Audio By Carbonatix
The TACtile Textile Arts Center has gone all steampunk this summer, beginning with the opening of the current show, Steampunk: Mechanical Science Meets Victorian Romance, in May. But the voluminous ostrich feather in the exhibition’s Victorian cap is tonight’s Steamed Fashion Show, a juried feast of plumed millinery and mini top hats, intricate reordered watch-dial jewelry, ornate corsets and bloomers, bustled gowns and tricked-out goggles that all fit right in with the center’s preservationist credo when it comes to fiber arts.
“There is a delightful sense of glee about it,” says TACtile director Dianne Denholm of the Steampunk theme that’s overtaken the whole place. “We can’t help but love it, because it welcomes the celebration of handmade laces, buttons and creating a look that doesn’t exist off the rack. It’s a terrific example of what TACtile exists to validate: crafts from our human tradition that can find expres-sion in the new century.” Plus, of course, it’s just so cool to look at.
Festivities begin at 7 p.m. at TACtile, located upstairs at 1955 South Quince Street; models will take to the runway at 8 p.m. Author Christopher Ficco will also sign his Steampunk story collection, Penny Dread Tales (for more about the book, see “Tale Spin,” in the June 25 Calendar entries at westword.com), and designer Teresa Stanton, who won first place in the wearable category of TACtile’s Steampunk art show for her Air Steam Cuff, will also be showcased as a fashion-show contributor. Admission is $5 at the door; visit www.tactilearts.org or call 720-524-8886 for information.
Fri., June 24, 7-9 p.m., 2011
