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
opening reception for “RECLAMATION,” a solo exhibition by Karla Destefano
June 27 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
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?
Cape Cod Tiny Renaissance Fair
Saturday, July 12, from 10:00 am -4:00 pm at Simpkins Field in South Yarmouth, The Cordial Eye is partnering with the Yarmouth Town Libraries for the Level Up Tiny Ren Faire!
Step into a world of imagination and skill-building with live performances and music, storytelling with a timeless twist, craft stations and demonstrations of old-world skills, interactive games and challenges for all ages and costumed characters and photo opportunities. Whether you're a history enthusiast, fantasy fan, or simply looking for something different to do this summer, the Tiny Renaissance Faire offers something for everyone! Visitors are welcome to attend in costume. Sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund.
The Misfits Night Market is where you'll find trinkets and treasures, arts and items by Cape Cod artists that aren't focused on tourists. Maybe it is a little weird, a bit risqué, and quite likely gay.
Recent Events
The Creative Futures Showcase
May 9, 2025 from 4:30-7:00pm
Come celebrate the work of this year’s CFCC fellows in an exhibition showcasing the culmination of our program. Experience a wide range of artwork from the Artists Track and explore interactive tables where the Teaching Artists Track will share what they’ve learned, featuring their own art, educational demos, and hands-on activities. Ali Miller, Nor Lucas, Marissa Currie, Dani Flowers and Karla DeStefano are this year’s Artist Fellows and Sophia Flowers, Alexis Charles, Tish Vargas, and Kai Barrows are this year’s Teaching Artist Fellows. Their work will be on view from May 9th - June 21st.
The Cordial Eye, in collaboration with Amplify POC, Belonging Books, EforAll Cape Cod, the Hyannis Public Library, and Love Live Local, is pleased to announce the 2025 session of Creative Futures Cape Cod (CFCC). CFCC is a 12-week paid fellowship for adults on Cape Cod ages 18-40, who desire a career in the creative economy. CFCC provides education on a wide range of topics and skills, including the role of artists in equitable communities, brand development, financial management for artists, best practices for securing paid work, and more. Open to musicians, writers, and visual artists of all genres, CFCC offers two tracks: The Artist Fellowship and the Teaching Artist Fellowship.
Connect to your creativity with arts classes in our learning lab
The Hyannis COmmunity Art Wall is open!
After two years of administrative labor we are elated to announce the opening of the Hyannis Community Art Wall. The wall is open to community members to add to during library hours and is BYOP (bring your own paint)
