Past Events

Installation view of three abstract paintings and one abstract sculpture

Christopher Rothko speaks about his father, artist Mark Rothko’s work and the family’s caretaking of his legacy on the occasion of a special opportunity to view two early Rothkos side-by-side at the Loeb Art Center this year. 

Free and open to the public

Headshot of a man with short dark hair, wearing a white button-down shirt, softly smiling, on a light gray background within a circular crop on a red field.

Advanced technologies serve as a key measure of power both internally and externally. Internally, advanced technologies enable leaders to counter dissent and maintain political control. In the international arena, countries are increasingly leveraging technology to secure strategic advantage over competitors. This presentation examines how technology is driving these shifts and its prospective impact on political structures and international relations.

Two smiling people, arm in arm, looking up at a camera above them.

The Film Department will be screening Nickel Boys and there will be a Q&A with the filmmakers RaMell Ross and Joslyn Barnes afterwards.

A simple green figure reaches out with one hand towards a colorful abstract brain, which is comprised of pink, yellow, and blue sections. The figure's other arm remains relaxed at its side. Surrounding this central imagery is a circular black outline, framing the composition. The text "The Brain & Body Coalition" is positioned below the figures, with "www.brainandbodycoalition.org" and "(845) 293-2929" presented at the bottom, rendered in a playful font that complements the visual elements above.

The Brain and Body Coalition, a BIPOC mental wellness organization dedicated to addressing stigma within communities of color, is proud to present its signature “Breaking the Barriers of Stigma” panel at Vassar College.

Campus community only, please.

A photo of several pages with text and drawings on them.

Join us at the Olmsted Greenhouse for a calm doodling session with Vassar’s Counseling Center! No artistic skills necessary—we are just doodling for fun and to calm the mind. All ages welcome.

Adult woman and child stand with their backs to the viewer, looking at modern paintings in an art gallery.

Join us for free drop-in family programs on select Sundays this fall. Each date will feature different hands-on art activities inspired by art on view. Activities can be modified for all ages, but are best suited for children 5 and up.

A large poster titled "Tree Stories" is displayed prominently, featuring images of leaves and tree-related information. Two individuals are engaged with the poster, one wearing a bright red jacket and the other in a green and gray outfit. The background consists of wooden paneling, and the space is illuminated by soft, natural light. Various leaf cutouts are attached to the board, along with printed materials discussing tree history and a local tree museum.

Do you love trees? Why? What’s your favorite tree? What’s your tree story? Between November 7 and 21, add your contribution to one of the large Tree Stories boards, found in Gordon Commons, College Center, the Bridge, and the Athletics and Fitness Center.

Campus community only, please.

Portrait drawing and painting of a seated subject.

Join us for the Pride and Prejudice Film Festival in celebration of the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. The first screening is on Friday, November 7, 2025 from 7–9 p.m. See the full schedule. This event is free and open to the public.

Book graphic with text that reads: The Vassar Institute for the Liberal Arts.

This program on the power of narratives will wrestle with timely questions about how stories can inform our views of ourselves and each other. Participants will hear from academics, economists, journalists, comedy writers, and performers.

Day One: The evolving narrative about higher education
Day Two: Using media and theater to tell meaningful stories

This event is free and open to the public. Registration is required.

A close-up, dramatic portrait of a person with a gray beard and short hair, looking intently into the distance. The person is wearing a dark coat with a wide, brown faux-fur collar, black gloves, and a striped cuff visible. The background is dark, with a warm orange glow in the top right.

Hilton Als will lecture on the photographer Diane Arbus in Manhattan. An Agnes Rindge Claflin Lecture sponsored by the Art Department.

This event is open to the public.

Cute illustration of a box of toys with snowy scene.

The Office of Community Engaged Learning Toy Drive supports Daughters of Sarah, a rural ecumenical women's support network based in Upstate New York, by participating in their annual Toy Drive.