In the spring of 2026, the OSU Humanities Institute launched Humanities on Tap, a monthly series of community presentations that brings the humanities to life across Columbus. Each gathering offers an easygoing space to explore big ideas, hear fresh perspectives and connect with others. Led by local experts and storytellers, these talks make learning engaging, approachable and fun—perfect for curious minds throughout our community.
All "Humanities on Tap" events are free and open to all.
Reclaim your Attention with Art and Ecology
Artist Amy Youngs will share methods learned from her creative practice to help direct attention towards plants, insects, fungi and other critters important to our life on earth. You don’t need to be an artist to reclaim your attention - the “arts of attention” can be practiced by anyone. Through activities such as “plant noticing" and “fungal entanglements," we will practice experiencing ourselves as part of the web of life.
Amy Youngs is an Associate Professor in the OSU Department of Art. She creates eco art, interactive sculptures and digital media works that explore interdependencies between technology, plants and animals. Her research involves entanglements with the non-human, constructing ecosystems and seeing through the eyes of machines. She has created installations that amplify the sounds of living worms, indoor ecosystems powered by a rocking chair, an interactive museum for live insects and an augmented reality tour of real nature.
Remaining Humanities On Tap Events- Autumn 2026
Joyful Advocacy in Troubled Times
Friday, October 23, Budd Dairy Food Hall
Do you feel committed to positive change but paralyzed by the magnitude of crises and harms? Harried and overwhelmed by competing calls to action? Exhausted and disconnected from the meaning of your efforts? Join Ashley Hope Pérez (Associate Professor of Comparative Studies) for some inspiration and practical strategies for cultivating advocacy that is a joy to sustain.
Moth-Vember
November 6 - 19, Locations vary
This November marks the 60th anniversary of the first Mothman sightings in Ohio and West Virginia. To commemorate this legendary piece of Ohio folklore, the Humanities Institute is partnering with the OSU Center for Folklore Studies for three exciting events:
- The Mothman Prophecies Screening: Catch a special showing of the film at the Gateway Film Center and meet the owners of the Mothman Museum with a Q+A following the movie. Date is currently TBD.
- The William Hammond Lecture in the American Tradition: Join us that same week for a presentation by renowned folklorist David J. Puglia, author of North American Monsters: A Contemporary Legend Casebook. Date and location are currently TBD.
- Cryptid Makerspace: Unleash your inner artist at an open art studio event on November 6th in 198 Hagerty Hall from 1 to 4 pm.
See our event page for more details on these events.
For more information about the "Humanities on Tap" community event series, please contact Ryan Skinner, Director of the Humanities Institute and Professor and Area Head for Musicology and Music Theory.
The Humanities Institute and its related centers host a wide range of events, from intense discussions of works in progress to cutting-edge presentations from world-known scholars, artists, activists and everything in between.
We value in-person engagement at our events as we strive to amplify the energy in the room. To submit an accommodation request, please send your request to Cody Childs, childs.97@osu.edu.