2006 Burning Man map is acidy, Art-Deco-y wonderful

Update: As of Wednesday, the map referred to in this blog entry is being taken down. So the link won't work for a few days, at least.

For the thousands of people about to head off toward Black Rock City, Nev., the home of the annual Burning Man art festival, it won't be necessary to wait until you get there to orient yourself.

That's because the official (Update: It may be available in the future at this address: http://www.studioninedesign.com/AcidDeco.html) Burning Man map is up and viewable.

The map was created, as it has been for several years, by Oakland artist Lisa Hoffman. Her map designs, as well as her work on many other projects, including the Burning Man book "Drama in the Desert," of which I was an editor, have won her accolades far and wide.

This year's map is a stunning and bright combination of acid- and Art Deco-fabulous, and represents the 2006 Burning Man theme, "Hope and Fear."

Still, while you may be tempted to ogle this online map and take a printout with you to the playa, let me recommend holding out until you get your printed copy at the gate. It will be well worth it.