Franklin Presents: Free Circuit Bending Workshop with Beatrix*JAR
Saturday December 19, 2009 12-2pm

In concert with Christopher Baker’s video installation of appropriated Youtube videos, local sound-art duo Beatrix*JAR will present a free public workshop on circuit bending, teaching participants how to create musical instruments from everyday electronic objects.

Following their belief that “…anything that makes sound can be a musical instrument,” Bianca Pettis and Jacob Aaron Roske (Beatrix*JAR) have been working together for over six years, both making and performing their own electronic music made from “bent” electronic toys, and empowering individuals to become electronic musicians in their own right through workshops and sound art residencies.

Through their workshops, Pettis and Roske open up a dynamic world of sound through experimentation and play. Using recycled keyboards, drum machines and children’s toys, participants make unique sonic discoveries unleashing hidden sounds. Participants will learn how to short-cut circuits using soldering techniques, creating handmade musical instruments from previously discarded objects.

About Beatrix*JAR
Beatrix*JAR have given performances and workshops at museums, exhibition spaces, festivals, schools, and music venues across the country, including the Erie Art Museum (PA), Milwaukee College of Art and Design, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, Kenyon College (OH), The Andy Warhol Museum (PA), the Wexner Art Center (OH) and the Walker Art Center.

Participants should bring battery-powered, sound making devices to work with. For details on what kinds of devices to bring, please visit Beatrix*JAR’s Circuit-Bending FAQ website.

The workshop is limited to 20 participants. Please reserve your space today by contacting Colleen at colleen@franklinartworks.org