Images courtesy of Greyrose Photographics.
Have you ever wondered what Steampunk is? Over a weekend in October, the Wynnum Manly Arts Council Inc. held its first Steampunk Art in Florence event, a festival to introduce people to this community of enthusiasts.
Those passionate about dressing in costume and taking on characters gave the organisers a huzzah, or hooray, for the great weekend.
Locals were amazed at the diversity of costumes, the fun gadgets and inventions stallholders created, as well as the fantastic array of jewellery, books, trinkets and food associated with Steampunk.
The Puppeteer entertained families with witty and amusing antics. Punch and Judy stole the show with children taking advantage of the opportunity to learn magic tricks and plate spinning after the show.
Stalls were selling ornate walking canes, styled hats, patterns for costumes, intricate jewellery, crocheted plants, candles and cookies. The food of choice was ice cream-filled doughnuts.
Saturday was a fine day for a picnic on the lawn outside the Wynnum Community Centre while the local Bayside Youth Orchestra played in the background and held a sausage sizzle to raise funds.
Upstairs, musician Zac Benjamin and harpist Jillian Praeger added an old-world air to the market stalls while people ate fresh scones, jam and cream. There was a surreal atmosphere as those in costume browsed the stalls for new adornments.
Participants also had the opportunity to have their photos taken in costume.
“We had people come from the Gold Coast and Hervey Bay,” said organiser Sandra Temple.
“The Steampunk community loves an opportunity to get out their costumes and have fun with like-minded people,” said organiser Sandra Temple. We are grateful that local MP Joan Pease was able to present the prizes for the best dressed.”
Organisers hope this year’s success will assist with funding opportunities for the event to continue next year and more people will join in now that they know about Steampunk.
Sandra also thanked the event sponsors, including Joan Pease MP, Manson Framers, Waterloo Bay Hotel, Wynnum RSL, Mandala VGF, The Nurso, Artist Slingshot, Wild Art, The Hub Precinct, Chocolate Elements, The Community Leader, Raine & Horne Wynnum/Manly, Woolworths Wynnum and local councillor for Wynnum Manly Peter Cumming.
FROM WYNNUM MANLY ARTS COUNCIL INC.
