Good Enough Art: A Few Theses on Middling Mediations
The recent surge of “mid” as an aesthetic judgment paradoxically discloses the missing middle in contemporary cultural arts: a decline of midbudget cinema, midlist fiction, and other just fine commodity aesthetic forms. Amid a historic eviction of the middle class, cultural study of the middlebrow can no longer rely upon the traditional sociological method. Briefly considering architecture, photography, fiction, and television, this talk experiments with a formalist approach to “good enough” art.
Anna Kornbluh's research and teaching interests center on the novel, film, and cultural aesthetics in theoretical perspective, including formalist, Marxist, and psychoanalytic approaches. She is the author of several books and essays and is a member of the UIC United Faculty bargaining team, on the editorial boards of Novel, Mediations, Genre, and Parapraxis, and is the founding facilitator of The Inter Chicago Circle for Experimental Critical Theory and a partner in HumanitiesWorks.org.
Sponsored by the…
Event Name: Lit & Lang Speaker: Anna Kornbluh. Organization: Lit & Lang Division. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Thursday, April 9, 2026, 4:40 PM – 6:00 PM.
Eliot - Chapel.
Portland Baroque Orchestra Concert
Join PBO for world-class, historically inspired performances. One of the nation’s oldest period orchestras, PBO is known for intimate concerts full of artistry, playfulness, and spontaneity. See below for concert information.
**For tickets or other event info, please contact Portland Baroque Orchestra directly by calling (503) 222-6000**,
Sunday, October 19, 3 p.m. Ground Bass: Pachelbel, Purcell, & Handel,
Sunday, November 16, 3 p.m. Father vs. Son: Two Bachs and Two Harpsichords,
Sunday, February 15, 3 p.m. Shadows and Light: French Baroque from Rameau to Couperin,
Sunday, March 15, 3 p.m. Hidden Women of Rome: Lost Music of Sacred Divas,
Sunday, April 12, 3 p.m. All Roads Lead to Mozart: A Celebration of Connection,
.
Event Name: Portland Baroque Orchestra Concerts. Organization: Music, Portland Baroque Orchestra. Categories: Confirmed, Public Events.
Sunday, April 12, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Kaul Auditorium, Gray Lounge, Foyer.
The United States of America: A 250th Anniversary Assessment
This July marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the pinnacle of a longer commemoration of the American Revolution's semiquincentennial. This panel of Reed faculty and visiting scholars will use this landmark anniversary as an occasion to reflect on the state of the United States today--and how we got here. Topics likely to be considered include culture wars, American empire, birthright citizenship, state-federal relations, and whatever members of the audience wish to bring up. Come join us as we grapple with the past, present, and future of the U.S. in advance of its 250th birthday.
Sponsored by the American Studies Program.
Event Name: American Studies panel. Organization: American Studies. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 5:00 PM – 6:30 PM.
Eliot - Chapel.
What Causes Urban Wildfires: Applying L.A.’s Lessons to Portland
Join us for an evening with eminent energy consulting expert Robert McCullough '72 on Tuesday, April 14 at 6pm in Vollum Lecture Hall and Lounge.
6–7 p.m. - Vollum Lecture Hall - What Causes Urban Wildfires: Applying L.A.’s Lessons to Portland, Robert will examine how laws, economic incentives, and institutional structures shape wildfire outcomes, with a close look at the fragmented and siloed agencies that understood the risk but couldn't coordinate an effective response. Wildfire has evolved from a regional, seasonal threat into a continental crisis, as demonstrated by last year's $30-billion disaster in Los Angeles—a city with sophisticated plans and expert knowledge that still failed to act in time. The presentation also brings the issue home to Portland, where structural vulnerabilities similar to LA's put neighborhoods like Eastmoreland and Sellwood at serious risk.
Event Name: Lecture: Robert McCullough. Organization: Alumni Relations. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM.
Vollum - Lecture Hall.
Seeds of Liberation: Film Screening and Producer Q&A
Organization: Music. Categories: Public Events, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar. Event Name: Seeds of Liberation: Film Screening.
Wednesday, April 15, 2026, 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM.
Psych 105 - Lecture Hall.
As You Like It
Reed Theatre presents a favorite of the queer canon: William Shakespeare's masterpiece about love, gender, and freedom, As You Like It. Follow Rosalind, one of Shakespeare's most profound orators, as she teaches Orlando the true meaning of love, all while inhabiting one of the most complex breeches roles ever written. Revel in the hilarious antics of a huge cast of characters that unites Reed students from across the college on our mainstage. Enjoy the poetry that has endured for over 400 years as it is brought to life by our community's collective and queered lens. It is a show that truly promises to be As You Like It.
Tickets required. All ticket revenue goes directly to supporting the theatre department at Reed College. Purchase your ticket here.
Event Name: Spring Mainstage Theatre Production. Organization: Theatre. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Thursday, April 16, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Diver Studio Theatre.
2026 Earth Day
Organization: Conference & Events Planning (CEP). Categories: Confirmed, Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar. Event Name: 2026 Earth Day (Quad).
Friday, April 17, 2026, 11:30 AM – 1:30 PM.
Quad.
Music@Noon Recital Series
Event Name: Spring 2026 Music@Noon Recitals. Organization: Music. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Friday, April 17, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
PAB Atrium - 1st Floor.
As You Like It
Reed Theatre presents a favorite of the queer canon: William Shakespeare's masterpiece about love, gender, and freedom, As You Like It. Follow Rosalind, one of Shakespeare's most profound orators, as she teaches Orlando the true meaning of love, all while inhabiting one of the most complex breeches roles ever written. Revel in the hilarious antics of a huge cast of characters that unites Reed students from across the college on our mainstage. Enjoy the poetry that has endured for over 400 years as it is brought to life by our community's collective and queered lens. It is a show that truly promises to be As You Like It.
Tickets required. All ticket revenue goes directly to supporting the theatre department at Reed College. Purchase your ticket here.
Event Name: Spring Mainstage Theatre Production. Organization: Theatre. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Friday, April 17, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Diver Studio Theatre.
As You Like It
Reed Theatre presents a favorite of the queer canon: William Shakespeare's masterpiece about love, gender, and freedom, As You Like It. Follow Rosalind, one of Shakespeare's most profound orators, as she teaches Orlando the true meaning of love, all while inhabiting one of the most complex breeches roles ever written. Revel in the hilarious antics of a huge cast of characters that unites Reed students from across the college on our mainstage. Enjoy the poetry that has endured for over 400 years as it is brought to life by our community's collective and queered lens. It is a show that truly promises to be As You Like It.
Tickets required. All ticket revenue goes directly to supporting the theatre department at Reed College. Purchase your ticket here.
Event Name: Spring Mainstage Theatre Production. Organization: Theatre. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Saturday, April 18, 2026, 7:30 PM – 9:30 PM.
Diver Studio Theatre.
As You Like It
Reed Theatre presents a favorite of the queer canon: William Shakespeare's masterpiece about love, gender, and freedom, As You Like It. Follow Rosalind, one of Shakespeare's most profound orators, as she teaches Orlando the true meaning of love, all while inhabiting one of the most complex breeches roles ever written. Revel in the hilarious antics of a huge cast of characters that unites Reed students from across the college on our mainstage. Enjoy the poetry that has endured for over 400 years as it is brought to life by our community's collective and queered lens. It is a show that truly promises to be As You Like It.
Tickets required. All ticket revenue goes directly to supporting the theatre department at Reed College. Purchase your ticket here.
Event Name: Spring Mainstage Theatre Production. Organization: Theatre. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Sunday, April 19, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Diver Studio Theatre.
CRES Senior Thesis Showcase
Join the Comparative Race and Ethnicity Studies program to celebrate our seniors' work! They'll share a bit about their thesis projects, and there will be snacks!
Event Name: CRES Senior Thesis Showcase. Organization: Comparative Race & Ethnic Studies (CRES). Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Friday, April 24, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Eliot 314 - Classroom Lecture Hall.
Music@Noon Recital Series
Event Name: Spring 2026 Music@Noon Recitals. Organization: Music. Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar.
Friday, May 1, 2026, 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM.
PAB Atrium - 1st Floor.
Alumni Relations Senior Reception
Soon you’ll conclude your journey as a Reed student and emerge victorious as an alumnus. This calls for celebration. To congratulate and welcome you to the alumni community, Alumni Relations and the Center for Life Beyond Reed are throwing you a party!
Who: Class of 2026,
When: Friday, May 15, 3–5 p.m. (the Friday before Commencement),
Where: Quad tent,
The fun includes,
free beer, cider, and wine
, free food
, your time capsule: add to it and decorate it
, games and sportsball
, a low sensory space
, Alumni Advice Booth: ask your questions about post-Reed life, silly or serious
,
Bring a classmate and an item for the time capsule, which you’ll open at your 25th reunion in 2051.
—Alumni Relations and Center for Life Beyond Reed (CLBR) teams.
Event Name: AR Senior Grad Celebration (Quad). Organization: Alumni Relations. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar.
Friday, May 15, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM.
Quad.
Mandatory Commencement Rehearsal
All graduating students planning to participate in the Commencement ceremony must attend. If it is impossible for you to attend rehearsal, it is your responsibility to inform both the registrar’s office and conference and events planning in advance.
Event Name: Commencement Rehearsal (kaul). Organization: Conference & Events Planning (CEP). Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Saturday, May 16, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Kaul Auditorium.
Multicultural + First Generation Graduate Reception
Multicultural Graduations is an annual commencement celebration hosted by cultural centers on college campuses that celebrate diverse students and honor cultural traditions within an inclusive space, with a focus on student success and community support. This event is for any graduating Reedies who identify as a student of color and/or one of the first in their families to graduate from college.
During Multicultural Graduation, graduating seniors will be celebrated and be given a special stole that they can wear with their graduation regalia during commencement on Monday, May 18. We will also recognize any multicultural student clubs seniors may have been involved in as well as any faculty, staff, family members, and/or friends who have supported their journey at Reed.
, Have questions? Please reach out to Jessika Chi at chij@reed.edu.
Event Name: Multicultural Graduate Reception. Organization: Institutional Diversity. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Sunday, May 17, 2026, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM.
PAB Atrium - 1st Floor.
Commencement Breakfast
Graduating students and their parents, families, and friends are invited to join us for Commencement breakfast. A full menu will be available à la carte. Cash, card, and board points are accepted.
All members of the Reed community (faculty, staff, and all students) are welcome to join us as well.
Event Name: Commencement Breakfast. Organization: Conference & Events Planning (CEP). Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 8:30 AM – 11:00 AM.
Gray Campus Center - Commons Dining Room.
Commencement Ceremony
Reed's Commencement ceremony for the class of 2026 is scheduled for Monday, May 18 at 11 a.m.
For more in-depth information, please visit the Commencement website.
Event Name: Commencement Ceremony (FL). Organization: Conference & Events Planning (CEP). Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM.
Front Lawn - East.
All Campus Post-Commencement Reception
An all-campus reception will take place immediately following the ceremony on Monday, May 18, 2026, at 1 p.m.
For more in-depth information, please visit the Commencement website.
Event Name: Post-Commencement Reception (Quad). Organization: Conference & Events Planning (CEP). Categories: Public Events, Faculty Calendar, Staff Calendar, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Quad.
Art Graduate Reception
Join the art faculty and staff in celebrating 2026 graduates.
Event Name: Art Graduate Reception. Organization: Art. Categories: Public Events, Staff Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
Art 201 - Studio Art Lecture Conference.
Philosophy Graduate Reception
Join the philosophy faculty and staff in celebrating 2026 graduates.
Event Name: Philosophy Graduate Reception. Organization: Philosophy. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
Gray Campus Center - Conference BC.
Anthropology Graduate Reception
Join the anthropology faculty and staff in celebrating 2026 graduates..
Event Name: Anthropology Graduate Reception. Organization: Anthropology. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
ODB - Capehart Classroom.
Economics Graduate Reception
Join the economics faculty and staff in celebrating 2026 graduates.
Event Name: Economics Graduate Reception. Organization: Economics. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
Vollum - Lounge.
English Graduate Reception
Join the english faculty and staff in celebrating 2026 graduates.
Event Name: English Graduate Reception. Organization: English. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
ETC West Lawn.
Psychology Senior Awards Ceremony
Join the psychology faculty and staff in celebrating 2026 graduates.
Event Name: PSY Senior Grad Awards Ceremony (105). Organization: Psychology. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 5:00 PM.
Psych 105 - Lecture Hall.
Sociology Graduate Reception
Join the sociology faculty and staff in celebrating 2026 graduates.
Event Name: Sociology Graduate Reception. Organization: Sociology. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 1:30 PM – 3:30 PM.
Vollum - Lower Foyer.
Performing Arts Graduate Reception
Join the performing arts faculty and staff in celebrating 2026 graduates.
Event Name: Performing Arts Graduate Reception. Organization: Theatre. Categories: Public Events, Student Calendar, Parents & Family Calendar.
Monday, May 18, 2026, 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM.
PAB Atrium - 3rd Floor.