About Us
We are veteran burners from way back; builders and welders, electricians and a lighting engineer, photographers, artists… teachers, lawyers, DJs and a hairstylist — and filmmakers!
Our mission is to create a sanctuary of creativity and an oasis of inspiration amidst the vast playa and beyond. Transportation is our Gift, Music is our Medicine, and Dance is our Church. This is a testament to the power of community, transforming the Church of the Open Mind into a vessel that uplifts, unites, and sparks the flames of artistic expression.
Our Crew
The Church of the Open Mind
Our Crew…. is more like our Burner Family

Captain Fantastic
Michael Daly
Captain, Architect, Designer, Builder, and Visionary of the COTOM.

Stefan
CEO of the COTOM, Builder, Cheer Leader, Yes We Can!

Steph
Stephanie Mohan
COTOM Photographer, OG Art Car Member

Dutch Eric
Dutch Eric
Art Car hero, Keeper of all things Important

Sean
Electrician, Builder, Bartender, original member of our Burning Man camp “Camp Never leave”

Greg
Builder extraordinaire, Electrician, D.J

Nicki
COTOM filmmaker, Designer, Web Mistress, and COTOM Bad-Ass Trumpeter

Janet
COTOM OG, Bad Ass DJ in the making

Kaz
Glorious fundraiser, hostess and Goddess.

Marcel
Welder, Builder, Hero! An original member of our Burning Man camp “Camp Never leave”

Nancy
COTOM Goddess, Cook, Designer, and Believer in all that is Good.

Shanna
COTOM Goddess, Interior decorator, Coolest Confessional Designer

Drilldo
Dave Sotnick
Lighting Designer, Builder, and DJ Dee-Vice

Sean & Cyn
Our heroes, supporters, dancers, and lovers.

Brother Terry
Videographer

Heidi
Goddess, Fundraiser, beloved dancer

Heather Sotnick
COTOM mother, Goddess, and Yogini

Shauna and Jon
COTOM original supporters and builders

DJ Adam
Playa and COTOM DJ bad ass, fundraiser

Jessica
COTOM Goddess

Blythe
Kid of Captain Fantastic
Dancer, Climber and mean (or nice) Drink Maker.

Adam
Builder, Playa adventure leader

Surfer
Dancer, Builder, Late Night Driver

Eric
Our beloved Angel