Under the Great Comedian's Tomb

A two-person exhibition by Conner O’Leary and Barry Elkanick

June 12-July 11, 2026

There once lived a great comedian, maybe the greatest in the world, though he didn’t care much for superlatives. 

Night after night, the great comedian, who was maybe the greatest in the world, performed to a sold-out crowd. The crowd laughed and laughed at joke after joke, though he didn’t care much for laughter. 

Night after night, after each sold-out show, the great comedian chose one family from his audience to follow home. And night after night, he waited until they turned off their last light and said their last goodnight. And then the great comedian, who was maybe the greatest in the world, crept inside their home, took one thing they could live without, and crept out again. 

One night, after one sold-out show, the great comedian dropped dead, right on the stage, right in the middle of the crowd’s final applause. When the medics arrived, he was pronounced dead on the scene. 

When he was undressed to prepare for burial, the funeral director found a letter in his pocket. The great comedian’s final missive to the world said this:

“I am the greatest comedian, maybe the greatest in the world. Night after night, I have performed to sold-out crowds. And night after night, I have followed one family home, waited for their last goodnight, and crept inside, leaving with one small token. 

Bury me with these tokens. 

Bury me with what they could live without."

Story by Grace Sparpani

Under the Great Comedian’s Tomb opening reception will be held from 6:00 to 9:00 PM on June 12, 2026, and will be on view through July 11, 2026, Friday-Saturday 12-6 PM, or by appointment.