(Online) Michael Lentz – NASA Conceptual Image Lab

DATE:   Thursday, October 22, 2020
FROM: 7:00pm-9:00pm EDT
WHERE: Online

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present, Michael Lentz, Art Director at NASA’s Conceptual Image Lab. Mr. Lentz will introduce the NASA Conceptual Image Lab, then discuss the work they produce, art in the service of science, as well as their current pipeline. He will also discuss how the Conceptual Image Lab has transitioned to a virtual workforce.

The NASA Conceptual Image Lab
Since 1990, NASA’s Conceptual Image Lab has been creating award-winning animation, visual effects and design, applying its creative skills across all four of NASA’s science themes: Heliophysics, Astrophysics, Earth Science and Planetary.
Located in Greenbelt Maryland at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, their artists work closely with the world’s leading astronomers, scientists and engineers to bring theory, design and concepts to life in a scientifically accurate and visually compelling way.
CI Lab artists blend art and science together using a wide range of materials, techniques and software, to meet the challenges of developing all phases of production to create animations designed to educate and entertain.

The animation MAVEN Explores Mars to Understand Radio Interference at Earth was selected for the SIGGRAPH 2020 Electronic Theater Computer Animation Festival.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 15 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/273758922/

Please join us on Thursday, October 22, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm online to learn more about the work being created at the NASA Conceptual Image Lab.


Biography – Michael Lentz
As Art Director at NASA’s Conceptual Image Lab, Michael is responsible for guidance and creation of art and animation in the lab. He encourages artistic creativity throughout production, while also ensuring that all lab products maintain a standard of excellence and scientific accuracy. Michael works agency wide with scientists and producers to help bring their stories to life through art and animation with a team of talented artists.
Michael began his art and animation career in 1992 at National Geographic Television. In that position, he became an accomplished Artist and Animator, developing visual elements for hundreds of projects. Following National Geographic Television, Michael owned his own Animation business from 2002 to 2010. During that time, he created a wide-range of art and animation for clients such as: Discovery Channel, Smithsonian Channel, Animal Planet, National Geographic Channel, History Channel, and PBS.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:
http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/
http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/
https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) SIGGRAPH 2020 Conference Recap

DATE: Thursday, September 24, 2020
FROM:  7:00-9:00pm
WHERE Online

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH would like to invite you to the 2020 SIGGRAPH virtual conference recap. For those of you who did not get to attend the SIGGRAPH conference online, our board members and chapter members will be sharing their thoughts on the virtual format as well as experiences and insights from the conference!  If you attended the conference, share your experiences with those who could not attend this year.  

SIGGRAPH Conference 2020
http://s2020.siggraph.org/  

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 15 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/    

Please join us on Thursday, September 24, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm online to learn more about the latest news from the SIGGRAPH conference.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:
http://washington-dc.siggraph.org/
http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/
https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) Preparing for the SIGGRAPH 2020 Virtual

DATE:   Thursday, August 20, 2020
FROM: 7:00-9:00pm
WHERE: Online

Please join the Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH as we discuss the upcoming Virtual ACM SIGGRAPH Conference for 2020. This year marks the first ever SIGGRAPH conference to be hosted as an online event. We will be discussing how the move to a virtual experience changes the dynamics of the conference experience as well as discussing highlights from this year’s schedule. As always, board members and chapter member who have attended past conferences will share their stories.

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.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 15 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.

DC ACM SIGGRAPH

Alexandria, VA
368 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

(Online) Preparing for the SIGGRAPH 2020 Virtual Conference

Thursday, Aug 20, 2020, 7:00 PM
2 Attending

Check out this Meetup Group →

Please join us on Thursday, August 20, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm online to learn more about the virtual International SIGGRAPH conference.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:

DC ACM SIGGRAPH

Alexandria, VA
368 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

(Online) Preparing for the SIGGRAPH 2020 Virtual Conference

Thursday, Aug 20, 2020, 7:00 PM
2 Attending

Check out this Meetup Group →

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) The Making of Night Lights: An Animated Short

DATE:   Thursday, July 23, 2020
WHERE:  Online
FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present, Hannah and Todd Churn, animators in the Washington DC area. Hannah and Todd will discuss the making of their animated short Night Lights, covering topics such as inspiration, storyboarding, storytelling, character animation, and compositing.

The Story:  Marshall the monster lives for the stars. The stars can’t shine unless they’re all collected, and Marshall knows where to find them. Join Marshall as it goes on a journey to bring home the twinkling stars in the sky. Watch the film

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 15 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.

Please join us on Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm online to hear Hannah and Todd discuss the making of their enchanting animated short.


The Creators
Meet Hannah and Todd. They are a husband/wife animation duo. This is their first animated short done together.
During the daytime, Hannah works as an art director for an animation studio and Todd is a freelance animator.
Feeling restless with their side projects, they decided to make their first short together. Todd bringing to life Marshall, and Hannah bringing the color and knowledge of the marshlands.

They currently live in the Washington DC area.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC:

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

DC ACM SIGGRAPH

Alexandria, VA
359 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

(Online) The Making of Night Lights: An Animated Short

Thursday, Jul 23, 2020, 7:00 PM
4 Attending

Check out this Meetup Group →

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) Fun with Houdini Part 2

DATE:   Thursday, June 25, 2020
FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm
WHERE:  Online

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present, Dr. Christopher P. Rahaim, PE. Dr. Rahaim will present the second part of his whirlwind tour of SideFX’s Houdini 3D animation and VFX package. The conversation will pick up on using Houdini with Unreal Engine 4, VFX, and gaming related topics. Previously, Dr. Rahaim discussed how Houdini can fit into an existing pipeline or become the main pipeline tool.

Houdini is an advanced procedural modeling, animation, effects, simulation, rendering, and compositing package. Houdini’s power is based on procedural workflows.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. Please RSVP through our MeetUp page. A link to the meeting will be provided 15 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

Please join us on Thursday, June 25, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm online to hear Dr. Rahaim discuss further this powerful 3D animation package.

_______________________________

Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC:

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

DC ACM SIGGRAPH

Alexandria, VA
357 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…

Check out this Meetup Group →

https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

(Online) JC Cantrell – Creating a Live Zoom Performance

DATE:   Thursday, May 28, 2020
FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm
WHERE:  Zoom (Virtual)

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present, JC Cantrell, Master of Music and Well-Being from George Mason University. Mr. Cantrell will be discussing the processes and techniques he used with Zoom to create a multi-media project for the George Mason Healing Arts Ensemble.

As a project for the George Mason Healing Arts Ensemble, Mr. Cantrell directed and produced a Zoom multimedia presentation consisting of a triptych with 3 movements intended to ease the effects of Covid-19 on the culture. The interactive video integrates live music performed virtually by musicians playing exotic instruments. Mr. Cantrell will show the 3rd movement of the piece entitled “Awakenings” following the technical discussion.

The meeting will be hosted on the Zoom platform. A link to the meeting will be provided 30 minutes prior to the presentation to all those who have responded to the announcement on our MeetUp. Those who do not RSVP to the MeetUp announcement will not receive the link to the meeting.

(Online) JC Cantrell – Creating a Live Zoom Performance

Thursday, May 28, 2020, 7:00 PM

Online event
,

15 Members Went

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present, JC Cantrell, Master of Music and Well-Being from George Mason University. Mr. Cantrell will be discussing the processes and techniques he used with Zoom to create a multi-media project for the George Mason Healing Arts Ensemble. As a project for the George Mason Healing Arts Ensemble, M…

Check out this Meetup →

Please join us on Thursday, May 28, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm on our first virtual interactive presentation to hear Mr. Cantrell discuss how Zoom can be used to bring musicians together virtually in an uplifting performance.
_______________________________
Bio – JC Cantrell

JC Cantrell has over 40-years professional experience as Choral Conductor/Director of Music/Vocal soloist.  Continuous service since 2004 as Director of Music and Conductor of all music groups, St Dominic Church, Washington DC.

  • Holder of all Professional Cantor (vocalist) Certificates of the National Association of Pastoral Musicians (NPM) including Cantor Colleague and Cantor Trainer professional certificates. Touring clinician on choir and Cantor development; National adjudicator of Cantor Certifications.
  • Former National Chair of the Standing Committee for Military Music Ministers (NPM) (1998-2006)
  • Assistant to the National Chair of the NPM Cantor Committee (2006-2016)
  • NPM Cantor Certification Manager (2012-present)

_______________________________

Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC:

http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/
http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/
https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

Fun with Houdini

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present, Dr. Christopher P. Rahaim, PE. Dr. Rahaim will present a whirlwind tour of SideFX’s Houdini 3D animation and VFX package. He will discuss how Houdini can fit into an existing pipeline or become the main pipeline tool. Topics explored will range from VFX to gaming.

Houdini is an advanced procedural modeling, animation, effects, simulation, rendering, and compositing package. Houdini’s power is based on procedural workflows.

Please join us on Thursday, February 27, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm at V! Studios to hear Dr. Rahaim discuss this powerful 3D animation package.
_______________________________
LOCATION:

V! Studios
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 420
Vienna, VA

PARKING:

Parking is free at the V! Studios location.
_______________________________
Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC:
http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/
http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/
https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

Computer Animation Festival Showcase Encore

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is presenting an encore showing of the Computer Animation Festival Showcase. If you missed the show at the Torpedo Factory, this is your chance to catch it again.  The Computer Animation Festival showcases some of the most dazzling and innovative animations from 2019, many of which were presented at the SIGGRAPH Computer Animation Festival.  We will also discuss our upcoming events for 2020.

For those who are not familiar, 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.

Please join us on Thursday, January 16, 2020 from 7pm to 9pm at V! Studios as we showcase some of the best examples of computer animation from around the globe.


LOCATION:
V! Studios
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 420
Vienna, VA

PARKING:
Parking is free at the V! Studios location.


Contact Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH:
http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/
http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/
https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

Chapter Elections – Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH

DATE:  Thursday, November 7, 2019
FROM:  7:00-9:00pm
WHEREV! Studios (directions below)

It is election time again! The Washington DC chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH will conduct our annual elections for chapter board positions during the meeting on Thursday, November 7, 2019 at V! Studios. After elections we will discuss events for the coming year as well as networking with peers in the community.

All eligible voting members of the Washington DC ACM SIGGRAPH chapter have been notified to nominate board members by October 25, 2019.  The results of the nominations are posted below.  The main requirement for a leadership position is all officers must be voting members of ACM and members of ACM SIGGRAPH. Information about the duties and responsibilities for each position can be found on our web site: http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/bylaws/

Current nominations for the 2020 board positions are:

Chair  – nomination for Mark Jette
Vice-Chair – nomination for Kim Wallace
Secretary  – nomination for Paras Kaul
Treasurer  – nomination for Roberto Ortiz

If you would like more information about a position, would like to volunteer for a committee, or would like to present at a meeting, feel free to contact us at DC-GRAPH-Officers@listserv.acm.org.

Please join us on Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 7pm to 9pm V! Studios.  See you there!


LOCATION:

V! Studios
8229 Boone Blvd., Suite 420
Vienna, VA

PARKING:

Parking is free at the V! Studios location.


Contact ACM SIGGRAPH Washington DC:
http://wp.siggraph.org/washington/
http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/
https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph

An Evening with Samar Shool and Pixeldust Studios

DATE:   Thursday, October 17, 2019
FROM:  7:00pm-9:00pm
WHERE:  Torpedo Factory Art Center (directions below)

The Washington DC Chapter of ACM SIGGRAPH is proud to present Samar Shool along with Pixeldust Studios, an EMMY® award winning animation studio located in Bethesda, Maryland.  Mr. Shool has secured an Emmy himself in 2016 for animation work for the PBS show “The National Mall—America’s Front Yard” as well as several other EMMY® nominations. He will be discussing his work on the series “Ancient Earth” and “Ancient Oceans” over the past 2 years, both of which aired on Curiosity Stream, as well as the tools and pipeline used to create 40-50 creature shots produced entirely at Pixeldust Studios. He will also be discussing Pixeldust’s new, state of the art GPU based real-time rendering pipeline which utilizes primarily Unity, and to some extent Unreal Engine, and the RedShift renderer.  Mr. Shool will also discuss his work on AR/Game design and Magic Leap projects in Unity.

Please join us on Thursday, October 17, 2019 from 7pm to 9pm at the Torpedo Factory Art Center to learn more about the incredible work being produced by Pixeldust Studios.

* EMMY® is a formal trademark of The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (“NATAS”)


Samar Shool BIO
Samar Shool is the CG Supervisor and Head of AR/Game Development at Pixeldust Studios. For the past few years, Mr. Shool has also been heading the development at Pixeldust Labs, working on AR/Game designs, and Magic Leap projects in Unity. He is responsible for managing the team on a project-to-project basis.  Mr. Shool is highly competent in an array of 3D animation and compositing software such as Maya, Unity, Unreal, Arnold, Nuke, After Effects.

Pixeldust Studios
Pixeldust Studios is an award-winning, animation studio, interactive media design and full service video production company with expertise in creative intelligence and a focus on delivering exceptional client service. Located in Metro Washington, D.C. and New York City, our world-class roster of editorial and design talent commands the latest technological tools to visualize and execute your project.


LOCATION:
Torpedo Factory Art Center
105 N. Union St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
703-838-4565
http://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://washington-dc.siggraph.org/
http://www.meetup.com/DC-ACM-SIGGRAPH/
https://www.facebook.com/DCsiggraph