NOPE - Night of Poetic Enchantment
An Invitation to Wonder
Twenty years ago, Xavier students and faculty gathered for a Night of Poetic Enchantment—an evening devoted to the beauty and magic of language, art, and community.
Now, we are bringing it back.
Reimagined for a new generation, the Night of Poetic Enchantment will transform Xavier into an immersive celebration of the liberal arts and sciences, bringing together artists, writers, musicians, scientists, performers, and curious minds from across the University.
This year's theme:
FIRE / ICE
Opposites. Extremes. Transformation. Destruction. Preservation. Light. Darkness.
What happens when we explore them together?
Snowforms
Music + Visual Notation |
Fire & Ice
Literature + Technology + Installation |
Ice Watch
Art + Climate Science + Public Installation |
we are opposite like that
Poetry + Film + Climate + Music |
Out of Ice
Art + Architecture + Science |
A Suspended Blue
Ice + Painting + Sound + Performance |
Melted Away
Language + Sculpture + Time |
Snowflake Bentley
Photography + Science + Natural Wonder |
If You Don't Like the Weather, Change It
Science + Film + Experiment |
THE NIGHT
Wander. Discover. Listen. Participate.
The evening begins with an immersive promenade through installations, experiments, performances, projections, music, poetry, and unexpected encounters created throughout the space.
Then, gather for a formal performance combining live music, literature, visual art, and performance into a shared experience centered on Fire and Ice.
Afterward, follow the light across campus to the Xavier University Art Gallery for art, conversation, coffee, and reflection.
Come curious. Leave enchanted.
CREATED BY STUDENTS
The Night of Poetic Enchantment isn't simply an event students attend.
Students create it.
Throughout the year, interdisciplinary teams will develop original installations, performances, experiments, environments, films, writing, music, and other experiences for the Night.
Students from every major and discipline are invited to participate.
Bring your discipline. Find collaborators. Make something none of you could have made alone.
SUPPORT THE WONDER
The most ambitious ideas often begin with a student asking:
"What if we tried this?"
Your support helps us say yes.
Donations directly support student-led interdisciplinary projects—providing materials, equipment, and small creative grants that allow students to transform ambitious ideas into installations, performances, experiments, and experiences.
Help us make room for wonder.
SUPPORT A STUDENT PROJECT
Email Jonathan Gibson at gibsonj1@xavier.edu
THE DETAILS
Night of Poetic Enchantment: Fire / Ice
February 2027
Xavier University
Conaton Board Room + Xavier University Art Gallery
Featuring student and faculty work from across the College of Arts and Sciences.
Art · Creative Writing · Music · Science · Humanities · and beyond