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 | Little Hall, Clifford Gallery (101 Little Hall)
For alliances with the beaver people features an 11 meter-long embroidered tapestry that illustrates key moments in the history of beaver-human relationships, tracing how rivers evolve through collaborations between these two species. An explicit reference to the 11th-century Bayeux Tapestry that depicted 58 unique scenes of battle, Husky’s work uses this tapestry form to visualize cross-species mutuality and regeneration rather than battle. The exhibition also features a documentary film about the Vermont naturalist Patti Smith, who takes us into her world of beaver friends and teachers. For the exhibition reception on February 12, Husky will be joined by a panel of researchers, writers, and naturalists (including Patti Smith) to discuss beaver ecologies and the future of their watersheds.In collaboration with Picker Art Gallery. Co-sponsored by Colgate Arts Council, University Studies, Environmental Studies, Film and Media Studies, Biology, Romance Languages and Literatures, Geography, and HistoryPlease note: Husky will also be exhibiting a textile work entitled La Noble Pastoral in Picker Gallery's A Thought Is A Thread: Contemporary Artists Reworking Textile Traditions, on exhibit February 21 through May 18.*Please note: Weekend hours are dependent on the availability of student monitors. If driving a distance, please contact the department (315-228-7633), during regular working hours, to ensure the gallery will be open. The gallery is not open during university breaks and holidays.

Academics | Lawrence Hall, 115
The Department of German invites students, staff, and faculty to Kaffee und Kuchen, Conversation and Community.

Academics | Alumni Hall, 111
The nexus of climate change, environmental degradation and conflict poses unique challenges for the MENA region, where environmental vulnerabilities intersect with ongoing political instability. This talk focuses on Yemen as a case study of how war amplifies environmental degradation and exacerbates socio-economic inequalities, hindering pathways to sustainable peace. By integrating concepts of environmental peacebuilding and energy justice, the talk examines the dual role of resource governance and environmental stewardship in fostering resilience and reducing grievances. Addressing these challenges jointly will be essential not only for fostering long-term peace and stability in Yemen, but also for adapting to the accelerating impacts of climate change. The case of Yemen offers valuable lessons for other similarly affected contexts, highlighting the importance of environmental peacebuilding and resource governance in fragile states.Tobias Zumbrägel is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Geography Institute of Heidelberg University.This event is organized by the Peace and Conflict Studies Program with suppor from the Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies Program, the Environmental Studies program, and the Department of Geography.

Academics | Little Hall, 105 (Golden Auditorium)
Annual Eric J. Ryan/FMST Annual New Media LectureKathy High '77 has been working with bioart since the early 2000s, and has had multiple artist residencies in science laboratories. In 2017 she was awarded a laboratory at her university's biotech center and appointed an affiliate faculty member of the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies. She co-founded and coordinates NATURE Lab, part of the community arts and media non-profit organization, The Sanctuary for Independent Media. NATURE Lab is the Sanctuary’s community health and urban ecology research initiative.In collaboration with Alternative Cinema and Ryan Family Film Series. Kathy High will also be screening and curating works for Alternative Cinema March 11, and for the Ryan Family Film Series March 13.

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