BALTIMORE, MD — Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) will celebrate its 200th anniversary with MICA Weekend, a three-day celebration of the College’s history, creative community and impact on Baltimore and beyond, taking place Friday, Oct. 9, through Sunday, Oct. 11, on MICA’s campus.
Bringing together alumni, students, families, friends, faculty, staff and the greater Baltimore community, MICA Weekend will offer three days of art, ideas, performances, conversations and connection.
Throughout the weekend, guests will have opportunities to explore MICA’s studios, meet artists, experience campus traditions and participate in hands-on art-making experiences while celebrating the College’s 200 years of creative impact.
Featured events include:
• In Conversation with Jen Stark — Friday, Oct. 9, 7–8 p.m.
Internationally acclaimed artist and MICA alumna Jen Stark ’05 will return to campus for a special conversation about her creative journey, artistic practice and experiences building a successful career in the arts.
• Going Underground: The Underbelly Project — Friday, Oct. 9, 9–10:30 p.m.
Guests will journey beneath the streets of New York City during a special screening of The Underbelly Project, a documentary chronicling one of the city’s most ambitious underground art projects. Co-created by MICA alumnus Logan Hicks ‘16, the project brought together more than 100 artists between 2009 and 2010 to secretly transform an unfinished subway station into a hidden gallery featuring monumental works of art.
• In Conversation with Jeff Koons — Saturday, Oct. 10, 7–8:30 p.m.
MICA alumnus and internationally acclaimed artist Jeff Koons ’76 will join the MICA community for a special evening exploring his remarkable career, creative process and enduring connection to the College. Through reflections on his artistic journey and the experiences that have shaped his work, Koons will offer a behind-the- scenes look at one of the most influential careers in contemporary art.
• Taste of MICA — Saturday, Oct. 10, 8:30–10 p.m.
Guests will celebrate MICA’s bicentennial at this premier food and beverage tasting experience. The evening will feature an array of culinary offerings and specialty beverages alongside performance art and ambient entertainment. This exclusive 21+ event will serve as the signature social celebration of MICA Weekend.
• Stoop Storytelling at MICA — Sunday, Oct. 11, 2–4 p.m.
The acclaimed Stoop Storytelling series will come to MICA for a special bicentennial program featuring stories from MICA alumni. Curated by the Stoop team, the live event will showcase heartfelt, humorous and inspiring stories celebrating the experiences, connections and creative journeys that begin at MICA.
“MICA Weekend is a celebration of the people and ideas that have made MICA what it is today and that will shape where we go next,” said MICA President Cecilia M. McCormick, J.D. “Welcoming artists like Jen Stark, Jeff Koons and Logan Hicks back to campus, while hearing the stories of generations of MICA alumni, is a powerful reminder of the creative impact that begins here and extends far beyond our campus. As we celebrate 200 years, we are not simply looking back at our history, we are bringing our community together to imagine, create and build what comes next.”
Weekend passes and tickets to individual events are available for purchase. Some events are ticketed separately and are not included with a Weekend Pass.
For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit mica.edu/events-exhibitions/annual-events-series/mica-weekend/.
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ABOUT THE MARYLAND INSTITUTE COLLEGE OF ART (MICA):
Founded in 1826 and celebrating 200 years, the Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a premier epicenter of art and design education and the nation’s oldest continuously degree-granting college of art and design. Based in Baltimore, MICA is entering its third century with renewed purpose and a deep commitment to its city and the wider world.
MICA delivers an education that combines a rigorous fine arts foundation with design, liberal arts, and real-world experience—preparing students to apply art and design to real-world challenges. Through creative entrepreneurship, professional practice, and community and industry partnerships, MICA graduates build sustainable careers, launch ventures, and contribute meaningfully to the creative economy.
For more information, visit mica.edu. To learn more about MICA’s Bicentennial, visit mica.edu/200.