LEMURplex Announces New Classes In December
Max, Jitter, Microcontrollers, Sensor Building, Motors and Fiberglass
Fabrication

Registration for December classes at LEMURplex is now open. Many
classes are being given in an intensive format, designed to teach
specific topics in a small number of classes. Most classes are
hands-on, including new fabrication classes.

Visit http://lemurplex.org/classes.html for more information and to register.

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Sensor Building Workshop
Build Your Own Music or Video MIDI Controller in One Weekend
Saturday & Sunday, December 2 & 3, 12:00-6:00 pm
Jonathan Zalben

Imagine waving your hand and having an orchestra at your fingertips
or tapping on a surface to explore a video archive. This is all
possible through the use of MIDI and sensor-based technology. In one
weekend, you will design and build a controller to create your art
with the easy-to-use MidiTron interface.

Emphasis will be on hands-on learning. Basic electronics and
Max/MSP/Jitter programming will also be covered. No previous
knowledge of electronics, sensors, or programming is assumed.
Background information will be covered and the bulk of the class will
be focused on building a working controller that you will take home
and begin to create with. Examples of previous project ideas include
a shoe that creates notes for each step and a glove that determines
lighting cues in a theatrical performance. This is of interest to
Artists, Musicians, Dancers, Actors, Engineers, Programmers,
Lighting, Sound and Graphic Designers, and others.

$495, including lab fee. Lab kit includes MidiTron, electronic
components and selection from a variety of sensors.

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Max for Chicks
Interactive Programming from a Female Perspective
Saturday & Sunday, December 9 & 10, 12:00-5:00 pm
Dana Karwas

A cosmopolitan approach to navigating the Max/MSP/Jitter programming
environment. Free from technical restrictions, this class will offer
a unique array of spontaneous examples, lucid explanations, and
creative insight for learning the basics of Max/MSP/Jitter. Students
will get comfortable with Max/MSP/Jitter and in the end have the
ability to make and manipulate their own patches. No previous
programming experience is necessary.

$300

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Microcontroller Progamming for Artists
An Introduction to the Arduino System
Wednesdays, December 6, 13 & 20, 6:30-9:30 pm
Heather Dewey-Hagborg

Have you ever wanted to build a robot or an interactive art
installation? Have you ever wondered how LEDs, sensors and motors
work? Through collaborative exercises and the development of a final
project you will learn how to program and prototype with an Arduino
microcontroller. This class is geared towards beginners, and no prior
knowledge of electronics or programming is required.

This class will demonstrate programming and electronics basics
through hands-on microcontroller projects. You will learn digital and
analog input and output techniques for controlling motors and
interpreting sensors, as well as the programming skills necessary to
use these components effectively. We will also explore advanced
concepts in interface, motion and display based on student interest.
By the end of this class students will have a firm understanding of
how microcontrollers, sensors and actuators work and how to utilize
these tools in their own creative projects.

$375, including lab fee. Lab kit includes Arduino board, electronic
components and sensors.

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Jitter Crash Course
Getting Going with Video Processing
Saturday & Sunday, December 16 & 17, 12:00-5:00 pm
Joshua Goldberg

This class is a weekend intensive introduction to Jitter, Cycling
'74's video processing environment. On a very prosaic level, Jitter
can be used to build custom-tailored VJ applications, but even the
most cursory exploration demonstrates that this tool is capable of so
much more. Our class will cover those prosaic examinations, move into
the much more exciting realms of 3D OpenGL visualization and computer
vision techniques, and culminate in an exploration of the arcane
realms of synesthesia and visual music.

A basic familiarity with the Max programming paradigm is greatly
encouraged; this will be a very exciting, fast-paced course. However,
smart and flexible people can pick up the basics as we go along.

$300

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Motor Mania!!
Practical How-To For Artists
Tuesday, December 12, 6:30-9:30 pm
Douglas Repetto

A quick introduction to the wide world of motors suitable for use in
kinetic artworks. We'll cover the basic motor types, including AC,
simple DC, DC gearhead, stepper, hobby servo and solenoids (not
really motors, but close). We'll play with examples of each type of
motor and talk about which ones are suitable where. We'll also cover
the basics of motor coupling, including shaft collars, slip rings,
gears, belts, etc. This class will mostly focus on the
electro-mechanical side of motors. We will not go in depth on motor
control or electronics, but will discuss the basic principles
involved.

$100

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Fun With Fiberglass
Basic Composite Fabrication
Monday, December 11, 6:30-9:30 pm
Bob Huott

Learn the skills and techniques used to build custom objects using
fiberglass and epoxy. Students will get hands-on experience in
various stages of the process, starting with sculpting a foam
pattern, followed by glass lay-up and final finishing. Materials will
include partially completed samples to work with so we can move
between stages without waiting for epoxy to cure. Discussion will
include ideas on how to integrate sensors, lighting or haptics into
any project, and students are encouraged to bring their own project
ideas to the class. Bob will also give a brief, inside-out tour of
the Bean, his own composite sensor-based musical instrument.

$115, including lab fee. Lab kit includes fiberglass fabricating materials.