(Hybrid) Genesis of the Story Holiday Design Challenge Reveal/Holiday Social

DATE: Wednesday, December 17, 2025

FROM: 6:45pm-8:30pm EST

WHERE: George Mason Regional Library (directions below)/Online

Please note the time and day change for this meeting. In-person attendees can arrive at 6:30pm EST.

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH would like to invite everyone to our holiday design reveal and holiday gathering which will be in-person and online. We will be showcasing the work of participants who have created images for our 2nd Chapter Design Challenge of 2025, which was announced in October, as well as celebrating the holiday season. Participants will show their work then discuss the story behind the image as well as the software used and any tips the artist would like to share. Participants will also receive a complimentary membership to our chapter for taking part in our challenge. Our goal is to encourage our members and followers to stretch their imaginations, as well as explore new techniques, to create compelling stories.

There is still time if you choose to participate in the design challenge. The guidelines for the Holiday design challenge can be found below. Please let us know if you are planning to show an image during the meeting by replying to this email or replying on MeetUp.

The meeting will be hosted at George Mason Regional Library and on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/312240190

Please join us on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, from 6:45-8:30pm EST in-person or online to see the incredible designs from our design challenge and to celebrate the holiday season.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.


LOCATION:

George Mason Regional Library

7001 Little River Turnpike

Annandale, VA 22003

PARKING:

Parking is free at the library


If you choose to participate, we do have a few rules:

* No obscene or vulgar artwork.  While we respect the right for artists to express themselves, we have a diverse audience so please do not submit work with nudity or work which is overtly sexual in nature.  Works with extreme, graphically violent acts would also fall into this category.

 * No political or religious artwork.  Again, while we respect the right for artists to express themselves, our chapter cannot become a platform for political or religious agendas.

*  When assets are provided, give credit to the asset provider if you use their asset(s).

*  If there are questions regarding topics or content, please feel free to contact us. We would like to encourage people to express themselves.

Please let us know if you will be participating by replying to this email or commenting on MeetUp.

We look forward to seeing your creations!

–  Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH


– Design Challenge –

Challenge: Holiday

Media: Use the application(s) or medium which inspires you

The holidays are time for festivities and celebrations. During the month of December, the following winter holidays are celebrated: Winter Solstice, Christmas, Yule, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and a couple more. Choose your favorite December holiday then let the creative energy flow.

People have preferences for 2D or 3D so, either is acceptable so long as it conveys your story.

Our chapter logo can be found at the link below. The file contains both PNG and Illustrator files.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DVKyzwPzmScbSaBxpmZeFyuFPN0LDnK8/view?usp=sharing

The ACM SIGGRAPH logo design guide can be found at the link below:

https://www.siggraph.org/about/logos


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

https://washington-dc.siggraph.org

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) Exploring Affinity by Canva/Chapter Board Elections

DATE:   Thursday, November 20, 2025

FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm EST

WHERE:  Online

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present our very own Chapter Chair, Mark Jette, who will be exploring the new Affinity by Canva which is now free forever. Mark will discuss the process for downloading the software as well as exploring how the application has evolved.

We will also be finalizing the vote for our 2025 board members at the beginning of the meeting. Members of the Washington DC chapter were notified of the candidates with nominations closing on October 25, 2025.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

MeetUp:

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/312024703

The Zoom client may need to be downloaded to connect to the meeting. Safelinks Protection, used by some email applications, may alter the link. Please contact us if you have issues accessing the meeting.

Please join us on Thursday, November 20, 2025, from 7pm to 9pm EST online to learn more about the new Affinity suite.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

http://washington-dc.siggraph.org/

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH

/https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) Christof Van Niekerk: Anatomy of a Blender Project

DATE:   Thursday, October 23, 2025

FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm EDT

WHERE:  Online

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present Christof Van Niekerk, owner of Motion Bones. Christof is not only a talented freelance Blender artist but, he is also a member of the Washington DC chapter. This evening, Christof will discuss how he approaches a Blender project for a client, from concept through execution, using a recent project as an example. Christof will also discuss Blender techniques which give his work a unique look.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

MeetUp:

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/311557935

The Zoom client may need to be downloaded to connect to the meeting. Safelinks Protection, used by some email applications, may alter the link. Please contact us if you have issues accessing the meeting.

Please join us on Thursday, October 23, 2025, from 7pm to 9pm EDT online to learn more about how Blender is used for a professional project.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.


Biography – Christof Van Niekirk (aka Motion Bones)

Motion Bones is a creative freelance artist who produces award-winning animation, motion graphics and interactive user experiences for clients in fields of advertising, science & data visualization, film, gaming, architecture/engineering, product design, and live events. From impactful 5 second logo animations to 5 minute explainer videos or interactive science/data in augmented and virtual realities – Motion Bones makes projects move intelligently & creatively.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

http://washington-dc.siggraph.org/

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Hybrid) Show & Tell/Social

DATE:   Wednesday, September 24, 2025

FROM:  6:30pm-8:30pm EDT

WHERE:  George Mason Regional Library (directions below)/Online

The Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH invites you to join us in-person or virtually for our next Show and Tell/Social at the George Mason Regional Library. Meet the Washington DC Chapter in-person and, if desired, share a project you are working. We can provide feedback, if desired, or provide helpful advice should you be stuck. Almost any topic is open for discussion. This is a new venue for us so it should be an adventure.

The meeting will be hosted at George Mason Regional Library and on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/311075429

Please join us on Wednesday, September 24, 2025 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm EDT at the George Mason Regional Library, or online, to learn new techniques and to meet the chapter members.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.

_______________________________

LOCATION:

George Mason Regional Library

7001 Little River Turnpike

Annandale, VA 22003

PARKING:

Parking is free at the library

_______________________________

Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

https://washington-dc.siggraph.org

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) SIGGRAPH 2025 Conference Recap

DATE:   Thursday, August 28, 2025

FROM:  7:00-9:00pm EDT

WHERE:  Online

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH would like to invite you to the 2025 SIGGRAPH conference recap. For those of you who did not get to attend the SIGGRAPH conference in-person or online, our board members and chapter members will be sharing their experiences and insights from the conference!  If you attended the conference, share your experiences with those who could not attend this year.

SIGGRAPH Conference 2025

http://s2025.siggraph.org/

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp page. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

MeetUp:

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/310638486

Please join us on Thursday, August 28, 2025, from 7:00pm to 9:00pm EDT online to learn more about the latest news from the 52nd SIGGRAPH conference.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

http://washington-dc.siggraph.org/

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Hybrid) SIGGRAPH 2025 Morning Show

DATE:   August 10, 2025

FROM:  11:00-12:00am EDT (8:00-9:00am PDT)

WHERE:  Online

Join the Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH an hour before the start of the SIGGRAPH 2025 conference for our hybrid Morning Show. We will highlight events for Sunday as well as have people attending the conference in person share video from the conference floor. Reconnect with friends both old and new. Everyone is welcome.

The annual SIGGRAPH conference, in its physical format, is a five-day interdisciplinary educational experience in the latest computer graphics and interactive techniques including a three-day commercial exhibition that attracts hundreds of exhibitors from around the world.

SIGGRAPH Conference 2025

http://s2025.siggraph.org/

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. The link will be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/310344999

Please join us on August 10, 2025, from 10:00-11:00am EDT (8:00-9:00am PDT) online for our SIGGRAPH 2025 conference Morning Show.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.

________________________

Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

https://washington-dc.siggraph.org

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) Preparing for the SIGGRAPH 2025 Conference/Assessing Job Skills

DATE:   Thursday, July 24, 2025

FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm EDT

WHERE:  Online

Please join the Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH as we discuss the upcoming ACM SIGGRAPH Conference for 2025. This will be the 52nd SIGGRAPH conference to be held this year at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Vancouver, BC. We will be discussing the in-person conference as well as providing available information about the conference. As always, board members and chapter members who have attended past conferences will share their stories. Members and followers have also requested we review how to assess job skills which could relate to other positions/occupations outside of their current roles. We will focus not only on the SIGGRAPH Job Fair but also on those who may be transitioning out of the graphics field.

The annual SIGGRAPH conference, in its physical format, is a five-day interdisciplinary educational experience in the latest computer graphics and interactive techniques including a three-day commercial exhibition that attracts hundreds of exhibitors from around the world.

SIGGRAPH Conference 2025

http://s2025.siggraph.org/

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp page. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

MeetUp:

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/309528768

Please join us on Thursday, July 24, 2025 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm EDT online to learn more about the 52nd International SIGGRAPH conference.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.

____________________________

Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

https://washington-dc.siggraph.org

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) Genesis of the Story Design Challenge: Horizon

DATE:   Thursday, June 26, 2025

FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm EDT

WHERE:  Online

The Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH invites our members and followers to join us, and perhaps participate, in our chapter design challenge reveal. There is still time to create something exciting to share.

Continuing our Genesis of the Story theme, we would like to propose our first chapter design challenge for 2025 (An announcement was sent to the Meetup group and our chapter members in April). This design challenge was proposed by Roberto Ortiz. The challenge can be found below the guidelines.

We encourage our members and followers to participate by creating something exciting. The deadline is June 26, 2025, when we will have each participant present then discuss their creations during the scheduled meeting. As an added incentive, anyone who participates in our challenge will receive a complementary 1-year membership to the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH chapter. If you are already a member, we will extend your membership for a year.

Guidelines

 If you choose to participate, we do have a few rules:

 * No obscene or vulgar artwork.  While we respect the right for artists to express themselves, we have a diverse audience so please do not submit work with nudity or work which is overtly sexual in nature.  Works with extreme, graphically violent acts would also fall into this category.

 * No political or religious artwork.  Again, while we respect the right for artists to express themselves, our chapter cannot become a platform for political or religious agendas.

* When assets are provided, give credit to the asset provider if you use their asset(s).

* If there are questions regarding topics or content, please feel free to contact us. We would like to encourage people to express themselves.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/308522458

Let us know if you will be participating.

Please join us on Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 7pm to 9pm EDT online to see creations for “Horizon and to learn some new techniques. We look forward to seeing your creations!

Sincerely,

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.

________________________________

– Challenge –

Challenge:  Horizon

Media: Use the application(s) or medium which inspires you

This challenge was proposed by our very own Roberto Ortiz.

Horizon. A word we have all heard which conjures cliché images but, is there more to Horizon beyond the obvious. Could it be a distant goal or embracing the possibilities of the future?0 In some contexts, the horizon can represent the divine, the unknown, or the limitless nature of existence, prompting contemplation and a search for meaning. What comes to mind when you hear the word “Horizon”?

Using your favorite medium, create an image or animation which tells a story about your concept of Horizon.

People have preferences for 2D or 3D so, either is acceptable so long as it conveys your story.

If you choose to use the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH chapter logo, the logo archive can be downloaded using the URL below.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DVKyzwPzmScbSaBxpmZeFyuFPN0LDnK8/view?usp=sharing

_______________________________

Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

https://washington-dc.siggraph.org

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

AI-Augmented Creativity: Unlocking New Frontiers in Design/Artistic Expression

DATE:   Thursday, May 29, 2025

FROM:  7:00-9:00pm EDT

WHERE:  Online

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present Dennis “Fox” Bonilla, CEO of Harbinger Creative. Mr. Bonilla will be exploring how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing creative fields from immersive experience production to industrial design. Discover how AI can empower artists, designers, and creators to push boundaries, overcome limitations, and unlock unprecedented levels of artistic expression. This presentation will delve into practical applications and the ethical considerations shaping the future of AI-powered creativity.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

MeetUp:

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/307771552

The Zoom client may need to be downloaded to connect to the meeting. Safelinks Protection, used by some email applications, may alter the link. Please contact us if you have issues accessing the meeting.

Please join us on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 7pm to 9pm EST online to learn more about how AI is revolutionizing the creative field.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.


Biography – Dennis “Fox” Bonilla

Dennis “Fox” Bonilla is a results focused leader in technology development, strategy, and implementation with a proven track record of innovation and expertise in spatial computing and data visualization. Over 25 years, Fox has developed and patented cutting edge AI and VR technology, created space mission planning software for NASA, developed decision support systems for the Department of Defense, and has served in roles supporting committees advising U.S. President Barack Obama about options for future human spaceflight.

Mr. Bonilla is a company founder and technologist who thrives in rapid problem-solving environments. In addition to his CEO duties at Harbinger, Mr. Bonilla serves as adjunct faculty in the School of Arts, Media, and Engineering at Arizona State University. Fox also provides insight and guidance regarding XR and spatial computing industry best practices as the co-chair of the Privacy and Safety Working Group at XRSI. Mr. Bonilla is regularly featured as on-air talent throughout global news media as a subject matter expert on AI and immersive systems.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

http://washington-dc.siggraph.org/

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) Annual Demo Reel & Portfolio Review Night

DATE:   Thursday, April 24, 2025

FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm EDT

WHERE:  Online

Please join the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH for our annual demo reel and portfolio review night. Whether you are a graduating student looking to enter the job market, or are a seasoned professional contemplating a change, a dynamic demo reel and portfolio are a must.  We will be reviewing demo reels and portfolios after which we will creatively discuss the works.  Feedback will be provided on how best to showcase the skills, talents, and experience of each individual. If you do not have a reel yet, feel free to join us and enjoy networking with other like-minded individuals.

Putting together a demo reel or portfolio can be challenging. How long should it be? What are interviewers looking for? If you are looking for ways to improve your present position, or shopping around for a new one, the time to polish up your demo reel is now. If you are looking to hire, this will be a great opportunity to see a range of fresh new talent.

For those planning on presenting a demo reel or portfolio, we ask for you to RSVP so we will know how many people to expect. Ensure your work is online and you are able to share your screen during the Zoom session.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 5 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. The link will also be visible to those who RSVP. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

https://www.meetup.com/dc-acm-siggraph/events/307257484

The Zoom client may need to be downloaded to connect to the meeting. Safelinks Protection, used by some email applications, may alter the link. Please contact us if you have issues accessing the meeting.

Please join us on Thursday, April 24, 2025 from 7pm to 9pm EDT online as we discuss demo reels, portfolio questions, and more during our Annual Demo Reel & Portfolio Night.

** Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed by attendees of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH local chapter meetings are those of the authors/speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of ACM, ACM SIGGRAPH, or the Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

https://washington-dc.siggraph.org

http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph