Computer Science art show announced

The fourth biannual Computer Science Art Show, featuring work created by students enrolled in CS106 – Computer Science I, will be on display in the Murray-Aikins Dining Hall atrium from 11 a.m. to noon Wednesday, April 3.

The show features work by students who were challenged to create art using picture collages or chromakey (green screen) substitutions. All art in the show was produced by students who had just eight weeks of programming experience.

Leo Porter, assistant professor of computer science, introduced the art show in the fall of 2011, based on his involvement in a similar project launched in 2008 at the University of California at San Diego directed by Professor Beth Simon.  The pair recently published an article about the project in ACM Inroads (Vol. 4, No. 1, March 2013).

According to the authors, “Computer science is ultimately about creating.” They describe how class assignments help students develop familiarity with the basics of programming language and concepts, and noted that the images that result help strengthen creative aspects of computing.

Says Porter, “I think computer science is best taught when students have a creative goal. By holding an art show, we enable them to showcase their work for their friends and the rest of the College. I hope those who attend can see that the intersection of art and technology provides a unique opportunity for creativity.”

A total of 17 students representing all four classes at Skidmore will participate in the show. CS 106 is required for students planning to major in computer science at Skidmore but often has students from other disciplines (business, art, music, sciences) who wish to learn about programming.