STEAMPUNK: HISTORY BEYOND IMAGINATION! PREMIERES AT ANAHEIMS’ MUZEO, OCTOBER 23rd << Prev Next >>
Karen Gee of Muzeo tells us about the upcoming Steampunk exhibit in Anaheim, California.
By DoctorQ on Sep 20 2011 Category:SpC,Events Steampunk: History Beyond Imagination! will explore the origins, influences and artistry of the steampunk aesthetic – a Neo-Victorian movement inspired by a fancifully re-imagined Age of Steam.
The Exhibit:
Visitors to Steampunk: History Beyond Imagination! will be introduced to an era in which science and industry combined in new and fascinating ways to launch mankind into the future – into a world where ordinary human beings could do the impossible. The exhibition explores the relationship between the fantastical worlds and concepts of Victorian ‘scientific romance’ and the wondrous realities created by the inventors and scientists of that time and ours.
Steampunk: History Beyond Imagination! highlights the relationship between science fact and science fiction in the Victorian era; exploring the work of pioneers such as Charles Babbage, Ada Lovelace and Nikola Tesla alongside the visionary fiction of H.G. Wells, Jules Verne and Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley. Visitors can explore a collection of replicas and artifacts, including original props and concept art, vintage books and comics, and a selection of art, sculpture, jewelry, fashion, photography and inventions. Interactive and informational displays will guide guests through various historical ‘what if” scenarios; learning while imagining “what might have been” had events and technology happened a little differently.
Steampunk: History Beyond Imagination! ~ Where the future shakes hands with the past!
What is “Steampunk?”
"Steampunk" is considered by many to be a growing modern reaction to man’s conquering of scientific boundaries. As technology and science took us beneath the sea, to the Earth’s interior and even to the moon, humanity began to wonder if its reach had, indeed, exceeded his grasp. Writers, artists and craftsmen began to entertain the notion of what life would have been like had circumstances pushed these innovations just a little bit further. We might have had computers before gas combustion engines, the Internet before the microchip, or warships in the air before the Wright Brothers ever flew. This spawned a whole new sub-genre of science fiction - Steampunk. With this new sub-genre came a whole fresh aesthetic...a Neo-Victorian examination of clothing, gadgets, art, music and literature.
Who created this exhibit?
Aeronaut Productions, LLC is owned and operated by Peter Overstreet and Cat Taylor, and is dedicated to the design and production of exciting, quality theatrical events and traveling exhibitions. www.aeronautproductions.com
Peter Overstreets’ career has been varied, adventurous and, above all, creative. He has been a professional illustrator for twenty years, and has worked in the entertainment industry (games, film, print, creative direction) for over fifteen. His artwork has been seen in the pages of various publications (including USA Today and Variety), has been made into toys and video games, and has graced the halls of scientific exhibitions, including NASA: A Human Adventure in Stockholm, Sweden. His interest in 19th century author, Jules Verne, led Overstreet to found and direct Legion Fantastique - the worlds’ only Jules Verne-themed theatrical troupe. Legion is an interactive theatrical experience teaching scientific concepts through the lens of Verne's fantastic worlds.
Cat Taylor is the entertainment director for San Francisco’s legendary Great Dickens Christmas Fair, which boasts 700 performers, seven stages and multiple environmental areas, including Legion Fantatstique. She has directed the entertainment and finance departments for several historically themed performing arts organizations and is an accounting professional, specializing in helping small businesses like her own. Cat is also an electric violinist with the Celtic rock band Avalon Rising, her musical adventures taking her from orchestras, stage shows and fairs in California to festivals in China. Taylor has written articles for Electronic Musician and Onstage Magazines and enjoys the challenge of melding the worlds of art with those of business and commerce.
These two talented individuals lead an equally talented team of “Aeronauts”, building, painting, writing and creating the various elements that will combine to become Steampunk: History Beyond Imagination! making its debut at MUZEO.
Preview week for this exhibit is October 15 through 21st. A public opening event will take place on October 23 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. with a ribbon cutting, Steampunk and Victorian characters, war game re-enactments, dance demonstrations, English tea and chocolate tastings, storytelling, crafts and more!
Admission to MUZEO is $13 for adults, $9 for children 12 and under, ages 3 and under is free. Group tour discounts (for groups of ten or more) and senior discounts are also available. Admission allows visitor access to both Steampunk: History Beyond Imagination located in The Carnegie Building, and The Queen’s Gallery, Victorian Art from the Private Collection of Dr. Howard & Linda Knohl; an exhibit exploring the history, masterpiece paintings, literature and 19th century lifestyle of the Victorian era, located in the Main Exhibition Building.
MUZEO is located in the heart of downtown Anaheim, at 241 S. Anaheim Blvd., just two miles from the Disneyland Resort. Validated parking is available in the parking structures on Center Street Promenade. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information and to purchase tickets online go to www.muzeo.org, or call 714-956-8936.
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