YMCA Introduces New Digital Media Lab with Fall Programs

Emerging technologies have revolutionized the ways people express themselves in art and communication. To make these technologies accessible to everyone, the North Suburban YMCA will introduce its all-new Digital Media Lab in the fall of 2015. The Lab will be the home for a number of new instructional programs for children and adults, covering a wide range of tech-based creative pursuits.

The YMCA’s Digital Media Lab includes a 3D printer, a digital printer, touchscreen drawing tablets, and a variety of digital media software applications. Instructors will offer age-specific classes to take advantage of these capabilities. Artists can explore the possibilities for digital drawing and photo manipulation in a Digital Media class, while photographers can focus touching up or transforming their pictures in Digital Editing and creating display-worthy projects in the Photo Collage class. Music fans can learn the techniques of professional DJs in age-appropriate classes, with an opportunity for teens age 16 and over to practice their skills as paid apprentice DJs for YMCA events.

“We are so excited to offer these new technologies and classes to our participants,” noted Cathie Winnie, Director of Visual Arts at the NSYMCA. “Digital media is all about expanding creative options to the limits of our imaginations. These classes give people hands-on experience and guidance that will inspire experimentation and discovery. We can’t wait to get started.”

Details about Digital Media Lab classes are available in the North Suburban YMCA’s Fall Program Guide, which can be viewed on the NSYMCA website. The classes begin the week of August 31. Fall registration is now open for YMCA members; non-member registration begins on August 3. For more information, contact Cathie Winnie, cwinnie@nsymca.org.

Photo Caption: The new Digital Media Lab at the North Suburban YMCA will offer a variety of classes that combine art and technology.

About the North Suburban YMCA
The YMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to make services available for all families and individuals in its 15-city region. All board members are volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served the northern suburbs of Chicago for over 45 years. The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that address the needs of our diverse community and are accessible to all. For more information or to make a donation, contact Barb Flanagin at 847-272-7250 or bflanagin@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.