using the arts and arts education to expand notions of who belongs on Cape Cod
We believe Cape Codders are the main characters in the story of Cape Cod; not accessories to someone else’s vacation.
Our new location with Belonging Books at 438 Main St, Hyannis, is open! Visit our new space Monday - Thursday, 11 am - 3 pm and Monday and Friday evenings from 4 pm - 8 pm.
Our Mission
The Cordial Eye is a community arts organization based on the Mid-Cape that strives to use the arts and arts education as a tool for expanding the definition of who belongs on Cape Cod and what it means to be a creative person here. We are dedicated to dismantling systems of oppression in our community by creating space for marginalized groups to amplify their impact in creating a more just and equitable world, through gathering, experimentation, exhibitions, and cultural expression.
What we do
Our two branches - The Cordial Eye Artist Space, which provides performance, exhibition, and professional development opportunities for artists, and The Cordial Eye Learning Lab, which provides educational opportunities for learners of all ages- are committed to centering the voices and needs of historically-excluded communities. By creating programming by, for, and with these communities- which include BIPOC folks, LGBTQ+ folks, disabled folks, and folks with financial barriers to access- we seek to create a Cape Cod that is vibrant, equitable, and a place of belonging for all
Upcoming events
“RECLAMATION,” a solo exhibition by Karla Destefano
Current ExhibitionS
Karla DeStefano is an interdisciplinary artist working in Marstons Mills, Massachusetts, whose work is influenced by personal narrative, culture, craft, and experimentation. Fueled by curiosity and a deep appreciation for history, Karla’s work explores themes of identity, connectedness, and how, where, and why we decide to put down roots.
This exhibition explores the complexities of cultural identity and belonging. As a transracial, transnational adoptee living in America- meaning a person adopted from another country into a family of a different race, Karla uses this work to reclaim her story as a daughter of El Salvador. It is a tribute to the history of her people and a connection to a life lost that she grieves everyday.
This work has led Karla to question the idea of story and storytelling. Who gets to tell the story? Who dictates the narrative about you, your life, your country, your people? We all know that history is written by the victors, but in this day and age when we all have access to information that could hold the truth, how are we going to let these same people continue to tell our stories?
Gay Rage: July Through May we are still angry and gay
July 31-Sept 5
Reception August 15, 7:00 - 9:00
Pride Month is over, and as corporations and institutions put away their rainbow flags and branded products and go back to courting people who are actively pursuing legislation that harms day people nationwide (yes, even in Massachusetts), at The Cordial Eye, we are celebrating Wrath Month, which honors the fullness of Queer expression and Queer Rage. Sure, “love is love” but love is also grieving, crying, yelling, protesting, organizing mutual aid, meal trains, ride shares, and everything else queer people do to survive and thrive in a society that sometimes actively wants you dead (yes, even on Cape Cod. Ask your local LGBTQIA high schooler how much homophobia they faced by peers and adults).
Connect to your creativity with arts classes in our learning lab
The Hyannis COmmunity Art Wall is Closing September 1!
After two years of community collaboration, our time with the Hyannis Community Art Wall is coming to an end. On September 1st, the Hyannis Public Library will begin construction, and at that time, the art wall will need to come down. In the meantime, the wall is open to community members to add to during library hours and is BYOP (bring your own paint). We have so enjoyed getting to see it evolve over time as community members contribute to it, and are grateful to have served as youth accomplices to see this project through.
Saturday, September 13th
5:30 - 7:30 pm ALL AGES
8:00 - 10:00 pm ADULTS ONLY
Free / Suggested Donation $5
We will have an array of consoles from NES to GameCube, spanning a number of decades, with a ton of games to choose from1 This is a FREE event with two times - 5:30 - 7:30 pm for everyone in the family, and 8:00 - 10:00 pm for grownups only! Hang out and play, and check out video game inspired art from local creators! More to be announced.