A Note from the Documentarian

Photo of Last Year's Production (Darla Winn, 2009)

Last year, on October 28th, I found myself warily entering a dark historic theater downtown. Inside, I navigated narrow hallways with work lanterns hanging crookedly overhead. I entered a hazy theater full of ghosts in Victorian attire. I peered into glass cases that had living mannequins trapped inside. I passed an accordion player who seemed to be utterly lost in time. I encountered a huge half-woman/half-spider with beckoning metal legs. This was the eerily beautiful world of the Steampunk Haunted House, created by the talented artists at Third Rail Projects.

Photos by Darla Winn, 2009

2009 was the first year of the Steampunk Haunted House, a disturbingly immersive experience that combined the terrifying with the sublime, living flesh with machines, Halloween with art. This totally unique experience did not go unnoticed by the press. NBC New York called it "visually stunning," and the Village Voice urged people not to miss it. Bloggers (like Devon Petley and La Carmina) also raved about the house, even months after it closed for the season.

This October, the Steampunk Haunted House returns.

This Year's Promotional Photo (Chad Heird, 2010)

My name is K.O., and I have the privilege of documenting the evolution of 2010’s production. Over the next few weeks leading up to the production’s run, I will be offering exclusive behind-the-scenes peeks at the venue, the artwork and costumes, and the themes that inspire the 2010 version of the Steampunk Haunted House. As I discover the dark mysteries of this beautiful world, I will report my findings here. Stay tuned …

Photo by Darla Winn, 2009

The Drifting Encyclopedia Closes in One Week

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"...if you want to get your weird installation on, time is ticking...
we're calling this one out as can't miss." – New York Press

photo by Ryan Benyi
Third Rail ProjectsThe Drifting EncyclopediaPresented by Arts World Financial Center and the River To River Festival
Now through September 3
Monday - Friday, 12:00pm - 4:00pm
World Financial Center Courtyard Gallery
220 Vesey Street, NYCClick here for directions

The Drifting Encyclopedia is an assemblage of American oddities, scientific and historical ephemera, questionable accounts and implausible representations thereof. Part Victorian cabinet of curiosities, part roadside attraction, this immersive art installation houses exhibits that echo the themes of unlikely connections and contemplates the actual, illusory and anomalous nature of love. Created by

Zach Morris in collaboration with Elizabeth Carena, Tom Pearson, and Kryssy Wright.

Public Service Announcement from The Drifting Encyclopedia:

More photos by Ryan Benyi:

Above photo:
Artists Zach Morris & Tom Pearson
inside The Drifting Encyclopedia

The Drifting Encyclopedia is presented by Arts World Financial Center and made possible, in part, by the River To River Festival. The Drifting Encyclopedia is also made possible, in part, by Materials for the Arts/New York City Department of Cultural Affairs/Department of Sanitation, The Lucky Star Foundation, and by Third Rail Projects with support from individual and institutional donors.

Photos of U&E Evening Performance

All images from full-length evening performance of Undercurrents & Exchange by Third Rail Projects at the World Financial Center, presented by Arts World Financial Center and the River To River Festival.

See thirdrailprojects.com for more details.

All photos courtesy of Darial Sneed