AS220 Labs:

Fab Lab Foundations 2: Intro to the CNC Router
This workshop is for anyone interested in using a CNC Router for digital fabrication, specifically the ShopBot machine for computer-controlled cutting and routing. The course covers an introduction to the ShopBot, Computer-Aided Design software to design projects for the machine, creation of 2D tool paths for the machine using PartWorks, and basic machine operation and safety.  You will learn how to safely operate the machine on your own, so that you may use the machine independently after completing the training and signing up for membership.

Fab Lab Foundations 1: Intro to the Laser and Vinyl Cutter
Learn how to use the laser cutter to cut or etch wood, plastics, papers or textiles. This class will cover the basics of using the laser cutter safely, techniques for working with different materials, and software tools for preparing work for the cutter. This is a hands-on workshop; bring a project if you like! Students will be certified to use the Labs’ laser cutter after completing the course and signing up for membership at AS220 Industries.

ADVANCED CNC TECHNIQUES
This workshop is designed for students who have already taken “Introduction to the CNC Router” and want to explore more advanced processes and techniques. This advanced workshop teaches participants on how to use the tool in creative ways and apply the tool to their project ideas. Participants are encouraged to bring a project or project idea to explore as a group. The instructor will facilitate the exploration and assist with machining techniques. Depending upon the projects, this may include V-carving, 3D cutting, multi-face carving, inlays, and multi-step processes. Don’t worry if you don’t have any project in mind, the instructor will bring some project suggestions.

AS220 Media Arts:

Intro to the Darkroom
Learn your way around the Paul Krot Community Darkroom. From mixing chemicals to understanding enlargers, gain a hands on introduction to traditional black and white photo printing. Students should bring two rolls of exposed film to class to develop. The cost of the workshop includes a material fee of $20 consisting of  film, five sheets of RC paper, and chemistry.

Introduction to Audio Recording
Learn the process and production involved with audio technology for various media and musical applications. In the workshop, we will explore the recording process in the audio lab at AS220, which is available for public use upon completion of this workshop. By the end, you’ll have the skill to setup, record, and export a project. This workshop is for musicians, audio enthusiasts, media artists, and anyone looking to acquire the necessary skills for making audio creations. This course balances theoretical concepts with practical techniques to help you approach your future projects.

Introduction to Digital SLR Photography
Bring the intimidation factor from 10 to 0! Come equipped with your DSLR camera and get set to learn it like the back of your hand! After this class you’ll feel confident using your DSLR, and finally get the pictures you desire. Complete with a weather permitting photo walk around downtown Providence!

Stop Motion Animation!
Stop Motion animation is where a series of pictures are combined to make a moving image making for a great introduction into video for artists of all backgrounds. All of the components of stop motion animation will be covered through use of various hands-on tools including tracing paper, marker boards, paints, and clay. The original artwork created with these mediums will be captured live with a camera and put into interactive softwares like DragonFrame and iMotion HD. After the frames have been captured the class will use basic video and audio editing techniques to create a finished animated video!

Digital Editing with Adobe Photoshop CC
Introduction to Photoshop will allow participants to learn the basic tools and uses of Photoshop CC including photo correction, resizing, working with text and saving your files. We’ll also dive into using layers, effects, and masking. After the first session, each student will be expected to bring a project to be gone over in class. We will be working mostly with photographic images, although key concepts in the class will aid in beginning more design based projects. No Photoshop experience is required and handouts will be provided for easy reference. At the end you’ll walk away with an inkjet print of your work!

Introduction to Adobe Illustrator CC
From screen printing to vinyl decals, Illustrator contains a wide array of tools That will help you create compelling graphics and images. This class will cover everything that’s needed to start creating, from the fundamentals of pixels versus vectors to basic drawing and shape manipulation. By the end of the session, you’ll Have an understanding of the basic toolkit and the Ability to start building scalable graphics. Do not have Illustrator on your computer? No problem! The Media Arts studio has the full Adobe Suite Which Both are free to use inside and outside of class.

Video Editing Basics with Adobe Premiere CC
The work you do in art, education, marketing, or advocacy work can benefit from video projects and this workshop will show you the essential tools and workflow to make a video from start to finish. Maybe you are a beginner waiting to make your first project or want to move from iMovie to software that gives you more creative control, this workshop is for you. The class as a whole will walk through the entire editing and post-production process for making a short one-minute video using media provided to you.

Introduction to After Effects CC
After Effects is Adobe’s professional motion graphics and compositing software for video editors, designers, animators, and 3D artists. This four-session workshop will provide you with the basics of motion graphics to get your projects started.  We’ll cover chroma key, green screen, video-for animation production, post-production, special effects, and editing.  And as always…you have access to the media lab outside of class. Some understanding with Photoshop and video editing is a good plus.

Intro to the Mac
Eliminate those feelings of frustration and anxiety when you sit in front of your computer! This two-hour class will allow you to better understand Apple’s OS (operating system), making it easier to learn software skills in other workshops offered by AS220 Industries. Get comfortable with the workflow, terminology, and shortcuts that will improve your overall productivity working within design software and on our Macs. We recommend this course to anyone who is interested producing work at AS220 Industries but is unfamiliar with OS X or is new to using computers for design.

AS220 Community Printshop:

Introduction to Letterpress
Fine detail and embossment make for stunning, professional-quality business cards, invitations, announcements, and labels.  Print your favorite poem by hand-setting lead type one letter at a time; make a poster or a broadside; or transfer your line drawings to a photo-polymer plate for editioning.  This course will cover the old and new uses of the letterpress, from lead type and linotype to polymer plate printing, including basic file prep using Adobe software. You will leave this 3-week course with a working knowledge of press operation including: inking the press, adjusting pressure and roller height, registration, feeding paper through the press, and cleaning the press.

Introduction to Etching
This is an introductory class Appropriate for students of all backgrounds and experiences.We’ll cover basic mark-making skills as well as etching press operation. Participants will use traditional etching grounds and resists to etch copper plates in a ferric chloride solution. Also we will teach you ink mixing and application, plate preparation, wiping, paper tearing, and registration. Students’ specific interests will guide the demonstrations, and there will be time for each participant to work on an single project.

Aquatint Magic: Intermediate Etching
This two day intermediate class is for those with prior acid etching experience interested in various rosin-based techniques, which create full tonal range on copper plates. We will etch plates at varying depths through painterly and photographic approaches to step bite, spit bite, soap ground, and sugar lift. Each class day will be divided into half process demo and half studio time where the students can work with the instructor on specific projects.