Tech Arts
Welcome to Tech Arts, a dynamic department of Hairpin Arts Center dedicated to exploring the intersection of art and technology. The Tech Arts Branch merges traditional artistry with modern innovation. We embrace new media, digital platforms, and cutting-edge tools to expand the possibilities of creative expression.
Tech Arts focuses on art forms that rely on or are enhanced by technology—such as VR experiences, interactive media, generative art, creative coding, and beyond. By integrating digital and analog techniques, Tech Arts invites us to imagine the future of creativity and how technology can enrich artistic collaboration.
Committee Meetings
3rd Monday @ 6PM Chicago Time
Remote: meet.google.com/hoz-catx-vbn
Join Our Committee
Call for Proposals
If you have a technology-enabled art event or idea, we would love to help make it reality.
Enki Andrews
Board Liaison
Enki is a multimedia interactive artist experimenting with physical phenomena to discover how humanity views itself in light of our finite human perceptions and how expanding those reflections enhances our self awareness.
Max Bowers
Archivist
Max is a programmer and musician focused on modular synthesis and interactive systems. His work ranges from professional software development to audio visual performance pieces to post-production audio.
He releases and performs music under his own name or as Protection Spells for more electronic dance-oriented work. Live-projection and graphics work is often done under these monikers as well.
His collaborations with movement artists have been featured at French Street Studios in Glasgow, Scotland and Traumburg festival in Gommern, Germany. He lives and works in Chicago.
Trevor Waldorf
Branch Director
Trevor is a designer with creative practices in textiles, software, and music as a producer and cellist. He is particularly interested in products and authoring environments for more productive artmaking.
His musical work has been featured in collaborative exhibitions in Boston and Berlin with the Deutsches Symphonie-Orchester.
Feliks Albright
Media Specialist
Feliks is a software engineer and rekindled musician. One of my life-long missions is to help build up community in an ever isolated world.
Zio Li
Grant Writer
Zio is an interdisciplinary artist whose work combines painting, sculpture, performance, writing, sound, and technology.
Li explores nostalgia for technology, life under collectivism, industry, labor, love, and affection.
Join Our Committees !
Each branch has a dedicated committee that meets monthly to plan events, brainstorm new projects, and set goals for furthering the arts in our community. By joining a committee, you’ll gain direct influence over the direction of our programming and help shape local cultural engagement. You’ll also collaborate with fellow artists, develop event ideas, and support emerging and established creatives alike.
There is a monthly financial commitment of $5.00 to cover administrative costs, and materials and a significant portion is earmarked to support the Branch Directors stipend.
If you cannot afford the monthly $5.00 donation you can enroll in our volunteer work exchange. We are dedicated to providing access to all.
-
Your participation amplifies the voices of emerging and established creatives, helping to dispel the myth of the “starving artist” by providing them with visibility and resources
Foster Cultural Exchange
Through programs, exhibits, and events, you’ll help bring diverse cultures and perspectives into the public eye, strengthening community ties and encouraging dialogue.
Enhance Neighborhood Engagement
By brainstorming, planning, and hosting events, you’ll play a direct role in making the local arts scene more vibrant, inclusive, and accessible to everyone.
-
Working with fellow artists, directors, and volunteers introduces you to professionals within and beyond your artistic niche—often sparking future collaborations and friendships.
Leadership & Collaboration
Serving on a committee provides hands-on experience in event organization, marketing, fundraising, and team leadership—skills that boost your résumé and enrich your personal skill set.
Creative Inspiration
Exposure to a wide range of art forms, viewpoints, and cultural traditions can ignite fresh ideas in your own practice, encouraging you to experiment and evolve as an artist.
Skill Development
Whether you become a Publicist drafting press releases, a Digital Archivalist preserving the organization’s legacy, or a Marketing Coordinator reaching new audiences, you’ll hone valuable, transferable skills.
-
Influence Programming & Events
As a committee member, you’ll have a voice in planning exhibits, workshops, and performances—directly impacting the creative opportunities offered at the Hairpin.
Voting Privileges
Each committee member also has an annual vote in choosing the Branch Director, giving you further influence on leadership and direction.
Advance Collective Goals
By working hand-in-hand with other committees, you’ll strengthen cross-disciplinary projects—turning ambitious ideas into dynamic, multi-branch collaborations.
-
Discounts on Events
Enjoy a 25% reduced admission to recurring Art + Music events held on the first Friday of each month, making it more affordable to stay active in the local cultural scene.
Early Access
Learn about and sign up for workshops, volunteer spots, and exhibition opportunities before they’re announced to the general public.
Recognition & Visibility
Receive public acknowledgment for your role in developing and supporting innovative arts programming, which can further bolster your portfolio or CV.
Why Join Our Committee?
Attend a Committee Meeting: All monthly committee meetings are open to the public, making it easy to drop in, share ideas, and meet other passionate creatives.
Apply for First Friday Events: If you’d like to perform, exhibit your artwork, or showcase your handcrafted goods at our First Friday events, please fill out the application on our home page.
Stay Connected: Follow us on social media or sign up for our newsletter to keep track of upcoming events, exhibit openings, and new volunteer opportunities.
How to Get Involved
By joining us—whether as a committee member, a director, or a First Friday exhibitor—you become part of a growing family of artists and art lovers dedicated to celebrating creativity and community. We look forward to welcoming you!
-
![Visual Arts Branch at the Hairpin Arts Center]()
Where colors, textures, and bold ideas come to life
-
![Performing Arts Branch at the Hairpin Arts Center]()
Energizing the Stage & Beyond
-
![Cultral Arts At The Hairpin Arts Center]()
Exploring our diverse community through festivals, exhibits, and dialogue.
-
![]()
Discover the transformative power of sound, movement, and holistic practices
-
![]()
Bridging the gap between art and emerging technology.
-
![]()
Crafting items that blend functionality and aesthetics.
