Meet the Peeps

President of the new 501c3 is Treg Taylor (he/him). He began attending Flipside in 2005, the year of the Rocketship. Since that first year he has taken on many roles, including DAFT, a ranger, part of the ticket team and Ticket Lead, and has been Communication AF.

When not working one of these roles, Treg has camped with Stone Soup, STFU and Spin Camp. He believes in helping to fund the arts. He worked with another earlier rendition of the grant program, Art Garden. He works with Ignition Philter because he believes that building is FUNdaMental: Friends, Camp, Event, Community; This is the Art I Love. Being my Gift by helping Others with the Lift.

Treasurer of the 501c3 is Xaviera Chambers (she/her). She began her Burning Man adventure in 1996 after having read about it in a magazine article. Since then through her time living in Los Angeles and here in Austin, she has worked to create community. Having been a part of her village of Gigsville and going to Flipside for over 20 years, she likes her art with a little *bit of edge to it.

Since returning to Austin and the Flipside community, she has spent a few years as the Volunteer Coordinator and Regional Outreach Coordinator lead, as well as created her own position of Art Liasion. After Tinderbox (the previous art grant program) went tinder, Xaviera dreamt of helping the next captain, only to find herself both dropping the sails and steering the ship.

She believes that as the oldest regional, Flipside should have art that speaks to its citizens and inspires.

Secretary of the 501c3 is Kristine Seljenes (she/her). Back in 2008, she went to her first Flipside and found her home in the Wonderlounge. She has been a part of DAFT, Pyro, Ice, Ticket team, Edjumacation, and Greeters throughout the years. She’s a part of Ignition Philter because art is the pulse of Flipside. It’s why we go, it’s what we become and what we seek out. As Thomas Merton says, “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.” She feels that anyone with a spark/ desire to bring something magic should not have lack of funds holding them back. Hence, Ignition Philter. 

aka Peep

Andrea Carter aka Peep (she/her) is a Shadow of the Ignition Philter this year!

She started attending burns in 2010 with Flipside. Realizing she’d truly been welcomed home, she has been helping create the community she loves by contributing to her various camps (Browneye, Temple of Unitea, Casbah) and teams (DAFT, Lead for Volunteer Assistance Squad, Sanctuary), and more! Attending Burning Man in 2016 and 2018 with PyroTex and the Temple of Unitea, as well as experiencing Myschevia, a couple Beach Burns, pretty much all the Freezerburns, some Orfunners, and some Burnt Soups helped her appreciate the variety and complexity of making burn events go.

Community-made art makes burns unique and beautiful and weird and crazy, so getting more resources into the hands of creative makers is just the best!

aka Agent Em

Emily Weerts (she/her) first went to Flipside in 2007, camping with Ish during the mighty arches year. In subsequent years, she has moved out to the suburbs and is a founding member of the Badlands Homeowners Association. When she’s not enforcing policies for a made up municipality, Emily can be found behind her sewing machine, working on her next quilt.

Building community wherever she goes, Emily aspires to create inclusive, participatory experiences for as many folks as will join her. Emily is excited to use her coordination superpowers to support and advance the cause of ridiculous and impressive art coming to Flipside.

aka Caution

Patty Goforth aka Caution (she/her) is a seasoned artist and instigator whose participatory creations have enlivened Burning Man since 1998 and Flipside since 2005. A proud member of the Gigsville community, she’s brought her flair for the absurd to Flipside projects with SARS, Camp CRAAP, and the Department of Mutant Vehicles.

Known for her spontaneous performances, creepy animal masks, and alter ego “Gloria,” Patty fosters connection through art. From leading Low Stakes Casino and Monster Truck Rallies to creating the iconic Free Mayo drink, she celebrates humor and inclusion, often heckling participants into games or creative chaos.

When not at a burn, Patty is traveling, hiking, making art, or encouraging civic engagement through voter outreach.