100\u2011foot Burning Man sculpture begins installation in Rainbow Falls Pond, poised to become the park\u2019s largest artwork.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A shimmering, 100\u2011foot\u2011long sea serpent named Naga is surfacing in Rainbow Falls Pond along JFK Promenade this week, bringing a dose of Burning Man magic to San\u202fFrancisco. When crews finish bolting the last sections next week, the radiant beast will become the biggest public artwork in Golden Gate Park history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Forged by artists Cjay Roughgarden, Stephanie Shipman, and Jacquelyn Scott, Naga\u202f&\u202fThe Captainess dazzles with more than 5,000 iridescent steel scales that light up from within\u2014and yes, it occasionally blows bubbles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The project is backed by nonprofit Illuminate and the San\u202fFrancisco Recreation and Park Department, whose engineers have spent months plotting anchors and safe pathways. Wondering how 25\u202ffeet of serpentine neck stays upright? Engineers embedded a hidden spine beneath the pond\u2019s surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than 250 volunteers, from welders to high\u2011school art students, have logged thousands of hours. Initial funding came from the Sijbrandij Foundation, with on\u2011site coordination by Building\u202f180. Need another reason to stroll the promenade this weekend? Watching crews guide a 100\u2011foot tail through lily pads is a show in itself. A quick snapshot of key facts appears below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n