Journey into the past where the future runs on steam at Steampunk on the Bricks at Art 634 in Jackson.

Steampunk on the Bricks

The setting of Art 634 for Steampunk on the Bricks is quite fitting. The building was originally built in 1870 as a wagon and carriage factory. Today, Art 634 and Steampunk on the Bricks ring leader Jason Heinrich propel us into an alternative future that would make Jules Verne weep with amazement.

Steam what?

Are you wondering what steampunk is? This article on steampunk at the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences is a wonderful reference. In a nutshell, if you think of the science fiction of Jules Verne (Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea) or H.G. Wells (The Time Machine), fashions of the late 1800s and early 1900s in a world where our modern technology was powered by steam, you’ll get the idea.

Boarding the Time Machine

Years ago, we met Jason, who was part of Capitol Steam. He was instrumental in putting on an event at Grand River Brewery in Jackson called Gears, Beards, and Beers. This was our first experience with steampunk, and a lot of fun.

Fast-forward to today. We’ve moved beyond a pandemic, and clearly, folks are missing out on gathering for all things steampunk. We arrived at Steampunk on the Bricks just an hour after opening, and the parking lot was packed with more people streaming in. The variety and ingenuity in the regalia that people wore were outstanding. Fine details such as a wind-up key on a hat, a golden chained watch, or a mechanical leg brace added to the realism and immersion into this “could-be” world.

The Gears of Innovation

Outside and inside, vendors display a bevy of wares. The level of artistic expression on display was fantastic. The blacksmithing by Atomic Rabbit Ironwork revealed an intense level of detail in each piece, with a nod toward Jules Verne and tentacles calling to mind the Kraken from the ocean depths.

Authors Catherine Stein and S.W. Raine offered an impressive selection of their books. Catherine’s Mad Scientist series spins spicy pulp tales set in 1890s Detroit. Meanwhile, S.W. Raine’s steampunk and urban fantasy adventures are certain to keep you entertained.

The wire work from The Wire Nest was fabulous. Their work had the perfect combination of whimsy and craftsmanship, making it a perfect pairing for your steampunk regalia.

The Steampunk Lamps by Keith were exceptionally well built. Again, there was an incredible amount of detail, and the valve handles ingeniously turned the lamp on and off.

Ari Franklin Paints, whose studio resides in Art 634, was busy painting dazzling clock faces. You could custom order a clock face painting or let Ari surprise you. In the gallery, Ari had more pieces, each displaying magical designs and intriguing color palettes.

The Murder City Facial crew was on hand with their magnificent bearded faces to promote their club and pass out flyers for the 2024 Great American Beard and Mustache competition, which will be held on September 21,2024 at the Masonic Temple in Detroit.

The Waterloo Area Historical Society set up a table to showcase a few historical pieces that looked suspiciously like they came from a steampunk novel. The Waterloo Farm and Dewey School museums are fantastic and make for a wonderful adventure while touring Jackson County.

Education and Music

Steampunk on the Bricks went beyond a social gathering with vendors on-site by including educational sessions and music. We caught a bit of vintage Americana and jazz by Rollie Tussing on the stage. 

Our visit to Steampunk on the Bricks was fantastic. We met some great people and even picked up a couple of gifts.

Pictures

We’ve got more photos from Steampunk on the Bricks in our gallery. Stop by to check them out.

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