MICA Memories: Fête of Lights

Revelers in the Main Court from the 1931 Fête of Lights. Set design by Vernon Clark.

Long before it became part of our Bicentennial celebration, Fête of Lights was a beloved student-led tradition, an evening known for creativity, costumes, music, and the joyful energy that happens when artists come together after dark. It was less about formality and more about expression, community, and celebration.

Now, as MICA marks 200 years and we revive the Fête of Lights, we continue to honor that spirit while reimagining it for today. Through wearable art, light-filled experiences, shared meals, and moments, we are bringing together generations of the MICA community.

It’s a nod to where we’ve been and a bright step toward what’s next.

Explore the gallery of past Fête memories below, and don’t forget to purchase your ticket for this year at mica.edu/fete!

Pictured above: Main Building staircase from the 1933 Fête of Lights, designed by herbert tucker.
Ann Wilson (Left) and Norman White as “The Accordion Player and the Lady”, circa 1937. + Enlarge
Fête attendee, circa 1950s. + Enlarge
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Pictured above: a snippet from the Sunday morning edition of The Sun promoting the “Pan-American” Fête of Lights in February 1942.
Fête attendee, circa 1950s. + Enlarge
George C. Wilcox, Jr. (Left) and Ann Bagby as “Hindu Dancers”, circa 1937 + Enlarge
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Phil Davis (Left) and Edith Wilson as “Robots”, circa 1930. + Enlarge
Fête attendees, circa 1935. + Enlarge
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Pictured above: snippet from The Sun discussing the restaged Fête of Lights of May 1982.

MICA's Bicentennial: Celebrating Two Centuries

Join the festivities as MICA honors its 200-year history, recognizes its present success, and looks forward to a bright future. Throughout 2026, the College will be sharing community stories and announcing one-of-a-kind events on campus, in Baltimore, and beyond.

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