Epson Provided Three Pro Series Projectors to Help Illuminate Local Landmarks with Dynamic 3D Visuals
LOS ALAMITOS, Calif. – Aug. 25, 2021 – When the world shut down, students and educators had to adapt to new learning environments. Through these times, efforts to engage and bring students and communities together safely have resulted in more innovative forms of interactive art across campuses and city streets. One of these campuses is The University of Virginia (UVA) that turned to visual technology artist Jeff Dobrow to create a pop-up projection mapping experience called "Brighter Together."
From March to May 2021, Dobrow projection mapped iconic buildings across the UVA campus with artwork that celebrated resilience and community. From psychedelic floral displays that melded perfectly with music to a salute to the graduating classes of 2020 and 2021 with arms raising diplomas in triumph, the mapping project evoked themes of spring, renewal and a brighter future ahead, while highlighting the architecture of UVA to bring the UVA community together outside for an artistic experience.
"As an independent artist, accessibility to both quality equipment and audiences is a constant challenge," said Dobrow. "The Epson projectors are lightweight for flexible placement and deliver incredible color and brightness. Art is by nature fluid and changing constantly and as projection art continues to gain awareness and popularity, the demand for technology solutions that can further empower artists, while improving the art, will be of huge importance."
Dobrow used three Epson Pro L1505UNL laser projectors to display interactive artwork across campus buildings – McIntire Amphitheater, Old Cabell Hall and the University Chapel. Designed to make projection art more accessible, while safely bringing students together during the pandemic, the installation was free and available to students as well as members of the community.
Turning artwork into life-size experiences with innovative technology takes time to refine. When Dobrow took on the mapping project at UVA, he was able to streamline the project with flexible projector technology and helpful software. Not all content was pre-rendered with many of the pieces being audio reactive in real-time and running on the systems GPU. Dobrow used Resolume projection mapping software for playback and content adjustments, allowing him to easily manage content while sending multiple hi-resolution streams to the three Epson projectors. Additionally, with Epson’s intuitive Projector Professional Tool Software, Dobrow was able to minimize extended warping in the playback software, which was extremely valuable to the projection mapping project.
"‘Brighter Together’ was a beautiful experiment that demonstrated the power of audio-visual art and its ability to shed positive light after a long, tough year," said Ramzi Shakra, product manager, large venue projectors, Epson America, Inc. "As projection technology continues to evolve, seeing it used more and more to elevate historical architecture is exceptional. Epson is committed to providing flexible and powerful projection technology that enables artists like Jeff to execute their vision and push boundaries in creative and disruptive ways."
A graduate of DeVry Institute of Technology, Doug has been in the Technology industry since 1976 and actively oversees Fearing’s daily operations. Along with his wife, Lois, and three others, Doug started Fearing’s in a 600 square-foot facility in Portage, Wisconsin. In the 25 years since, the company has grown to over 30 employees with offices in Madison and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Doug likes to say he’s a “TV Technician with a dream� going back to his history with the family’s original business-Fearing’s TV and Appliance.
Doug values time with family, watersports, hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. In addition to being a devoted member of his church, Doug serves as Board President for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County, Board member of Schools for Haiti and Scripture Chair of the Gideons-Portage camp.
A graduate of MATC, Lois oversees Fearing’s daily book keeping along with various HR responsibilities.
Along with Doug, Lois is deeply connected to community outreach, serving as a Board member and Fundraising Committee Chairperson for Kinship Mentoring of Columbia County. She also serves on the Schools for Haiti Fundraising committee. In addition, Lois’ ongoing passion and commitment to provide care for the elderly comes from her 10-year history of working in a Reedsburg, Wisconsin Nursing home.
Lois enjoys singing, hiking, sunny days on the pontoon, and spending time with her 4 grandchildren.
Ehren drives Fearing’s technology by continually seeking out trends to enhance capabilities while supporting Sales, Engineering and Installation teams. Throughout his years with Fearing’s, Ehren’s talent and vision have joined forces to create a wide variety of projects and strategic solutions that exceed expectation.
Ehren loves music, family time, movies, nature, sustainability efforts and electric vehicles.
With 10 years with Fearing’s and over twice that long in the industry, Ben continues to lead, coordinate, and develop the Commercial AV team.
By consistently delivering an outstanding experience and outcome, Ben contributes to the Fearing’s legacy of long-lasting partnerships that truly make a difference. Whatever the Commercial AV need may be, Ben and team deliver at the highest level.
Ben is an avid fisherman and photographer. He enjoys coaching his sons and other youth.
Chris has been with Fearing’s for 20 years and in the industry for over 2 decades. As a Certified leader in Sales Acceleration and trained in EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating Systems), Chris successfully utilizes his skills to lead the Fearing’s Salesforce. Chris and team are motivated and driven to develop new client partnerships while continuing to reinforce loyal long-term relationships with ongoing Service excellence.
Married for 19 years with 3 children, Chris enjoys skiing, hiking, fishing, boating, hunting, camping and golf. He’s also been actively involved as a Youth Football and Softball coach for his family and others.
