Academics
Throughout the weekend, enjoy performances, workshops, and receptions with faculty, students, and campus guests that underscore Colgate's Third-Century commitment to arts, creativity, and innovation.

Academics | Alumni Hall, 2nd floor
This exhibition, curated by 10 students in the Fall 2024 semester of MUSE 300: Museum Curating, features the themes of textiles and weaving. Showcasing works from the Longyear Museum of Anthropology’s basket and world textile collections, this exhibition explores the incredible amount of labor and skill that goes into creating woven art. The exhibition takes a comparative view of textiles from around the world, introducing the community significance of different designs and individual stylistic choices. The exhibition discusses how fiber art forms have changed as local and global markets develop, as well as the role that clothing can play in displays of nationalism and politics. Ultimately, Unraveled aims to inspire viewers to consider the benefits of hand-crafted works and foster an appreciation for the people behind the woven things we use and love each and every day.The exhibition features several new acquisitions, including three new works acquired from the Jalabil Maya women’s weaving collective during their artist residency last fall. It also features pieces on loan from our student curators, highlighting the significance of weaving and textile arts in their lives.Student Curators:Leila Bekaert ‘25 Oscar Brown ‘26 Kegan Foley ‘26 Emma Herwig ‘25 Bri Liddell ‘25 Gloria Liu ‘26 Meg McClenahan ‘25 Anna Miksis ‘25 Blanca Rivas ‘25 Aleksia Taci ‘25 Professor/Curator: Rebecca Mendelsohn

Academics | Picker Art Gallery, Dana Arts Center, 2nd floor
A Thought Is A Thread: Contemporary Artists Reworking Textile TraditionsMetaphors using the language of textiles are part of everyday idiomatic English: we follow threads on social media; storytellers weave tales or spin fantastic yarns; friend groups might be close-knit and and we might tie ourselves in knots trying to navigate complex situations. The history of textiles is intimately tied to the development of human societies. Weaving is at the same time one of the earliest human technological advancements, the foundation upon which modern industrial nations were built, and the basis for the computing revolution.A Thought Is A Thread brings together works by leading artists who investigate what textiles can still reveal about people and their relationships to each other, to themselves, and to language, land, and the future. Artworks by Faig Ahmed, Sanford Biggers, Diedrick Brackens, Melissa Cody, Suzanne Husky, Joy Ray, and Jordan Nassar present intertwining narratives that both cherish and complicate the web of meanings that emerge when traditional textile arts are given contemporary expression.Debuting at our opening, Picker Art Gallery welcomes members of the Colgate community to partake in Yarnival, a collaborative art experience. Yarnival will be on view and available for participation during the exhibition run of A Thought is a Thread, through May 18, 2025, in the upper atrium of the Dana Arts Center. Please stay tuned to our social media channels and website for more details on how to participate.A Thought Is A Thread is partially supported by funding from The Friends of Picker Art Gallery.

Academics | Digital Learning and Media Center (DLMC), Case-Geyer 548
Take your digital art to the next level in this hands-on session focused on advanced image manipulation techniques. Explore blending tools,and AI-driven enhancements to create compelling visuals. Perfect for artists and designers looking to understand the boundaries of what’s currently possible with art and tech currently.

Academics | Alumni Hall, Longyear Museum of Anthropology
Taste the colors of weaving! Join the museums and galleries across Colgate’s campus to experience the colorants and dyes of weaving in a way never before… through mocktails!At each of the four participating galleries, stop by to try a unique mocktail flavor styled after one of the many colorants and dyes present in our weaving worlds. Make sure to pick up a passport, and have it stamped at each of the galleries to be entered into a special raffle.Student docents will be on hand at each location. Progress at your own pace between museums and galleries. Recommend route: Wynn Hall (first floor), Longyear Museum of Anthropology (Alumni Hall, second floor), Picker Art Gallery (Dana Arts Center, second floor), and Clifford Gallery (101 Little Hall).This event is a part of Arts, Creativity, and Innovation Weekend. View the full schedule.

Academics | Ho Science Center, 101
"Brain Sculpting: Creating optimal neural networks and functions with experience-based neuroplasticity" presented by Kelly Lambert, MacEldin Trawick Chair and Professor of Behavioral Neuroscience and 2024-25 Phi Beta Kappa National Visiting Scholar Program.Considering that our brains change from the womb to the tomb, it is critical to understand how life experiences alter neural functions. The ability to change our minds and our brains---known as neuroplasticity---is one of our most valuable "superpowers." A discussion of neuroplasticity research will span from the earliest "enriched environment" rodent studies to current research focusing on tuning brains for optimal functions throughout our lives. Over a half-century of research has identified fascinating neurobiological tools that the brain uses to adapt to our changing worlds. Knowledge that the brain can also change in maladaptive ways serves as a potent reminder that we should be mindful of our brain's experiences throughout our lives. Co-sponsored by Phi Beta Kappa and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Initiative. Reception to follow.