Digital Arts

The VisArts Digital Arts Lab in Rockville provides educational/artistic opportunities in the following mediums:

Most of our programming takes place on-site. Our digital lab includes 13 powerful new Macs that run both OS X and Windows, in addition to Adobe CS3, Final Cut, FL Studio XXL, and other premiere software. We also have professional video equipment (GL2s) and scanners and printers, such as the 44” Canon iPF8100.

Classes and Workshops – ages 8 to adult

Our faculty of skilled instructors provides many classes for students of different ages in a variety of formats. From weekly classes to intensive weekend workshops to open studios, from introductory classes to professional development seminars, we strive for excellence in sharing digital knowledge and skills. Courses: www.visartscenter.org/digitallab.html

Youth Design Team

The Youth Design Team Internship Program provides local high school seniors with the opportunity to learn real-world graphic and web design while working on web projects for outside clients. Coached by two professional web designers, five students meet daily to produce web sites. Websites designed include Kathleen's Sky Diner, the Coore Foundation, and BC Synergies

The Youth Design Team specializes in creating intuitive, easy-to-navigate sites with content management systems that make them simple to quickly update, even for users with no technical knowledge.

Youth Development for At-Risk Teens

Our mission is to serve the entire community, including those who may not have access to advanced digital classes and equipment. In addition to our scholarship program for classes, we also offer specific programs to at-risk youth geared toward using 21st century digital technology skills as tools for empowerment and personal advancement. In the summer of 2009, we are offering two 2-week intensive programs of this type. (Include info when available.)

Special Projects and Partnerships

We are always looking for ways that we can engage the community and further our mission. Past special projects have included a middle/high school photography exhibit and a similar computer game design call for entries, both of which showcased selected entries in the VisArts art gallery. We currently partner with Trax to teach after-school technology programs at Parkland Middle School, a Title I school.

Because of the breadth of our programs, there are many ways for individuals to become involved in the lab. From digital professionals who volunteer a few hours a month to provide guidance to youth in their field, to community members who give input about courses, to retired executives who share their management wisdom, to students who help staff our open labs, we are grateful for any and all support we receive, and do our best to channel that energy into our mission.