2015 SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival

DATE: Thursday, September 17, 2015
FROM: 7:00pm-9:00pm
WHERE: Torpedo Factory Art Center (directions below)

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is partnering with the Torpedo Factory Art Center to host the 2015 SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival in Alexandria, Va. The Computer Animation Festival showcases some of the year’s most dazzling and innovative collection of submitted works selected by a distinguished jury of computer graphics experts and specialists. SIGGRAPH’s Computer Animation Festival celebrates its 42nd year as the world’s leading festival of the most innovative and accomplished computer graphics.

The SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival is recognized by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences as a qualifying festival for the Academy Awards. Since 1999, several works originally presented in the Computer Animation Festival have been nominated for or have received a “Best Animated Short” Academy Award. In the words of CAF Director Jerome Solomon, “There’s no other stage in the world comparable to SIGGRAPH’s Computer Animation Festival.”

Please join us on Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm at the Torpedo Factory Art Center as we watch some of the best examples of computer animation from the past year.

LOCATION:

Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-4565
www.torpedofactory.org

Directions:
The Torpedo Factory Art Center is located at the intersection of King Street and N. Union Street in Old Town Alexandria
http://torpedofactory.org/visit/directions/
Paid parking is available across the street from the Torpedo Factory or you can take the free trolley from the King Street metro center. Paid street parking is available in most areas of Old Town Alexandria. There is limited free parking in nearby residential areas, but it is restricted to two hours. There are several garages within walking distance of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, too. For real-time maps to locate parking in garages, visit the ParkMe website or download their free iPhone app. Parking regulations are strictly enforced by the City of Alexandria. Parking is free after 9 pm, on Sundays, and on state holidays. Persons with proper handicapped identification on their cars may park free at any meter and are exempt from residential parking sticker requirements.

Trolley Information:
www.dashbus.com/Trolley

Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:
http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/

DC ACM SIGGRAPH

Washington, DC
186 Members

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH is a non-profit, professional computer graphics organization serving the Washington metropolitan area. Our mission is to foster the synthesis of art…

Next Meetup

Real Time VR and 360 Video

Thursday, Oct 20, 2016, 7:00 PM
2 Attending

Check out this Meetup Group →

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dc-siggraph

ACM SIGGRAPH Conference 2015 Recap

DATE: Thursday, August 27, 2015
FROM: 7:00pm-9:00pm
WHERE: US Patent and Trademark Office (directions below)

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH would like to invite you to a SIGGRAPH conference recap. For those of you who did not get to go to the SIGGRAPH conference in LA, our own Roberto Ortiz will be sharing his experiences and insights from the conference! If you attended the conference, share your experiences with those who could not attend this year. Bring your laptop and flash drives and exchange photos! Show off your coveted Pixar teapot or other fun giveaways! Tell us about the cool parties we missed!

SIGGRAPH Conference 2015
http://s2015.siggraph.org/

Please join us on Thursday, August 27, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm at the US Patent and Trademark Office to learn more about the latest news from the SIGGRAPH conference.

LOCATION:

The meeting will be held at the
Remsen Building (400 Dulany Street) in the 1st floor conference room. We are located 2 blocks from the
KING STREET METRO station (BLUE/YELLOW Lines)

http://www.wmata.com/rail/station_detail.cfm?station_id=48

http://goo.gl/maps/UW6p0 -(Walking Directions)

PARKING:

Street Parking
$1.75 per hour, 2 hour max
Free after 9pm

Hoffman Town Center
206 Swamp Fox Rd
Alexandria, VA 22314
$1 after 5pm

Hoffman Town Center
2400 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA 22314
Free after 5pm

Contact ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC:
http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/

DC ACM SIGGRAPH

Washington, DC
186 Members

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH is a non-profit, professional computer graphics organization serving the Washington metropolitan area. Our mission is to foster the synthesis of art…

Next Meetup

Real Time VR and 360 Video

Thursday, Oct 20, 2016, 7:00 PM
2 Attending

Check out this Meetup Group →

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dc-siggraph

ACM SIGGRAPH Conference 2015 – ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC

DATE:  Thursday, July 16, 2015
FROM:  7:00-9:00pm
WHERE:  US Patent and Trademark Office (directions below)

Come join the Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH as we discuss the upcoming ACM SIGGRAPH Conference for 2015 in Los Angeles, CA.  The annual SIGGRAPH conference 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.

Topics discussed will include the latest trailers, new technologies, and the Computer Animation Festival.  Board members who have attended past ACM SIGGRAPH conferences will also be presenting their perspectives on the conference as well as providing insight on preparing to attend this event.  For those who are planning to attend the conference and would like advice on how best to present a demo reel or portfolio to potential studios, we will provide guidance on this topic.

SIGGRAPH Conference 2015
http://s2015.siggraph.org/

Please join us on Thursday, July 16, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm at the US Patent and Trademark Office to learn more about the SIGGRAPH conference.

____________________________________________________

LOCATION:

The meeting will be held at the Remsen Building (400 Dulany Street) at the 1st floor conference room. We are located 2 blocks from the

KING STREET METRO station (BLUE/YELLOW Lines)
http://www.wmata.com/rail/station_detail.cfm?station_id=48
http://goo.gl/maps/UW6p0-(Walking Directions)

PARKING:
Street Parking
$1.75 per hour, 2 hour max
Free after 9pm

Hoffman Town Center
206 Swamp Fox Rd
Alexandria, VA 22314
$1 after 5pm

Hoffman Town Center
2400 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA 22314
Free after 5pm

____________________________________________________

Contact ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC:
http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/

DC ACM SIGGRAPH

Washington, DC
186 Members

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH is a non-profit, professional computer graphics organization serving the Washington metropolitan area. Our mission is to foster the synthesis of art…

Next Meetup

Real Time VR and 360 Video

Thursday, Oct 20, 2016, 7:00 PM
2 Attending

Check out this Meetup Group →

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dc-siggraph

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH at the Torpedo Factory Art Center – June 18, 2015

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH at the Torpedo Factory Art Center – June 18, 2015

An Evening with Paras Kaul

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH and the Torpedo Factory Art Center are proud to present Paras Kaul, a distinguished speaker who has been a guest presenter at several ACM SIGGRAPH conferences.  Paras is a noted brainwave artist/researcher who composes brainwave music and animation.

 

BRAINWAVE WELLNESS AND NEW MEDIA

Paras Kaul
paraskaul.onair.ccbrainwavewellness.onair.cc

Artist Paras Kaul will explore brainwave morphing—a technique she named—that combines EEG, digital media, and brainwave interactive technology for rehabilitation and wellness. Using a brainwave interface system, she produces prototypes for brainwave games designed to morph brainwaves to low frequency coherence—which potentially stimulates the ability to self-heal and rehabilitate.

Paras will guide us in making a connection between the mind and the brain and how brainwave technology can be used to monitor, analyze, and influence health. Her theories suggest that our mental perceptions transmit neurological signals that affect energy fields around the cells, which alter behaviors beyond behaviors inherited from our DNA—possibly explaining the practice of energy healing.

From her extensive experience using a brainwave interactive system—whether for personal transformation or for artistic expression—she will share her experience in the computer graphic industry and her work as an educator, a brainwave artist, and qigong practitioner. Paras will demonstrate brainwave music and the brainwave control of a digital graphic robot.

Please join us on Thursday, June 18, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm at the Torpedo Factory Art Center to experience the work of a pioneer in brain wellness and new media.

_____________________________________________________________________________

PARAS KAUL BIO2015
http://paraskaul.onair.cchttp://brainwavewellness.onair.cc

 

Paras Kaul is a brainwave artist/researcher who composes brainwave music and animation. She received an MFA degree in digital animation and video from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with undergraduate studies in English, art, and photography at California State University, Sacramento and James Madison University. After completing her education, Paras held computer animation internships at Omnibus located at Paramount Studios in Hollywood and at Real Time Design in Chicago. As a production assistant at Digital Effects, Inc. in NY, she handled postproduction operations for digital animation. While living in Hollywood, she was active in LA SIGGRAPH. In Mississippi, as an assistant professor in a Graduate Program for Electronic Visualization, she taught brainwave controlled animation and gaming and founded OKSIGGRAPH for Oktibbeha County, MS. After moving to Northern Virginia, she was Director of Web Communications at George Mason University and co-chaired DCSIGGRAPH with Mary Higgins. Paras has published peer-reviewed articles on brainwave learning and gaming and has been an invited speaker to France, Australia, and the UK—where she presented a brainwave interactive gaming prototype at the Dana Centre Museum of Science in London. In the US, Paras has demonstrated brainwave technology at the Kennedy Center’s Millennium Stage, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, the American Film Institute, Walker Art Museum (Minneapolis), National Qigong Association (PA), and at universities and convention centers in Los Angeles, Boston, Florida, Michigan, Washington State, Hawaii, and Virginia.

Location:

Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 N. Union St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-838-4565

www.torpedofactory.org

Directions:

The Torpedo Factory Art Center is located at the intersection of King Street and N. Union Street in Old Town Alexandria

http://torpedofactory.org/visit/directions/

Paid parking is available across the street from the Torpedo Factory or you can take the free trolley from the King Street metro center. Paid street parking is available in most areas of Old Town Alexandria. There is limited free parking in nearby residential areas, but it is restricted to two hours. There are several garages within walking distance of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, too. For real-time maps to locate parking in garages, visit the ParkMe website or download their free iPhone app. Parking regulations are strictly enforced by the City of Alexandria. Parking is free after 9 pm, on Sundays, and on state holidays. Persons with proper handicapped identification on their cars may park free at any meter and are exempt from residential parking sticker requirements.

Trolley Information: www.dashbus.com/Trolley

 

An Evening with Pixeldust Studios – Thursday, May 21, 2015

An Evening with Pixeldust Studios – ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC 

DATE:   Thursday, May 21, 2015
FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm
WHERE:  US Patent and Trademark Office (directions below)

The Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present an evening with Samar Shool of Pixeldust Studios.

Samar, for his return engagement, will take us further into the inner workings of Pixeldust Studios by breaking down a recent CGI/VFX project into its components.  Samar will take us from concept through final rendering, all the while discussing in detail the various stages of the project.  Other topics will include software used, studio pipeline, and rendering process.

Please join us on Thursday, May 21, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm at the United States Patent and Trademark Office as Samar shows us how a final rendered project is created.

In order to offset costs for this event, we request a $5 contribution from non-members.


Visit the Pixeldust Studios website and Facebook page:

http://www.pixeldust.tv/
https://m.facebook.com/pixelduststudios

Check out one of Pixeldusts’s projects:
https://vimeo.com/84176045

About Samar Shool:
Samar supervises all the visual aspects of CGI on individual productions and guides the Pixeldust 3D team on the integration and implementation on all shots.  Samar also provides artistic and technical direction for the project team with a focus in lighting, shading, rendering and Final compositing of shots.

About Pixeldust Studios:
Pixeldust Studios is an Emmy Award ®-winning visual design studio led by President Ricardo Andrade with the technical, creative and production capabilities to deliver innovative films, advertising, animation, and broadcast design. Founded by Ricardo and Elizabeth Andrade in 2004, Pixeldust’s global client portfolio ranges from broadcast television and entertainment to corporate clients, retail, museums, nonprofit, academic, research and scientific institutions and organizations.

Some of Pixeldust’s notable clients are National Geographic, Discovery, PBS and Smithsonian Networks to name a few.


LOCATION:

The meeting will be held at the
Remsen Building (400 Dulany Street) in the 1st floor conference room. We are located 2 blocks from the
KING STREET METRO station (BLUE/YELLOW Lines)

http://www.wmata.com/rail/station_detail.cfm?station_id=48

http://goo.gl/maps/UW6p0 -(Walking Directions)

PARKING:

Street Parking
$1.75 per hour, 2 hour max
Free after 9pm

Hoffman Town Center
206 Swamp Fox Rd
Alexandria, VA 22314
$1 after 5pm

Hoffman Town Center
2400 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA 22314
Free after 5pm


Contact ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC:
http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/
http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/
https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph
https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dc-siggraph

 

Annual Demo Reel Night – ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC – April 16

Annual Demo Reel Night – ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC

DATE: Thursday, April 16, 2015
FROM: 7:00-9:00pm
WHERE: US Patent and Trademark Office (directions below)

Come join the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH chapter for our demo reel/portfolio review night. 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 don’t have a reel yet, just come over and enjoy networking with other like-minded individuals.

As we face the effects of layoffs, budget cuts and a tightening economy, many people are thinking about updating their demo reel. 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’re looking to hire, this will be a great opportunity to see a range of fresh new talent. Join us on Thursday, April 16, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm as the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH chapter discusses these questions and more at our Annual Demo Reel Night.

Please RSVP to our Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph) and indicate if you will be bringing a demo reel to share. You can also put you’re demo on a website and we will test the link before the event to make sure everything works.

See you there!
____________________________________________________

LOCATION:
The meeting will be held at the
Remsen Building (400 Dulany Street) at the 1st floor conference room. We are located 2 blocks from the
KING STREET METRO station (BLUE/YELLOW Lines)

http://www.wmata.com/rail/station_detail.cfm?station_id=48

http://goo.gl/maps/UW6p0 -(Walking Directions)

PARKING:

Street Parking
$1.75 per hour, 2 hour max
Free after 9pm

Hoffman Town Center
206 Swamp Fox Rd
Alexandria, VA 22314
$1 after 5pm

Hoffman Town Center
2400 Eisenhower Ave
Alexandria, VA 22314
Free after 5pm

Computer Animation Festival showing on March 19

The Computer Animation Festival is back! For those of you who missed our presentation at the Torpedo Factory in September of 2014, we are having an encore showing. The Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH chapter would like you to join us for an encore of the 2014 ACM SIGGRAPH Video Review / Computer Animation Festival (CAF) on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at the US Patent and Trademark Office.

The ACM SIGGRAPH Video Reviews showcase some of the year’s most dazzling and innovative collection of submitted works selected by a distinguished jury of computer graphics experts and specialists. ACM SIGGRAPH’s Computer Animation Festival celebrates its 40th year as the world’s leading festival of the most innovative and accomplished computer graphics. For those of you who were unable to attend the ACM SIGGRAPH conference, this is your chance to see some of the amazing animation presented there. Please let Roberto (robertoortiz1@yahoo.com) know if you plan to attend so we can plan for refreshments. In order to offset costs for this event, we request a $5 contribution from non-members. To see a trailer of the CAF event click here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hmmlsx7rZHU and   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qAGbcxiHZ9E

See you there!

Smithsonian Natural History Museum ‘Bone Hall’ Comes To Life (not just at night)

Smithsonian Natural History Museum ‘Bone Hall’ Comes To Life (not just at night)

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH at the Torpedo Factory Art Center – February 26, 2015

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is partnering with the Torpedo Factory Art Center to host a presentation of how an innovative augmented reality tool developed for use in conjunction with the spectacular Bone Hall, one of the oldest and most successful exhibits, featuring approximately 300 skeletons of vertebrates that has its museum foundation dating back to 1881, is being brought to life.

On Thursday, February 26th please join us as the lead researcher Diana Marques provides an overview and details of the 3D digital experience known as augmented reality. This exciting technology allows the user to superimpose a virtual world onto the physical one. Also as part of the digital experience users can test their natural history skills playing games. Diana is pursuing a doctoral degree in Digital Media focusing on the use of technology and its visual narrative potential for the future of museums and science communication; her research is taking place at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History where Diana has collaborated for a number of years as a scientific illustrator and animator.

Please join us on Thursday, February 26, 2015 from 7pm to 9pm at the Torpedo Factory Art Center as we have the opportunity to hear how technology gives a 21st century experience to a 19th century museum exhibit.

Where: Torpedo Factory Art Center

105 N. Union St.

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-838-4565

www.torpedofactory.org

Directions: The Torpedo Factory Art Center is located at the intersection of King Street and N. Union Street in Old Town Alexandria http://torpedofactory.org/visit/directions/

Paid parking is available across the street from the Torpedo Factory or you can take the free trolley from the King Street metro center. Paid street parking is available in most areas of Old Town Alexandria. There is limited free parking in nearby residential areas, but it is restricted to two hours. There are several garages within walking distance of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, too. For real-time maps to locate parking in garages, visit the ParkMe website or download their free iPhone app. Parking regulations are strictly enforced by the City of Alexandria. Parking is free after 9 pm, on Sundays, and on state holidays. Persons with proper handicapped identification on their cars may park free at any meter and are exempt from residential parking sticker requirements.

Trolley Information: www.dashbus.com/Trolley

Contact Information: http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/

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

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/dc-siggraph

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH Meeting at the Torpedo Factory Art Center – January 15, 2015

Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH at the Torpedo Factory Art Center – January 15, 2015

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is partnering with the Torpedo Factory Art Center to host a lecture focusing on Digital Art and Animation. Hannah Benbow and Roberto Ortiz (chapter Chair), both members of the Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH with very different backgrounds, will discuss their approaches to the digital medium along with how a traditional art background has played a role in their current fields. Members of the chapter will also be available to answer questions and to discuss their experiences in the field of Digital Art and Animation.

Please join us on Thursday, January 15 from 7pm to 9pm at the Torpedo Factory Art Center as we explore the world of Digital Art with the members of the Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH.

When: Thursday, January 15, 2015
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Where: Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-4565
www.torpedofactory.org

Directions: The Torpedo Factory Art Center is located at the intersection of King Street and N. Union Street in Old Town Alexandria
http://torpedofactory.org/visit/directions/

Paid parking is available across the street from the Torpedo Factory or you can take the free trolley from the King Street metro center. Paid street parking is available in most areas of Old Town Alexandria. There is limited free parking in nearby residential areas, but it is restricted to two hours. There are several garages within walking distance of the Torpedo Factory Art Center, too. For real-time maps to locate parking in garages, visit the ParkMe website or download their free iPhone app. Parking regulations are strictly enforced by the City of Alexandria. Parking is free after 9 pm, on Sundays, and on state holidays. Persons with proper handicapped identification on their cars may park free at any meter and are exempt from residential parking sticker requirements.

Trolley Information: www.dashbus.com/Trolley

DC ACM SIGGRAPH Socialize/Network -November 6th (Elections+ Dinner)

When: Thursday, November 6 from 7:00 pm to 9:00pm

Where: US Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany Street, Alexandria, VA 22314 – (Remsen Building)

It’s election time! Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH is currently accepting nominations for the following positions: Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer and we will be voting on Thursday, November 6. The main requirement for a leadership position is that all officers must be voting members of ACM and members of ACM SIGGRAPH. Information about the duties and responsibilities of each member is located here: http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/bylaws/

Currently nominations are as follows: Roberto Ortiz – nomination for Chair, Chris Rahaim – nomination for Vice-Chair, Mark Jette – nomination for Secretary, Kim Wallace – nomination for Treasurer. If you’d like more information about a position or would like to volunteer for a committee or to even present at a meeting feel free to contact us at dc_siggraph@mail.com or robertoortiz1@yahoo.com .

And after the meeting we will go for dinner at TEDs in Alexandria.
http://www.tedsmontanagrill.com/tmg028.html

Join us for holiday treats, a chance to socialize/network and get a sneak peek for what’s in store for 2015! Bring your ideas and suggestions for what you’d like to see in a meeting and volunteer to present! Bring your laptop or DVD and show us what you’re working on as well! See you there!