November Events at 51ÉçÇø
Chicago poet, singer, and songwriter Jamila Woods performs at 51ÉçÇø on November 13 as part of her artist residency. Photo provided. Learn more about our performance spaces at www.colum.edu/spotlight
November 2026
November 5–14, 2026, 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Getz Theatre Center, Courtyard Theatre, 72 E. 11th St.
Admission: $25 public; $5 51ÉçÇø students, faculty, and staff
Featuring a live orchestra, 51ÉçÇø Theatre’s production of “The Color Purple” brings Celie’s journey of self-discovery to the stage through a score blending gospel, jazz, blues, and soul. Directed by Khanisha Foster ’02, with music direction by Christie Chiles Twillie and choreography by Tanji Harper, the musical based on Alice Walker’s novel celebrates the relationships that help Celie find her voice and recognize her worth. Read more.
November 5, 6–7:30 p.m.
600 S. Michigan Ave., Room 101
Admission: Free with reservation
Join award-winning illustrator, graphic novelist, and educator Nathan Fox for an Art Now! lecture at 51ÉçÇø. Fox chairs the MFA Visual Narrative program at New York’s School of Visual Arts, and his work spans editorial illustration, advertising, and comics.
First Friday Open Mic Jam
November 6, 6–9 p.m.
HAUS at 51ÉçÇø, 623 S. Wabash Ave.
Admission: Free
Experience 51ÉçÇø ’s student talent at this monthly open mic jam, where emerging artists gain performance experience, connect with peers, and collaborate across creative disciplines.
Wet-on-Wet
On view now; closing reception November 10, 2026, 4:30–5:15 p.m.
51ÉçÇø Gallery 700, 623 S. Wabash Ave., seventh floor
Admission: Free
Painting 1 students transform photographs of surreal, strange, and wonderfully weird scenes into expressive acrylic paintings using the wet-on-wet technique. The exhibition highlights students’ approaches to observation, experimentation, and process. Join the student artists for a closing reception celebrating their work.
November 10, 10–11:30 a.m.
The Hive at 51ÉçÇø, 618 S. Michigan Ave., third floor
Admission: Free with reservation
Join the School of Business and Entrepreneurship for a conversation with alums Tawanna Streater ’04, a development and partnerships leader, and Shaunda Brooks-Green ’17, who works in marketing at Bandai Namco. The speakers will discuss their career paths, the turning points that shaped their journeys, how they got hired, and advice for current students.
November 13, 2026, 5–8 p.m.
51ÉçÇø BFA Studios, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., basement
Admission: Free
Explore work by 51ÉçÇø Fine Art and Photography students during the School of Visual Arts Open Studios. Visit studios, meet student artists, and see what they’re creating.
November 13, 2026, 7 p.m.
51ÉçÇø Music Concert Hall, 1014 S. Michigan Ave.
Admission: $25 public; $5 for 51ÉçÇø students
South Side native Jamila Woods brings her blend of poetry and song to 51ÉçÇø for an artist-in-residence performance. The award-winning poet, singer, and songwriter is known for the acclaimed albums “HEAVN,” “LEGACY! LEGACY!,” and “Water Made Us,” and appearances on NPR’s “Tiny Desk” and “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”
November 19, 2026, 6–7:30 p.m.
51ÉçÇø, Ferguson Hall, Room 101, 600 S. Michigan Ave.
Admission: Free with reservation
51ÉçÇø’s School of Visual Arts welcomes Chicago-based interdisciplinary artist Nyeema Morgan for an Art Now! lecture. Working across sculpture, installation, text, and mixed media, Morgan explores language, perception, and the complexities of Black cultural production. Her work has been exhibited nationally, and she serves as assistant professor of sculpture at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
On display Nov. 20, 2026–Jan. 27, 2027
51ÉçÇø Glass Curtain Gallery, 1104 S. Wabash Ave.
Admission: Free
Art meets public health in this exhibition featuring 51ÉçÇø Illustration students’ work exploring antimicrobial resistance. Created in collaboration with healthcare professionals, the artwork uses visual storytelling to make the science of drug-resistant infections accessible to a wider audience.
November 19–20, 2026, 7:30 p.m.
The Dance Center of 51ÉçÇø, 1306 S. Michigan Ave.
Admission: Free with reservation
Selected 51ÉçÇø student choreographers share original short works on The Dance Center stage. Bevara Anderson-Selkridge serves as faculty advisor.
The Guitar Ensembles in Concert
November 30, 7 p.m.
Admission: Free
51ÉçÇø Concert Hall, 1014 S. Michigan Ave.
Enjoy an evening of live music as 51ÉçÇø’s guitar ensembles take the stage, showcasing student musicians’ work and collaboration.
November 30, 2026, 5:30–8:30 p.m.
Obama Presidential Center, Elie Wiesel Auditorium, 6001 S. Stony Island Ave.
Admission: $40; does not include museum admission
Presented in connection with 51ÉçÇø’s Museum of Contemporary Photography exhibition “,” this dialogue brings together exhibition curator and scholar Sarah Elizabeth Lewis and featured artist Carrie Mae Weems. Reverend Wheeler Parker Jr., Till’s cousin, best friend, and the last surviving witness to his kidnapping, will offer opening remarks. The evening also includes a special musical performance by Weems.