LEMUR's Fall Art & Technology Classes
LEMUR's Fall Art & Technology classes start on September 15th. All classes take place at LEMURplex, 461 3rd Avenue between 9th and 10th Streets in Brooklyn, convenient to the F, G, M and R trains. To sign up, use the links on this page, or call 718-576-1066
Also, LEMUR has teamed up with Harvestworks Digital Media Arts Center in an additional move to expand educational opportunities in Art & Technology. Moving forward, we will be making you aware of Harvestworks' software-oriented classes, which complement LEMUR's hardware-oriented classes.
Software and Hardware Discounts: Students taking LEMURplex classes will be eligible to purchase related software (such as Max/MSP, Jitter and Cyclops) and certain hardware items (such as MidiTrons) at a discount. Click here for more information.
Sat-Sun, Sept 15-16, 12:00-4:30 pm
The Mechanics of Robotics: Using Motors, Solenoids, and Other Devices in Kinetic and Robotic Art
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 batter (~5 amp hours - email if you have questions about what to get), soldering iron, small hand tools (snips, screw drivers, etc.)
Intructor: Douglas Repetto
Cost: $300
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Sat-Sun, Sept 22-23, 12:00-4:30 pm
Make Your Own Audio/Video Synth: Start Cicuit Bending from Scratch
Starting with everything not to touch, burn, or smell, we will intuitively and creatively learn to re-purpose a variety of electronics as creative instruments. Some call it circuit bending, some call it hacking, some call it recycling. This two-day, experimentally-driven course will save you precious time tinkering, prevent uforeseen accidents, and turn a recycled DVD player into a custome A/V synthesizer. Even if you have never soldered before, a math free observation-based analysis connects the dots between the smallest, simplest circuits and complex analog and digital systems. We will find individual circuits that control radio waves, visible light, heat, sound and motion in VCRs, TVs, computers, printers, tape recorders, children's toys and video cameras. There will be numerous working demonstrations of all basic concepts and centered around individual experiments.
Through the careful exploration and manipulation of live circuits, the class aims to produce finished products of unique design, including motors and gears, optics and LEDs and additional sensors. We will spend time learning to troubleshoot and test creations. Safe and sturdy fabrication techniques will also be covered. Stability, ergonomics, playability and creativity are all emphasized. The varied and subtle environmental effects on device function after completion will be discussed. All equipment and materials provided, but feel free to bring your own things to open up.
Intructor: Edward Bear
Cost: $300
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Tue-Thu, Oct 9-11, 6:30-9:30 pm
NOTE: Dates have changed since original announcement!
Building MIDI Music & Video Controllers: Creating a Sensor Instrument with MidiTron
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 three ssessions, you will design and build a controller to create your art with the easy-to-use MidiTron interface (http://miditron.com)
Emphasis will be on honds-on learning. Basic electronics and Max/MSP/Jitter (http://cycling74.com/products/maxmsp) 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.
Instructor: Leif Krinkle
Cost: $495, including MidiTron and sensors.
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Mon-Wed, Oct 1-3, 6:30-9:30 pm
Microcontroller Programming for Artists: Introduction to the Arduino System
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 (http://arduino.cc) 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 theese 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.
Intructor: Roberto Osorio Goenaga
Cost: $375, including Arduino board and materials.
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Tues, Sept 18, 6:30-9:30 pm
Fun With Fiberglass: Basic Composite Fabrication
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.
Intructor: Bob Huott
Cost: $115, including materials.
Registration Policy
For your sake and ours, we ask that you try to register at least one week prior to the start date of the class. This helps us prepare for the number of students who will attend and decreases the chance of class cancellations due to low enrollment.
Classes will not be conducted with fewer than 3 students unless otherwise specified.
In the even of class cancellation due to low enrollment, we will refund class fees in full and attempt to reschedule the course at a later date. Registered students will be notified of alternate dates as information becomes available.
