Digital artist and educator Nettrice Gaskins will be giving a talk titled “Theory, Content and Style for the AI Revolution” at the Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art at UC Davis.
In her presentation Gaskins will explain her methods, motivations and cultural critiques through her art. Her work centers on African Americans, Afrofuturism and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math) education for historically marginalized communities.
“Where traditional artists would wield a paint brush, or camera, the 21st century affords artists tools from artificial intelligence to 2D imaging and 3D modeling to virtual reality, enabling them to create in innovative and novel ways,” Gaskins said in a press release. “Advancing technologies have dared artists to take new risks and art has responded in kind. My work explores human imagination and software algorithms to produce visuals that open new possibilities for creative expression.”
Christina Cogdell, professor in the design department at UC Davis, commented on the timeliness of the topic.
“The use of AI in many domains is the hot technological debate right now, with academics split on its threats to student learning versus its immense usefulness for research,” Cogdell said. “Gaskins offers a wealth of experience and years of experimentation demonstrating ethical uses of AI in artmaking.”
The talk will be held on Nov. 3 at 4:30 p.m. A livestream is also available by registering in advance.
For more information or to register for the livestream, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/alberini-family-speaker-series-lecture-tickets-737369761807.
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The Davis Musical Theatre Company’s production of “Oklahoma!” is set to open on Nov. 3 at the Jean Henderson Performing Arts Center in Davis.
Set in farm country outside the town of Claremore, Indian Territory, in 1906, “Oklahoma!” tells the story of farm girl Laurey Williams, and her courtship by two rival suitors, cowboy Curly McLain and farmhand Jud Fry.
“The choice between the suitors and the new love and new life together will begin in a brand-new state that provides the ultimate climax to the triumphant Oklahoma!,” said a press release from DMTC.
“Oklahoma!” originally opened in 1943, setting the standards and establishing the rules of musical theater that are still being used today. It was the first show in history where dance advanced the plot.
“Oklahoma! will play on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. from Nov. 3 through Nov. 26. Tickets are $18 for general, $16 for students and seniors (55 and over) and $14 each for groups of 10 or more. To purchase tickets, visit https://dmtc.org.
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The Davis Musical Theatre Company will also be holding auditions for “Seussical, The Musical” on Sunday, Nov. 5 or Monday, Nov. 6.
Based on the works of Dr. Seuss, the show follows the adventures of Horton, an elephant who one day hears voices coming from a speck of dust. Ridiculed by the other animals in the Jungle of Nool for believing in something he cannot see, Horton stubbornly persists in his belief that the Whos exist.
All roles are open including the Cat in the Hat, Horton, Jojo and the Mayor of Whoville. Auditions will be held at 7:30 p.m. both days with callbacks on Tuesday, Nov. 7 also at 7:30 p.m.
The show opens on Jan. 5, 2024.
For more information, visit https://dmtc.org/characters?showId=4509.
Center Stage is a column exploring the arts in and around Yolo County.