Fete of Lights: The MICA Bicentennial Gala

The Maryland Institute College of Art celebrates 200 years of creating impact in Baltimore and beyond. Join MICA as we honor two centuries of art and design education, spotlight the incredible transformation taking place today, and boldly imagine a more vibrant future together. At the Fête of Lights, bring your creative vision to life in light-themed wearable art—a beautiful way to mark this special occasion.

The Fête of Lights is one of the most beloved and frequently remembered traditions in Maryland Institute College of Art history. First held by students in 1927 as a fundraiser for the Traveling Scholarship Fund, the event was celebrated annually for many years and became legendary for its inventive costumes, immersive environments, and creative experimentation. It was later revived in 1982 by alumni, led by Betty Cooke ’46, who described the Fête as a form of environmental and experiential art.

On February 21, 2026, as part of MICA’s Bicentennial celebration, the Institute will revive the Fête of Lights, reimagining the tradition through immersive art, projection, and live performances. Continuing a core element of the original celebration, the wearable art parade will return as a juried contest with cash prizes, open to alumni, students, faculty, and staff. The broader community is welcome to attend and experience firsthand the creative energy and daring spirit that define MICA.

Proceeds support MICA’s Bicentennial Fund, sustaining the next wave of faculty and student innovation and community programming.

Attire

Creative Formal (wearable art encouraged)

Find your inspiration to glow, shimmer, sculpt, stitch, and invent at mica.edu/fete-attire.

Experience the Bicentennial Fete of Lights Gala inside MICA’s historic Main Building. Enjoy cocktails, a reception-style dinner, and a front row view of the Wearable Art Contest. Gala guests will follow the celebratory parade down the Main Building steps to the Party in the Plaza, located in a heated tent on Cohen Plaza, where they will continue the evening with music, dancing, and dessert.

Party in the Plaza (7:00 PM)

Enjoy music, dancing, desserts, beverages, and creative interactive displays in an illuminated, heated tent on Cohen Plaza. Join the parade as it arrives and celebrate the Wearable Art Contest participants. Plus, discover a few artful surprises along the way.

More details about arrival and check-in will be shared with registered attendees.

We’re honored to celebrate this evening with our Honorary Committee and generous Sponsors, whose support brings Fête of Lights to life.

Amy Sherald ’04 & Joyce Scott ’70, Honorees

Fredye Gross P’16, Chair
Derrick Adams
James Blue & John Rowell
C. Sylvia & Eddie Brown H’14 P’02
Suzanne ’83 & Jim Burger ’82
Stuart B. Cooper ’72 & Rebecca Besson
Winston Frazer ’16
Leslie King-Hammond
Rebecca Hoffberger
Jeannie L. Howe
Ellen Janes
Fred Lazarus
Martha Macks-Kahn
Suzanne Levin-Lapides ’69
Ellen Lupton & J. Abbott Miller
Sayra & Neil Meyerhoff H’17
Cara Ober ’05
Anne Perkins
Debra Rubino ’92
Steven Skerritt-Davis
Anne South ’66
Dunnie & Lee Tawney
Steve Ziger & Jamie Snead

James F. Blue III & John M. Rowell
Amy K. Brusselback ’94 & Mark E. Farrell
Jeffrey G. Bunting
Judith M. Burton
Diane Cho & David Benn
Stuart B. Cooper ’72 & Rebecca Besson
Gwen Davidson
Ann M. Garfinkle, Esq.
Fredye & Adam Gross P’16
Sherry & Scott Haber P’23
Eric & Laura Jordahl P’17
Thibault & Lola Manekin
Sayra & Neil Meyerhoff H’17
Sheela Murthy & Vasant Nayak
Anne S. Perkins H’19
Debra ’92 & Joe Rubino
Katherine Sieh-Takata P’18
Douglas Tsui & Vanessa W. Lam P’12, ’14
David & Ellen Wallack
Bonnie Washington & Greg White P’25

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Host or Publisher Maryland Institute College of Art