From BLINK to CCM: Immersive artists connect with the next generation of creative technologists

During BLINK 2026, students had the opportunity to interact directly with four participating artists whose work represents the breadth of this emerging field:

• Brett Bolton, who performed live at Music Hall during BLINK, presenting audiovisual work where musical performance and large-scale architectural projections were closely connected.
• Spencer Sterling, who participated in BLINK's live projection pxperience with INTER-SECT, using real-time AI-driven imagery, laser effects and architectural projection techniques.
• Matteo Cozzo, who presented BLINK's Astral Projections, which brought traditional animation and motion graphics techniques into a large-scale architectural projection environment.
• Justin Boh, who created BLINK's Neil Armstrong video, which used projection mapping to bring additional movement and visual storytelling to the existing mural, connecting an established piece of public art with new media and animation.

Through artist presentations, demonstrations and conversations, students gained insight into their professional creative processes. Each artist represents a different aspect of live and immersive media, giving students tangible examples of how visual design skills can be applied across performance, public art, emerging technology and interactive environments.

 "These artist visits represent the vision of our program: to build a strong foundation in visual design, explore how those skills can be applied in nontraditional and emerging environments, and equip students with the tools and technologies shaping the future of live entertainment," Nicholson said. "Just as importantly, we want to connect students directly with the artists and industry professionals who are pushing the field forward."