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 or when Belonging Books is open. Check their website for more details.
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
Vendor Applications for the 2026 Misfits Night Market are open
“Part artisan market, part experimental performance night, the Misfits Night Market is where you'll find art, trinkets, treasures, items and experiences by Cape Cod creators that aren't focused on tourism — here's to the local freaks who are alternative, subversive, weird, risqué, and quite likely gay!“
EVENT DETAILS
Who: We are looking for artists, artisans, makers, movers and shakers who are making work outside the traditional Cape Cod art scene, namely alternative, fringe, spicy and experimental work. Clothing, crafts, art and wares that are outside the norm of what you might find in a Main Street shop are welcome. Table fee of $40 per vendor.
We are also looking for performers with the same considerations in mind! Music and dance acts that exist outside the mainstream and other performance art à la burlesque, drag, et cetera highly sought! Performers do not pay a table fee and split ticket revenue evenly.
When: 6:00-9:00 PM on the following dates
July 25th (Deadline to apply July 1st)
September 26th (Deadline to apply August 1st)
December 5th (Deadline to apply October 15th)
Exhibitions
Matriarchal Strength: Stories of indigenous separation and border crossing
Matriarchal Strength: Stories of Indigenous Separation and Border Crossing is an extension of a powerful body of work by photographer and writer Rachael Devaney. This photo series navigates her experience as a transracial, transnational adoptee from El Salvador, her reunification with her birth family, and the experiences of other Salvadoran people.
Opening Reception July 10th, 5-8pm
Closing Reception September 11th, 5-7pm
Rachael Devaney
Robots & Holograms: New works on canvas and paper
Joey MarsWhether it's the tech call center, the half time show or your neighbor's drone, they are here.
Joey Mars explores the relationships we are having with the other entities inhabiting our world. Through a series of new works on canvas and paper, the topics of AI, robots and the effect it's having on his mind and the world around will be displayed in colorful creations on the walls of the Cordial Eye Gallery from September 18-October 3, 2026. Like a meteor that has been approaching for 50 plus years since the moon landing, the robots and the "HIVE mind" are here like it or not. Twisting and juxtaposed, the once futuristic visions emerge. Through metaphors and fantasy, like a version of AI ripped from the dream scape, Mars tries to understand the answers and poses questions to the new reality laser.
Opening reception on Friday, September 18 from 6:00-9:00 PM, featuring DJ New Sheriff spinning vinyl all night long, and a live fashion show with models from Signed Management.
Visit www.marsfest.org for more details about Joey Mars and Mars Fest
Upcoming events
Connect to your creativity with arts classes in our learning lab
As part of Mars Fest we are hosting a Vintage Marketplace on Saturday Sept 26.
9 AM-5 PM
All-star vintage vendor pop-ups inside the Cordial Eye Gallery with clothing and merchandise for sale with the "Robots and Holograms" art exhibit as the back drop.