Library Unmasked-The Steampunk edition

Library Unmasked went Steampunk for it's third edition at the Southeast Steuben County Library.  The #libraryafterhours party was yet another smashing success!

Geared Up for Unmasked

Doors opened at 6:30 for this event.  Those who came to cosplay headed to the registration table to enter the contest.  Some parents even attended in full garb ready for fun.

These Parents Rock!

If you look close at that mom's hand, you might recognize a geared up cuff/ glove from our First Friday Art Club Steampunked Costumes earlier in July.  Our talented Hannah created those huge gears out of myriad cardboard boxes.  Aside from geeked out parents, our teens and kids had fun cosplaying, too. 

Willow the Watch Maker

"Willow the Watch Maker" created most of her costume in our Steampunked Costumes art class.  That hat was white and hiding in the Creation Station, the library maker space, for over a year.  Now it has new life and new places to roam.

The Reporter

Although parents discussed the meaning of Steampunk with their kiddos, some strong willed ladies chose their own path for cosplay.  Here you see Rosie the Reporter.  Too Cute!

To include some technology, Hannah set set up the green screen with cool steampunk backgrounds to share on social media.  Search #LibraryUnmasked to follow the scene.

You can try this in the Creation Station!

While families got caught in Steampunk land, groups also tested out Breakout EDU with Kayla.  This puzzle was like an escape room in a box.  Stop over before summer is gone to test your escape skills.

Rainbow Pallette

Painted Love by Jennifer Sekella was on hand during the night to paint faces and make everyone look fabu for a few hours. I got a gear that kept me going well past midnight.  The kids were excited to have some feisty color to complete their Friday festivities.

Butterfly and Tiger

Let the crafts begin!

Power Potion

Crafts included Potion Jar and Skeleton Key necklaces hosted by my trusty teen volunteers, Jenni and Sarah.

Premium Help in every Corner

Leather bracelets were made with Ann Recotta of Soulshine Studio.  The leather strips were donated by Aurora Shoe Company.  Many thanks to all those helping hands making a crafty and memorable occasion.

Kathryn W. stepped in to help, too!

There were several artists on hand selling their work and offering drawings to guests.

PolarNasu 

PolarNasu (Derek Morrow) took the digital drawing approach.

Filomena Jack

Filomena Jack took the funky and fabulous path, per usual.  She had paintings, drawings, jewelry and pizzazz to keep everyone engaged.

Joe Schichtel

Joey Schichtel kept the crowd entertained with his impressive illustrations and dark humor.

Emily Swan

Emily Swan graced the group with her prepared illustrations.  Color, cut and stand the characters up for an action packed experience.

Patrick Thomas

Local author, Patrick Thomas was in the house promoting books he wrote.  We got his steampunk book, As the Gears Turn, to add to the collection.  Be sure to check it out.

Has anybody SEEN Troy?

Troy from the Corning Museum of Glass brought elements from their Curious and Curiouser exhibit on display at the Rakow Research Library until February 17, 2019.  Glass eyeballs and locomotion video are all very Steampunk essential.

Dancers ready to Bust a Move

The roof was raised with performances from YunG-K, J-Cuzzo and Lukey Bear.  These young men are high school students with too much talent to keep packed in Corning.  Their performances were part of their "School's Out" summer tour and they made some new fans in the process.

Yung-K and J-Cuzzo

The finale to the festivities was the cosplay contest, judged by members of the 11th Hour Cosplay group.  They are such a fun group, they event dressed to the Nines.

Steampunks Away!

The winners of the Steampunk Cosplay contest won weekend passes to Twin Tiers Comic Con in September.  Page One Entertainment donated some of the passes for the winners.  

Steampunk Crew

The winners from left to right are Frankie with Goth Before Goth was Real, Christina as Early Inventer (Glider), Remy and Ryker as The Gear Brothers, Robin as Formal Engineer, and Hannah as Willow the Watch Maker.  Kudos for all the effort put in these designs!

Goodies Galore!

We were graced with several donations from area businesses, like ice cream from Dippity Do Dahs, certificates to CD Cafe on Market Steet, Table-Top games from Michael Steffins, Metacheckers from Ed Bond, a dinner certificate from Denny's Sub Shop in Big Flats, ice cream from the Sweet Spot, pizza from B's Pizza, ice cream from McDonald's in Corning/ Painted Post, comic con passes from Page One Entertainment, plus many artsy goods from the presenting artists. Penguin Random House also sent us a BIG BOX O' SWAG to raffle off for the evening.  With over 45 prizes to raffle, lots of people went home with a treat.

That wraps up the biggest summer program I create.  I hope you've been inspired to get in the cosplay game, work your art, create your craft, sing your song and rock out in the skin you're in.  We look forward to another Library Unmasked in 2018.  Thanks for visiting!

Get Unmasked again in 2018

Library Unmasked--The Results

So many of you had a blast at the Library Unmasked program last Friday.  Those of you who could not attend, please enjoy the festivities through jpeg.  

Lasers in the Library

Capture the Villain

Grr made an appearance and surprised the Minion

Art prints were raffled

Cupcakes were designed and Super Hero Soup was consumed

The costume contest was a serious undertaking

We had so much fun entertaining the crowd and playing like kids should.  There is more to share, but I am out of time until August.  Stop back soon for more "Library Unmasked" coverage.

Please join us next time!

Library Unmasked

If you are seeking plans for this Friday, July 17 from 6-8 pm, look no further.  The SSC Library is hosting a first ever cosplay event after hours and it is going to knock off your socks!

Do you love costumes and superheroes?  Does the idea of a Super Smash Bros. competition throw you in a tizzy?  Then get your Thor Hammer down to the library on July 17!

On deck for the evening are a few amazing illustrators.  Joe Schichtel will be sketching your favorite super heroes.  These drawings will be up for raffle!

There will be a special guest author signing books and ready to chat with you.  We have comic book crafts and snacks to keep your tummy full and your creative mind busy.

Laura Charles will help you design your own super hero.  Her Little Girl print (above) is framed and awaiting to go home with one of the first 50 people in the door.

That's right, kids!  We have so many prizes to give away.  The first 50 people in the door will be entered for one of 6 framed prints by our guest artists. 

AAAAaaaannnnnnd......there is this little ole comic con next month.  Perhaps you have heard of Twin Tiers Comic Con...

 

We have 2 weekend passes to raffle to the first 50 people in the door on Friday.  These winners must be in costume, so get your gear today!

Kisscass Cosplay will be ready to judge the best of the best in costume creativity.  Please do not disappoint this lady!

If you love competitions, we are ready for you.  There will be an obstacle course competition.  The first hero to capture a villain will win some super-powered sugar snacks.  KAPOW!  

Did I mention the Super Smash Bros. competition?!?  There will be edible prizes awarded.

We will have LOTS OF COMIC BOOKS available to take home, cut up, turn into button pins and even eat from the pages.  That's right, we have devised a Super Hero Soup recipe specifically for the Library Unmasked.  

A special note of gratitude goes to our good friends at Heroes Your Mom Threw Out.  Jared provided us with FOUR BOXES OF COMICS TO GIVE AWAY!!!

If you are not gripping the edge of your seat and jumping with excitement, you may need to call an emergency help line.  The ONLY PLACE TO BE THIS FRIDAY is at the Southeast Steuben County Library for Library Unmasked.  

Be here!  Tell us that Grr sent you!