Reflecting on 50 Years: MoCP Celebrates with Darkroom Benefit February 26

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Jan 26, 2026

The artist Joseph Seigenthaler in his studio

Darkroom 2025 Benefit committee member Eszter Borvendeg.

By GINNY VAN ALYEA

The Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago (MoCP) is gearing up for a milestone celebration—50 years of championing photography in Chicago—with its annual benefit auction party, DARKROOM, happening February 26, 2026.

A signature MoCP fundraiser and one of the season’s most anticipated photography events, DARKROOM brings together hundreds of artists, collectors, and art enthusiasts for one unforgettable night honoring the city’s vibrant photo community—past, present, and future. Even the event's name is a nod to how long this photography institution has been around and how foundational it is to appreciating the medium. I am curious how many people actually know what a darkroom is and the kind of magic space it can be. How many have been in one to develop photos and know the smell of the the chemicals that reveal images on blank pieces of paper. A medium many are familiar with on an hourly basis today, thanks to smartphones, has a long and rich history that has continually impacted and influenced our lives. All this and more will be celebrated and appreciated on February 26.

Joel Sternfeld, McLean, Virginia, 1978

Silver Camera Award Honoree: Joel Sternfeld

This year, MoCP will honor award-winning photographer Joel Sternfeld with the Silver Camera Award, recognizing his influential career and achievements spanning more than five decades. With a career spanning over fifty years, Joel Sternfeld is regarded as a major influence in contemporary landscape photography, in part as an early proponent of working in color. In the tradition of the New Topographics photographers, Sternfeld documents the American landscape, noting the ironic, often destructive impact of human activity on the land. His photographs balance wry social observation with a poetic sensitivity to light and color.

Ahead of the party, Sternfeld will also present a Lecture in Photography at noon on Thursday, February 26, 2026, part of MoCP’s public speaker series co-sponsored by Columbia College Chicago’s School of Visual Arts.

50 Artworks + One-of-a-Kind Experiences

In celebration of the museum’s 50th anniversary, the DARKROOM auction will feature fifty artworks and unique arts experiences by both rising and internationally celebrated artists who have shaped MoCP’s legacy and the wider field of photography. Featured contributors include: Regina Agu, Uta Barth, Dawoud Bey, Vera Lutter, Abelardo Morell, Aaron Siskind, and Penelope Umbrico (among others).

Ward Miller and David Salkin

Portraits, Music, and More

Darkroom is also set to deliver plenty beyond the bidding. Guests can take part in an exclusive on-site portrait opportunity inside an original installation by Marzena Abrahamik (2025 Guggenheim Fellow and a MoCP permanent collection artist).

The night’s soundtrack will be curated by Alejandro Zerah, Smartbar Talent Buyer and a featured name in Newcity Magazine’s Music 45 (2025).

This is also, of course, a party and a chance to celebrate MoCP in person, surrounded b photography while enjoying food sponsored by Gage Hospitality Group and craft cocktails by Sovereign Brands Half Acre beer. It's good to know these things in advance so you know what to enjoy first!

Supporting museum programming and education initiatives, the Darkroom auction will be available to view in person at the Hokin Gallery February 13–20, 2026, and will be open for in-person and online bidding through the event on February 26, 2026.

Tickets are available online and will also be available for purchase at the door.

Images by Lisa Gottschalk and Z Marciniak.

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