The second annual Steampunk Spectacular was abuzz with artists expressing this Victorian inspired culture.
Top hats and corsets abundant, a ‘steambrewery’ dispensed its ale in the corner, a peculiar mix of Victorian and techno music played softly in the background — the world of steampunk had made its entrance in Athens.
Friday and Saturday, the local steampunk group, Airship Athena, held its second annual Steampunk Spectacle across Athens ranging from a steampunk art gallery to an extravagant Masquerade Ball to showcase the subculture.
For the people who are followers of steampunk, the combination of the past and the future is key to this art style.
“Just imagine what someone in the Victorian era would think 2014 would look like, and then run with it,” said Laura Werger, an artist displaying some of her Victorian era influenced jewelry in the ARTS/West gallery. “I just fell in love with the aesthetics of it and I’ve been working it into my artwork and my jewelry designs.”
The gallery was abuzz Friday night with many artists demonstrating their steampunk-inspired artwork with paintings, mechanical sculptures, music and dancing.
The Whiplash Tribal Fusion Dancers was one of the groups that performed at ARTS/West, mixing belly dancing and other forms of dance to convey its artwork.
“So many things are youth-orientated — this isn’t,” said Penni AlZayer, leader of the Whiplash Fusion Dancers. “If you are able to put on a garb and imagine a persona, you can come out and play.”
People of all ages were involved in the Steampunk activities over the weekend, some being as young as 10-years-old, while others were reaching into their 70s.
“We have people that are still in high school, even younger, veterans that are retirees that enjoy it,” said Ryan Spellman, a member of Airship Athena. “That’s what’s really cool about (Steampunk) being so broad. All sorts of people can find something that they’re into.”
Saturday’s events included educational workshops about Steampunk, a “Low Tea Social” at the Athens Public Library in the afternoon, followed by a Masquerade Ball at Central Venue to cap off the artistic celebration.
The ball was well underway that night with many Steampunk fans showing off their costumes and their dance moves to the mix of classical and techno music.
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