The Verne & Wells Society Inaugural Event:
Science - Technology - Escapism - Play

For our inaugural event, we decided on a topic that covered all the bases of a Verne & Wells Society event: LEGO. While it's most commonly used for escapism and play among children and adults alike, LEGO is also being applied towards both science and technology in architecture and structural engineering. 

Whatever the use, LEGO is fun, and we've invited Lego Certified Professional Dan Parker (one of only 13 certified professionals worldwide) to join the Verne & Wells Society in teaching attendees to create their own Lego masterpieces. Held in the Chinese Room of the historic Smith Tower, attendees will be treated to a catered lunch & snacks, drinks, and a great time playing with LEGO.

Cost: Free for Members, $75/Non-Member
Price includes a light breakfast, buffet lunch, drinks (including a hosted bar), free parking, and a copy of ‘The Cult of LEGO’ by John Baichtal & Joe Meno. This is a 21+ event.

About Dan Parker

Starting as a fluid mechanics engineer, LEGO artist Dan Parker “rediscovered” LEGO at age 29 and began to explore its creative and professional possibilities. 

In 2000, he formed The TBP Group, a company that produces custom LEGO displays and hosts events and educational venues. Today, TBP is an independent LEGO studio that maintains a comprehensive line of LEGO-related products and services. The facility is open to the public and has made a tradition of engaging other LEGO artists for projects.

Significant projects of the Puget Sound-based studio include a 400,000-piece Christmas exhibit, a 10-foot Statue of Liberty, and most recently, five pieces in a San Francisco Musuem of Modern Art exhibit. The company also coordinates fan shows at LEGOLAND, and has produced art pieces for various corporations. 

About the Smith Tower

Built from the fortune of typewriter and rifle magnate Lyman C. Smith (Smith-Corona typewriters and Smith "long" rifles), the Smith Tower was Seattle's first skyscraper. Opening on July 4th, 1914 and topping out at 42 stories, the Smith Tower was the fourth tallest building in the world. It remained the tallest west of Chicago for almost 50 years.

The crown jewel of the Smith Tower is the 35th floor Chinese Room, originally furnished by the last Empress of China as a gift to Mr. Smith. Featuring a hand-carved wood and porcelain-inlay ceiling, ornately carved blackwood furniture, and 17th century works of art, the Chinese Room offers commanding views of Seattle from the complete wrap around outside deck of this 522' tall building.