LEMURplex February News
February Art & Technology Classes at LEMURplex are starting soon.
Topics include Motors & Robotics, Microprocessor Programming, Jitter
and Fiberglass
Fabrication. Details below. For more info and to register, please
visit http://lemurplex.org/classes.html
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Tranzducer, LEMURplex's new performance & gallery series is back
after a highly successful January show. Tranzducer.002, on February
23rd, will feature Mike Lowenstern's Faded Music: bass clarinet, body
percussion and translucent technology. This set will feature music
from Lowenstern's fourth CD, "Fade," with a pretty heavy dose of
nostalgia, jazz, funk and electronics. Bob Huott's band FRYLAB will
be playing a mixture of acoustic and electronic: tenor sax, bass,
extended baritone guitar and Bob's new electronic instrument The
Bean. Jane Rigler, flutist and electronic musician, will be
performing improvised and composed music for augmented flute.
Tranzducer occurs on the last Friday of every month at LEMURplex. See
http://tranzducer.com for more info.
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Fun With Fiberglass
Basic Composite Fabrication
Monday, 2/12, 6:30-9:30 pm
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.
Instructor: Bob Huott
Cost: $115, including lab fee. Lab kit includes fiberglass
fabricating materials.
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Intro to Jitter
Video Processing in the Max/MSP/Jitter Environment
Tuesdays, 2/13, 2/20, 2/27, 6:30-9:30 pm
This is a three-session introduction to <a
href="http://cycling74.com/products/jitter" target=child>Jitter</a>,
Cycling '74's video & matrix 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, very fast-paced course.
However, smart and flexible people may be able to pick up the basics
as we go along.
Instructor: Joshua Goldberg
Cost: $300
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The Mechanics of Robotics
Using Motors, Solenoids, and Other Devices in Kinetic and Robotic Art
Wednesdays, 2/14, 2/21, 2/28, 6:30-9:30 pm
A three session introduction to the wide world of motors and
mechanical systems suitable for use in kinetic and robotic artworks.
We'll cover the basic motor and solenoid types, including AC, simple
DC, DC gearhead, stepper and hobby servo. We'll play with examples of
each type of motor and talk about which ones are suitable where.
We'll look at some basic mechanical parts and systems like shaft
collars, slip rings, gears, belts, pulleys, etc. We'll also talk
about sourcing components, creative reuse of found materials,
material selection, building for durability, etc. This class will not
go in depth on motor control or electronics but will mostly focus on
the electro-mechanical side of robotics.
Required materials: work clothes that you don't mind getting dirty,
safety glasses
Recommended materials: an old electro-mechanical device (printer,
scanner, fax machine, blender, something that moves!) for sacrifices,
charged 12v battery (~5 amp hours - email if you have questions about
what to get), soldering iron, small hand tools (snips, screw drivers,
etc)
Instructor: Douglas Repetto
Cost $300
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Microcontroller Progamming for Artists
An Introduction to the Arduino System
Thursdays, 2/15, 2/22, 3/1, 6:30-9:30 pm
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 <a
href="http://arduino.cc" target=child>Arduino</a> 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.
Instructor: Roberto Osorio-Goenaga
Cost: $375, including lab fee. Lab kit includes Arduino board,
electronic components and sensors.
