Public Programs
The Newcomb Art Museum offers guided tours and an array of public programs, all free of charge. Designed around the salient themes and images of each exhibition, such activities speak to an array of community and campus interests. Programs include lectures, symposia, artist-led family activities, public tours, performances, and studio demonstrations.
Upcoming: Fall 2026
Thursday, August 20
Newcomb Art Museum reopens to the public with two exhibitions, Quiet Reserve: Stitching an Ambitious New Woman and The Moss Mystique: Southern Women and Newcomb Pottery.
Fall Exhibitions Public Reception
Thursday, September 17, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Join us as we celebrate our Fall exhibitions with a talk by Dr. Mariah Kupfner, Assistant Professor of American Studies and Public Heritage at Penn State Harrisburg and PhD candidate Sarah Brokenborough. Discussion begins at 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served after the discussion.
*Due to parking restrictions and construction in the area, a continuous shuttle service will be provided from the Diboll Parking Garage to Woldenberg Art Center from 5:30–8:30 p.m. View the interactive campus map for directions.
Fridays at Newcomb
Friday, October 9, 12 p.m.
Join us for the Newcomb College Institute’s Fridays at Newcomb series where Sarah Brokenborough will give a curator talk about how Newcomb College’s embroidery program transformed women’s needlework into professional artistic practice. *The event will be held in the Diboll Gallery at Newcomb College Institute, 3rd floor of the Malkin-Sacks Commons. Lunch will be provided.
Community Clay at The London Clayworks
Saturday, October 17, 2–5 p.m.
Come to a hands-on ceramics workshop exploring surface design inspired by textile traditions. Using inherited and found fabrics—such as lace, embroidery, doilies, and patterned cloth—participants will create textured designs on a functional ceramic plate using underglazes and glazes. Through clay, participants will reinterpret the stories and traditions embedded in everyday textiles, creating a unique, food-safe plate that reflects memory, craft, and personal expression. This event is free, but space is limited. A link to RSVP will be available in early October.
Homecoming Open House
Friday, November 6, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
Kick off Tulane’s Homecoming celebrations with a 10 a.m. tour and then visit the Fall exhibitions. Enjoy snacks and art activities, and browse our gift shop in the Woldenberg Art Center.
Past events: Spring 2026
Thursday, February 5
Newcomb Art Museum reopens to the public with two new exhibitions, The Moss Mystique: Southern Women and Newcomb Pottery and Making Her Mark.
Saturdays in April and May: 4/4, 4/11, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, & 5/16, 10:30 – 11 a.m.
Baby ArtsPlay!™
Young Audiences of Louisiana presents Baby ArtsPlay!™ classes for infants, toddlers, and their caregivers. Each free class engages early learners through movement, music and socialization for your young ones. The museum will close shortly after each class session. Register at ya4la.org/events
Thursday, March 5, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m.
Spring Exhibitions Public Reception
Join us as we celebrate our Spring exhibitions with a talk by Dr. Elyse D. Gerstenecker, curator of decorative arts at Telfair Art Museums. Refreshments will be served after the discussion.
Saturday, March 14, 10 – 10:30 a.m.
Public Tour of The Moss Mystique & Making Her Mark
Start your day with a guided tour of the exhibitions, as well as the print release of the brochure Newcomb in Paris: Mary Given Sheerer and the American Pottery Movement by Kate Bonansinga. The Arts and Crafts of Newcomb Pottery book will also be on sale at the museum and in the Bookfest Tent all weekend.
Wednesday April 15th , 5:30 – 8 p.m.
Creative Connections
Gather for our annual celebration of New Orleans artists. There will be a catered reception, exhibition walkthrough, and brief artist presentations. Contact Ina Kaur at ikaur@tulane.edu for more information about presenting.
Saturday, May 9, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Community Day presented by YALA
Young Audiences of Louisiana presents a morning of art making and performances perfect for families and kids of all ages. Community members of all ages are invited to a collaborative Community Day with YALA on May 9, 11 AM–2 PM. Drawing upon the spring exhibitions, participants will explore the intersection of functional craft, gardening, and foodways.
Partial program support comes from the Dorothy Beckemeyer Skau Art and Music Fund. Our media sponsor is New Orleans Public Radio WWNO 89.9 FM.
