Public invited to paint graffiti on giant wall during ArtsWeek with LaserGraf, UVP’s first-ever interactive display

Jemeli Tanui
(315) 443-5172

With just a pen-sized hand-held laser, Syracuse artists and residents will be able to create art and share their work live using the Urban Video Project‘s newest interactive display, LaserGraf, July 23-25 at the Monroe Building UVP site at 333. E. Onondaga St.

UVP-a public arts initiative along the Connective Corridor-will launch LaserGraf with art by Syracuse University professors on Thursday, July 23, and open the interactive tool to the public Friday, July 24, and Saturday, July 25. The installation will take place from 9-11 p.m. each day.

UVP’s LaserGraf is one of nearly 20 interactive arts activities, including the July 23-25 Northeast Jazz and Wine Festival and the July 24-26 Syracuse Arts & Crafts Festival, taking place during ArtsWeek along the Connective Corridor.

Artists will stand behind a protective screen at the Monroe Building parking lot and draw on the 3,600 sq. ft. wall using the laser as a painting tool. In putting up this three- day event, Syracuse will be joining metropolitan areas including New York City, Hong Kong and Rome that have featured laser graffiti arts events.

LaserGraf uses a system called L.A.S.E.R Tag developed by the Graffiti Research Lab, an international company dedicated to providing graffiti artists with open source technologies for urban communication. Laser graffiti is not permanent.

“Laser Tagis important technology because it gives people a big voice, as what people see on the wall is a mirror of their city, their environment and current events,” says Denise Heckman, UVP academic director and associate professor of industrial and interaction design at SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts.

Due to street closings to accommodate the various art events, festival attendees are encouraged to use the free park-and-ride service on the Connective Corridor buses, which run between Manley Field House and downtown Syracuse. To see the Connective Corridor bus schedule, visit http://www.connectivecorridor.com.

About the Urban Video Project

The Urban Video Project (UVP) is a multi-media public art initiative of Syracuse University, with technology provided by Time Warner Cable that operates several electronic exhibition sites along the Connective Corridor in Syracuse. The mission of the UVP is to present exhibitions and projects that celebrate the arts and culture of Syracuse and engage artists and the creative community around the world.

UVP uses high-definition projection systems and LED screens to display collections of video, photography, animation, and creative writing. First established in 2007 as a series of temporary public art projections by students in SU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, UVP has developed into the first permanent series of urban projection installations in the United States.

UVP provides a unique opportunity for the entire Syracuse community to showcase their work, featuring work by professional artists, arts organizations, students and local residents. Syracuse University offers regular workshops to encourage participation and submissions.

Displays are active daily from dusk to 11 p.m. at three locations along Syracuse’s Connective Corridor: UVP Syracuse Stage at 820 E. Genesee St.; UVP Monroe at 333 E. Onondaga St.; and UVP OHA at the Onondaga Historical Association Museum at 321 Montgomery St. Plans for a fourth venue at the John H. Mulroy Civic Center Theatres at Oncenter are being finalized.

To learn more about UVP visit http://www.urbanvideoproject.com.