PHOTOS + VIDEO: AI and Art – A Fascinating Journey Unveiled by H. Chase Stevens at Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, Maine

Last Thursday, July 20, art enthusiasts and curious minds gathered at Barn Gallery in Ogunquit, Maine, for a free (and exceedingly timely) gallery talk presented by H. Chase Stevens on the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the arts.

Mr. Stevens, the owner/founder of Great Works AI Solutions, LLC, is a recognized expert in the field of AI, holding a Masters Degree in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh. He has also gained experience working with various startup companies in the AI domain, making him well-versed in the subject.

The captivating presentation, “AI Art: Under The Hood,” delved deep into the world of Artificial Intelligence and its profound impact on the arts. Attendees were treated to an exploration of AI Art, image generation, neural networks, diffusion models, and the exciting realm of generative art. The presentation even touched on the legal and ethical ramifications of AI, a topic that has captured the attention of many artists and art enthusiasts in recent times.

For two hours, the audience was immersed in a world where cutting-edge technology meets creative expression. Mr. Stevens employed supporting images and graphs to make complex concepts accessible to everyone present. The result was a seamless blend of art and science, shedding light on the technological progression of AI in the realm of creativity.

After the presentation, an engaging Q&A session took place, during which attendees posed thought-provoking questions, and Mr. Stevens provided informative answers, often with a refreshing dose of humor.

Deidre O’Flaherty, the president of Ogunquit Arts Collaborative (OAC), expressed her gratitude for Mr Stevens’ presentation, stating, “This was a very special program. AI is something that’s been in the news and in the minds of many of us who are in the arts field. The OAC’s mission to bring experts like Mr. Stevens to Barn Gallery perfectly aligns with the growing interest and relevance of AI in the world of arts and culture.”

Anthony Alemany, an artist-member of OAA, echoed the sentiment, saying, “Artificial Intelligence is a very exciting topic that’s on the forefront of our minds, and we were very happy to bring Chase Stevens, a working expert in the field of AI, to Barn Gallery to give this insightful presentation.”

For Mr. Stevens, the event was an opportunity to engage the community in an informed discussion. He shared, “My intention is not to sway attendees one way or the other on the topic of artificial intelligence, but rather to give them enough information about AI to form their own opinions and be able to engage in informed conversations about how these models actually work.” The presentation accomplished precisely that, empowering individuals to have meaningful conversations about AI’s rapid development and its implications.

Barn Gallery, the home of the Ogunquit Art Association (OAA) – Maine’s Original Artists’ Group (established in 1928), has once again proven itself as a beacon of artistic exploration. At Barn Gallery, the OAC and the OAA have continuously fostered a vibrant community of artists, and this event took that mission a step further by delving into the realm of AI, a field that is reshaping the landscape of art and culture.

The impact of this enlightening gallery talk will undoubtedly linger in the minds of attendees for a long time. Artists and art enthusiasts alike are quickly gaining a deeper understanding of both the challenges and potential that AI holds for artistic expression and innovation. As technology continues to advance, it is through such events and conversations, like this one at Barn Gallery, that we will be empowered to better understand the future while continuing to cherish the rich and traditions of artistic expression.

Scroll down for images and video from the event…

Photos of the H. Chase Stevens Gallery Talk at Barn Gallery (by OAA Artist Member, Anthony Alemany)

Video of the Barn Gallery Talk: “AI ART: Under The Hood” by H. Chase Stevens