Marc Leclair: Creative Ethics and Gratitude
Marc Leclair (left) teaching a guitar pedal workshop at SynthCube. Photo by Rob Flynn.
For the past couple years, Marc Leclair of CRAM Audio Technologies has taught DIY music electronics workshops at AS220 (and in other places around New England), helping folks build guitar pedals, hand-held synthesizers, and even theremins contained in Altoids tins.
His history with AS220, however, goes back decades and he's taken the initial inspiration he felt walking into our raw space in the '80s around the country with him. Read what he has to say below, and maybe you'll be inspired to take his DIY Fuzz Pedal workshop on December 14th!
Does Mark's story inspire you? Make a donation to AS220's Year End Appeal now and help us continue to provide affordable access to creative education for all Rhode Islanders.
"I came to AS220 when it was above The Rocket. That’s the night I met (AS220 founder) Umberto Crenca. He told me his origin story, and I was impressed by his sincerity and vision. Early on, AS220 set the standard for creative expression. I’ve lived in Philadelphia, Orlando, Charlotte, St. Louis. My exposure to AS220’s creative ethics shaped how I interacted and collaborated with the arts communities in these locales."
"I continually learn from the folks who attend my music electronics workshops. In working on conceptual art projects with my wife, I discovered that many adults have abandoned their creative side. It’s satisfying to see them build their instrument, play it, and freely experiment with music. Folks leave all smiles, expressing their gratitude."
