Enjoy refreshments, remarks from the curators, and an open house in recognition of the spring 2026 Main Library Gallery exhibition, Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon.

Event Schedule

4–5:30 p.m.: Reception and open house with curators Sarah Suhadolnik and Katie Buehner
4:30 p.m.: Brief remarks in the Main Library Gallery
5:30 p.m.: Opening event ends
6 p.m.: Main Library Gallery closes

Admission to the gallery is always free. No RSVP required for this event.

About the exhibit:

An Iowa native and a Hawkeye, conductor James Dixon (1928-2007) was instrumental in building orchestras at the University of Iowa, in the Midwest, and abroad. Through a look at Dixon’s adventurous international career, this exhibition provides a “behind the podium” look at how orchestras of all sizes connect with their communities and become crucial to sustaining them.

Co-curated by Sarah Suhadolnik and Katie Buehner, Orchestrating Community: The Public Service of Iowa Conductor James Dixon uses materials from Special Collections and Archives and the Rita Benton Music Library at the University of Iowa Libraries to share the important work of orchestras through the lens of Dixon’s life.

The Main Library Gallery is open daily. Learn more about the exhibit and open hours at lib.uiowa.edu/gallery.