Fine Arts - Synergy
2002-2004
Description
The Fine Arts Synergy Center is an efficient studio/laboratory for artists and photographers. Presently we have 16 iMacs ( 13 GB/256 RAM) plus 4 G3's (256 RAM) managed by a beta version server---Mac OS X. As of 02/02/02, the server has crashed and we are operating each computer as a single station. Our scanning equipment is out-dated for both reflective and transparent media with some devices over 6 years old. The color printers are also outdated at three years old and the laser printers are of an even earlier vintage. In the next two years we anticipate a complete roll over for all computers, an online solution for server access, upgrades in all imaging software, state of the art scanners, printers and we have an urgent need for digital cameras.
The Fine Arts Synergy Center is an efficient studio/laboratory for artists and photographers. Through additional monies acquired last year due to reassigned time miscalculations, additional iMacs were purchased and others consolidated from other sources to bring our hardware to 20 iMacs. Our Beta version of the OS X server was removed because it was determined to be obsolete, and network connectivity is with the server in the LRC. At the present time, network problems continue to plague the laboratory.
The outdated and over utilized color printers were replaced with the found monies mentioned above and we now have 4 Epson 820s and 2 Epson C80s. The laser printers are of a very early vintage, but are quite functional, except when network problems occur due to suspect wiring.
Digital cameras were purchased, again with the aforementioned found monies. The Synergy Center has 2 Canon G3s and 2 Nikon 885s for limited student use.
Our scanning equipment is out-dated for both reflective and transparent media with some devices over 7 years old. In the next year we anticipate a complete roll over for all computers, an online solution for better server performance, upgrades in all imaging software, and state of the art scanners.
Curriculum Impact
The Art Department has before the Curriculum Committee a proposal to create a new area of Emphasis for our AA degree in Art entitled New Media. Within the scope of this proposal, we require students to take the Art Department Core Curriculum, with an area of emphasis in New Media, which encompasses digital imaging, digital graphics, digital photography and/or digital screen design. If we are granted this additional area of emphasis, we will be graduating and transferring a considerable number of students from this new media curriculum and there will be a greater demand on the Fine Arts Synergy Center. In addition, please note, that other departments within the Communication and Fine Arts Division utilize the Synergy Center, so demand will increase as well from the departments of MediaComm and Theatre. Finally, the Art Department is participating with other departments in an interdisciplinary program in which there is a Visual Arts emphasis for Digital Multimedia degrees and internship programs.
The Art Department was successful in proposing and securing approval from the Curriculum Committee for a new area of Emphasis for our AA degree in Art entitled Digital Media. Pending State Approval, students will now be able to earn an AA in Art for the academic year 2002-2003. Within the scope of this major, we require students to take the Art Department Core Curriculum, with an area of emphasis in Digital Media, which encompasses digital imaging, digital graphics, digital photography and/or digital screen design. As the number of students enrolled in the degree grows, we will be graduating and transferring a considerable number of students from this new digital media curriculum and there will be a greater demand on the Fine Arts Synergy Center. In response to this, the College has proposed a new Digital Arts Building, which allows for further expansion in both real estate as well as technical support in hardware, software, etc.
In addition, please note, that other departments within the Communication and Fine Arts Division utilize the Synergy Center, so demand will increase as well from the departments of MediaComm and Theatre. Finally, the Art Department is participating with other departments in an interdisciplinary program in which there is a Visual Arts emphasis for Digital Multimedia degrees and internship programs.
Approximate Number of Students Served
Our numbers have increased from previous tech plans. The Fine Arts Synergy Center opens Monday at 9 am and except for about twelve hours a week, it runs continuously until Saturday at 3 pm. We have gone from 240 students a semester/ 480 students a year to 300 students a semester / 600 students a year.
Our numbers have increased from previous tech plans. The Fine Arts Synergy Center opens Monday at 9 am and except for about twelve hours a week, it runs continuously until Saturday at 3 pm. We have gone from 240 students a semester/ 480 students a year to 300 students a semester / 600 students a year.
Support Impact
Presently we need a working server solution to continue our efficient operations. ICS has been very supportive and a solution is viable from a hardware standpoint.
What continues to be a major support issue is personnel. The Fine Arts Synergy Center is managed by a faculty member with .2 reassigned time and a non-academic employee with about 3-6 hours a week. With the increase in students and a growing adjunct faculty of over 12 instructors, and the needs of other departments to use the facility, it is becoming impossible to coordinate and interface with all the people needs. This became very evident with the crash of the server, that someone would on the job when problems began to occur and he/she could possibly provided for continued instruction, while the lab was reconfigured for a plan B.
A lab specialist is needed to anticipate hardware and software problems, manage the server and all faculty and student accounts and otherwise anchor the program in a level of continuity that is lacking at the present time because no one can keep track of all the individual problems, needs and requirements of a lab such as ours.
Presently we need a working server solution to continue our efficient operations. ICS has been very supportive and a hopefully some solution can be reached in regards to server usage. Stand alone hardware operations is a possible solution in lieu of remote server access.
What continues to be a major support issue is personnel. The Fine Arts Synergy Center is now managed by two adjunct faculty members with a total .2 reassigned. With the increase in students and a growing adjunct faculty of over 12 instructors, and the needs of other departments to use the facility, it is becoming impossible to coordinate and interface with all the people needs. This became very evident with the crash of the server in spring of 2002 and then the communication problems of Fall 2002. It is imperative that someone must be on the job when problems began to occur so that solutions, communication and other fixes can occur so instruction is provided continuously without technical delays. Part of the Art Departments urgency on this matter is due to the fact that all Digital Media courses are 8 week sessions of intensive instruction, and the laboratory must always be working for students to complete their work in the time allotted for the completion of their projects.
A specialist is needed to anticipate hardware and software problems, manage any server problems and all faculty and student accounts and otherwise anchor the program in a level of continuity that is lacking at the present time, because no one can keep track of all the individual problems, needs and requirements of a lab such as ours.
Year 1 (2002-2003)
Objective
Our objective continues to be as stated in past tech plans: To provide access to computer tools common in the contemporary artist's studio, graphic and communication industry workplace as well as to create a working environment similar to the various transfer institutions throughout the state that recognizes the importance of digital media within the visual arts. Maintenance of software library and timely upgrades of hardware is imperative to meet these objectives.
Action to Meet Objective
Rolling over the lab, replacing all 20 student stations with iMacs that have 800mhz/512 RAM and CD/DVD burners would meet our objectives as stated above.
Rolling over the lab, replacing all 20 student stations with eMacs that have latest and fastest MHz + 512 RAM and CD/DVD burners would meet our objectives as stated above.
With the lab rollover, purchase a G4 tower and flat screen with latest MHz speed and 512 RAM for the instructor's station for demonstrations, managing instructor and student accounts through the server interface.
With the lab rollover, purchase a G4 tower and flat screen with latest MHz speed and 512 RAM for the instructor's station for demonstrations, managing instructor and student accounts through the server interface.
Purchase our own OS X server to manage the student workstations and the lab or operate as stand alone units and purchase a video projector for instructor demonstrations.
With the faster operating systems, we will be required to upgrade all software packages for digital imaging and web/multimedia authoring and should add Video and 3D authoring software.
The remaining four 6500 Power Macs (SCSI /
ADB) and the two older G3's should be replaced with G4 towers.
The operating system will have to be OS X, and we will be required to upgrade all software packages for digital imaging and web/multimedia authoring as well as examine the viability of our Video and 3D authoring software.
Replace (2) LaserWriter printers with latest generation. One could be grayscale and the other could be a color LaserWriter.
Replace (2) LaserWriter printers with latest generation. One could be grayscale and the other could be a color LaserWriter.
Replace old SCSI Scanners with current scanning devices that use USB/Firewire.
Replace old SCSI Scanners with current scanning devices that use USB/Firewire.
Digital cameras of high resolution are imperative.
Purchase additional digital cameras of higher resolution.
Hire a full time faculty member to mange the area due to the Digital Media Area of Emphasis and the interface required with other departments within the Division and programs on campus.
Hire a full time faculty member to mange the area due to the Digital Media Area of Emphasis and the interface required with other departments within the Division and programs on campus.
Hire a lab specialist to maintain the hardware, software, input and output of the laboratory for approximately a dozen instructors and over 300 students.
Hire a lab specialist to maintain the hardware, software, input and output of the laboratory for approximately a dozen instructors and over 300 students.
Year 2 (2003-2004)
Objective
Our objective continues to be as stated in past tech plans: To provide access to computer tools common in the contemporary artist's studio, graphic and communication industry workplace. . Maintenance of software library and timely upgrades of hardware is imperative to meet these objectives.
Action to Meet Objective
Rolling over the lab, replacing all 20 student stations with eMacs that have 800 mhz/512 RAM and CD/DVD burners would meet our objectives as stated above.
With the lab rollover, purchase a G4 tower and flat screen with latest MHz speed and 512 RAM for the instructor's station for demonstrations, managing instructor and student accounts.
Purchase our own OS X server to manage the student workstations and the lab or operate as stand alone units and purchase a video projector for instructor demonstrations.
With the faster operating systems, we will be required to upgrade all software packages for digital imaging and web/multimedia authoring and should add Video and 3D authoring software.
The operating system will have to be OS X, and we will be required to upgrade all software packages for digital imaging and web/multimedia authoring as well as examine the viability of our Video and 3D authoring software.
Replace (2) LaserWriter printers with latest generation. One could be grayscale and the other could be a color LaserWriter.
Replace old SCSI Scanners with current scanning devices that use USB/Firewire.
Purchase additional digital cameras of higher resolution and interchangeability of lenses.
Provide capability to author CD ROMs.
Hire a full time faculty member to mange the area due to the Digital Media Area of Emphasis and the interface required with other departments within the Division and programs on campus.
Hire a lab specialist to maintain the hardware, software, input and output of the laboratory for approximately a dozen instructors and over 300 students.