The Artiface Club, A Steampunk Arts Coalition and So Much More

I've met a ton of amazing people in my adventures in the steampunk world. My first steampunk event was The Mechanical Masquerade in Decatur GA. I actually did a book signing at a little bookstore in Huntsville, AL in the afternoon then went to a DJed event in an ultra cool warehouse that night. Honestly, I was a bit nervous. I had no idea what to expect. From the second I walked in everyone was over the top nice. It's amazing to think back on that night because I met a lot of people that I consider good friends to this day. To name just a few, Doctor Q, Talloolah Love, John Strangeway, Sara Harvey, Bill Harrington, and William and Cindy MacLeod were all there that night and I have to say, I've never been to any event that even came close to meeting such amazing people.

Things in the Atlanta Steampunk community have grown exponentially since then. I dare say that Atlanta is the new capitol of the genre. Well, at least they are the Eastern capitol for the U.S.

As dozens of other subcultures rise and die, steampunk just gets bigger and bigger every year and as a testament to that growth, The Artifice Club (who had original founders of that wonderfully night at The Mechanical Masquerade) is doing something on a nationwide scale that needs to be recognized, promoted and supported.

The Artiface Club is expanding the entire sub culture to a new level by creating a non-profit organization that plans on making steampunk events in more than just the Atlanta area. I've been to a few of their events and let me tell you, they are absolutely unreal. It's everything you could ever want in a night of entertainment that's run with kindness, courtesy and flair that I've never seen before.

So before this gets too long winded with my infinite praises, I implore everyone to check out The Artifice Club's Kickstarter and donate, promote and share as much as you can. Seriously, these are some of the best people in the world and if there were a steampunk President, Doctor Q would win in a landslide. Help their cause and check out their Kickstarter today.

The Artiface Club Kickstarter
http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/396472278/the-artifice-club-a-steampunk-arts-coalition-and-m

Anachrocon

My first Anachrocon (Atlanta, GA) was last year and it was a blast. This year they are growing by leaps and bounds, making a rock solid home for hardcore steampunks in the South East. They improved the hotel, they have more programming, many more bands, and so so much to offer anyone in the Steampunk community. I'm telling you, if you're in the are, or if you're not, Anachrocon is an amazing con and not to be missed.

I was on two panels, "Not Your Daddy's Steampunk" with Dan Hollifield and "Victorian Science Fiction Literature" With Kimberly Richardson, Emilie P. Bush, G.D. Falksen, Allen Gilbreath, and Dan Hollifield. Both were awesome panels and It was so good reconnecting with all my steampunk writer pals. When you're gone like I am, I really miss them. They're the kind of people that if we lived in the same town, we'd hang out often.

Something I have to give HUGE kudos to was the burlesque show that Talloolah Love put on at Anachrocon. I've seen my fair share of cabaret and burlesque and this blew the doors off any performance I've seen before. Top notch all the way. Basically it was like seeing a huge production on a smaller stage. Such a treat. Fun, Funny, Sexy, and even a little spooky at times, this show seriously bested anything I've ever seen and given me a renewed respect and love for burlesque.

Next Up:

This weekend, I'll be in Tuscon, AZ for Wild Wild West Con which is a very hyped steampunk con held at the Old Tuscon Studios (where they filmed a ton of old western movies). This one promises to be a very busy and awesome con for a steampunk starved area of the country. Very excited to see so many of my friends coming down for this one. If you're there, I'll have a table set up as well as participating in "The Baroness' Tea Party" with O.M. Grey, Elizabeth Darvill, and none other than Cherie Priest!

And now for Anachrocon Pictures!

I LOVE shelties. So my heart melted when I saw a steampunk one at Anachrocon named Sebastian.




Here are the amazing, talented, super driven, always perfect Frenzy Gals giving the "Nicky V" sign. If you want anything Steampunk you must go to there site HERE.


I had to get a picture of this... Yes they digital eye moved around.



The Extraordinary Contraptions! A band rocketing into steampunk stardom. Always a good time and a great band.