Cornell College is kicking off the first half of the year with a variety of fine arts activities for people with a broad range of interests. Join us on campus for an art exhibit filled with humor and absurdity, a reading held by an author of young adult horror novels, a theatrical comedy about four Star Wars superfans, and a musical concert with Cornell’s choirs and orchestra performing “This Love Between Us” by American Musical Composer Reena Esmail.
Up-to-date information on all 2025–26 performances and exhibits can be found on Cornell’s community events calendar. You can also download events to your personal calendars.
“Edens and End Times” by James Ostrander ’13, Aug. 29–Oct. 12, 2025
• Peter Paul Luce Gallery, McWethy Hall
• Homecoming Reception: Saturday, Oct. 11, 3–5 p.m.
In figurative paintings that parody the artist’s own life, James Ostrander finds humor and sorrow in human bad behavior, pain and absurdity in embodiment, and shame in complicity with a cultural inheritance that has privileged some through the exclusion of others. Caught between an inheritance of impossible ideals and material realities, his painterly avatar “Orstranger” struggles through would-be Edenic suburb-scapes, laid low by an unyielding cast of flora, fauna, and environmental waste.
“In the end, I just miss the before” by Stevie Haley Delgado, Oct. 24–Dec. 7, 2025
• Peter Paul Luce Gallery, McWethy Hall
• Opening Reception: Friday, Oct. 24, 4–6 p.m.
Stevie Haley Delgado builds transitory worlds through papier-mâché sculpture, constructed cardboard spaces, and the interplay of light and shadow, creating atmospheric environments that invite exploration, curiosity, and reflection. This work explores the complexity of childhood wonder when muddled with grief, tragedy, and a decaying sense of self. Central to this practice are echoes of her lived experiences—particularly the fleeting nature of young queer relationships and the tragedy that can often surround them.
All shows are in Peter Paul Luce Gallery, McWethy Hall, and are open and free to the public. Gallery hours are 9 a.m.–4 p.m. on weekdays and Sundays from 2–4 p.m.
Global Voices
• Thursday, Sept. 25, Thomas Commons, 4–5:30 p.m.
International writers, Myle Yan Tay of Singapore and Florencia del Campo of Argentina/Spain, will visit campus to read from and discuss their work. This multilingual, multi-genre event is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to hear from writers who are visiting Iowa as residents in the International Writing Program.
Visiting Writer Tatiana Schlote-Bonne
• Monday, Nov. 3, Van Etten-Lacey House, 4–5 p.m.
Tatiana Schlote-Bonne, author of the young adult horror novels “Such Lovely Skin” and “The Mean Ones,” will read from her work.
Visiting Writer Anthony Immergluck ’12 with Professor Glenn Freeman
• Wednesday, Nov. 19, Van Etten-Lacey House, 4–5 p.m.
Alum poet Anthony Immergluck, winner of the 2024 Autumn House Rising Writer Prize, visits campus to read from his new book, “The Worried Well,” alongside Professor Glenn Freeman, who is celebrating the new second edition of “Drinking with O'Hara.”
“This Love Between Us,” 7 p.m., Nov. 20, United Methodist Church of Mount Vernon
The Cornell Department of Music will welcome Reena Esmail, an American musical composer of Indian and Western classical music, as an artist in residence in November. Esmail will be on campus working with choirs, visiting classes, and giving a lunchtime presentation from Nov. 17–21. Her residency will culminate in a performance of her work, “This Love Between Us,” with the combined choirs, orchestra, and guest sitar and tabla players. Cornell will welcome a second artist in residence in April—Jake Runestad.
“All Childish Things,” Sept. 25–28, Kimmel Theatre (Thurs–Sat at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.)
• By Josef Zettelmaier
• Directed by Caroline Price
“All Childish Things” is a comedy about four childhood friends and Star Wars superfans who decide to take their future into their hands and rob the Kenner Toy Factory, stealing Star Wars collectibles for their own varied reasons. Chaos ensues.
“The Three Sisters,” Dec. 11–14, Kimmel Theatre (Thurs–Sat at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.)
• By Anton Chekhov
• Directed by Patrick DuLaney
“The Three Sisters” is a drama featuring the lives of Olga, Masha, and Irina—three sisters stuck in a provincial town, dreaming of a return to the vibrant life they once knew in Moscow. “The Three Sisters” is a poignant, character-driven show that explores love, longing, and a better future.
Theatre performances require tickets, and Cornell’s box office information is included in the calendar listings.