Congratulations to MFA graduate student Ella Pigg and undergraduate student Finn Ellis on the success of their project, Neon Forge.
Neon Forge is a virtual reality experience developed for the Bands of Enchantment Music Festival. It is inspired by Route 66’s iconic neon sign aesthetic and was created to connect with the city’s cultural identity while offering festival attendees an immersive, hands-on experience. Festival goers could sign up to join a queue and had the opportunity to use the headsets for approximately 10 minutes. In the game, Neon Forge players were able to create their own virtual neon signs and sculptures using a variety of realistic neon colors and animated blinking sequences. The game is approachable for beginners while also offering advanced features for those with prior experience.
Neon Forge responds to the issue of limited access to immersive technologies among New Mexico residents. ARTSLab Director and Assistant Professor of Experimental Art & Technology, Stewart Copeland notes that when universities receive VR headsets, they tend to be isolated within a single department or college. Copeland states, “That’s what we’ve been focused on, getting equipment and then figuring out how to make it accessible for researchers and students.” To support this effort, ARTSLab received congressionally directed funding from NASA to launch the Artemis in 3D STEAM Challenge and Training Program, an initiative aimed at advancing immersive technology access and education across the state.
UNM Art is so proud of our students and faculty in the Experimental Art & Technology department and is excited to see what more they create to enhance our community.
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
READ the UNM News article by Anna Padilla at https://news.unm.edu/news/artslab-providing-community-tech-access-with-nasa-grant
