On Sunday April 24th, the final day of the Gray Area Festival, join us for a selection of Creative Code workshops taught by eight talented instructors, recognized for actively shaping their fields and practices. We invite you for a rewarding day of hands-on learning for a pass of only $100. Three workshops will be held during Session 1 (11am-2pm) and three workshops will be held during Session 2 (3pm-6pm), take one from each set for 6-hours of learning!
The courses will be based on Gray Area’s Creative Code education program which teaches computing skills for artistic expression and professional development. We offer multiple 10-Week immersives, annual funded fellowships, and multi-day workshops with a goal to produce new work.
SESSION 1: 11AM – 2PM
Sonifying Data
with Jonathan Dinu
When people think about communicating data they often gravitate towards graphics and interactive visualizations, thinking that these are the only options. But why stop at the sense of sight?!? There are many other methods of perception (each with its own strengths and weaknesses) that can be used to enhance and augment our ability to present data. In this workshop you will explore the tools, theory, and techniques of sonifying data (as well as little history of how we got to where we are today) for both creative and informational uses.
If you have ever wanted to break past the limits of the eye and explore alternative methods of visualizing data, this workshop is for you! You WILL learn how to trigger sounds based on data and user interaction, modulate audio (pitch, tempo, etc.) according to numeric values, and “play” a CSV using p5.js (with a little D3.js thrown in). You WON’T however learn how to create synthesizers, work with waveforms, or process sonic textures unfortunately (there are other workshops for that). Basic programming experience (ideally with Javascript) is necessary but experience with p5.js or D3.js is not required (or assumed).
Introduction to Creative Coding using P5.js (WORKSHOP FULL)
with Chelley Sherman
P5.js is a new open source javascript library developed by the Processing foundation to make coding more accessible for artists, designers and educators. In this workshop participants will be introduced to some concepts of creative coding from Interactive GIF Collages to Generative Visualizations. No previous programing experience is required.
Getting things done with vvvv
with Joreg
vvvv is a hybrid visual/textual live-programming environment for easy prototyping and development. It is well suited for quickly creating little animations as well as programming complex interactive multiscreen environments.
This 3h workshop assumes no previous knowledge of vvvv and gives an overview of the univvvverse by providing step-by-step instructions to creating a range of examples.
Requirements: PC running Windows 8 or 10, 3-button mouse
Click here for an overview.
Crash course in Drawing in the Browser
with Jono Brandel
Learn how artist jonobr1 (http://jonobr1.com/) uses an HTML page as a canvas to sketch ideas. 3 hour intensive lecture geared toward absolute beginners. Topics include: building a canvas to draw on, exploring the development environment, drawing with code, importing vector imagery from Adobe Illustrator, and an introduction to different types of computer aided animation.
SESSION 2: 3PM – 6PM
Introduction to Interactive Objects
with Mark Hellar
Add the Internet to do anything for around 10 Dollars! The ESP8266 is a low-cost Wi-Fi chip and microcontroller, with it you can connect a variety of sensors and/or actuators like LED’s and motors to anything you want. Since it’s on the internet you can interact with it from anywhere in the world! Looking to get into the internet of things? We’ve got you covered! Want to make an interactive installation that spans multiple continents, no problem!
Basic programming experience in javascript or C would be helpful. ESP8266 electronic kits will be provided and will be available for optional purchase at the end of the workshop for $30.00.
Creating Sonic Tools for iOS
with Alexander Randon
Developing for iOS devices can be an intimidating but with the introduction to the right creative pathways it doesn’t have to be. Lead by Alexander Randon,creator of the best selling iOS apps Fugue Machine and Arpeggionome, this workshop is aimed to diffuse the intimidation around creating your own tools for iOS devices. Participants will explore how to create a sandbox for experimentation with audio and midi, make some fun noises, and gain insight to the world of creating tools for sonic exploration for iOS devices. This workshop is for beginner to intermediate programmers who are interested in building applications for iOS devices. Prior experience is not required though encouraged. A mac laptop is for participation.
DeepDream: Statistical Art via Neural Networks
with Erin Ledell
This workshop will walk participants through how to create their own “DeepDream” images using artificial neural networks(ANNs). Artificial neural networks are a family of machine learning algorithms inspired by biological neural networks, and are widely used in image classification problems. In 2015, researchers at Google developed a system called “DeepDream” which uses a convolutional neural network to find and enhance patterns in images via algorithmic pareidolia, thus creating a dream like hallucinogenic appearance in the deliberately over-processed images.
Google open-sourced some of their code for creating these images, so we will install the required software, work through their Python scripts, and then feed in our own images to create new works of art. The code is based on the Caffe deep learning framework, and we will use a model pre-trained on the ImageNet dataset. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop running Mac OS X or Linux (or Windows with a can-do attitude!).
Sculpting Virtual Worlds with Three.js (WORKSHOP FULL)
with Marpi
This workshop will give you the essential tools and knowledge you need to create a small generative world. Three.js is a creative coding javascript library designed for making 3D graphics in the browser. In Three.js we will start with a simple cube, like a building block, and evolve the cubes into a personal living environment you can step inside and share with others using Google Cardboard.
Participants should come ready with at least web coding basics (HTML, javascript). For beginners we’ll have a simple intro to generative code. For advanced coders there will be Three.js boilerplates, interactive demos and source code on GitHub.
