The air at Snow Farm – The New England Craft Program is usually filled with the scent of sawdust or the glow of a kiln, but recently, it hummed with a different kind of energy—mechanical, historical and re-imaginative. Under the expert guidance of Bruce Rosenbaum, Reimagineer and owner of ModVic, LLC, a group of 10 skilled artists and makers showed that when it comes to art, they certainly know how to “shuttle” in a new era of creativity.
The assortment of found objects that Bruce brought with him helped everyone create an imaginative project that they were very proud of. He and his assistant Joe Sommers were able to assist those students whose experience with tools was a new challenge. This was my third time at Snow Farm and it was my most memorable.
– 2026 Student, Alex M.
The Art of the Repurposed Past
Steampunk is more than just gears and goggles; it is a philosophy of “creative reimagining”. Rosenbaum brought his signature blend of history and whimsy to the hills of Western Massachusetts for the Steampunkinetics workshop.
The centerpiece of this year’s workshop was the textile loom flying shuttle. Once a hardworking component of the textile industry, these wooden and metal artifacts served as the “spine” for the students’ sculptures.
“The assignment was to turn the flying shuttle into some type of steampunk vehicle,” Rosenbaum explained. “So, for example someone sculpted a steampunk-type car, a boat, a rocket, an airplane, and in some cases they would be multi use, for example a vehicle that could fly and then dive underwater.”
There always must be a good story behind Steampunk art. By centering the projects on a uniform historical object, the workshop challenged crafters to see the infinite possibilities within a single form.
An Immersive Hands-on Experience
The workshop format involved two full days plus additional evening work sessions, creating an intense, hands-on learning environment. The participants all created amazing projects, with some finishing early and working on additional designs. “Snow Farm is an ideal setting with quality tools, lots of support and extended work hours that really fostered creativity and productivity,” Rosenbaum said. “Many of the artists already had tool experience and I was so impressed with the level of everyone’s work.”
A Masterclass in Steampunk Art
Participants spent their days at Snow Farm diving deep into the mechanics of assembly. Under Rosenbaum’s mentorship, the process went beyond simple drilling and bolting. Makers learned to:
- Curate with Intent: Selecting repurposed antiques that complemented the aesthetic of the flying shuttle.
- Problem-Solve Mechanically: Integrating movement and balance into their sculptures.
- Balance Form and Function: Ensuring that the Steampunk elements felt integrated and authentic rather than merely decorative.
Bruce’s assistant, Joe Sommers, a retired engineering professor, provided valuable technical support. The atmosphere in the studio was one of intense collaboration.
Why Snow Farm?
Located in the pastoral landscape of Williamsburg, Snow Farm provided the perfect backdrop for this mechanical metamorphosis. The organization has long been a sanctuary for those who work with their hands, offering a space where traditional craft meets modern innovation. The Steampunkinetics workshop is a prime example of Snow Farm’s mission: providing a specialized environment where artists can push the boundaries of their medium.
The Results: History in Motion
These “Steampunkinetics” sculptures stand as a testament to the power of the maker movement. They remind us that history isn’t something to be tucked away in a museum—it is a raw material, waiting for a creative spark to set it back in motion.
Interested in future workshops like this? Keep an eye on the Snow Farm calendar for more opportunities to learn from master makers like Bruce Rosenbaum. We can’t wait to see what you’ll build next.