Steampunk in the Tannery on April 13

Steampunk is the hot art style right now, so what the heck is it? 

Steampunk is a fictional genre that suggests an alternate history... a mix of the Victorian era with Wild West in a post-apocalyptic world. Imagine the industrial world of Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. Technology is steam-power, mechanics and plain old elbow grease. Fashion includes corsets, tool belts, goggles and steel-toed boots. Common materials used are metals, gears, leather and mechanical parts. 

As an artist, years ago I worked in this genre without knowing it when I made jewelry from found objects, skeleton keys and military buttons.

This defined Steampunk genre caught my attention a few years ago at Burning Man. Every year, more and more Steampunk art cars, artwork and clothing appeared. Perhaps the best known works are El Pulpo Mecanico , a drivable articulated 25-foot flame-throwing Octopus made of scrap metal... and the Neverwas Haul, a self-propelled 3-story Victorian House made of repurposed industrial materials.

Lucky for us, the Neverwas Haul crew is based in Vallejo at Obtainium Works Art Car Factory, the headquarters of the Hibernian Academy of UnNatural Sciences. This group is responsible for Vallejo’s Mad Hatter Parade, Kinetic Sculpture Races and growth in the industrial arts movement.  

I was inspired to make Steampunk clothing from upcycled materials. I use tablecloths, curtains, bedsheets, second-hand clothing, vintage buttons, hardware and found objects to make clothing and accessories. I was easily hooked.

When artists Dennis and Denise Cullen opened a Cullen's Tannery Pub with a Steampunk theme, I popped in for an artisan-rum cocktail... and a light went on. There is so much talent in our community, I wanted to bring all this creativity together so, Steampunk in the Trunk was born. 

With the support of Arts Benicia and the merchants of the Tannery Building, we will be showcasing five Steampunk art cars, two bikes, an electric-steam hybrid cycle, sculpture and artwork. Artisans will be vending hats, goggles, clothing, jewelry and accessories. Of the thirteen participants, eight are from Benicia and Vallejo including Lottie Ballou Costumes, artists Adam Blair and Randy Barnard and jewelry designers Barbara Richardson and Ebba Navas . 

The event will also include an Interactive Fashion Show. Models from the Diamond Dolls will be strolling throughout the event wearing Steampunk fashions. 

Live music will be provided by Haute Sects. Jazz singer, Karin Carson headlines the band that features guitar, percussion and accordion. Their style has gypsy roots with Django Reinhardt and Josephine Baker influences. 

The Tannery building has been through some hard times, but it’s come back to life in a big way. Ten merchants now fill the building. 

Along with Cullen’s Pub, shops include Creations & Illustrations Tattoo Studio & Gallery, Fabulous Finds in Benicia antiques, Parson’s Gallery & Art School, Nest vintage & new home furnishings and Threads Trading Company consignment clothing. Brand new to the building are Charlie’s Attic antiques, Love & Hate clothing and accessories and Napa Bella vintage clothing and accessories. 

On Saturday, folks strolling First Street during the Benicia Art Walk will likely be stopped in their tracks when they reach the Tannery. Steam-powered cars tend to do that.