Libe Slope (2026), Oil on Canvas, 6 × 4 ft

Libe Slope is a wide, sunlit hillside overlooking Cayuga Lake, where the campus suddenly opens into sky, wind, and water. Originally called “Library Slope” for its proximity to nearby libraries, its expansive and liberating atmosphere makes it feel more like “Liberty Slope.” Even if you’re not from Cornell, it’s the kind of place that draws you in—sit on the grass, watch the sunset melt into the lake, or share a quiet moment with a friend and let time slow down. The climb may be a bit steep, but it’s well worth the pause. Right next door, you can explore a wide range of artworks at the Herbert F. Johnson Museum of Art, including Leo Villareal’s Cosmos, an LED installation on the building’s exterior wall; and if you’re craving coffee, check out the cozy underground Green Dragon Café.