Generative Art for All

a workshop led by Michael Tempel

Generative art refers to art that is created by a system that operates autonomously. The artist may create the system, and/or set some parameters that affect the outcome, but the result is created, at least in part, by the system rather than directly by the artist. Generative art systems are frequently computer programs, although biological, social, or other systems may also be used to generate art.

Similarly, generative music refers to music produced by a system, which could be a computer program. The composer creates the system that generates the music.

An important characteristic of generative art works and music is the surprise we encounter while making them. That is, you never know precisely what will happen. Intriguingly, since the outcome of a generative art or music system is not fully predetermined, variations are expected and surprising! You can think of this like a good conversation—you don’t know exactly what your partner is going to say, and the serendipity of the exchange is an important reason for having the conversation in the first place. Similarly, you don’t know (precisely) what you’re going to get from a generative art experience. This emergent serendipity is one of the most wonderful things about making generative art.

In this workshop, you will use Scratch and TurtleArt to explore generative art and music. These two platforms are readily accessible to people ages 8 and up, having a wide range of interests and learning styles, and with or without a background in programming. We'll look at some sample projects and then you will have an opportunity to develop and share your own generative art creations. We'll also briefly note additional software platforms that are useful for generative art projects, and address how generative AI may interact with generative art.

The workshop will introduce generative art and music as an activity in itself, but will also encourage you to iterate on the artful surprises that you can generate with  Scratch and TurtleArt.

This workshop is for teachers and anyone else interested in generative art and music. The material is suitable for students in grades three and higher. Some prior experience and familiarity with Scratch and/or TurtleArt is a helpful foundation for participation.

The workshop will be recorded. Everyone who registers will have access to the recording for later review. If you are interested in the topic, but can't attend the live Zoom session, you can register anyway and view the recording at a time that's good for you.

For more about Generative Art click here

About the workshop leader:

Michael Tempel is President of the Logo Foundation. He has been engaged in computer science and STEAM education for 45 years as a teacher, administrator and program developer in public, private, and nonprofit organizations.