burning Man Event
The Burning Man event began in 1986. It started on a summer evening when an art figure of a man was taken to Baker Beach in San Francisco. This figure was then set on fire.
A small group of people watched. Soon, burning the man became an annual event. Over the next four years, more than 800 people came to watch.
In 1990, the event moved. It went to the Black Rock Desert in Nevada. This move happened with help from the SF Cacophony Society. The event now takes place over Labor Day weekend.
Burning Man grew from a small gathering of 80 people. It became an eight-day cultural event. Today, it attracts 70,000 people from all over the world.
In 1997, six main organizers formed a company. It was called Black Rock City LLC. This company was created to manage the event. Larry Harvey became its executive director. He held this important role until he passed away.
Larry Harvey also led the Black Rock Arts Foundation. This group gives money to artists. It helps them create interactive public art. This art is then shown in communities outside of Black Rock City.
Larry Harvey's Ideas and Work
Larry Harvey loved to read many books. His ideas were shaped by important writings. He was interested in how communities work and how people connect.
He helped plan and lead the art department for Burning Man. He also chose the yearly theme for the event. Larry was the main spokesperson for the Burning Man organization. He also helped with its political plans.
He spoke at many important places. These included San Francisco's Grace Cathedral and the Oxford Student Union. He also spoke at Cooper Union in New York City. Larry was a speaker at Harvard's conference on the internet and society. He also visited the Walker Art Center in Minnesota.
Larry Harvey's Passing
Larry Harvey passed away on April 28, 2018. He was 70 years old. He died due to problems from a stroke he had earlier that month.
