Wed, June 11th: 'AI and the Creative Arts' 5:30 PM, CU Boulder

The Rocky Mountain AI Interest Group (RMAIIG) invites you to an in-person event, “AI and the Creative Arts,” on Wednesday, June 11th at 5:30 PM at CU Boulder.

Creative Arts Showcase: Exploring AI Through Expression

A big thank you and shoutout to our ***Platinum Sponsor***, Technical Integrity, and our RMAIIG board + partners for making this opportunity possible. Technical Integrity builds teams with a culture & community-first focus. **Learn more about Technical Integrity at: https://technicalintegrity.com**

Explore a diverse showcase of paintings, poetry, music, digital art, and more—each reflecting on AI’s role in creative expression. Submissions range from celebratory to critical, highlighting the vibrant intersection of technology and the arts. Attendees will vote for a “Best in Show” winner, who will receive a $250 cash prize. All works will be featured in a virtual gallery, with selected pieces displayed in person. Don’t miss this one-of-a-kind exhibit celebrating creativity in the age of AI.

Apply to exhibit your work:
https://shorturl.at/DPnRk

Thanks to our pizza sponsor, Red Mage (more info below).

Thanks to RMAIIG Board Member and event organizer Andres Sepulveda Morales for making this meeting happen!

- - Event Format - -
5:30 – 6:30 PM: Creative Showcase in the Lobby
Explore diverse AI-inspired artworks, ask questions, meet the artists, vote for your favorites, and enjoy free pizza

6:30 – 8:30 PM: Main Presentations & Fireside Chat
Featuring Dr. Lee Frankel-Goldwater, Mark S. Johnson, and a closing fireside chat with Andres Sepulveda Morales.

AI and the Creative Arts
CU Boulder East Campus: In-person
Aerospace Engineering Sciences Building (Room 120)
3775 Discovery Dr., Boulder CO 80303
Wed, June 11th
5:30 - 8:30 PM MDT - Meeting
5:30 PM Free pizza (Thanks to Red Mage!)
Parking: https://www.rmaiig.org/parking

Our first speaker, Dr. Frankel-Goldwater will speak on his upcoming book regarding what he refers to as the “Dickinson-Turing Test,” and his exploration of AI models using (and breaking) literary norms to craft poetry and prose. His book, Lily in a Codebox, is a poetic experiment with two human poets and an AI named GPT. Through visual and code-based forms, it explores whether AI can develop a poetic voice—and what co-authorship means in the age of cyborg poetics.

Lee Frankel-Goldwater is an environmental educator, technologist, and “cyborg poeticist,” who bridges ecosystems, culture, and code. With a PhD in Environmental Studies from CU Boulder, he explores AI’s creative potential through poetry, systems thinking, and collaborative design.

Our second speaker, Mark S. Johnson, will present Finding Your Place as an Artist in the Age of AI. After decades as a photographer, Photoshop artist, and 3D creator, Mark Johnson was shaken by the rise of AI tools like Midjourney. Initially resistant, he eventually embraced them to fulfill a longtime dream: creating children’s books. AI drastically sped up his process, allowing him to publish nine books after struggling to complete just one with traditional tools. In his talk, Mark shares his emotional journey—redefining his creative identity, letting go of perfectionism, and focusing on storytelling over market trends. By giving himself permission to explore, he found a new path forward as an artist in the AI era.

To close the evening, Andres Sepulveda Morales will lead a fireside chat with Mark, reflecting on his creative journey, the emotional impact of AI, and where they believe art and AI intersect today.

Mark S. Johnson is a Photoshop luminary, photographer, author, and visual storyteller whose 30-year creative journey has continually evolved—from 3D art and published tutorials to children’s books created in collaboration with AI. His work has been featured in leading photography publications and taught through institutions like the Rocky Mountain School of Photography. Today, Mark crafts heartfelt, visually rich stories that invite young readers and their grown-ups to see the world through curious, joyful eyes.

Thanks to our pizza sponsor, Red Mage (https://redmage.cc).

Red Mage simplifies navigating technology challenges like websites, integrations, and generative AI for impact makers and barrier breakers. Based in Fort Collins, Red Mage is dedicated to making technology meaningful and accessible for those driving positive change, especially in non-profits and creative industries.

Special thank you to Bobby Hodgkinson for arranging the meeting space!