process

mul·ti·plex 
Pronunciation: 'm&l-t&-"pleks 

Function: adjective 
Etymology: Latin 
Date: 1557 
1 : MANY, MULTIPLE 
2 : being or relating to a system of transmitting several messages or signals simultaneously on the same circuit or channel 

"Multiplex" emerged as a basis of necessity.  Tom Frisch, a fellow Electronic Visualization Student, and I were discussing our future here at the lab.  We both understood that prolonging our graduate careers was something neither of us wanted to do.  I had already begun the process of working on my thesis, Tom on the other hand was finalizing his decision to work on his thesis this semester.   

Tom and I share a few bits of history, the most prominent being we both graduated from Syracuse University with Computer Graphics as our major, albeit a couple years apart.  The coincidence that we both landed here at the University of Illinois at Chicago was quite ironic.  Although previous to my arrival another ex-Orangeman, by the name of Chris White, was also a student here. 

This aspect culminated in deciding that it would be cool to combine our respective thesis projects into one big show.  The intelligence of this collaboration would also be beneficial in regards to the distribution of work needed to create the show.  It has always been advised to collaborate when putting on a show of this magnitude, as the enormity of the task usually proves too much to handle for one person.  Many details would have to be worked out: food, location, advertising, etc., and as such working with more people facilitates this in an easier mode. 

Fast forward to about a month and a half before the opening date of the show.  Tom and I have already at this point been working steadfastly on our respective projects.  Discussion, as far as the show was concerned, turned to coming up with the title.  We had thrown around a number of ideas ranging from a the obscure to the disturbing.  Through all the searching and attempts at discovering a name, we finally decided on the name "multiplex". 

The name said it all.  It conveys a cumulative and collective nature that  identifies well with our show.  We had in mind a "festival like" showing of our work.  A scenario similar to "Spike and Mike's Festival of Animation", in which a variety of different pieces were shown.  Many (too many if you ask me) of the art shows that we had been to had a very boring sense of tunnel vision to them.  Everything was the same.  Whether it was the traditional studio arts, or film, or video;  all the work had the same running theme to it.  There were very few variances no matter the subtlety.  Multiplex would be different.  Our tie was the collective history we shared. 

Once we figured out a title, we went about determining a place to put on the show.  We wanted to get as close to a theatre-like setting as we could.  We also wanted to not pay if we could avoid it.  The video format of the show necessitated a large space with a video projector, large screen, and high quality audio system.  Many suggestions (MusicBox, Facets, the lecture centers on campus, the Chernin Center for the Arts) were filtered down until we decided that the Behavioral Sciences Building would be suitable for our purposes.  An outdoor patio that was accessible to the projection area was an added bonus and one that would be used for the customary reception. 

Once the room was selected the troubles began.  We contacted Classroom Services about reserving the space.  We were told to send an email message describing our event and stating the needs.  Soon after we received approval from a Lolita Gilbert.  Several weeks later, we checked to see if the space was officially reserved.  To our surprise we found that the reservations was being blocked by a bureaucratic discrepancy.  The true nature of the problem was never really understood, but the multi-departmental jurisdiction over the building in question seemed to lie at the root of the problem.   

We managed to get help from the Dean of the College of Art and Architecture, Judith Kirshner, who provided us with her full support, and from our own Office Manager, Michelle Reams.  Eventually Classroom Services, being pressured from higher powers relented but stipulated that security personnel must be present at all times during the show.  Upon contacting UIC Police, Michelle arranged for an officer to be present each day at a rate of around $35.00 an hour.  This issue being settled Michelle next proceeded to acquire a permit to serve alcohol and food.  We definitely feel that without Michelle's help, we probably would not have been able to hold the show on time and in the space we wanted.  Her efforts afforded us the luxury of focusing on our work without distraction. 

The next aspect would be the promotion of the show.