The World is Expanding!

The steampunk world, that is. This weekend at the 2013 Steampunk World’s Fair, I noticed that not only are there more people in attendance, but that the steampunk “canon” is becoming both refined (more people are familiar with what things are considered steampunk) and broadened (now that folks have a basic understanding, it is taking on even more eclectic elements). The costumes are just as outrageous, but here and there are subtle clues in some outfits which bring a knowing chuckle. As usual, music is everywhere.

I’ve met some folks interested in coming to Steam at Harper’s Ferry to show their work or talk about their projects. My way of bringing the Fair to the Ferry!

 

 

May 2013 Happenings

Around the World – Next Exhibit

Watch this space! The next exhibit at Steam will have an “Around the World in 80 Days” theme. A “Call to Artists” will be posted soon.

What’s New at Steam

Steam’s next installment “Of Steam and Spring” under its new SciFi/Steampunk imprint, Steam at Harper’s Ferry Press, was released on April 27. Here is an excerpt:

“A full moon rose between the mountains. Its light reflected from the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers at The Point. A crowd gathered on the Hill Top House veranda, bundled in furs, scarves, gloves and hats even though it was early Spring. … The chimes at St. Peter’s Church rang out at midnight, just as the moon completed a triangle above the uneven peaks. … Lights flickered into being on the newly installed carousel which began to turn. A song began to play on the calliope. Its mournful noise was in sharp contrast to the joyful tunes with which people were familiar who visited the Park.”

The Steampunk World’s Fair is this month, from May 17 – 19, 2013. Cynthia M. Gayton is scheduled to speak about protecting literary and illustrated characters on Sunday, May 19 from 1:15 – 2:15 at The Radisson in Boardroom A. Looking forward to it!

Big Top Steam – Exhibit Ended

The Big Top Steam exhibit ended this past weekend. The artists are Leigh Anne Cassell and Lindsey Donaldson. In addition, there are  two special installations by Eric Holstine and Phil Berneburg. This was one of the most ambitious and varied exhibit Steam has had to date. Thanks everyone for taking the time to view this wonderful collection!

Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Community Art Walk – April  27 and 28, 2013 – A Success!

At final count, there were over 50 artists at 21 venues participating in the Bolivar-Harper’s Ferry Community Art Walk over this past weekend. Despite the rain on Sunday, about 150 people received commemorative goodie bags and letterpress prints, along with coupons and gifts from local merchants. The Hill Top House was especially gorgeous on April 27. The grounds were decorated with flowering plants and freshly mulched. Special thanks goes out to the volunteers, Kenzie Allen, Teresa Barth, and Jason Edwards. If you attended, thanks for coming! If not, please come next time!

Of Steam and Spring – Excerpt

 

On Thursday, April 26, 2013, Steam announced the release of the next publication from our Steam at Harper’s Ferry Press imprint, “Of Steam and Spring” by V. Edwards Clarke with illustrations by Kasey Hendricks. Here is an excerpt from the story:

“A full moon rose between the mountains. Its light reflected from the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers at The Point. A crowd gathered on the Hill Top House veranda, bundled in furs, scarves, gloves and hats even though it was early Spring. … The chimes at St. Peter’s Church rang out at midnight, just as the moon completed a triangle above the uneven peaks. … The din started like a train whistle sounding through a tunnel. It grew louder and louder until its clamor blasted forth, powerful enough to awaken the ancient mountains. Lights flickered into being on the newly installed carousel which began to turn. A song began to play on the calliope. Its mournful noise was in sharp contrast to the joyful tunes with which people were familiar who visited the Park.”

There was a full moon on April 26 and for most of this weekend, I spent my time at the Hill Top House overlook handing out maps, flyers and coupons for the Second Annual Bolivar-Harper’s Ferry Community Art Walk and heard a train thunder through the tunnel more than a dozen times. But, there is no longer any carousel or calliope. Coincidence?

This story is about an enchantment of the Island Park’s carousel during the lifetime of Hill Top House’s original owner, Thomas Lovett. A Calliope Romance brought to you by Steam at Harper’s Ferry.

Limited physical copies are available for purchase at Steam at Harper’s Ferry. Please email Steam if you would like a copy mailed to you. An e-book version will be available soon.

2013 Bolivar-Harper’s Ferry Community Art Walk Artist List

Here’s the list of all the artist names I’ve received from the venues – all 41 of them!

1. Mary Almond, Photographer and Digital Artist
2. Daniel Alquist
3. Autumn Beckett
4. Mary-Jo Bennett, Photographer
5. Gary Bergel, Photographer
6. Phil Berneberg, Ceramic artist
7. Joe Bourgeios, Furniture maker
8. Judy Bradshaw
9. Andrea Burke, Watercolorist
10. Theresa Burns
11. Leigh Anne Cassell, Illustrator
12. Scott Cawood, Metal Sculptor
13. Bruce Chandler, Visual Artist
14. Tabatha Chesley Photographer
15. Michael Timothy Davis, Oil Painter
16. Lindsey Donaldson, Illustrator
17. Jason Edwards, Visual Artist
18. Hannah Jean Ehlman, Metalsmith
19. Jason Fleshman
20. Vanessa Gerstenberger, Ceramics
21. Crystal Grimsley, Jewelry maker
22. Clara Hayward, Visual Artist
23. Eric Holstine, Metalwork/stained glass artist
24. Margret Keeler
25. Susanne Koenig
26. Jim Koenig
27. Martha LeRoi, Pottery maker
28. Michael McIntyre, Pottery maker
29. Earl Mills, Photographer
30. Amanda Mullins
31. Carol Napper
32. Judy Olsen, Visual Artist
33. Susan Parker, Watercolorist
34. Bryan Payne, photographer
35. Autumn Philbin
36. Valerie Rinker, Photographer
37. Ron Roman, Photographer
38. Shawn Sokoloski
39. Nena Stowell
40. Ondria Watson
41. India Watson

2013 Art Walk Venues and Artists – Jefferson County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau and Steam at Harper’s Ferry

Venue:  Jefferson County Convention & Visitor’s Bureau

Artists: 

Mary-Jo Bennett, Photographer
Gary Bergel, Photographer
Joe Bourgeios, Furniture maker
Andrea Burke, Watercolorist
Bruce Chandler, Visual Artist
Martha LeRoi, Pottery maker
Judy Olsen, Visual Artist
Susan Parker, Watercolorist

Venue:  Steam at Harper’s Ferry

Artists:

Phil Berneberg, Ceramic artist
Leigh Anne Cassell, Illustrator
Lindsey Donaldson, Illustrator
Jason Edwards, Visual Artist
Eric Holstine, Metalwork/stained glass artist

 

2013 Art Walk Venues & Artists – Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library and The Gilded Flea

Venue:  Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library

Artists: (several artists/various media)

Daniel Alquist
Autumn Beckett
Judy Bradshaw
Theresa Burns
Jason Fleshman
Margret Keeler
Amanda Mullins
Carol Napper
Autumn Philbin
Shawn Sokoloski
Nena Stowell
Ondria Watson
India Watson

Venue:  The Gilded Flea

Artists:  Scott Cawood, Metal Sculptor, and Michael Timothy Davis, Oil Painter

Scott Cawood, Antietam, MD

Description: 

Scott Cawood lives and works at his residence in historic Antietam MD where he has been a professional artist since 1992. His work created of scrap steel is a reflection of how the world works, looks, and feels to him—of the everyday discourse he sees as visual celebrations and contradictions. His work has been exhibited nationally and has been commissioned by the City of Frederick, MD; the Baltimore Public Works Museum; Courtyard By Marriot; MTV’s Real World; and The Contemporary American Theater Festival.

Croc Heels – Scott Cawood (with permission)

Michael Timothy Davis, Shepherdstown, WV

Description: 

Michael Davis graduated from Shepherd University with a BFA in painting. Here the modernist approach to teaching and stylistic differences at once provided challenges and motivation to explore the more classical aesthetics that he believed in. While attending Shepherd Michael studied independently with Ben Summerford the former Art Chair at American University. Ben’s guidance and enthusiasm proved to be a lasting inspiration. After graduation, Michael continued his studies at The Schuler School of Fine Art in Baltimore, MD. At Schuler’s he finally felt at home with his desires and ambitions to continue with the traditions of classical realism. Out of school he now has a studio in his house where he paints and draws daily. Students can be found here as well studying and learning the same fundamentals and traditions that enlightened Michael’s life and art.

Singer – Michael Timothy Davis (with permission)

2013 Art Walk Venues and Artists – The Village Shop and Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Venue:  The Village Shop

Artist:  Earl Mills, Photographer

Artist Statement:

“Photography has been an interest, hobby, and now a profession over the last 35 years. During that time, I attended a number of college and technical courses and have used many types of photographice quipment. Until a few of years ago, my profession utilized computer graphics in software design and photography was just a natural projection of that experience for me.  One notable employer was National Geographic where I studied the techniques and styles of various photographers.  Their historic photographic archives are an inspiration for what I photograph today.

I have created and perfected my own unique blend of photography and art.  Using this technique I capture and then interpret timeless images of our American heritage.  My work reflects the struggles and triumphs that America has weathered, from the commonplace to the legendary.  I reside in a renowned region for Civil War history, and have photographed many of these legendary sites.  This “Hallowed Ground” includes numerous battlefields, historic buildings, monuments, famous churches as well as presidential homes to rustic log cabins.  Rivers, mountains, and meandering byways provide a peaceful backdrop for these historical treasures as well.

Currently all photographs are taken using professional Canon cameras and lenses. The photographs are then transformed using a digital darkroom technique until they take on the desired artistic appearance. There are no preset conditions; every photograph takes on its own unique style.  I strive to make the end result one that is an interpretation of the history that I see.”

 

Earl Mills (with permission)

 

Venue:  Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Artist:  Ron Roman, Photographer

Description: 

Ron Roman is a 1987 A.T. thru-hiker. His photos focus on the light, vapor, color, and movement of the A.T. His work has been published in numerous publications such as National Geographic Adventure, Outside, Backpacker, Delta Sky, and the Discovery Channel Guidebook Series. In 2010, Roman captured the iconic photo, “Appalachian Trail Mist”, on the A.T.’s Tennessee and North Carolina border, which was later featured on the cover of the 2012 book, The Appalachian Trail: Celebrating America’s Hiking Trail. Visitors will have opportunity to meet this artist, view his work, and purchase this renowned photo, with ten percent of the gross sales donated back to the ATC.