Texas Artist Uses Real Titanic Artifact, Creates New Art Genre “Artifactism™”

CONROE, TX -- Artist/author and “Artifactism™” founder Dirk Strangely will debut the first finished paintings from the Souls of the Titanic, a fine art series incorporating authenticated artifacts recovered from the RMS Titanic wreck, at the premiere Souls of the Titanic Exhibition & Anniversary Dinner on April 14, 2026 from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM at Guadalaharry’s Bar & Grill, 219 Simonton St., Conroe, TX to mark the anniversary of the RMS Titanic ill-fated voyage. Please visit SoulsoftheTitanic.com for passage tickets and more information.

The collection introduces Artifactism™, a new art genre created by Strangely in which historical artifacts are not just included but become the art itself. Each portrait in the series includes authenticated Titanic coal and is constructed using 1912-era paper and 24k gold leaf, transforming history into a tangible, collectible artwork that is itself an artifact. The first finished paintings from the series will be on display for viewing only, as the works are being reserved for future museum exhibitions. Private collectors may be considered; inquiries can be made directly to Dirk Strangely.

The project is built around four elements:

· The Art: Mixed-media portraits depicting real Titanic passengers, where the artwork itself is the artifact.

· The Artifact: Authenticated Titanic materials embedded within each piece.

· The Music: Original compositions paired with each portrait, along with a live string quartet performing Titanic bandleader Wallace Hartley’s repertoire during the event.

· The Experience: An immersive annual dinner recreating Titanic’s final first-class meal

The anniversary dinner coincides with the night Titanic struck the iceberg and will feature a multi-course dining experience inspired by the ship’s last menu, accompanied by the string quartet performing Hartley’s setlist to complete the immersive historical experience.

Notable figures featured in the series include Captain Edward John Smith, Ida and Isidor Straus, and Margaret “Molly” Brown.

Guests may attend under themed “First Class,” “Second Class,” or “Third Class” ticket tiers, with varying dining experiences. All tickets include access to the art exhibition, with dining options dependent on ticket level.

Event details

WHAT: Souls of the Titanic Exhibition & Anniversary Dinner

WHERE: Guadalaharry’s Bar & Grill, 219 Simonton St. Conroe, TX

WHEN: April 14, 2026 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

WEBSITE: SoulsoftheTitanic.com

CONTACT: www.strangelystudios.net

About Dirk Strangely

Dirk Strangely is a Texas-based mixed-media artist, author, and musician known for blending surrealism with historical themes. His work has been featured through collaborations with major brands and retailers including Disney, Hot Topic, Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and TokyoPop. As the founder of Artifactism™, Strangely continues to explore new ways of merging history and fine art into immersive experiences, where the artwork itself becomes a historic artifact.

SoulsoftheTitanic.com