The Arts
Past Events
A tidbit from Vassar’s architectural history became the genesis for this artist’s exploration of digital technology, fitness and productivity culture, the merging of private with public spaces, and more.
The chief architects responsible for the restoration of Notre-Dame de Paris, Philippe Villeneuve and Pascal Prunet, will discuss the massive reconstruction project.
In this Claflin Lecture, art historian and author David J. Getsy will discuss the works of Scott Burton.
This program resurrects the soundscape and musical culture of Dutch Manhattan circa 1660 for an exhilarating and unforgettable musical experience. Free and open to the public.
Eduardo Navega, conductor. Free and open to the public.
This is an in-person event that will also be streamed live
The Department of Dance, the Africana Studies Program, and the Office of the Dean of Faculty present a performance by the Philadelphia Dance Company (PHILADANCO!). This is a free but ticketed event; reservations required.
Five new plays by Vassar seniors, presented at the Powerhouse Theater. This annual festival is dedicated to the extraordinary contributions of James B. Steerman, who retired as Professor Emeritus of Drama and Film in 2011.
Campus community only, please.
Alison Matthews-David of Toronto Metropolitan University will give a talk that investigates the theme of crime and clothing as weapon, evidence, and disguise.
Campus community only, please.
A concert featuring pianist and Vassar Adjunct Artist in Music Thomas Sauer. Free and open to the public.
Vassar guitar faculty member Trevor Babb will be joined by Matt Sargent, Blair McMillan, Evan Runyon, and Taylor Long in a program of contemporary chamber music written or adapted for modern rock band instrumentation. Free and open to the public.
A lecture and exhibit with readings commemorating the centennial anniversary of Edna St. Vincent Millay’s Pulitzer Prize for Poetry.
Panelists include the Spelman College Museum of Fine Art executive director and curator-in-residence, along with the inaugural director of the Atlanta University Center Collective for the Study of Art History and Curatorial Studies. Livestream available.
The Haiti Project’s 23rd annual sale, showcasing hundreds of original Haitian artworks including paintings, iron sculptures, paper mâché, wood and metal handcrafts. Purchases may be made in person or online.
One of the greatest of all melodramas, presented at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center. Robert Osborne, bass-baritone; Babette Hierholzer, piano. Free and open to the public.
Sharif is the author of Customs (Graywolf Press, 2022) and Look (Graywolf Press, 2016), a finalist for the National Book Award. Free and open to the public.
A reception for the Library’s fall exhibition, Elizabeth Bishop’s Postcards, with talks by Head of Special Collections Ronald Patkus and the two co-curators of the exhibit, plus refreshments.
The Vassar College Music Department Jazz Faculty perform original and standard jazz! Free and open to the public.
Photographer Elia Alba will speak about her multifaceted project The Supper Club, on view at the Palmer Gallery through October 14.
Program will include works by Bach, Schubert, and Wilson along with selected memories of 51 years on the Vassar faculty.
Film Professor Mia Mask examines the African American Western hero within the larger context of film history by considering how Black westerns evolved.
Campus community only, please.
An evening of Sufi music from the Middle East. Free and open to the public.
An exciting and modern twist to jazz music. Free and open to the public, but tickets are required.
Elia Alba’s multifaceted project The Supper Club features portraits of contemporary artists of color and a series of salon-style dinners that serve to stimulate critical exchange and community. Palmer Gallery, College Center.
Iva Casian-Lakos, voice & cello with David Crowell, saxophone, guitar, & electronics. Seating is limited to 50 on a first come, first served basis.
A free, self-guided art tour that includes two stops at Vassar College: The Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center and the Environmental Cooperative at the Vassar Barns—plus an exhibit of artwork by Associate Professor of Computer Science Tom Ellman.
Vassar juniors and seniors of any major may enter an original play in this competition, which ends on January 22, 2024. The author of the winning play receives a $1,000 award, a certificate from the Drama Department, and a staged reading/reception on April 21, 2024.
Presented by members of the Music Department faculty. Free and open to all.
A Palmer Gallery exhibition. Reception September 7, 5:00–7:00 p.m.
A conversation with artist Audra Wolowiec, curator John Murphy, and student curator Betsy Subiros ’25, exploring the Body Matters exhibition, followed by a live performance of Wolowiec’s AIR. Free and open to the public.
A concert featuring Adjunct Artist in Music Paul Bellino, trombone.
A 1:30 p.m. pop-up exhibit and lecture at Locust Grove Estate, followed by a 3:30 p.m. tour at the Frances Lehman Loeb Art Center at Vassar College. Free and open to the public.
Featuring Joseph Genualdi, violin and Richard Wilson, piano.
Powerhouse brings together some of today’s most influential theatrical voices and welcomes the next generation of theater artists as members of the renowned Powerhouse Theater Training Program. Visit the Season page and get tickets to see this year’s lineup of new musicals, plays, and readings—all of which are open to the public and many of which are free.
A performance of works by Mozart, Giddens, Darvishi, and Debussy that had a remarkable impact on their time. Free and open to the public.
A chorus and orchestra concert celebrating the work of J.S. Bach. Free and open to the public.
An organ and piano concert celebrating the work of J.S. Bach. Free and open to the public.
Photographer Judy Linn discusses her unique perspective on photography, reflected in the current Loeb exhibition The Hairy Leg Or What To Do Wrong, with Curator of Photography Jessica Brier. Free and open to all.
Local Hudson Valley artists celebrate Vassar’s unique architecture and landscapes. Opening Reception June 1, 5:00–6:30 p.m.
Featuring members of the Vassar College Music Faculty.
Jason Albaum, saxophone, Zhixian Xu, piano
Cameron Long, soprano and Shai Wexler, violin
Geyer’s work encompasses text, photography, painting, sculpture, video, and performance.
Piano duo will present a varied program.
Eduardo Navega, conductor.
This is an in-person event that will also be streamed live
Choreographed by Vassar seniors Lily Gee, Danielle Lomi, Olivia Gotsch, and Zoe Muller.
A free community film screening festival at the Poughkeepsie Underwear Factory located at 8 North Cherry Street.
In this Concert entitled Wajd—the ecstatic, blissful state induced by poetry and music—the Tarab Ensemble will perform selections of the Arabic Sufi repertoire.
Lunchtime recital series by members of the Vassar College Chamber Music Program.
Award-winning author Jennine Capó Crucet will read from her novel Make Your Home Among Strangers. Q&A and book signing to follow.