Culture
Steampunk September Returns To Athens
By: Emily Votaw
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Do you find yourself pining away after the elaborate fashions of the Edwardian and Victorian eras? Do you sometimes hypothesize about a grubby world where steam remained the most established form of power? And, most importantly, do you like to wear goggles?
If you can see a bit of yourself in any of the above stated questions, Athens’ fourth annual September-long steampunk extravaganza will certainly be something you’ll want to make time for in the coming weeks.
In this episode of Conversations from Studio B, WOUB’s Becca Lachman speaks with Billie Bee Wraith from Airship Athena, Athens’ own steampunk club, Kelly Lawrence from ARTS/West, Jessica Cyders from the Southeast Ohio History Center and Todd Bastin from the Athens Public Library about the many steampunk-centric events taking place in Athens throughout the month.
Steampunk, technically defined as a “subgenre of science fiction/fantasy,” is an overall aesthetic that works in imagery from Edwardian and Victorian eras, as well as the American Old West. Oftentimes this means a playful take on a world that still runs on steam power or a darker look at a post-apocalyptic setting that mashes fashion and technology from many different bygone eras.
This year’s steampunk activities are listed below.
Steampunk Spectacular at ARTS/West
Sept. 9, 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Enjoy cabaret, the opening of a steampunk-themed art exhibition, light refreshments and steampunk art and costume vendors. This event is entirely free.
Steampunk Train Ride on the Hocking Valley Railway
Sept. 17, 2:30 p.m.
Join Athen’s only steampunk club aboard the Hocking Valley Railway for an afternoon of steampunk-flavored activities.
Steampunk: Exploring the Roots of an Aesthetic at Ohio University’s Mahn Center for Archives & Special Collections, 5th floor, Alden Library
Runs Aug. 22 – Dec. 15
Monday through Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Items from the rare book collection illustrating literary, cultural, scientific, & social elements that have propelled the steampunk movement! Free admission.
Steampunk Spectacle at the Athens County Public Library
Sept. 24, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
A full day of live music, low tea, lawn and parlor amusements, marvels of science, cultural discourse, an art and fashion expo and more are all planned for this free event.
Rusted Rodeo Steampunk Ball at Central Venue
Sept. 24, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Take part in dancing, a costume contest, “tasties” and entertaining characters. Entirely free! Hosted by Airship Athena.
After the Ball Carousal at the Cider House
Sept. 24, 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Join your fellow steampunk enthusiasts at the west side Cider House after a day full of Steampunk activities all around Athens.
For more information, visit the event’s Facebook page.