From art and music to theatre, lectures and lively conversations, Linfield University’s calendar is packed with opportunities for the community to engage, explore and be inspired. September brings a full slate of performances, exhibitions and talks — including the return of the Linfield Art Gallery, faculty and guest artist recitals, thought-provoking theatre productions and dynamic discussions on artificial intelligence, politics and culture. Most events are free and open to the public, making it the perfect time to experience the creativity and innovation happening at Linfield.
Can’t-miss highlights include “Return to the Fools Garden,” a new exhibition by artist and professor Richard Cutshall; a keynote on the future of AI from Linfield alumnus Marcia Harris; and a meet-and-greet event with new Linfield University President Mark Blegen. From concerts and readings to symposia and festivals, there’s something for everyone on campus this season.
Aug. 27-Sept. 26: “Return to the Fools Garden”
The Linfield University Art Gallery showcases “Return to the Fools Garden,” an exhibition by artist and Linfield assistant professor Richard Cutshall, from Aug. 27 to Sept. 26. Featuring prints, drawings, paintings and sculpture, the show explores themes of spirituality, mortality and meaning through surreal and archetypal imagery. The gallery is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday and noon–5 p.m. Saturdays. Please note the gallery will be closed on Labor Day.
An opening reception will be held from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 with remarks by Cutshall and guest curator Jennifer Gillia Cutshall.
Aug. 28: “A Poet’s Love” faculty recital
Listen to the enchanting music of Linfield faculty member and vocalist, Anton Belov, and pianist Stanislav Serebriannikov, in “A Poet’s Love” on Aug. 28. The duo perform Schumann’s iconic song cycle “Dichterliebe” and Liszt’s splendid “Three Petrarca Sonnets.” The concert starts at 7 p.m. with a pre-recital lecture at 5:30 p.m. in Delkin Recital Hall within the Vivian Bull Music Center.
Sept. 5-6: “Linfield Follies: The jazz Age”
Linfield’s theatre season opens with the return of “Linfield Follies: The jazz Age,” a fast-paced variety show directed and curated by students. This show puts student creativity front and center through music, dance, comedy and acting. Audience members can enjoy the students’ artistic and performance abilities not featured through traditional plays and musicals. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 5-6 in Marshall Theatre. General admission tickets go on sale at noon Aug. 27 at linfield.edu/arts.
Sept. 7: “Transitions”
The Linfield Theatre Program’s educational touring company premieres a new work, “Transitions,” at 7 p.m. Sept. 7 in the Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium within Melrose Hall. Book and lyrics are by Derek Lane and Jo Strom Lane, additional lyrics by David Stephens and Natalie Novoa, and music by Kevin Lee Lane. Roman Sanchez, a Lacroute Arts Series visiting artist, directs the production. “Transitions” explores the challenges high school seniors face as they graduate. Whether they decide to go to a four-year university or community college, take a gap year or join the workforce, these young lives must juggle adult expectations, relationships and peer pressure in a world where a new playing field seems to evolve daily. Seating is first-come, first-served.
Sept. 9: “Beyond Mountains”: A performance by Thunder Egg Consort
Join Linfield in welcoming Thunder Egg Consort to McMinnville at 7 p.m. Sept. 9 in Delkin Recital Hall. The ensemble is comprised of (pictured on right, from top-left, clockwise) Jason Duckles, Monica Ohuchi, Kenji Bunch and Anthea Kreston. The performance features evocative music for strings, piano and electronics by Bunch, Linfield associate professor and composer Bill Campbell, Czech composer Antonin Dvořák and contemporary composer Dobrinka Tabakova. Presented through the Lacroute Composer Readings and Chamber Music Mentorship Program.
Sept. 12: AI Book Club: “Rewiring Your Mind” by David Wood
Part of the School of Business’ Artificial Intelligence and I (AIAI) Initiative, the community is invited to discuss influential AI research papers and books in a collaborative setting. The fall semester book is “Rewiring Your Mind for AI” by David Wood. Hosted by Nicholson Library, the AI Book Club meets on the second Friday of the month from 12-1 p.m. in Nicholson Library’s Austin Reading Room.
Sept. 14: Second Sunday Pop-Up Series
Enjoy wine direct from the winemakers! Acorn to Oak Wine Experience, Linfield’s student-run wine bar on Third Street, hosts pop-up tasting events from 12-6 p.m. every second Sunday of the month, featuring different partner wineries. The event is free, but bottles are available to purchase and take home from the wineries. Check out Acorn to Oak’s social media the week leading up to the event to see what partners will be pouring. Reservations are appreciated, but not required.
Sept. 17: Readings at the Nick presents Milo Muise
Join Portland author Milo Muise at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in Nicholson Library for a reading from their recent writing. This includes their chapbook, “TL;DR” (Newfound Press, 2022), which Hanif Abdurraqib called “a book of spectacular and sprawling language.” Muise is an alumnus of the Tin House Summer Workshop, a winner of the 2021 Newfound Prose Prize and recipient of a 2018 Oregon Literary Fellowship in poetry. They earned their MFA in nonfiction writing from the University of Idaho.
Sept. 17: From Crown to Constitution: Revisiting the Founders’ Break with Monarchy
Join faculty members from Linfield’s Department of Political Science, and across the College of Arts and Sciences, for a Constitution Day discussion of the historical and contemporary significance of the U.S. Founders’ decision to break from royal rule in favor of liberty, republicanism and democracy. At a time when authoritarianism is resurging globally, what lessons can we draw from the revolutionary choice to build a government “of the people, by the people, for the people”? The event runs from 5:30-7 p.m. Sept. 17 in Murdock Hall, room 105.
Sept. 17: “AI in Business and Beyond” presented by Marcia Harris ’99
The Linfield School of Business is running a yearlong program, the “Artificial Intelligence and I” (AIAI) Initiative, throughout the 2025-26 year. Marcia Harris — a prominent AI industry leader and Linfield alumnus — returns to campus for a keynote lecture titled “AI in Business and Beyond” at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 17 in Richard and Lucille Ice Auditorium within Melrose Hall.
In her current role, Harris leads efforts to operationalize AI principles and drives cross-organizational strategies for the responsible development and use of AI. Over her 15-year career, she has helped global companies adopt ethical AI practices across multiple industries. She graduated from Linfield with a degree in anthropology and credits her hands-on research and fieldwork at Linfield with helping shape her collaborative, innovative approach to technology today.
Sept. 18: Meet President Mark Blegen
Stop by Linfield’s library to meet Mark Blegen, the 21st president of the university. Join the university community for light refreshments and a chance to hear from President Blegen about his vision for Linfield’s future. The event runs from 4:30-6 p.m. Sept. 18 in the Austin Reading Room at Nicholson Library. Register online at https://linfielduniversity.my.salesforce-sites.com/events/event/home/meetthepres.
Sept. 24: Wildcat Wine Chat: Business and Hospitality in Wine Country
Join Director Maria Ponzi for a lively conversation with award-winning Atticus Hotel co-owner Erin Stephenson on business ownership and the art of delivering exceptional hospitality in wine country. The event is from 2-3 p.m. Sept. 24 in Riley Campus Center. Guests under 21 are welcome. Registration required at linfield.edu/wine/news/events.html
See more Linfield events at linfield.edu/calendar.html or view the comprehensive athletic schedule of events at golinfieldwildcats.com/calendar.
