First American Steampunk Store & Studio Opening

STEAMPUNK:  A world-wide futuristic Victorian age movement with a sub-genre of science and speculative fiction including elements of fantasy. A blooming subculture mixing Victorian fashion and sensibilities with fantasy and imaginary technologies. Steampunk necessities include goggles, pocket watches, brass and copper clockwork, gears and steam-powered inventions that go far beyond 1800s technology. Drawing on inspiration from Jules Verne and H.G. Wells, the contemporary Steampunk community is growing in popularity across the world with an estimated 60,000+ followers.  

Penny Dreadful Productions (PDP) is hosting a grand opening Saturday, May 21, from 10 a.m.-midnight to introduce its costumes, props, and oddities shop: The Boiler Room. The festivities begin at 10 a.m. with Duluth Mayor Nancy Harris cutting the ribbon at 11 a.m.

PDP has built an international reputation for its outstanding Steampunk costumes and props. It will be taking the Steampunk movement to a whole new and exciting level by offering the first American Steampunk store and studio in Historic Downtown Duluth.

Under the inspirational leadership of founders Matt Silva and Erin Bushko, PDP has contributed to the aesthetic of Steampunk worldwide. PDP has a wide variety of costumes and accessories including original one-of-a-kind designs and notable Steampunk versions of characters from "The Wizard of Oz," "League of Extraordinary Gentlemen," "Iron Man," and "Boba Fett."

PDP uses the Steampunk aesthetic to show off its talents as artists but has experience in almost all genres and styles. PDP's work has been seen in major motion pictures, television, and professional theaters. Credits include "Halloween 2," "Zombieland," "The Walking Dead," "Ben10-Alien Swarm," "The Candy Shop," "Heartless," and the newly released short film "Blood on my Name."

Not limited to film and TV, PDP offers private commission services for costumes as well. From set design, construction and dressing to makeup effects, hair, costumes, wardrobe and props, PDP is a one-stop-shop in art direction. The Boiler Room Steampunk store features PDP's own innovative creations as well as merchandise from other Steampunk artists. Along with antiques, the store offers a diverse assortment of handcrafted items, wearable art, accessories, jewelry, books, original art, and a local favorite Dirigible Dolls.   

In celebration of the opening of The Boiler Room store and PDP's design and fabrication studio, a full day of festivities is planned. The Celtic music sensation Tartanic and the Steampunk band Aeronauts will perform along with Hoop Essence. Makeup special effects demonstrations to create creatures and costumes used in film will be on display. Dim Horizon Studio will photograph the first 50 people for free and those following for $10 each. Food and beverages will be available for purchase.  

Stop by and welcome a bit of Hollywood to Historic Duluth. The Boiler Room is located at 3067-B Main Street.

Editor's note: Stacie Stamper is a Main Street merchant in Historic Downtown Duluth and active in the community. She started frugally yours interiors (fyi Duluth Design Center) two years ago and has implemented innovative events to bring folks downtown and promote Duluth as a shopping destination.