Cutting-edge artists and designers will be the focus of a new lecture series.

The series, given by the Department of Art and Design, will kick off today with a presentation on TraDigital Art by Judith Moncrieff, an internationally known digital artist from Portland, Ore., said Mary Stieglitz, professor and chairwoman of art and design.

Stieglitz, who created the series, described TraDigital art as “an intersection of traditional studio art and digital media.”

“We are inundated with images daily,” she said. “These artists coming are creating them.”

The first two lectures in the series are about “electrotechnology,” the combination of art and computers. There will be four or five additional lectures throughout the school year covering broad topics, Stieglitz said.

Stieglitz said she hopes to bring in exciting artists and designers to show their work, linking art and design to the entire campus.

“We do such exciting things here, and people don’t always know that,” she said.

The directors and faculty of the art and design, graphic design and interior design programs are encouraged to give suggestions for speakers for the lecture series.

“I think it’s terrific and important for students and faculty,” said Roger Baer, assistant dean of the design college. “Iowa is isolated — this is an opportunity to bring people in from across the nation.”

The first two artists, Moncrieff and Roman Verostko, both are very active, strong and well known in their fields, Stieglitz said.

Moncrieff’s lecture is at 4 p.m. today in Room 416 of the College of Design. The second lecture, titled “Art and Algorithm” by award-winning artist Verostko, is scheduled for Oct. 18 in Room 416 at 4 p.m.