Whether you’re an artist, curator, collector, or curious observer, this session invites open dialogue around the possibilities of AI & art. RSVP:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/gallery-talk-detour-vi-ai-tickets-1508098446049?aff=oddtdtcreator
Join a selection of artists from the DETOUR VI exhibition, curated by Glen Hansen, in conversation with Matter of Spark producer, Chris Jones.
About the moderator:
Chris Jones is a multifaceted talent in the realm of audio production, boasting a diverse background as a composer, sound designer, and experienced sound engineer at East End Arts. With a deep understanding of audio production, Chris possesses the technical know-how and creative insight necessary to deliver exceptional results. His extensive expertise and meticulous attention to detail enable him to work closely with artists, ensuring that the final sound aligns perfectly with their artistic vision.
Having contributed his skills to renowned television shows such as American Idol, Saturday Night Live, and The Sopranos, as well as commercials for major brands like McDonald’s, Adidas, and Nissan, Chris Jones has an impressive portfolio that showcases his versatility and professional excellence. Furthermore, his sound design productions have been featured in over 100 movie trailers, solidifying his reputation as a top-tier sound engineer.
Chris’s journey in music began as a performer playing electric bass alongside jazz drummer Jim Chapin when he was just sixteen. He further developed his musical abilities by receiving classical training on contrabass and studying drums with his bandmate, Chapin. This early foundation laid the groundwork for his future success.
After attending Long Island University Post (LIU), where he studied percussion with esteemed musician Frank Cassara and minored in film, Jones transferred to Berklee College of Music. As a student in Berklee’s esteemed Film Scoring program, he continued to excel as a performer, playing in various ensembles spanning bluegrass, top 40, country, and African drumming.
Following his graduation from Berklee, Chris began scoring films for networks like Nick Jr. and MTV, while also holding the position of Senior Producer at the prestigious VideoHelper Production Music Library in Manhattan for eight years. Now working as a freelance composer, he collaborates with multiple PMA labels, showcasing his versatility across different musical genres.
Currently based in the Hamptons, Chris Jones serves as East End Arts’ experienced sound engineer, utilizing his comprehensive understanding of audio production to achieve the perfect sound for each project. Whether it’s capturing live performances, recording studio sessions, or fine-tuning the mixing and mastering process, Chris’s expertise and dedication are instrumental in bringing artists’ visions to life. With his meticulous approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, Chris Jones continues to be a driving force in the world of sound engineering, providing invaluable contributions to the artistic landscape.
About the Artists:
Mark Van Wagner received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago andstudied Art History and Urban planning at Colorado College. He has since exhibited in numerous venues across the U.S. including, most recently the Long Island Biennial 2024, 2022 and 2020 at the Heckscher Museum (Huntington, NY), 57W57ARTS (New York, NY), High Noon Gallery (New York, NY), Idlewild (Los Angeles), 325 Project Space (Queens, NY), One River Gallery (Woodbury, NY), Marquee Projects (Bellport, NY), Providence Art Center (Providence, RI), Proto Gallery (Hoboken, NJ), Jamestown Art Center (Jamestown, RI), and Nancy Lurie Gallery (Chicago, IL). His media coverage includes articles in Artnet.com, Artsy.net, Artdaily.org, WLIW public Radio Interview, HamptonsArtHub.com, The Long Island Advance, the Chicago Tribune, Boulder Daily Camera and NPR radio, among others. His work is included in many private and public collections throughout the United States and Europe including the Rockford Art Museum (Rockford, IL), Capital One Corporate Collection (Melville, New York), The Weill Cornell Medical Center (New York, NY) and the Sunneziel Meggen Corporate Collection (Meggen, Switzerland). The artist currently lives and works on Long Island in the village of Bellport, NY. His deconstructive abstract paintings and sculptures are made of natural and pigmented sands that poignantly remind us of interdependence and life’s cycles.
Mark Webber is an artist based in Sag Harbor, New York, originally from Greenwich, Connecticut. He holds a BFA in Sculpture from SUNY Purchase, and he studied sculpture at Windham College. With a background in high-end custom woodworking, which he practiced for 40 years in both New York City and East Hampton, Webber’s deep understanding of materials and craftsmanship informs his artistic practice today. His work is largely inspired by his lifelong connection to wind and water, stemming from his personal passion for sailing and kayaking. Webber has participated in artist residencies at The Vermont Studio Center and The Church in Sag Harbor. He is represented by Anita Rogers Gallery in Tribeca, New York, where he is preparing for his second solo show in 2026.
Artist Statement: Drawing on my experience as a cabinetmaker, my work merges functional design with artistic exploration, balancing precision with creativity. I primarily work with glass and Hydrocal, a type of plaster, combining poured plaster with dry mixes to create pieces characterized by intricate surface details and subtle color palettes. My process is a deeply meditative one, often created in silence, allowing me to focus on the relationship between form, function, and the human hand. There is a fluidity to my work that reflects both improvisation and intentionality, resulting in pieces that convey a sense of curiosity and the embrace of uncertainty.Four years ago, I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, a challenge that has reshaped my artistic practice. It has inspired me to find new ways to incorporate change and adaptability into my work, embracing the evolving nature of both my process and my creative expression.
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