LUNA Studio: Artist Training Series

Step Into the Future of Public Art

LUNA Studio is a hands-on artist training series that empowers creatives to explore interactive, tech-driven public art. From real-time 3D design to projection mapping and responsive environments, these workshops offer accessible entry points into the tools shaping tomorrow’s civic storytelling.

With the exception of a youth projection mapping workshop, class fees are $20. However, if the price proves prohibitive to attendance, artists can email Arts New Orleans Creative Director Lindsay Glatz at lindsay@artsneworleans.org for scholarship consideration.

Meet the Instructor

Gabe Barcia-Colombo is a Los Angeles–born, New York–based interdisciplinary artist whose work spans video sculpture, immersive performance, projection mapping, AR/VR, and installation. His art explores memory, identity, and the digitization of human experience through playful yet poignant works like "DNA Vending Machines", miniature video objects, and large-scale public commissions such as "New York Minute" (Fulton Center) and "Platform" (Grand Central Madison).

A two-time TED Fellow, Gabe’s work is in the LACMA collection and has been commissioned by institutions including the Victoria & Albert Museum, MTA Arts & Design, and The Neon Museum, where he was 2021 Artist-in-Residence. He is an Associate Arts Professor at NYU Tisch’s ITP, founder of Bunker.nyc, and an educator dedicated to helping artists merge storytelling with code, sensors, and immersive tech.

Introduction to Unity

Step into real-time creativity with this beginner-friendly Introduction to Unity workshop, designed for artists looking to explore immersive digital environments and interactive experiences. In this hands-on session, participants will build the foundational skills to create digital artworks using Unity—the world’s leading real-time development platform.

They’ll learn to navigate:

  • 3D workspace

  • Import assets, textures,

  • Lighting to build interactive scenes

  • Explore Unity’s animation tools and real-time rendering engine[SW1] 

The session also offers insights into using Unity for projection mapping, light art, and installations—leaving you with a starter project and resources to continue your creative coding journey. This workshop is ideal for artists, designers, and creatives of all backgrounds seeking to integrate technology into their art practice, and no prior coding experience is required.

Workshop Date: July 7th, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Introduction to Interactive Video

 Discover the magic of light, motion, and code in this hands-on workshop designed for artists ages 14–21 interested in building responsive video installations. Using TouchDesigner—a powerful visual programming tool—you’ll learn to create generative visuals and manipulate live video that reacts to real-world inputs like motion, proximity, or pressure sensors. This beginner-friendly session covers the basics of the TouchDesigner interface, sensor integration, and techniques for creating immersive public art and performance environments. You’ll leave with a working prototype and resources to continue your creative tech journey. No coding experience required—just curiosity and a willingness to experiment.

Workshop Date: July 9th, 5:30pm - 8:00pm

Introduction to Projection Mapping

This hands-on, demo-rich workshop is designed for artists eager to break into the world of projection and digital storytelling. Participants will gain a foundational understanding of projection mapping—what it is, how it works, and how it transforms buildings and surfaces into immersive public art. The session covers the full creative process, from concept development to execution, while introducing essential software (like Mad Mapper and TouchDesigner) and technical tools. You'll explore projector types, spatial considerations, and real-world examples from festivals like LUNA Fête.

Perfect for artists, muralists, designers, and producers looking to turn light, space, and story into powerful visual experiences—no tech experience required.

Workshop Date: July 10th, 6:00pm - 9:00pm

Projection Mapping (Youth Only)

Learn how to turn buildings into canvases and light into storytelling with this hands-on projection mapping workshop for youth artists. Designed for ages 14–21, this non-technical, demo-rich session introduces the creative and technical foundations of projection mapping—from concept and storyboarding to mapping and execution. Participants will explore software like Mad Mapper and TouchDesigner, learn about projector types and spatial considerations, and see real-world examples from festivals like LUNA Fête. Perfect for youth artists, muralists, designers, and creatives curious about transforming physical space through motion, light, and digital storytelling—no prior experience required.

Workshop Date: July 12th, 10:00am - 3:00pm

Office Hours

All workshop participants are invited to attend office hours with Gabe Barcia-Colombo to receive personalized feedback and technical support on project ideas and workshop concepts.  Office hours are only open to workshop participants.

Workshop Date: July 11th, 2025

Arts New Orleans has a limited number of MacBook computers available for workshop participants. In your registration, please let us know if you will need access to a laptop.