This first post has been a long time coming.  We here at the Don Schrader Project have sat down to write this out many times, but each time it has been a struggle.  To sit and write all of our ideas or intentions seems too daunting, so we've decided just to start.  This blog, much like the Don Schrader Project is in constant evolution, and will develop along side the rest of the project.

Some background, to start:
The idea for this project came about in mid 2010.  The idea is to do a documentary about Don, who has been a fixture in Albuquerque life over the last 40 years.  We all know him, and he stirs a reaction--whatever it may be--from almost everyone who sees him.  He is a remarkable character, and, love him or hate him, we all have questions for or about Don, and why he chooses to live the way he does.
The project, so far, involves three people.  Don, obviously, is the cooperating subject of the documentary.  Brett Muckler, a young progressively minded artist and actor, will be working as Don's apprentice.  He will bring the perspective of an open minded more nominally "normal" person coming from the working world to see how Don's practices and beliefs do or don't make sense for the larger world.  I, Lucy Gilster, am the curator of this blog, the filmographer for the film, and the hell-bent instigator of this project.  We'll get to proper introductions in future posts.
I've been working with Don for just about two months now, and though the project seems at times to be slow moving, each time I seen Don the project just expands in some new unexpected way. I've done a couple interviews, of which I'll post some clips, and Don has recently given me access to his personal photo albums, documents and letters, all of which I've been rifling through for a couple of weeks now.  I didn't realize the depth of the task at hand when I took on this project, but I have recieved a wealth of information--far more than expected--and I find myself more fascinated than ever.
In large part, the vision for this documentary was a natural progression from the community of Albuquerque.  I, personally, grew up in Albuquerque's university area, and knew who Don Schrader was by the time I could recognize Santa or Ronald McDonald--and I suspect I'm not the only one with whom there has been some connection with Don.  I'm hoping, that by starting this blog, I can bolster community support and get some of you--dear readers!--to get involved.  Do you have questions for Don?  Comments about him?  Email us at thedonschraderproject@gmail.com and we'll publish his answers.

So--by that logic--I'll even throw you all a couple for free--before you even have a chance to ask.

This is Don's yearbook photo from 1964, the year that he graduated.  He was valedictorian of his high school class.

This week, Don dropped off an envelope of what seems like hundreds of his published articles, categorized by subject.  They were wrapped in this note:

So, this week, I've spent a good portion of my time sifting through the letters, and trying to compile them into an archive for his viewing public.  With any luck, I'll have it up soon--but I have to keep my day job. 


So anyhow--here's to the Don! And many future adventures.